The owner of two popular Lowcountry restaurants is bringing his vision for Italian dining inspired by his heritage to Summerville and just released the menu.
French Master Chef Nico Romo- who oversees NICO in Mount Pleasant and Bistronomy in downtown Charleston- is set to open "Laura" on June 1.
While the two other Nico Hospitality Group restaurants focus on French cuisine, Laura will explore traditional Italian family recipes from Romo's maternal grandmother’s side.
The newly-released menu explores the flavors and dishes passed through generations and prepared for him by his grandmother, who was born in the small, hillside town of Arpino in Italy. A key part of Laura's culinary program is Nico's late grandmother's "Mother Sauce," which is made over two days using only five ingredients- olive oil, tomatoes, garlic, basil, and salt.
"This slow and loving approach to cooking is the personification of Romo’s approach to food and hospitality at Laura. Laura is an extension of the cherished family meals around Romo’s childhood dinner table while enjoying Laura’s cooking," a press release from the restaurant read.
The menu will include pastas, breads, and pizza dough made from scratch; apertivo and antipasti, and homemade desserts like gelati, cannolis and tiramisu.
The 6,000-square-foot space along Main Street will serve up antipasti plates, Neapolitan pizzas prepared in a wood-fire oven and other Italian dishes. A full-service bar will offer a view of the kitchen and pizza oven. There will also be an outdoor patio with a full-service bar, as well as a private dining area.
Cocktails will include Laura originals, plus Italian twists on classics.
Laura will be open Wednesday, June 1 for dinner nightly from 4 to 10 p.m. Weekend lunch and brunch will be added in the weeks following. Reservations are recommended but not required.