112627 Sat Apr 19 23:38:15 -0700 2003 8 7 Chicago Area 0 611753 So what's the deal with this place? I was just walking down the street and it sort of seemed like I had just been transplanted somewhere, somewhere not in Chicago. It advertises home-made gelato,pasta and calls itself a pizzeria also. It was too late when I noticed it so I wasn't able to get inside. Anybody have any info on it? The address is 612 W Wrightwood (just off Clark). Besides the food I'd be interested in learning about the signs on the windows, which APPEARED to say you had to be either a member or between the ages of 25 and 40 or both to, well, I'm not sure what. It did not appear closed to the general public in any way, so I really don't know what the age limitations are for. Help. CMC Sat Apr 19 23:38:15 -0700 2003 0 CMC 1 611759 I walked in and got a "we're-about-to-close-and-i'm- not-interested-in-serving-you" look from an older gentleman who appeared to be the owner. I said, "Just looking," which was true since I'd just blown my wad at Cafe Luigi on slices. There were some nice looking frozen Italian entrees on display. And the gelato looked good. I saw the "Members Only" sign too. What is up with this place? Sun Apr 20 09:30:21 -0700 2003 611753 0 Paul Tyksins 2 611809 I live down the street from the store. I call this a store because thats what it is.They mainly sell homemade frozen italian dishes like lasangna,penne.rigatoni bolognse,etc.etc. they also have a large variety of gelato.Yes it's true you have to be a member or the owner has too like you.he's a very smug person. Mon Apr 21 10:27:40 -0700 2003 611759 0 brian vzon 2 611810 I live down the street from the store. I call this a store because thats what it is.They mainly sell homemade frozen italian dishes like lasangna,penne.rigatoni bolognse,etc.etc. they also have a large variety of gelato.Yes it's true you have to be a member or the owner has too like you.he's a very smug person. Mon Apr 21 10:30:27 -0700 2003 611759 0 brian vzon 2 611811 I live down the street from the store. I call this a store because thats what it is.They mainly sell homemade frozen italian dishes like lasangna,penne.rigatoni bolognse,etc.etc. they also have a large variety of gelato.Yes it's true you have to be a member or the owner has too like you.he's a very smug person. Mon Apr 21 10:31:50 -0700 2003 611759 0 brian vzon 2 611830 I believe the "members only" means they do not have a business license. The owner will refer to his place as a "club." He also mentions that he regularly caters local police dinners. Not sure what that meant. From what I can garner, the owner claims to have some little old grandmas hand rolling pasta and making homemade sauce most mornings. He packages meals to go - you get your choice of pasta, a sauce and half an Italian loaf for about $25.00 Whatever doesn't get sold the same day gets frozen for future sales. The meals are packaged in aluminum containers with re-heating instructions. I last ordered from here last fall. From what I remember, the meal was quite good, but I can't tell you what I had. However, I do remember thinking I could get a better deal and less attitude elsewhere. The owner also claims his daughter travels to Italy at least once a month to haul back the desserts. I didn't try any. Shirley Mon Apr 21 14:06:21 -0700 2003 611759 0 Shirley 3 611840 Wow. When I made the original post I honestly thought I was overthinking my impressions of this place. However, based on responses, it really does seem to be one of the odder eating establishments in the city, especially considering it's location. Mon Apr 21 14:44:54 -0700 2003 611830 0 CMC 2 616142 he's not really smug. he's european, italian, and especially sicilian. I've had two of my best dinners in chicago at monterotondo and love the owner of the social club and his daughter. a social club is for single people between certain ages that pay a membership fee in exchange for food and enjoyment of the atmosphere. if he likes you, papa luigi is a nothing but sweet and funny and foodwise, a great person to know. Fri Aug 26 15:27:47 -0700 2005 611759 0 katie 1 1778853 This restaurant is now empty, with a For Lease sign in the window. Mon Jul 31 21:49:14 -0700 2006 611753 22935 Oculi