Chicago - June 24, 2008

Club Med

Cipollina Market and Deli Opens

Ashlee scored a shnoz to die for. Heidi followed suit with shiny new tatas.

People undergo serious makeovers; shouldn’t restaurants be able to do the same?

Carol Watson (Mia Francesca, Milk & Honey Cafe) and John Manion (Mas) think so: They recently performed surgery on Milk & Honey Bake Shop, transforming the space into Italian deli Cipollina.

Display cases are stuffed with cured meats, cheeses, gourmet sandwiches, and homemade Italian sodas (ginger passion fruit, tangerine lavender, blackberry lemon). Gelato, traditional Italian pastries, and a full espresso bar complete the European experience.

The space is as snazzy as the fare: tin ceilings, contemporary metal shelving displaying olive oil and Pellegrino, and high bar tables with butcher-block tops and saddle-shaped bar stools.

Sounds like just what the doctor ordered.

Cipollina, 1543 North Damen Avenue, at Pierce Avenue (773-227-6300).