Deal of the day . . .

(Photo: Il Covo)


Since taking over Il Covo (2152 N. Damen Ave., 773-862-5555) last year, new managing partners Carol Johnson and Domenico Fronteddu have completely revamped the menu with new duo chefs Nino Coronas and Giovanni Carzedda.

And in addition to retooling the Italian menu with a fresh Sardinian flair, they've added a budget-conscious prix-fixe menu that starts today (and every Wednesday thereafter).

For $30, diners can enjoy the Prezzo Fisso, or three-course meal, where they can take advantage of any one appetizer, entreé and dessert on the menu. This is a fantastic deal as some of my favorite entreés range in price from $15-$25. Hey, I'll even make it easier for you to order. Best pasta entreés include the Bucatini alla Matriciana (Bucatini pasta sautéed with onions, smoked pancetta, crushed red pepper, white wine and tomato sauce topped with Parmigiano), which offers both a tangy and smoky flavor with the thick spaghetti pasta; and the Gnocchetti Sardi al Ragu D Agnello (housemade Sardinian gnocchetti sautéed with shallots, garlic, lamb tenderloin and white wine finished in a light tomato sauce), which you have to get there early to order as it's easily the most popular item on the menu. Plates tend to be on the larger side, so I highly recommend ordering one pasta dish and one meat dish (sauteed boneless chicken breast and skewers of grilled lamb loin marinated in fresh herbs come to mind, mmmmm).

Also, if you're seated by 6:45pm on Wedesdays, you get an extra $5 off if you order the prix-fixe menu. This deal is perfect for those heading to the United Center (1901 W. Madison St.) for a game or show or if you just want to get out for an early dinner.