Step into the old country of Italy through Cafe Bionda (“blonde woman” in Italian). Chef Joe Farina, who spent a decade as the corporate chef of Rosebud Restaurants in addition to a brief stint at Ballo, is the driving force in this South Loop Italian eatery.Look for two mahogany bars, warm earthy hues and an open kitchen with a tin ceiling. Bionda focuses on reasonably priced old-school Italian dishes in manageable portions.. Every dish is cooked and seasoned to perfection. Bionda features a large selection of liquor, including a signature martini list, and a vast array of both red and white wines.