Chefs Gino Troia and Julie Padilla, have added a second location for Grano Pasta Bar in Baltimore, Maryland's, Federal Hill neighborhood. The first location, in Hampden, opened in 2008, hon, where the owners also operate Grano Emporio restaurant and carryout.
But, preferring their names be behind the scenes, the Chefs demand their food take center stage. Sourcing local ingredients as much as possible, ingredients Grano Pasta obtains free range eggs from Springfield Farms and pancetta for the carbonara, comes from Mount Airy, Maryland. While I was inside the Federal Hill spot, one of the Chefs was busy plucking fresh basil from the window herb garden. Fresh!
Grano offers ten different organic, made from scratch sauces, seven pastas, including a gluten free option. And yes, the menu even includes kid friendly menu option, a 'Bambino' offering with butter and cheese. Salads and fresh bread served with newly, roasted garlic cloves and extra virgin olive oil are also offered. Top off your dining experience with homemade desserts including tiramisu and Belgium chocolate, coconut flan.
Initially, Grano was t
o open in Cross Street Market, but plans with the City of Baltimore, never panned out. They are tucked away, a block away, on 1043 South Charles Street. The spot can seat ten people inside, placing some at the open kitchen to watch the action. If the City will approve, al fresco seating would be welcomed!
Their pasta bars are BYOB, Grano supplies the glasses, wine openers charging a modest "$3 corkage fee for as many bottles as you would like to drink," says Troia.
Chef Troia tells CITYPEEK he grew up in the kitchen, since he was 7 years old. His warm hospitality, over a light lunch at Grano Emporio, of salad, fresh baked focaccia and wine is highlighted and further exemplified by Chef Padilla's who exclaims; "We want people to love the food, enjoy, be happy and love the place."
Eat in, carry out or ORDERup: Use our special code http://bit.ly/OUcitypeek for $7 off 1st orders on ORDERup.
Open Tuesday-Friday 4-10 pm and Saturday-Sunday 12-10pm.
Photo Credit: Citypeek, Patti Neumann
Patti Neumann is Publisher/Founder of CITYPEEK.com
& an award-winning 21 C Social Media Publicist/Influencer on food, sips, hospitality & the good life. CITYPEEK.com has its finger on the pulse of what's hot in the world of food, cocktails & travel trends.
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