Logan Square, a hotbed for culinary innovation in Chicago, is set to welcome Mano a Mano, a pasta-centric establishment from chefs Doug Psaltis and Hsing Chen. Known for their award-winning fare at Andros Taverna and the Basque steakhouse Asador Bastian, the duo infuses their new Italian venture with a shared heritage and culinary finesse.

Chen and Psaltis, not ones to rest on their laurels, seem to be fully embracing their latest project which aims to marry rustic charm with handmade pasta indulgence. "We really love the community in Logan Square," Chen told the Chicago Tribune in an interview, highlighting the neighborhood's tight-knit, "small town within a big city" feel. The restaurant, strategically placed next door to their Greek dining success story, Andros Taverna, is gearing to be a testament to their belief in the community’s culinary spirit.

With Italian gastronomy at its heart, Mano a Mano promises to deliver a menu steeped in tradition yet responsive to midwestern bounty. From classic carbonara to lasagna Bolognese and purely Pomodoro pasta dishes, the couple draws inspiration from their Italian travels and long-standing culinary relationships. Psaltis nostalgically recalls, "Stefano makes this incredible focaccia, focaccia di Recco," reminiscing about their baker who trained with Stefano Tulipano of Babalab Forno in Italy.

Psaltis and Chen continue to significantly draw from their personal and shared culinary experiences, having been part of the Chicago restaurant scene for years. Previously with Lettuce Entertain You, including stints at RPM restaurants, and inspired by Psaltis' Greek roots, they first ventured together with Andros Taverna. This modern Greek restaurant, anchored by a strong sense of heritage and the vibrant local community, was their initial joint foray into Logan Square.

Beyond crafting mouth-watering dishes, Mano a Mano aims to offer a comforting and cozy ambiance, a stark contrast to the often hustle and buzz of city dining spaces. "We're looking to bring the ceiling down," Psaltis explained to the Chicago Tribune. Descriptive of physical space as much as a metaphor for intimacy, Psaltis seems deliberately to strive for an inviting atmosphere that reflects the couple's dedication to hospitality. The wine list, curated for accessibility, will consist of a thoughtful selection of Italian wines along with robust aperitivo offerings and thoughtfully crafted espresso-based drinks.

Aside from Mano a Mano, Logan Square continues to be a magnet for culinary entrepreneurs and seasoned chefs alike. From the tropical aperitivos at Cara Cara Club to the familial warmth of Cambodian cuisine at Khmai and Kaun Khmai, the neighborhood has cultivated an undeniable reputation for gastronomic diversity and innovation. Whether it’s the Filipino-inspired Novel Pizza Cafe or the French finesse at Petite Vie Brasserie, it seems that Chicago food enthusiasts will have a plethora of new dining experiences to explore.