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MEATBALL PERFECTION

Mama T.-that's what everyone calls her-is the guiding force behind the food that pours out of the kitchen of this popular, pretty little restaurant at 1329 W. Chicago Ave. near Noble Street.

Mama T.-her first name is Grace-is 77 years old. When son John decided to open his first restaurant called “ Jim N’ Johnnys’ ” she had been "retired" in Florida for several years.

She makes 60 pounds of meatballs a week, 10 pounds of meatloaf, three large pans of lasagna, three or four ricotta cheese cheesecakes and about 25 of those stuffed artichokes. And her recipes for red sauce, eggplant Parmesan, ravioli and other classic Italian dishes are used the kitchen staff.

She's at the restaurant at 7 a.m. almost every day. She figures she made 70,000 meatballs last year. But that's not particularly surprising for a woman who canned about 150 jars of tomato sauce from 15 bushels of tomatoes every August when she lived in Oak Park.

She finishes her part of the cooking around 11 a.m. every day, talks with the other kitchen help and then goes home or does errands. On weekend nights, she returns to the restaurant to talk to people and answer the phone.

"I like saying hello to people, and so many people now have been here before that I feel like I know them."

The irony about Mama T.'s winning ways with Italian food is that she's 100 percent Irish. She was raised on a farm in Iowa, but "I moved to Chicago when I was 18 and married this Italian fellow I met at the Aragon ballroom-I loved to dance, still do-and his mother was a super cook. I loved all the flavors in Italian cooking, and I learned from her.

By Barbara Sullivan , Chicago Tribune
Mar 18, 1993 at 12:00 am

Since 1995
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Welcome to the Tarantinos. From the moment guests step inside , they are welcomed like family. In 2020, Tarantinos celebrates its 25th anniversary. Ever since it first opened, this Lincoln Park favorite has been dedicated to creating an elegant, comfortable atmosphere, providing friendly service, and serving high-quality, contemporary American and Italian cuisine - largely inspired by family recipes from Owner John Tarantino's mother. House specialties include housemate Black Linguini with shrimp, mussels, and spicy marinara; Rigatoni with mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, prosciutto, peas, and cream; and Cowboy Steak, a bone-in rib eye with wine-butter sauce. Anything served with the housemate marinara sauce is particularly representative of Tarantino's Italian roots. "My mother was an awesome cook. We would can bushels of tomatoes every September for her homemade marinara sauce," Tarantino recalls. "The idea of families sharing food is a basic instant for me." Tarantino's maintains a warm, family-owned feel, welcoming parents with children, couples on a romantic date, and individuals dining at the bar. Summer brings a delightful setting in our sidewalk patio.

From an Italian grocery store to an Italian Restaurant, Tarantinos opened its doors February 14, 1995, in the heart of Lincoln Park.
Every year, I am reminded, not only of my mom and all of her delicious recipes that inspired me to create this special place, but also of the people that have frequented it over the years.
A big THANK YOU to all our amazing friends, family, neighbors and customers for the good times, memories, positivity, and generosity. Your support over the years has kept us going! We are looking forward to the future of @tarantinosrestaurant and excited to see what’s to come. Happy 29th Anniversary💗

The space

Tarantino’s is available to rent out for special occasions (excluding Friday $ Saturday nights). Our restaurant seats 80 people. We offer either a buffet or a sit down dinner. Please give us a call or email for pricing, menu options and availability. Parties at Tarantino's have included: Wedding Receptions, Graduations, Showers, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Corporate Hospitality and Holiday Events.