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dishes from her family’s heritage in Italy. This early passion for food continued with a career in restaurants, culminating with the opening of Bella Monica in 2000. “It afforded me a good perspective of both sides of the cooking line — what goes on in the kitchen as well as what goes on in the dining room,” Corbett said. “We want the service to be our differentiator. We focus on being hospitable and treating people like family.” Family pervades all aspects of Stellino’s, starting with the menu of traditional Italian favorites like meat lasagna and baked ziti inspired by Corbett’s Nana’s original recipes. “I don’t have many ingredients. Simple makes more sense,” said Corbett. “But I do like large and in-charge flavors.” Chicken Parmigiana, Veal Bolognese and Mom’s Meatballs & Gravy are hearty and comforting dishes that have been perfected as they’ve passed through generations of family cooking. Thin-crust pizzas stand out with fresh, unique combinations of toppings, such as
clams and pancetta, and anchovies and capers. The pizza dough is made with imported Italian flour and fermented for 48 hours, creating a light and crispy final product. “A lot of ideas come from outside experiences. Lately I’ve been trying to emulate the food that we have experienced in Italy in our travels,” said Corbett, who balances the menu’s classic staples with modern dishes and flavor pairings. Bruschetta is a time-tested appetizer, but don’t expect only fresh tomato and garlic on a crostini. Cannellini beans with pecorino Romano, sundried tomato with walnut, and blue crab with garlic bruschetta showcase unique flavors in familiar ways. Likewise, pesto made with peppery arugula, instead of the usual basil, dresses a shrimp and fusilli pasta entree that highlights current and classic Italian flavors. In the same way the menu combines modern and traditional elements, the restaurant’s interior fuses new and old. “I wanted to make it a bit of yin and yang,” said Corbett.
Best-Of Stellino’s Italiano Fresh off their Best New Restaurant Maggy Award, owners Corbett and Julie Monica share Stellino’s best of the best. BEST TO SHARE:
Bruschetta MOST POPULAR:
Lobster ravioli BEST COMFORT FOOD:
Meat lasagna BEST FOR KIDS:
Neopolitan pizza — margherita or Genoa CHEF’S FAVORITE:
Roasted mushrooms antipasti MOST UNEXPECTED:
Shrimp and arugula pesto BEST LIGHT FARE:
Beet and goat cheese salad BEST DESSERT:
Cannoli
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CARY MAGAZINE 79