GA_041819

glencoeanchor.com dining out
the glencoe anchor | April 18, 2019 | 21
Trattoria Oliverii mixes tradition
with fresh spin on Italian classics
Eric DeGrechie, Managing Editor
Spring can be a challenging time of
year for local residents as the weather
seems to change every day, even by the
hour at times.
Katie Keefe and Ali Clark, owners of
Northbrook’s Trattoria Oliverii, are especially
excited for better weather to roll
into town.
“We’re ready to put our patio out,”
said Clark, adding that eight tables with
24 seats total will soon be available for
seating on the sidewalk located in front of
the restaurant. “We need to stop getting
teased every day.”
Keefe, and Clark bought Trattoria Oliverii
in November of last year. Keefe has
worked at the downtown establishment
since it opened in 1991. Keefe and Clark
are cousins.
While some of Trattoria Oliverii’s signature
dishes have remained intact from
years past, the current owners have also
put their own spin on things.
“We gave the menus a facelift. We’ve
changed up the lunch menus, too,” Clark
said.
Clark said they’ve also worked on expanding
the wine list by bringing in some
fresh selections. Last month, Trattoria Oliverii
introduced new options on its daily
special menu with the goal to incentivise
customers to return frequently.
Trattoria Oliverii is a popular spot for
families with a kids menu recently added.
“We encourage people to bring their
kids in. We’re located right near the train
station, so kids love to watch the trains,”
Clark said.
Recently, several 22nd Century Media
editors made a visit to Trattoria Oliverii
to try some dishes and take in the entire
culinary experience.
First up, we sampled the Bruschetta Romana
($7) on the antipasti menu featuring
chopped tomatoes, fresh mozzarella,
garlic, and parmigiana, served on Italian
bread. The bruschetta is topped with extra
virgin olive oil. After taking our first few
bites, we knew instantly we were in for a
good meal.
All entrees include a choice of soup or
salad. We tried the minestrone soup. The
Italian soup was chock-full of hearty vegetables
and included some pasta.
Next, we were brought out a dish of the
The Oliverii Special pizza ($22 for a
large pie) is made with cheese, sausage,
pepperoni, bacon, mushrooms, onions,
green peppers and black olives. Michael
Wojtychiw/22nd Century Media
Trattoria Oliverii
1358 Shermer Road, Northbrook
(847) 559-8785
www.oliveriis.com
11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday
11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday
4-10 p.m. Saturday
4-8:30 p.m. Sunday
Pasta Prosciutto ($18), featuring rolled
pasta, ham, basil, cheese and a tomato
cream sauce.
“It’s definitely one of our best sellers,
people love it,” Clark said.
Pizza is another go-to. The Oliverii Special
($22 for a large) is made with cheese,
sausage, pepperoni, bacon, mushrooms,
onions, green peppers and black olives.
Another popular pizza is the Guido’s
Special ($18.50 for a large) featuring
cheese, tomato, onions, garlic and hot
giardiniera.
Seafood, like everything on the menu
according to Clark, is fresh and ordered
locally. We tried the Lemon Sole ($14)
made with a fillet of sole, fresh tomato,
white wine and a side of capellini, or thin
pasta like spaghetti.
Last, but certainly not least, we were
served housemade tiramisu ($8). The
coffee-flavored dessert tantalized our taste
buds and we were still raving about the
dish days after our visit.
“The fact that this restaurant has been
open for 30 years really helps. The location
is fantastic,” Clark said. “People have
been coming here for a long time and now
their kids are coming here. We’re seeing
generations of families from Northbrook
come in, which is fun.”