Il Solé By Jim White Being in a homonymous state of mind, I’d like for you to consider the warmth of the sun, and the talent of the son. The former comes from a delightful new upscale American restaurant called Il Solé-Italian for “the sun”. You can fairly bask in the serene, sunny pleasures of Tuscany or Napa Valley-while staying right at home-and enjoy a remarkably well-crafted menu, extraordinary wine list, polished service and impeccable ambiance. The latter represents Brian Black, whose mother Janet Cobb is a highly regarded restaurateur. Brian and his wife Sonia “apprenticed” under Janet and husband Phil for several years at wildly successful Mi Piaci. On their own, the next generation husband and wife team are prodigious. Their first restaurant is well conceived and beautifully executed. For starters, they got one of the best chefs around, Tim Penn-formerly of Mi Piaci and Star Canyon. He also worked with Emeril Lagasse at Commander’s Palace. I’m pleased to report Chef Penn serves a touch of New Orleans with his “knock your lights out” smoked chicken gumbo ($6) with andouille sausage. It’s one of several tasty appetizers. Calamari ($7) with chile sauce and cilantro oil is another. Also, treat yourself to the Frico Salad ($5) named for the griddled montasio cheese that is served with organic greens, balsamic vinegar and Tuscan olive oil. Entrées are sure to please any palate. Honey glazed chicken ($12) and tamarind barbecued pork chop ($14) were two we enjoyed. Both tender and well prepared. The menu also includes traditional pasta choices-like fettuccine with bolognese sauce ($11) and old-world light spaghetti with olive oil, capers, tomato, kalamata olives and garlic ($8). Look to the grilled line caught salmon ($15) or Jonah crab and crawfish risotto cakes ($12) for delights from the sea. Daily specials are also served. With nice weather, treat yourself to the best outdoor patio in town-above the Knox-Henderson fray-by virtue of the restaurant’s second story vantagepoint. There’s no homonym for Il Solé, because nothing has sounded this good for a long time. Il Sole 4514 Travis Street, Suite 201 (214) 559-3888 Send me an Email: jwdineline@aol.com Copyright © 1998 Inter Active Media Solutions. All Rights Reserved. The interactive components of this site require that you use a current browser version of Explorer; be sure to maximize your window out so you can see the entire page. This page was created by Inter Active Media Solutions.