From a dreamy gondola ride in Venice, to the scenic views of the Amalfi Coast, Italy surely is one of the most romantic places on the planet. Che Figata brings that romance to Naperville with its authentic Italian recipes, sommelier-selected wines and an atmosphere that is at once warm and intimate, and grand and enticing.
Che Figata is an Italian phrase that means, “It’s awesome!” and that awesomeness is apparent as soon as you enter to see the expansive Chef’s Counter, open kitchen with wood-fired oven, and wall of wine selections.
“We really have a love for food, and for authentic flavor combinations and cooking methods,” says Chef di Cuisine Ian Schlegel who studied his craft in Italy under some of country’s Master Chefs. “Our open kitchen is as much a pleasure for me as it is for our guests’ enjoyment – I love seeing the ‘wow’ expression when a guest tries something new for the first time and loves it.”
Speaking of love, for Valentine’s weekend, Thursday – Saturday, Feb. 10 – 12, Che Figata will offer a choice between a special romantic four-course prix fixe experience and ordering off its recently updated dinner menu. The Valentine’s menu offers an authentic mix of savory and sweet throughout its four courses: antipasti, pasta, main course & dessert.
“Toward the end of 2020 and now, with this latest update, we’re introducing more shareables on our dinner menu – dishes couples can experience together,” said Chef Ian. “Both small plates and our new varieties of wood-fired pizzas are especially fun to explore as the flavor combinations may be new to the American palette, but they are how flavors are blended in Italy.”
Year round, Che Figata keeps the romance going with its monthly culinary adventures. Introduced in 2018, monthly Table Italiano wine dinners offer a meal of multiple courses, each paired with a wine, from a select region of Italy.
“It’s an opportunity to dive deeply with our guests into the culinary influences of terrain, borders and historic occupation, and more,” said Chef Ian.
These dinners have become so popular they frequently sell out up to three months in advance, and Che Figata has expanded the concept to include more guests with seating for two-to-four guests at a semi-circle set of booths that, like the Chef’s Counter, face the open kitchen.
“We have a core group of people who come to Table Italiano dinners nearly every month and I think some new friendships have formed across the Chef’s Counter seating,” said General Manager Jeremy Rubinstein. “However, the expanded seating offers some intimacy for guests who choose booth seating, while still being an inclusive experience.”
In addition, this March Che Figata will further expand on concept by introducing a month-long celebration of Italy’s regional cuisine. Special, monthly menu additions will be offered from a select region of Italy, peaking with the mid-month Table Italiano wine dinner.
Private Events at Che Figata
In addition to its ticketed events, Table Italiano-style dinners or a variety of small banquet options can be arranged in one of Che Figata’s semi-private dining rooms: Dolce Vita with seating for up to 28, or Tuscany with seating for 10 that can be expanded to the Patio, weather permitting, an additional 20 guests. Whole-house buyouts also are available.
“Located at CityGate Centre, adjacent to Hotel Arista, Che Figata is popular for rehearsal dinners, wedding brunches and more,” said VP of Sales & Marketing Cynthia Bock. “Couples really like the opportunity to have a single campus for all of their wedding weekend activity, particularly when there are out of towners who don’t have to be concerned about transportation.”
Che Figata is at 2155 CityGate Ln., on the CityGate campus on Rte. 59 between Ferry Rd. and I-88 in Naperville. Visit www.chefigatakitchen.com for menus, hours and reservations.
Che Figata
2155 CityGate Lane
Naperville IL 60563
1-630-579-3210
www.chefigatakitchen.com
