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10 Things about Jimmy’s Place, Forest Park

1. They bake their own bread – good moist rustic Italian, and it makes a huge difference.
2. Fettuccine Alfredo – inedible elsewhere, here the cream is dialed down and Gorgonzola gives it a slightly tangy earthiness; if I must eat Fettuccine Alfredo, let it be here.
3. Limited, focused wine selection – had a bottle of very good Australian last night, 15 bucks, what’s not to like? I don’t know how we started allowing places to charge us eight bucks for a glass of crap, but Jimmy’s has not joined that trend, or any trend as far as I can tell. The most expensive glass of wine is like five bucks a pop; he doesn’t carry a lot and he doesn’t carry high-end, but he gives a good pour, good wine, good price.
4. Braciole, legendary. It’s inconsistent, but I’ve never been disappointed.
5. Jimmy – even if he doesn’t actually recognize me when I walk in, he makes a real effort to simulate recognition as he does with everyone who stops by. It does not seem fake; it seems sincere (maybe he’s just a good actor, but it works).
6. House-made soup. I’m on record for not being a fan of soup, but here the escarole and bean, even the minestrone, is tasty, with each natural flavor popping through, nothing canned about it…plus, as an added bonus, they serve it in little cups so you don’t have to eat a lot.
7. Rapini and beans – paradigmatic simplicity, effortless excellence.
8. Gnocchi – “featherlight” might describe gnocchi elsewhere, but not here, where they’re more like miniature Bohemian dumplings or spaetzle, very chewy, it’s all good.
9. Diversity – I like a place that welcomes family, singles, couples, random derelicts, office parties, singles, dates, across the board. Last night, I saw a lot of young single folks come in and have dinner at the bar, sitting down next to the old guys, chatting it up, nice.
10. Cannoli – I’m not usually a big fan, but when all elements are whipped up in the kitchen…it makes a huge difference.

Jimmy's Place
7411 Madison St
Forest Park
708.771.7476

David, would you feel bad if I added to the list

If nothing else, you gotta include stirling clear martinis with blue cheese stuffed olives (I ask for several and we call it antipasto)

Jimmy's is a gem.

Last night, it was a very tough choice between a mixed drink and wine, but The Wife wanted wine, so I graciously acquiesced.

I stopped at 10, but there are lots more things to appreciate about Jimmy's, and the highly capable mixology on display is certainly another one of those things.

I must second the martini, it always cures whatever is ailing me.
I also really enjoy the house salad, somehow the lettuce is always uber-crispy and the house italian dressing is light and herby. Yeah, you get a symbolic olive and slice of tomato, but the simplicity of crispy lettuce and an excellent dressing is wonderful.
LO

I'm with you on the salad too, but I did not want to add any more things to the list

I have a friend who doesn't go out much if at all but when he does it is always Jimmy's. Matter of a fact we are headed there this evening for his birthday with his 'out of state' dad.

He is a fan of the steaks, a good value. I love the sausage with peppers and onions. Mmmm, soak up the juice in the bottom of the bowl with the bread...

The stuffed mushroom appetizers are excellent as well.

Arrrg! The Vodka Sauce...

Based on earlier LTH reports, I asked to go to Jimmy's Place for my birthday this past February. I wanted someplace simple, fairly close to home, with decent Italian food. We all had a great time, thanks to a top-notch waitress, quaffable wine and spirits, a convivial atmosphere and excellent food for the price. It reminded me of some of the places on 24th and Oakley circa mid-1970's and the old Slicker Sam's in Melrose Park.

in a nutshell..Jimmy's rocks..the atmosphere can be quite chaotic but its worth..the braciole is my favorite

Also now in Phoenix, AZ

The story includes an interesting comment by someone who identifies himself as Jimmy Moccio

Not sure if I would have noticed if it were not for the aforementioned maybe news, but last night the bread did appear be off. Everything else seemed more or less business as usual. Mentioned the new restaurant to the server, and she didn't let on about any controversy. She did, however, ask if I had read about it on the internet.