Dialect Magazine

The Leaning Tower, Italian Peninsula, and impeccable architecture all describe the beauty of Italy. What about the food?

Italian Cuisine has developed through centuries of changes that were both social and political. Although it seems to stand alone, Italian cuisine takes heavy influences from many different cultures; such as Etruscan, ancient Greek and Ancient Roman. Noted for its regional diversity, the difference in taste is known to be one of the most popular in the world with influences in many foreign lands. Despite its robust flavor content, Italian cuisine is characterized by its intense simplicity. This is because many dishes are prepared with only four to eight different ingredients. Overwhelming huh? It makes perfect sense on the account that Italian cooks rely on the quality of the ingredients rather than extensive preparation. These dishes and recipes are mostly the creation of a mother or grandmother rather than a chef. This factor makes many Italian dishes suitable for home cooking. Nowadays, cooking magazines have added to the excitement, by popularizing recipes targeting the home cook. Although ingredients and dishes vary by region, many dishes have proliferated with variations throughout the country. Examples of other foods that have become part of Italian culture are cheese, ham, wine, and espresso.

So, it is a hectic day at work, and I did not get to take my usual thirty-minute lunch break. This did not make me a happy camper, and the growling sensation that my stomach uttered, assured the agreement. I’m generally a seafood lover, but on this particular day, I was in the mood for some Italian. Once work, ended, I figured I would grab lunch, or an early dinner. As I started walking, I was almost lured in, by Subway, which seemed to be calling my name. I was in the mood for something authentic. I looked to my right and was instead lured by a cobblestone-inspired restaurant called Supano’s. Despite being a steakhouse, they also specialized in authentic Italian cuisine; as well as, seafood. I see this little place all the time, but I never tried it, so I said, “Let me check it out“.

As I walked through its wooden doors, I was taken aback by its Mediterranean ambiance, as well as the smooth jazz that filled the air. I was taken to a quiet table in the corner where I viewed the extensive menu. There were also organic and gluten free selections, which are a rarity, for many restaurants in Baltimore. A plentiful array of appetizers caught my eye as they were also reasonably priced, (ranging from $2.95 to $15.95). In spite of this, I decided to resist. For my entrée, I opted for the Lobster Ravioli, although I wasn’t craving Italian. This was also a way to satisfy my usual seafood fetish. It was the perfect blend of lobster meat, ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, breadcrumbs, eggs and leeks. It was served in a white wine sauce, which was also infused with butter and crushed garlic. My tastes buds were smiling immensely. In fact, they probably won’t ever be the same again. The price wasn’t so bad either.

The happy hour also seems nice, $4 margaritas and martinis, $5 dollar house wines, $3 domestic bottles. If you’re looking for a casual, yet entertaining Friday or Saturday night, stroll on down, and enjoy the live blues and Jazz from 7 -10 PM also karaoke from 10:30PM-1:30AM.

Ooops!!! I almost forgot, in order to stroll over, you’ll need the address:

Supano’s Steakhouse
110 Water Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 630-4161

The kitchen stays open late also, until 1:30AM daily. In most places, that’s only a weekend thing. Cool huh? Although, it was my first time visiting Supano’s, I’ll definitely go back. The Lobster Ravioli was unforgettable, but that Chicken and Shrimp Scampi was enticing also. See you there!!!