A Mano Italian Trattoria
When A Mano Italian Trattoria reopened last winter after the River North eatery suffered water damage, pastry chef Tom Laurell wanted to mark the occasion with an unusual sweet. “I wanted to create a treat that would reflect the flavors of our Italian cuisine,” Laurell says. He steeped basil leaves in a sugar solution at 300 degrees. Then, he put small pieces of fresh basil and prosciutto in candy molds, and poured the hot sugar solution into the molds. He added sticks, let the candies cool and presto: a lollipop that could lick any cannoli, gelato or tiramisu in a dessert competition.
335 North Dearborn
(312)629-3500
amanochicago.com
Best of Chicago 2009