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Pompei bakery
-By Meghan O'Brien
One might assume that Pompei Bakery,
a restaurant on the South Side of Chicago, specializes in donuts
or pastries. Do not be deceived; this restaurant has some of the
best pizza and Italian specialties in Chicago.
Originally founded by Luigi Davino,
the restaurant on Taylor Street attained its name from a nearby
church, Our Lady of Pompeii. The restaurant has stayed in the
same family for more than three generations and is currently owned
by Ralph Davino.
Pompei is open seven days a week
for lunch and dinner. The menu includes a variety of meals from
the serving of salads, pastas, pizzas, to Pizzicottos (pizza strudels),
sandwiches and pastries. Pompei has both dine-in and carryout
services.
When dining in, this is how it
works: customers walk through a cafeteria-style line selecting
their favorite food. Then, customers help themselves to their
own silverware and beverage; their food is heated and then delivered
to the table of their choice.
Italian music is continuously playing
and there is an array of family pictures painted on the walls.
Along with the bright colors, the wall paintings and a friendly
staff, Pompei creates a sociable environment.
"Everyone who comes in here is
very nice and the management is very easy to work with," says
Dennis Ovalle, a server who has been working at Pompei for three
months. He really enjoys the atmosphere created by both the employees
and the customers.
Pompei is a favorite to celebrities.
About 65 autographed pictures are displayed througout the restaurant's
walls. Many of who include Jay Leno, Oprah Winfrey and Harrison
Ford.
Michael Catala, a supervisor at
Pompei Bakery, loves his job because there is never a slow day.
He enjoys the fact that the employees and management act like
a family.
"The quality of the product is
good, you don't need reservations, and you can get great tasting
food in a relaxed environment. Plus, there is no dress code,"
Catala says.
Catala describes typical customers
as University of Illinois students and faculty, nearby families
and people who work at the county hospital.
Dr. Dennis Kellar, a physician
at nearby Rush-Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center has been
eating at Pompei since he started working in the area about four
years ago.
"What I love about Pompei is the
fact that the food is quick and tastes great. The environment
is comfortable and I can come here when I need a break," Kellar
says.
Pompei salads come in large and
small sizes ranging in price from $3.25 to $7.95. Pizza and Pizzicottos
come with a variety of toppings and are sold by the slice or on
trays to serve a larger group of people. Slices can be purchased
for less than $3 and trays range from about $7 to $24. Italian
sandwiches, pasta, and desserts can also be purchased at reasonable
prices.
Pompei offers family style banquets,
buffet banquets and meeting buffets.
Pompei is located at 1531 W. Taylor
St. There are also locations in Lakeview and at Oakbrook Terrace.
They can be reached at 312-421-5179 or on the web at www.pompeipizza.com.
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