312 Chicago is an exquisite dining spot serving "Italian-inspired American Cuisine." My daughter and I stopped by for an early Saturday breakfast - not finding much else open at 8 a.m. While Kosette would have been satisfied with a couple Dunkin Donuts, I confess to having had the best fritta in years!
The restaurant is actually connected by an interior walkway from Hotel Allegro - you need only walk past the reservation desk and then past the lounge. The walkway leads you to the second deck of 312 Chicago, presenting you with a dining room surrounded with vintage wines, art decor, and just plain luxury. Take the spiral stair case down to the hostess podium for seating.
Service was prompt and attentive, delivered with an Italian accent. I ordered the baby artichoke and goat cheese frittata with cherrry tomato ragu for $9.95, while my daughter ordered french toast - egg-battered cinnamon brioche with warm banana compote and walnuts for $8.50. Expecting Aunt Jemima French toast, she was disappointed; I promised her donuts later. However, I reveled with my repast of artichoke frittata, and when we got back to Baltimore, I even asked my husband - the chef in our family - to try his hand at frittata cloning.
I would definitely go back, but "sans" children. The decor, taste, and elegance are too refined for most children - and the prices scream "gourmet".