CIAO! MILLE LIRE OPENING THIS NOVEMBER
This fall, acclaimed Italian chef, Giuliano Matarese, and business partner Brian Ellard will unveil Mille Lire, an Italian restaurant rooted in the tradition and authenticity of Italy with an air of modernity. Mille Lire will open in The Centrum at 3102 Oak Lawn, Suite 116.
CHEF GIULIANO MATARESE
Born and raised in Italy, Giuliano’s culinary studies began in his grandmother’s restaurant in Napoli, where he spent his free time learning from the best. Now with more than 20 years of experience, Chef Giuliano has perfected his skills in some of New York’s most prestigious restaurants including Charlie Palmer’s Aureole under mentor and chef, Dante Boccuzzi, and has held esteemed positions in luxury resorts and “Michelin Star” restaurants such as Convivio. He has also appeared on top cooking shows including Chopped and Beat Bobby Flay.
LA DOLCE VITA
Mille Lire’s name is derived from Italy’s former currency, the Lira, used until the early 2000’s when the Euro was introduced. The restaurant will be Chef Giuliano’s nod to “la dolce vita” or “the sweet life” of his childhood, but with new, inspired ingredients.
MANGIARE e BERE
Guests to Mille Lire will enjoy “neoclassic” dishes that maintain the integrity of authentic Italian cuisine with global influences. The evolving menu will rotate seasonally and incorporate Italian-sourced ingredients like olive oils and cheeses, as well as local produce, meats and more. Also sent directly from Italy are a Neapolitan pizza oven and a pasta-making machine which will allow Chef Giuliano to infuse flavors directly into the 100 percent house made pastas. Craft cocktails and a carefully curated assortment of wines from various regions will also be available.
CHE BELLO
From the creative-minds behind Coevál Studio, Mille Lire’s design elements invoke an old- world feel. The Mille Lire design team chose warm and textured fabrics as an anchor for the space, with tones ranging from burnt oranges to various shades of brown and modern grays. Outlines of the Lira are reflected in custom cement tiles and upholstered banquette seating, contributing to the authentic setting.
A floor-to-ceiling moss wall and custom wine cellar will serve as the focal points upon entering Mille Lire. Intimate booths lead into the main area which seamlessly blends three varying experiences together. On the left, the custom U-shaped bar provides a casual yet social setting while a partially-open kitchen on the right gives a behind-the-scenes glimpse into Chef Giuliano’s domain. Guests can also seek out the sun in the indoor patio which features floor-to-ceiling windows, a custom-built skylight and a live olive tree. For a more intimate experience, the dining room adjacent to the patio is bordered by exquisite curtains which can be closed to create a private dining room for up to 50 people.
Mille Lire will be open for lunch and dinner daily. For happy hour, guests will experience Mille Lire Italian Aperitivo, featuring a delicious selection of classic drinks and mouthwatering small bites. Onthe weekends, diners will enjoy a unique-to-Dallas Italian brunch, complete with a prosecco bar.
