Chef Giuliano Matarese and business partner Brian Ellard bring Italian concept, Mille Lire, to The Centrum at 3102 Oak Lawn Avenue. The restaurant opens tonight at 5 p.m. for dinner service. According to the release:
From a casual bite with friends to a sophisticated date night and everything in-between, Mille Lire will suit an array of palates and occasions. Antipasti highlights include Lamb Baby Meatballs with broccoli rabe, feta and tomato ragu, Creamy Polenta featuring truffled mushroom fricassee and poached farm egg, and Tuna Crudo with Taggiasca olives, Calabrian chili and Amatriciana sauce. A pizza oven and pasta-maker imported directly from Italy lend to the integrity of dishes such as Tartufata Pizza with mozzarella, black figs, truffle preserve and honey, and Saffron Cavatelli with Santa Barbara sea urchin, lump crab and peperoncino. Inspired items from the Secondi portion of the menu include the Chianti Braised Short Ribs with roasted root vegetables and celery root vellutata and Diver Sea Scallops with cauliflower purée, BBQ oxtail and crispy grits.
Mille Lire’s beverage menu is equally as imaginative, with cocktails that blend Italian tradition with flavors and styles found in contemporary American cocktail culture. Highlights include the Italiano Mule with vodka, limoncello, fresh lime juice, ginger beer and rosemary, and Amarcord featuring Bulleit Bourbon, Italian vermouth, Grand Marnier and Angostura Bitters. The wine list offers a substantial selection of varietals from Italy and beyond, and beer offerings will include local, domestic and international favorites.
“At Mille Lire, we pair the rich, romantic history of Italian cuisine with a distinct, modern culinary style,” says Matarese. “Every element, from the restaurant’s name and design to menu creation, was thoughtfully and meticulously crafted to deliver a nostalgic, memorable and emotional experience to our guests.”
Mille Lire opens for dinner service at 5 p.m. daily, with lunch, happy hour, and weekend brunch coming soon.
