Photo: chicago dining scout

The best thing we ate on our first trip to J. Rocco’s Italian Table & Bar (749 N. Clark St., 312 475-0271)? That would be the spicy crusted salmon, which comes with an artichoke and spinach ragout and roasted tomato sauce.

The crust was indeed spicy and crusty; the fish fresh, juicy, and savory. As satisfying as any meat dish, and a heck of a portion for $19.