Pensiero Rises Again

Just a quick bit of news from Evanston, where foodies like myself were shocked when Va Pensiero, one of the area’s culinary gems, decided quite suddenly and mysteriously to close (I still had a Groupon to use there!). Owner Jeff Muldow later cited tough economic times. Now, new owner Michael Pure, who owns the Margarita Inn where Va Pensiero had been housed, is re-opening the Italian restaurant. He claims that he never intended to be a restaurant owner, but believes that Va Pensiero was a special place and should live on in the annals of Evanston’s dining culture.

We understand the new Pensiero Ristorante will have a new chef in charge. Chef Alan Lake, a musically-inclined artist who calls his creations “Jazzfood,” is a Chicago native who believes that “music, food and art share some many similarities: texture, tempo, imagination and balance,” according to a press release.

Pensiero Ristorante will have a soft opening as of July 9, with a new coat of paint and the same back-of-the-house staff. The grand opening will be reserved for later in the summer, however.

Pensiero Ristorante
1566 Oak Ave.
Evanston, IL
847-475-7779