Fourth-generation owners of the The Italian Village and siblings Giovanna and Jonathan Capitanini are opening a new restaurant in Chicago’s Loop neighborhood, combining Italian bar and Chicago tavern culture. It will be the first concept to open in the basement of the Italian Village complex (71 W. Monroe) since 1955, and the goal is to be the neighborhood’s go-to place for comfort food and drinks with an Italian and international twist.

After joining Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on Chicago’s Very Own Eats with Giovanna back in August, Jonathan returns to the podcast to talk about Sotto, how it came together, collaborating on the menu with Chef Steven Mendez and embracing the “Chicago basement” concept in the Loop.

CVOE hosts Kevin Powell and Michael Piff with Jonathan Capitanini from Sotto/Italian Village

And as the holiday season kicks off in Chicago, Jonathan tells Kevin and Michael what Thanksgiving is like with Capitanini family. Listen to the full episode below:

Here’s more of what to look forward to from Sotto before the official Grand Opening in December!

• What to look forward to at Sotto, including ‘Italian’ Grilled Cheese and Cacio e Pepe Arancini. Photo by Jack X. Li / via Italian Village
• Giardiniera braise short ribs at Sotto. Photo by Jack X. Li / via Italian Village
• Homemade pastas and entrees at Sotto. Photo by Jack X. Li / via Italian Village
• Lamb ribs at Sotto. Photo by Jack X. Li / via Italian Village
• Polenta Parm at Sotto. Photo by Jack X. Li / via Italian Village
• Porchetta at Sotto. Photo by Jack X. Li / via Italian Village
• Smoked sweet potato tortellini at Sotto. Photo by Jack X. Li / via Italian Village
• More to get started with when you visit Sotto. Photo by Jack X. Li / via Italian Village

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