On a recent Friday evening, I shared a meal with a friend at a favorite Italian restaurant. The place was deeming with other diners, so we asked to be seated in the bar area. The table was a bit wobbly, but a gracious diner, sitting at the next table with a young boy, signaled a waiter for help. Our rescuer turned out to be Tina Gilardi, one of the owners, and she was delightful. The food is always delicious, but hers and Phil’s personalities added something extraordinarily special to the evening. The robust and friendly atmosphere reminded me of a welcoming Italian family gathering. Tina remarked about how food was a declaration of love and caring. Many of the diners must sense how she feels, because so many came by to say hello and to give her a hug. Now, there’s the true magic of Philly G’s! I’m requesting the same wobbly table next time. What fun we had!

Tina added a dessert selection of Pistachio gelato and another flavor to our meal and asked our opinion.

Oh! Salted Carmel Gelato! You win as my most favorite dessert…forever! She told us the story of how it came to be on the menu. Here’s a snapshot!

You’ll find Philly G’s at 1252 East US Highway 45 in Vernon Hills, IL

(NW corner of Milwaukee Avenue at Highway 45)