Chicago - October 12, 2007

In Good Hands

A Mano Opens

The first step is admitting you have a problem.

Thoughts of the bar linger days after a visit.

What’s tempting you? The warm feeling of booze hitting the back of your throat? The smell of whiskey as it …

Not that bar. The panini and gelato bar at A Mano, the new Italian spot from the peeps behind Bin 36.

Um, this is AA. Foodie Fetishes meets in room 310.

Oh, sorry. Distracted by the seasonal menu and modern-meets-traditional decor. So. addictive.

They’ll lure you in.

No kidding. Dan Sachs (co-owner) and John Caputo (executive chef) scoured Italy to find gourmet ingredients (flour from Naples, prosciutto from Parma) for the trattoria.

Tell us more.

It starts with oven-roasted clam pizza (garlic confit puree, capers), crudo (Italian sashimi), and salumi. Next thing you know, you’re shoveling down pumpkin ravioli (black walnuts, brown butter, pumpkin flowers), grilled quail and persimmons, incredible wine, and unconventional gelato (olive oil, limoncello, spiced chocolate).

Be careful. One meal and you’ll be hooked. (Please take us with you.)

A Mano, 335 North Dearborn Street, between Kinzie Street and Wacker Drive (312-629-3500).