Dallas - December 14, 2007

Fa-la-la-la Nonna

Nonna Opens

Your inner Grinch shows.

Understandably. The continual assault by candy canes, Christmas jingles, and animatronic reindeer would make anyone want to tell that sugarplum fairy where to stick her nutcrackers.

Sink into cozy new restaurant Nonna for a relaxing meal that promises no forced seasonal frivolities, peppermint-gingerbread creme brulee, or cheesy ho-ho-ho hijinks.

Chef Julian Barsotti’s menu offers authentic Italian cuisine with an emphasis on local and sustainably harvested ingredients: thin-crust Neapolitan pizzas; house-made sausages; and wild-caught Gulf shrimp with pancetta, shiitakes, and polenta. Exposed brick walls, a huge wood-burning oven, and modern art from Barry Whistler Gallery make for a chic setting.

There’s no guarantee that it will put you in a holly jolly mood.

But even “Bah, humbug” sounds better spoken with an Italian accent.

Nonna, 4115 Lomo Alto Drive, Highland Park (214-521-1800).