Italian Village Restaurants—Chicago’s original Italian destination —announced the appointment of Chef Emily Phillips as executive chef of its contemporary Italian concept, Vivere.
With a versatile culinary background and contagious passion for the restaurant industry, Phillips joined the Italian Village family as Sous Chef in Summer 2018 before recently being named Executive Chef.
After receiving a Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, Phillips went on to make her culinary aspirations a reality. Working everywhere from a local diner to finer restaurants like Chicago’s Homestead on the Roof, Phillips’ diverse experience brings a unique vision to Vivere’s contemporary Italian menu. With a belief that good food, is good food, no matter what, Phillips aims to provide an unforgettable dining experience for all guests.
As Executive Chef of Vivere, Phillips oversees all culinary operations at the contemporary Italian restaurant, from menu development and kitchen management to preparation and cooking.
Under Phillips’ direction, new menu highlights include:
Ravioli di Formaggi alla Carbonara
Hand-crafted pasta stuffed with Trugole cheese, hand- dipped Ricotta, Parmesan-Reggiano, toasted garlic, shallots, seasonal mushrooms, green peas, San Danielle Prosciutto, Parmesan cream sauce
Capesante con Risotto di Farro
Pan-seared Diver Sea scallops, cream Farro risotto, pomegranate seeds, roasted Della Cotta squash
Vitello con Mela e Cavolo Verde
Seared Veal loin, fresh herbs, pan-roasted seasonal apples, collard greens, demi chicken glaze
Pollo con Ragu e Cavoletti Bruxelles
Pan-seared Amish Airline chicken, skin-on, sliced on a Cannellini bean Ragú, with chicken leg confit caramelized Brussel sprouts
Always educating herself with the latest food trends, Phillips continues to create innovative, yet classic Italian dishes, paying homage to Italy’s rich culinary tradition.
Located on the main floor of Italian Village Restaurants, Vivere allows guests to experience regional contemporary Italian cuisine in a setting that is both luxurious and whimsical. Vivere specializes in creating dishes that not only follow the latest trends in Italian cuisine, but also pay homage to its rich culinary tradition. Known for more than authentic Italian cuisine, the Italian destination houses an award-winning wine cellar with over 1,100 selections totaling over 20,000 bottles. With talented new culinary additions, new summer menu specials, a recently launched Coravin program, and the 90th anniversary approaching this fall, there is much to celebrate at the third-generation family restaurant.
