Giacomo's (Italian, Des Plaines) [was gnr nomination]

Giacomo's
740 N. Wolf Road
Des Plaines, IL
847-390-7330

A neighborhood Italian place in the burbs other than Highwood or Elmwood Park/River Forest? Yes indeed.
They've recently expanded and their new exterior (now completely hiding its Dog-n-Suds (or some other drive-in) history) looks almost too "Olive Garden" but it's the same great food inside.

Hits include excellent calamari friti, gnocchi (both green and white), eggplant parmesan, linguini w/mussels. Their sauces include a fantastic bolognese with shreds of long-cooked meat, and picky-packy guaranteed to keep vampires away for a long time.

Terrific people run the place (their daughter went to the middle school with my oldest -- funny borders meant they don't share high schools).

Prices are moderate, and you're likely to take home a pile of pasta anyway. Enjoy, we always do.

See previous review of their bracciole (which I still haven't gotten around to trying myself) http://lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=38

Joel,

Thank you for nominating Giacomo's. As evidenced by my glowing review of the bracciole, I'm a big fan. In additon to the bracciole, I highly recommend just about any of their red sauced dishes. Lately, I've been on a canneloni kick. The atmosphere is exactly what my impression of a GNR should be. Personalized friendly service provided by the Mom & Pop proprietors. Where else can you find a sign outside of the kitchen that invites you to come in and talk to the chef.