A Monday Morning in Chicago

Ere I complete my Chicago trip narrative, I must digress a moment to respond to Tony's comment.
Yes, I should post more often, but as my posting depends largely on both my mood, (and I am quite moody,) and my blood alcohol level, it is an irregular thing. I am, by the way, writing a novel as you accuse. It's working title?
"Tony's a Dick."
You, sir, figure prominently in the plot.
Back to chicago, and other things. The highlight of the trip, gaming and friends aside, was a visit to a new restaurant I'd been reading about for some time. Osteria Via Stato. So, I hop on the El, get off at Grand, and walk over to 620 North State. As i was going to dine alone, I had brought a hefty tome to entertain myself. In this case, the gargantuan and satisfying Mr. Norell and Jonathan Strange.
Although I was attired simply in jeans and a t-shirt, they still seated me on the patio, where a waiter approached me to discuss my options. Allow me to share the glory that was...
The place, for lunch, has a ten dollar option. In this, they bring you a selection of antipasti. then, if you want it, they bring you more. And more, and so on, and so forth. This sort of menu seems dangerous, but really isn't. It is unlikely that anyone can come in and eat enough that it becomes unprofitable for the restaurant. (Although i did witness Mary's brothers eat their weight in crab legs at a mongolian barbeque. I'm fairly sure that was a bad deal for the mongolians involved.)
So, this in mind, I planned on a nice, relaxed, prolongued and inexpensive lunch out. But the fifteen dollar version, with a Paparradelle Ragu entree, seemed too good to pass up. Oh, and did I mention their menu option called "Just bring me wine"?
The meal took three hours, and it's course was winding, with many reststops, a few cutbacks, a tawdry inn and a band of thieves lurking by the roadside. First, they brought a course of antipasti. And, OH(!), the antipasti they brought. Chickpeas and shaved lettuce in a light white wine vinaigrette! Carmelized onion topped with browned parmesan! Fresh salami, dressed with thin slices of mozzerella, olive oil, and pepper! All delicious! All excellent! I devoured them, sipping luxurously on my Northern Italian Pinot Gris, flipping lazily through the pages of my book. The waiter approached, inquiring as to my satisfaction. My reply was florid and eloquent, assuring the man that myself, my ancestors, and indeed, all my descendants were quite thrilled. Please, though, might I have more? And with the utmost graciousness, he agreed I may. Shortly, another variation arrived, more plates of deliciousness. i devoured them once more, this time slowed by my stomachs reduced capacity. Sadly, I realized that I would have no room for my entree when it arrived. Action had to be taken. I needed something to clear my stomach some. The waiter approached, bearing a complimentary platter of buffalo mozzerella with basil and cherry tomatoes. Damn! I was sunk! But wait, all i really need was something to clear my palate, and to help lighten the load already eaten.
So I postponed the delivery of the next wine, and ordered a glass of prosecco instead, and pleasantly light and sweet sparkling wine. it certainly did the trick. In fact, I felt a little peckish again, so I asked the busboy for just one more small plate of the carmelized onions. unfortunately, his english must not have been very good, because i ended up with a full new course of antipasti. Oh, well. I ate on, slower and slower, aided by the arrival of the third glass of wine, a rich velvety red this time. Eventually, I had exhausted the antipasti, and the entree came, accompanied by the last glass of wine. I nibbled some, but knew the battle was lost before it ever began. Soon, the waiter came to bear away the sad mound of food before me. He returned after a prolongued period, permitting me an opportunity to finish my chapter and the wine. When he finally returned, he almost sheepishly placed the dessert menu in front of me, certain I'd have none of it.
His mistake.
After all, I'd been digesting for thirty minutes!
Lessee...Oooh! A homemade limoncello liqueur? that would go splendidly with the Panna cotta and fresh berries. Perhaps some espresso to finish? Excellent.
So, my simple meal of a few dishes of antipasti had ballooned into a huge meal of multiple courses of antipasti, an entree, dessert, four glasses of wine, an excellent liqueur, and coffee. projected cost, ten dollars plus tip. Actual cost? More like 65 dollars.
The satisfaction of a great meal on a beautiful day in your hometown? Priceless.