Last night, I made my first trip to Lovitt, a petite restaurant (seats under 30) on north Ashland Ave. Lovitt is run by a husband and wife team, Norman & Kristen Six (he cooks, she does everything else). They prepare a fresh, seasonal menu with options for meat-eaters, vegans, and everyone in-between.

Our table of four went for three full courses last night and everything was delicious. Around the table for the first course were a pan-fried soft-shell crab for me, an artisan cheese plate with apple butter, and a rich, strong garlic soup. The crab was a menu addition that was offered as an app or an entree. My only regret after finishing my crab was that I didn't order two.

Half of our table had the gnocchi with shrimp in a diablo sauce. After about three bites, they both exclaimed that it was the "best gnocchi they've ever had". They were indeed delicious, light, and pillowy. I had the crispy cod with mustard and summer squash puree which was very good. Also enjoyed was the mushroom ravioli, which were full of rich, earthy flavors. Dessert was a welcome treat. We split all 3 offerings among the four of us). Notable was the caramelized banana split.

There's nothing bad you can say about the food at Lovitt, and the atmosphere and service lift the experience even higher. The owners make you feel as if you are a guest in their home. The tiny room doesn't feel cramped at all, and the vibe is friendly and casual. An opening in the wall allows you to see Norman at work preparing your meal, and it makes it really easy to poke your head in and say "thanks" at the end of the evening.

After all that good news, here's one more: Lovitt is BYO with no corkage fee, so you can save yourself a few bucks and pickup a nice bottle of wine for dinner without any markup. They provide bistro glasses, but welcome you to bring your own stemware if you prefer.

I highly recommend giving Lovitt a try. It's an "off-the-beaten-path" spot that's perfect for small groups or dates. It's BYO status keeps the cost low (the four of us ate for around $150 including tip).

Here's the particulars:

Lovitt is at 1466 N. Ashland, 773-252-1466, reservations recommended, street parking is tough, cabs plentiful, current menu online at www.lovittrestaurant.com (read the "about" page too).