The News Journal
By Eric Ruth
It’s hard to elicit sympathy when you’re burdened by such duties — serving as a “tasting judge” at a lasagna cookoff featuring some of Wilmington’s best chefs and most yum-a-licious Italian household cooks, all held to benefit the upcoming “A Taste of Little Italy” event promoting this neighborhood’s fine dining destinations.
Last year, the challenge was meatballs, and the winning chef was Matthew Curtis of Union City Grille. This year, he staged a stunning, unanimous repeat, serving up a lasagna richened with bechamel that pulled together deep flavors with harmony and style. Close runner up was Mona Lisa’s dead-on Bolognese-meat-sauce style, tomato-spurning dish. But those victories don’t diminish the other fine entries from such area restaurants as Mrs. Robino’s, Papa’s Pastry Shop, Pomodoro’s, and Walter’s.
It was an honor and a pleasure. Next year, let’s try aglio e olio — and this time, I want to enter myself.
Be sure to also check out the community restaurants that will be reserving special meals during the Taste of Little Italy Event, which benefits the West End Neighborhood House. It runs from March 23-25 — for a complete list of all 21 participants and their specials, promotions and menus, visitwww.atasteoflittleitaly.com.
Me, I think I’ll head on over to Union City Grille — they’ll be serving those award-winning meatballs from last year.
Matthew Curtis of Union City Grill cooks a mean lasagna — and a masterful meatball.