“Italian home cooking” is how Darwin Gattini describes the pasta creations at Momo’s Italian Specialities. For 17 years, Momo’s has served traditional Italian fare to guests looking for a casual, family-like atmosphere.
Founded by Antonio “Momo” Gattini, the restaurant has two locations in the Dallas area. Sons Darwin and Matteo manage the restaurants and keep up the family tradition. Darwin emphasizes, though: “Our dad’s still the figurehead.”
“Our pastas and risottos are our most popular dishes,” Darwin says. And why not, when they offer more than 30 different varieties of pasta at $12.85? The angel hair pasta with shrimp and smoked salmon is a favorite, while other, more expensive, entrees are also available, such as a salmon dish for $18.
Open for lunch during the week from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., and dinner every night from 5-10:30 p.m. Although the restaurant doesn’t serve alcohol, you’re welcome to bring your own beer or wine. The restaurant’s attire is casual, and reservations are accepted, although not required.
Come as you are. Here, they’ll treat you like family.
MOMO’S ITALIAN SPECIALTIES
9191 Forest Lane
972-234-6800
LUNCH HOURS: Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
DINNER HOURS: Mon-Sun 5-10:30 p.m.
$$, OD
Gnocchi Alla Salsiccia
Serves four
Sauce:
4 links sweet Italian sausage
Equal amount of ground turkey
1 white onion
1 cup tomato sauce
2 Tbs. butter
Parmesan cheese to taste
Halve the onion, and cut into thin slices; place in melted butter in large pan over moderate heat. While the onion is sauteing, mix sausage and turkey together in a bowl. Place the meal mixture in with the onion, and cook on low fire for about an hour, periodically stirring. Five minutes before meat is ready to come off stove, add tomato sauce and mix well.
Mix with four servings of cooked gnocchi (Momo’s recommends homemade gnocchi, but it can also be bought at the store) and add Parmesan to taste.
