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GETTING TO KNOW YOU Cucciolo Osteria
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wner/chef Jimmy Kim is from Seoul, South Korea. He lived in Switzerland most of his childhood and came Durham to attend Duke University for undergrad as well as for his master’s, which he received from the Fuqua School of Business. Cucciolo Osteria opened last July at 601 W. Main St., Ste. C, with a 70seat dining room, including 15 seats at the bar. There’s also limited patio seating for up to eight. Appetizers range in price from $7 to $18; pasta dishes from $13 to $19; and entrees from $19 to $40. “Our goal from the beginning [was] to serve simple, authentic Italian food made well,” Jimmy 34
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THE SKINNY ON THE TOP FOUR FAVORITE NEW RESTAURANTS
says. Cucciolo is best known for its pasta dishes, like the Spicy Vodka Tomato Cream Sauce Rigatoni, Black Truffle Tajarin and Walnut Pesto Tagliatelle; the butter chicken is another fan favorite. Jimmy hints that the popular Cacio e Pepe will be back on the menu for the summer, and he encourages guests to save room for the tiramisu. “We put a lot of effort and time to make this classic dessert the right way,” he says. Another tip: Order family style so that your party can share and taste various dishes. New for this summer, Jimmy and his team are nearing completion on a private dining room – with its own entrance and bathroom – which can accommodate up to 40 people and features paintings by Duke Arts students that were designed for the space.