Antonio Ristorante By Jim White A new restaurant in Addison is not exactly a rarity. They seem to pop up before your eyes on a daily basis. This corporate restaurant laboratory is a rough neighborhood. Like the song says, "if you can make it here--you can make it anywhere". What's rare is finding local or independent restaurateurs braving the fierce competition. Joining the handful are the talented people who run La Trattoria Lombardi on Hall Street, Luciano Cola and Chef Antonio Avona. They've just opened Antonio Ristorante, a labor of love from the two long-time friends and business associates. They've been planning this offshoot for a long time, and the results are wonderful. Antonio serves many of the same wonderful dishes from Northern and Southern Italy you've come to know and love at La Trattoria, but this is not a carbon copy. You'll find a number of dishes unique to the new location. Try the fabulous grilled Italian sausage appetizer with mozzarella, tomato sauce, mushrooms and peppers ($5.75). Good steamed clams and mussels, too (both $7.95). Focaccia ($4.50) is outstanding. Minestrone ($2.95) is always served and there's soup of the day as well. There's a great selection of salads. Make a meal of the grilled shrimp salad ($10.25) with balsamic vinegar or the grilled chicken over an array of greens ($8.25). Daily specials are served. We had a terrific poached halibut and a tasty swordfish on greens with Balsamic. Mama Mia! Have some pasta! The Cavatelle ($7.25) sautéed with olive oil, garlic, red onions, mushrooms and tomatoes is mouthwatering. You'll find the other favorites, too. Heartier dishes with meat, veal and chicken are available (and recommended if you've brought your appetite). For a lighter touch, go with the veal cutlet served on a bed of arugula ($12.25). It is delicious! Antonio serves some sandwiches-try the Chicago style Italian beef ($6.50)-and has great pizzas, with a long list of toppings (from $4.50 to $8.50). It's a beautiful little place-friendly and relaxed-with good service. A great spot for a business lunch. Welcome to the neighborhood, Antonio! Antonio Ristorante 4985 Addison Circle (north of Quorum and Arapaho) (972) 458-1010   Join "The KRLD Restaurant Show with Jim White" Sundays 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on 1080 AM Send me an Email: jwdineline@aol.com