If you are looking for a taste of the old country, or are just craving some comfort food, look no further than the newest addition to the Rotary Centre for the Arts.

Roma Nord Bistro officially opened its doors at the downtown Rotary campus on March 30, bringing a taste of Roman-style Italian cuisine to 琉璃神社 diners.

鈥淲e could not be more pleased to welcome Roma Nord to the RCA and 琉璃神社 community,鈥� said Colleen Fitzpatrick, the executive director of the RCA. 鈥淭he culinary arts are a beautiful, engaging way to create cross-cultural understanding, and we鈥檙e confident that Roma Nord鈥檚 fresh, flavorful food will pair perfectly with the local Okanagan art and music that we feature in our Atrium.鈥�

The menu, ranging from everything from pastas to pizzas, could not be more authentic - owners Danilo and Angela D鈥橝lba emigrated from Rome, Italy to Canada approximately five years ago. Danilo said, through a translator, that the couple鈥檚 dream is to 鈥渂ring the experience of dining on a Roman piazza to 琉璃神社.

鈥淲e want people to understand what makes Roman food distinct from other Italian cuisines. We want to create something true to our Roman roots.鈥�

Both Danilo and Angela are well-versed in the culinary world. Danilo spent many years managing his family鈥檚 butcher shop in Italy, with Angela joining the business as an experienced home cook.

Their motto? 鈥淔ewer ingredients, but lots of love.鈥�

The D鈥橝lbas seem to have already made 琉璃神社 their home.

鈥淲alking around 琉璃神社 in May, when the flowers are coming out, reminds me of being in Rome in the spring,鈥� said Danilo. 鈥淭he climate, the vegetables, the fruit, and the wine鈥攊t鈥檚 all very Roman.鈥�

The fully-licensed bistro is open for both dine-in and takeout Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

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Jake.courtepatte@kelownacapnews.com
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