Lombardian food and wine was in the spotlight at Mi Piaci last night as members of the Italian Club of Dallas, local restaurateurs, and retailers gathered for a chance to taste the specialties of the region. I love any excuse to eat and drink like an Italian. We sipped Franciacorta Bella Vista Brut with nibbles of Grana Padano cheese (a hard cheese similar to parmasean) before sitting down to a decadent dinner–the highlight was the braised veal shank served with a rich Rosso wine.
I was lucky enough to sit across from Paul DiCarlo of Jimmy’s Food Store. He said reconstruction after the fire has been a long process, but they are planning to re-open September 1. There’s talk of taking over the beauty shop space next door to make room for a wine bar, but nothing has been finalized. Just in case you didn’t know, Jimmy’s is still selling its famous sausage and meatballs through Sigel’s in the Quadrangle. Don’t look for those speciality Italian wines though, the selection doesn’t compare to the variety at Jimmy’s. Don’t fret, we don’t have much longer to wait until the store is back in business.
