Romagna Mia is closing its doors, on Sunday March 6th, after 14 years. Chef Gabriele Paganelli will be closing down and re-opening under a different menu and name, Paganelli’s Risotteria-Enoteca. Gabriele has decide to go out in style though, paying homage to the 1996 critically acclaimed movie Big Night. If anyone hasn’t heard of Big Night, or can’t remember it, allow me to refresh your memory.
Big Night is set in 1950’s and is about two brothers from Abruzzo, Italy, who travel to America, the New Jersey Shore, to open a restaurant called Paradise. Primo, the older brother, played by Tony Shalhoub, is the chef and brings magnificent authentic Italian cuisine to the restaurant. The second younger brother, Secondo, played by Stanley Tucci, is the restaurants manager, who loves the possibilities that America promises. Despite Secondo’s ambition and Primo’s food, the restaurant is failing.
Convinced that the lengendary jazz artist, Louis Prima, is coming to dine at the restaurant and bring with him guests and media, Primo and Secondo plan this “Big Night” and feast for everyone. Primo makes this long Italian seven course meal culminating with a timpano, a complicated baked pasta dish.
Gabriele Paganelli is going to do just that, with a little help from past cooks and chefs that have worked in that kitchen. I have to say that it is an amazing idea and am jealous that I will not be attending the festivities. I look forward to eating there for Claire’s birthday, then eating there after the new menu has got its stride.
Here is a link to Romagna Mia…
http://www.romagna-mia.com/
Link to Torontolife’s article on the renovations…
http://www.torontolife.com/daily/daily-dish/restauranto/2011/03/04/romagna-mia-to-get-a-new-look-and-a-new-name—and-a-goodbye-feast/