Ah patio season. It’s really the best season of all. And we are fortunate to have numerous outdoor dining opportunities throughout C-U.
This Friday, I enjoyed some quality patio time with my spouse and some friends at Nando Milano. Now, I love the general atmosphere of an Italian restaurant like Nando. I like the low lighting and cozy feels. However, they also happen to have one of my favorite outdoor seating areas, so I’m willing to forgo the cozy for some fresh air, especially on a Friday when you have the bonus of live music wafting through the air. It’s a lovely way to dine and perhaps polish off a bottle of wine.
If you haven’t tried it, please do. It’s the perfect time right now, because we haven’t yet seen the heat and humidity that will inevitably descend in the latter part of the summer.
Also, this dish I had with pappardelle, morel mushrooms, and truffles was ah-mazing. The parmesan sauce was rich but not too heavy handed, and snuck so delightfully into the pockets of those morels.
Nando Milano
204 N. Neil Street
Champaign, IL
Monday-Thursday 5 to 10 p.m.
Friday-Saturday 5 to 11 p.m.
Sunday 4 to 9 p.m.
Photos by Julie McClure