Bellina Alimentari, Midtown’s Gastronomic Passport to Italy, Opens October 19 at Ponce City Market

Buon giorno! Bellina Alimentari, an epicurean epicenter of authentic Italian foods, wines, beers and gifts opens Monday, October 19 in the Central Food Hall at Ponce City Market in Midtown. Architect/owner Tal Postelnik Baum welcomes all to embrace "la vita è bontà" or "food as a way of life" -- whether life is busier than a Roman road or serene as the Tuscan countryside -- through Bellina Alimentari’s unique Kitchen, Bar, Market and Culinary Club. Executive chef David Berry, general manager Jim Monast and creative director Alice Noel Fabi join Baum in making this good life possible, delectably and affordably. Pick up a freshly prepared meal in the Kitchen to go or to eat in Ponce City Market’s collective dining hall (people watching from cafe tables is sport in Italy). Chef Berry’s menu dishes out heady sauces, house-made pastas, seasonal vegetable dishes, an antipasti bar and specialties such as maltagliati della sorellina (house-made maltagliati pasta with mushroom ragù and crispy chicken bites) and Francesina, a traditional Tuscan pulled beef and sweet onion stew, served over creamy polenta. For a more intimate Italian meal, sit down in the Bar, a 14-seat, full-service dining area where guests are privy to a wide selection of wine, beer and craft cocktails. The Market is heaven for cook-it-yourselfers with its array of fresh pastas, finest Italian imported products such as olive oils, sauces and spreads, plus many locally sourced and made-for-Bellina Alimentari meats and cheeses. Those searching for gifts for gourmets and handcrafted items will find the selection “bellissimo!” Learn the Italian way to prepare fresh, healthy meals with simple ingredients by taking a workshop or cooking class at the Culinary Club, which also will be a venue for special events and private parties. The name Bellina Alimentari loosely translates to “lovely specialty food store.” Hours are Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Oh, but it’s so much more. Follow Bellina Alimentari on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For additional information, call 404-330-9933.