Tony Bennett at Da Mimmo
A reader wrote me that she had seen Tony Bennett eating with owner Mary Ann Cricchio and her son, Mimmo, at Da Mimmo Saturday.
I called to find out if it was true, and if so, what he ate. Sometimes I feel as if celebrities only go to Little Italy when they come to town.
Apparently Bennett has been eating at Da Mimmo since 1984. He was their second celebrity (Jim Palmer was the first), Mary Ann told me. ...
Bennett arrived at the restaurant at 4 p.m., before the show. He used to come in twice a day when he was in Baltimore, Mary Ann said -- for lunch and then after the show. But at 83 he no longer goes out after his performance.
I asked what he ate.
"He's a simple man," she said, who likes his pasta and a glass of chianti.
The chef sent out a half order of what Bennett had asked for, penne marinara, and a second half order of penne amatriciana, tomato with prosciutto, garlic, onion and fresh basil. Bennett finished them both, as well as a plate of grilled asparagus on a bed of radicchio with shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano. The table shared a bottle of Valiano Chianti Classico Riserva 2004.
During his performance afterward, Bennett gave a shout out to Da Mimmo, calling it the best restaurant in Baltimore.
(2008 photo courtesy of the Da Mimmo Web site)
Comments
I think it is the only place he ever eats in Baltimore. The best restaurant in Baltimore he needs to get out more. Heard the concert was good
Posted by: sas | December 7, 2009 6:22 PM
Don't be rude, sas. Da Mimmo is a fine restaurant, with perhaps the best veal chop you can find!
Posted by: ColumbiaBill | December 7, 2009 11:52 PM
Is it a special? Wonder how much it is...
Posted by: chowsearch | December 8, 2009 12:25 AM
I agree sas. Da Mimmo really isn't tops in this city - it's too overpriced for what it is. Asparagus in December isn't appealing. I prefer restaurants that use local, seasonal produce. Bennett should try other spots, like Woodberry, Cinghiale, or Charleston. Isn't it somewhat tacky for the owner to sit down and eat with celebs? That's Da Mimmo's schtick, "LOOK EVERYBODY!!! SOMEONE FAMOUS IS HERE!!!"
Posted by: Joe Smith | December 8, 2009 12:26 AM
And they do rely on specials. The goal is to show you a menu with entrees ranging from $18-30, but then rattle off a menu of specials and not give prices - so when the bill comes TADAH! you just ate a $45 entree. Having a few bottles of wine with your meal? Keep tabs with how many bottles you drank and how many are on the bill....... I'm just sayin......
Posted by: Joe Smith | December 8, 2009 12:30 AM
The Restaurant died with Mimmo...a good Man!
Posted by: billy butterbean | December 8, 2009 12:48 AM
I've seen bottles on their wine list at four times retail price (at least), which is beyond absurd.
Posted by: *◄:o)╥╥~YumPorchetta | December 8, 2009 12:35 PM
Actually, it's Chianti Classico Riserva, not Reserva. (Hey, it's an easy mistake.)
Thanks. I shouldn't cut and paste. EL
Posted by: Tommy Gill | December 9, 2009 7:45 AM
Fantastic! I love things that are great!
http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/clips/tony-bennett-show/1018684/
Posted by: Lee Biars | December 9, 2009 9:00 PM
Link spam at 12:15 AM! (Another series of shills for an alleged lender.)
Posted by: hmpstd | March 29, 2010 6:08 AM