Step inside Baci’s Kitchen, 2990 N. Perryville Road, (baci means “kiss” in Italian) and you’ll experience a clean, open, contemporary setting with lots of natural lighting. You’ll likely meet owner Nikko Castrogiovanni, who credits his father, Nick, and years of experience in Las Vegas kitchens, with helping him to hone his skills.
“I just fell in love with working in the kitchen and being creative,” Castrogiovanni says. He created every item on his menu, for breakfast, lunch, dinner and small bites and drinks any time of day.
Weekly specials include items like a 14 oz. New York strip steak topped with garlic herb butter and served with mashed potatoes and gravy or mostaccioli for $19; Halibut, grilled and topped with mango salsa and served with broccoli, zucchini and carrots for $27; and Chicken Florentine, grilled chicken topped with mushroom sauce and spinach, served on a bed of fettuccine with garlic olive oil, for $14.95.
Popular regular entrees include Baci Salmon, a pan-seared filet topped with sautéed radishes, carrots, tomatoes and orange slices, served with coconut rice; Baci’s Chicken Parmesan with spaghetti, stuffed with ricotta and spinach, and topped with marinara and fresh mozzarella; and Lemon Chicken, freshly baked and served with garlic & olive oil fettucine.
Protein bowls are made with chicken, salmon, steak, tuna, shrimp or vegetables and include rice, quinoa, vegetables and homemade salad dressing or sauce.
The large breakfast menu includes weekly specials like a calzone stuffed with hollandaise sauce, hash browns, ham, bacon, sausage, Cheddar cheese and eggs.
Rock Valley College students and staff receive a 20 percent discount and daily and weekly discounts, specials and coupons are available at baciskitchen.com.
Each Friday and Saturday night from 6 to 9 p.m., popular local artists like the Vince Chiarelli Band, Trinadora, That Gurl and Pistol Pete perform.
Baci’s Kitchen opens every day at 8 a.m. It closes on Sundays at 8 p.m.; on Mon.-Wed. at 9 p.m.; and Thurs.-Sat. at 10 p.m. Walk-in diners are welcome, but reservations are encouraged. Call (815) 329-6922. ❚