The interior at Salento Italia
Right off the bat, this isn’t a review or even a “First Bite” of these two new restaurants that have opened in the past few weeks. I haven’t visited either one of them yet, but let this be an impetus to check them out soon, and I’ll try to do the same.
First up, Bill and Sam Darsinos have opened up a new Italian eatery in Donelson at 329 Donelson Pike adjacent to SweetMilk, their new breakfast project in partnership with Pat Martin. In addition to these restaurants, the Darsinos have also been involved with some other favorites like GReKo, Darfons and Southside Grill, so they’ve had lots of restaurant experience to pour into this latest addition.
Salento Italia is a split-level space with high ceilings that offers traditional Italian food accented with the Darsinos’ Greek roots. Currently open seven days a week for dinner, Salento plans to add lunch service during the week once they’ve got all their internal systems nailed down.
The menu revolves around classic antipasti like arancini, bruschetta and meatballs, followed by traditional pasta dishes, pizzas and larger piatti principali ranging from a pistachio-crusted salmon to chicken Parm and lasagna Bolognese. The menu offers the choice of small or large sizes of pastas, a nice touch if you’re building your own multicourse progression or just want to tuck into a big platter of bucatini lamb ragu and call it a night.
Desserts look like a greatest hits of sweet treats, including affogato, olive oil cake and tiramisu, plus a full wine, beer and spirits bar to accompany your meal. The Darsino family has long been a dependable group of restaurateurs after more than 40 years owning and operating Middle Tennessee restaurants, so I expect Salento Italia to be a welcome addition to Donelson. If you get there before I do, let us know what you think! Walk-ins are welcome or you can make reservations online.
There’s something to be said for choosing one thing and doing it well, and that’s the idea behind Only Chicken, a new Hillsboro Village restaurant at 2127 Belcourt Ave. in the former home of Shokku Ramen. According to their Instagram page, the restaurant’s motto is “Where Every Bite Takes Flight — A Chicken Lover's Delight!” which I have to admit tickles me to read.
Despite the name, there is more than just poultry on the menu at Only Chicken, and the new owner’s Turkish influences can be seen popping up in various spots. Lentil soup, falafel and fried phyllo-wrapped chicken pastries make appearances in the hot apps section of the menu, and cold starters include hummus, alinazik and haydari, the latter two featuring strained yogurt seasoned with vegetables and herbs.
Salads and wraps are available for smaller appetites, but then the menu dives deep into poultry. Ground chicken kebabs and a vegetarian plate are also on offer, along with grilled chicken wings.
I’ve walked by, but not inside yet. However, now that I’ve taken the time to peruse the menu at my newest neighborhood poultry palace, you can be sure I’ll try it out soon!
