Gianmarco’s- Homewood, Alabama
We owe our discovery of this OUTSTANDING restaurant to a bartender at another establishment. Mike usually researches where he would like to dine before a trip. We check off places on the list and revisit those that we really love. This place never made our list, but after asking around for a good “pasta place”, we were let in on the local secret. The Five Points area of Birmingham is hard to beat. You can find some great lunch places around Birmingham, but our usual dinner spot is somewhere in Five Points. Gianmarco’s is located in Homewood, and practically hidden in a neighborhood of homes. We were sure the GPS got it wrong when suddenly we saw a throng of cars around a little one story building. It was a Wednesday night at 8pm. The cars mobbed around the building like a rock concert. People were parking streets away just to get in this place. I was immediately excited and confused. Could this really be that good?
We made our own spot in the back corner of the lot and started walking towards the building. There was a small shack with soft glowing patio lights at the back of a larger building. A small stone path connected the two. The sign read, “Gianmarco’s Wine Shop”. It was packed with people laughing and happy. We continued on to the front building.
Immediately we heard conversations and laughing just on the other side of the glass windows. Entering through the bar side, we made our way through a small corridor of people lined up at the bar and along the tables on the back wall. The dining room entrance is just within sight where you will get your first glimpse at the man that runs it all Giovanni Respinto. Nearly 80 years old, but honestly looks like a well-kept 55 at most, Giovanni manages the entire floor including hosting you to your table, himself. We originally had booked the “chef’s table”, which is a two-person counter seat just to the left of the expediter. You get a full on view of the kitchen and all its wonders for no extra charge. Giovanni tells us that everyone came late because of the rain, and he is waiting for the two ladies presently sitting at the chef’s table to leave. After about 15 minutes, he gives us the option of another table in the dining room and we take it.
Our waiter is Rick, a fun and happy guy. He reminds you of that favorite uncle that keeps his youthful and hippie-like attitude no matter what age. He’s been the restaurant business for years and has worked around the Birmingham area for a while. You feel like you can trust his recommendations, which is a huge plus for out-of-towners. We start off with two Brunellos. During our 15 minute wait, we were able to get a glimpse at some of the food along its way to tables. There was one dish that Mike wanted and we quickly found it on the menu. Fiocchi Pasta Purses. Rick agrees that this is the best appetizer on Gianmarco’s menu. We add in the steamed mussels as well. For entrees, Mike orders the veal tortellini and I order spaghetti with meatballs and sausage. It doesn’t sound exciting, but for me it’s the only way to tell if you are in a quality Italian restaurant. The sauce can make or break you. The meatballs will tell me if you are an amateur, or if you know what good food really means. For dessert, Mike orders custard and I order their version of an apple cobbler. Below is the breakdown:
Fiocchi Fresh Pasta Purses Stuffed with Pears, Gorgonzola, and Walnuts with Drawn Sage Butter and Prosciutto- These are so good, Mike wanted an order to go for dessert. He dreamt about them that night. We cancelled reservations at another restaurant the next day just to go back and get this dish. It’s that good.
Poached Maine Mussels in white wine, garlic and extra virgin olive oil – The broth with these mussels is just like mama makes. It’s lush and seasoned…you just dip your bread in it and moan in bliss.
Veal and Cheese Tortellini with Gorgonzola Cream and Granna Padano- A large portion with a sauce so rich that it almost puts you over the edge before dessert…almost.
Spaghetti with Meatballs and Sweet Italian Sausage Simmered in Tomato Sauce-Here it is! The true test of Italian restaurant skills. Gianmarco’s is a MASTER. Pasta cooked impeccably. Sauce is seasoned and full of zesty flavor. Meatballs that taste like a harmonious blend of meat and spices. Sausage with a texture and flavor that makes you feel like it just left the hands of your grandma. It’s love on a plate.
Apple Crostato with cinnamon gelato and caramel-A spot-on crispy crunch on the outside and delicious apples in a homemade sauce on the inside. I
Zabaione with seasonal fruit-A creamy custard with fresh fruit. It was subtle and perfect for Mike who had just about tapped out at his entrée.
I will include our meals for the following night. We loved this place so much, we had to go back before our trip ended.
Fiocchi Fresh Pasta Purses Stuffed with Pears, Gorgonzola, and Walnuts with Drawn Sage Butter and Prosciutto- The pasta purses are proportioned with just the right amount of dough to mix in with the crunchy creamy stuffy. The sauce is enough to make you want to use it in every meal.
Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella with Basil, Olive Oil, and Aged Balsamic- With tomatoes in season, I couldn’t resist this classic salad. I’m the kind of person that craves a good balsamic…this was really delicious and not overpowering.
Veal Chop Milanese served with chopped salad, lemon and evo, with fried eggs- When you go big, you go really big. Two huge veal chops, cooked to tender perfection with a crunchy outer layer of seasoned breadcrumbs all topped with a grand and plump fried egg. The rich yellow yolk slid over my veal like an opulent sauce. I couldn’t stop eating it. The chopped salad with lemon and olive oil dressing is old school tradition and I welcomed every comforting bite.
Kobe Steak, Mac and Cheese, and Brussel Sprouts-This was a special that night and Mike loves Kobe. He may have ate so much of the mac and cheese that it ruined him on the meat. It was a sirloin cut, so it’s going to be a little tough, but he said he enjoyed it very much.
New York Style Cheesecake – Homemade! Velvety smooth filling, buttery crust and just the right circular tart-like portion so still look good in your dress.
Chocolate Ravioli – A chocolate dough, deep fried, and stuffed with a sweet cream sauce and doused in powdered sugar.
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