Introduction to Dimmi Dimmi Corner Italian
LINCOLN PARK — A corner restaurant on Armitage Avenue in Lincoln Park is starting a new chapter this summer with the opening of Dimmi Dimmi Corner Italian, an Italian-American spot from Cornerstone Restaurant Group. The restaurant will open at 1112 W. Armitage Ave., formerly home to Tarantino’s, a neighborhood favorite for 30 years that closed this year.
The Concept and Inspiration Behind Dimmi Dimmi
Dimmi Dimmi marks a homecoming for chef Matt Eckfeld, who is returning to Chicago after more than a decade in New York’s fine-dining scene. Dimmi Dimmi — Italian for “tell me, tell me” — reflects Eckfeld’s desire to reconnect with his Midwestern roots and build something of his own.
Chef Matt Eckfeld’s Culinary Journey
Eckfeld, a Michigan native, said his culinary journey began in Chicago, where he worked under chef Bill Kim at Urbanbelly while still in culinary school. He’s since cooked in acclaimed kitchens across the United States and Europe, including Carbone in New York and Las Vegas, The Ledbury in London and Contessa in Boston. But it was a call from Kim that ultimately pulled Eckfeld back to Chicago. “Chef Bill has been my mentor for over 15 years,” Eckfeld said. “He’s a great person and someone I have a ton of respect for. In this industry, that kind of relationship is rare and important.”
The Vision for Dimmi Dimmi
Chef Matt Eckfeld. Credit: Provided/Dimmi Dimmi Most recently executive chef at ZZ’s Club in New York, Eckfeld said the chance to shape a restaurant in a familiar neighborhood — and do it on his own terms — was something he couldn’t pass up. “I’ve been an executive chef at a few places, but there were always a lot of rules,” he said. “Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing when you’re a younger chef. But I’m ready to put my own spin on things.”
Menu and Ambiance
Dimmi Dimmi will feature a rotating menu of handmade pastas, pizzas, focaccia and produce-driven dishes that highlight the rhythms of Midwestern seasons. The restaurant will seat about 80 guests, with an additional 60 on the patio during warmer months. Eckfeld hopes to open by August, just in time for peak tomato, melon and corn season. “We want this to feel like the best version of a neighborhood Italian spot,” he said. “Somewhere you recognize the dishes, but they taste even better than you remember.”
Supporting Local Talent and Community
Cornerstone Restaurant Group and its affiliate, Jump Higher L.L.C., oversee all Michael Jordan-brand restaurants. CEO Josh Zadikoff said Eckfeld’s return to Chicago aligns with their mission of supporting emerging culinary talent. “Dimmi Dimmi captures the spirit of Chicago’s vibrant corners — places where people connect, celebrate and feel at home,” Zadikoff said in a statement. “We’re proud to support Chef Matt’s return to Chicago by providing a platform for his unique voice and vision.”
Conclusion
Dimmi Dimmi Corner Italian is set to bring a fresh take on Italian-American cuisine to Lincoln Park, with a focus on community, seasonal ingredients, and a welcoming atmosphere. Chef Matt Eckfeld’s return to Chicago is a homecoming that promises to excite both locals and visitors alike.
FAQs
- Q: Where is Dimmi Dimmi Corner Italian located?
A: Dimmi Dimmi Corner Italian is located at 1112 W. Armitage Ave. in Lincoln Park, formerly the home of Tarantino’s. - Q: Who is the chef behind Dimmi Dimmi?
A: The chef behind Dimmi Dimmi is Matt Eckfeld, a Michigan native with a background in fine dining in New York and Europe. - Q: What type of cuisine will Dimmi Dimmi serve?
A: Dimmi Dimmi will serve Italian-American cuisine with a focus on handmade pastas, pizzas, focaccia, and produce-driven dishes. - Q: When is Dimmi Dimmi expected to open?
A: Dimmi Dimmi is expected to open by August, in time for the peak of the Midwestern seasonal produce.
