When You're In The Mood For Italian: Caro Mio
It's pretty easy to rack up the bill at an Italian restaurant when red wine goes so amazingly well with a satisfying bowl of pasta and meatballs. Since you're bringing your own Cab Sauv to Caro Mio, you can afford to splurge a bit more on extras like the stuffed gnocchi (pictured), pasta e patate soup (browned pastini, potatoes, fresh egg, a touch of cream, and chicken stock), and the beef braciole (rolled beef tenderloin stuffed with garlic, parmesan cheese, Italian parsley, white wine, and marinara sauce). Portions are bountiful — but would you really expect anything less? You'll have plenty left over to have a an extra meal (or two) at your own casa.

Cara Mio, 1825 West Wilson Avenue (at Wolcott Avenue); 773-275-5000.

Photo: Courtesy of Cara Mio