CheekyChicago

There’s an unavoidable irony to Labor Day. This supposed gift to working men and women takes place at the end of the summer and in cities like Chicago, actually defines the unofficial end of that season. It usually ranks among the most surreally silent days of the year in Chicago.

The days immediately following this holiday can be fatiguing as we acclimate to the taxing pace of “normal” life. In the city, the volume of traffic picks up almost overnight. The streets and sidewalks, too are more crowded as everyone returns from their August respites. I’m actually convinced that on the Tuesday after Labor Day, at about 8 am, water from Lake Michigan must spill onto Chicago streets with the weight of millions of returning Chicagoans.

But, wherever you live, the upshot is that there’s precious little free time in September. Therefore, dining at Quartino or ordering in, present a viable alternative. Given this buildup, Quartino features a number of pleasing and less complicated alternatives. Looking forward to autumn, our Homemade Duck Prosciutto or Bresaola are reliably swift as light meals on particularly demanding days.

Pasta warrants consideration when time is scarce. Garganelli with Lamb Ragu and Ricotta Salata, Tagliatelle alla Bolognese or Penne alla Vodka are designed to enable you to enjoy a simple yet sumptuous meal. Homemade Lasagna al Forno or Rigatoni with Chicken, Broccoli, Cream & Parmigiano are quickly becoming local favorites.

Finally, there are two decadent but simple desserts, authentic Sicilian Cannoli, and made to order Zeppole. You might think that in such a busy month, the easiest thing would be to forgo the sweets, but I’ve always believed in making time for the important things in life, and desserts definitely make the list.