There are probably 20 places to score handmade Italian sausage on Chicago's Northwest side, but there's only one spot where you can get it from the hand of Vito "Two Fingers" Fontaine. That's the former moniker of owner George Nottoli, the third generation to run the business and the namesake "son," who once wrestled in the Windy City Professional Wrestling league.

Nottoli's also a former legendary Chicago club rugby player, but he avoids the scrum nowadays in favor of serving up hand-cured meats and some of the neighborhood's best Italian subs.

Everything, from the specialty coffees to the eggplant salad, tastes delectably of Italy, and it's not uncommon to find yourself among a whole crew of Chicago police officers looking for Nottoli's trademark sandwiches. Take that cue; everyone knows, cops know the best beat when it comes to a mid-patrol snack.

If you want to try your own hand at replicating the best of cucina Italiana, Nottoli carries a bevy of kitchen implements including pasta and pizelle makers. Or, if you just need to work off some excess calories from your submarine, grab a bocce ball set off the shelf and rouse up a spirited game on your own turf.

Centerstage Reviewer: Michael Nagrant