When my husband and I stumbled on a new restaurant called Bella Monica 7 or 8 years ago, and met the owners Corbett and Julia Monica, and brother -in -law Trevor, we fell in love with all , the chef's (Corbett) Nana's recipes, and the food! Having traveled to Italy and experienced real Italian cooking, we were amazed that finally we could experience it again. The cozy wine bar, the great selections of Italian wines, the knowledge of the wines, the coversations, the fresh dishes-my favorite is the Lobster Ravioli. Favorite appitizer -Eggplant Rotini and Buffaloe Mozzarella. Relaxed and romantic, good music, ""everybody knows your name"" type of place, where bigger is not better, and the small intimate atmosphere is the success of this taste ot Italy. The great flatbread pizzas now are carried in the deli sections of Harris Teeter and Whole Foods, so for late nights, I can always have a Bella Pizza in my freezer. My husband said I stopped cooking. He's right!
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