Simpatico, Italy’s Finest, a specialty “All Things Italian” retailer and more, will be celebrating their 20th birthday over May 25th– 26th Memorial Day weekend at 104-106 Railroad Avenue in St. Michaels, MD to commemorate their opening in 2004 over this same weekend. Activities for all ages are planned for this festive event.
Simpatico was started out of owner Bobbi Parlett’s passion to import Italian products to the US that were not readily available here, and to help the Italian artisans. This passion for “All Things Italian” grew from Bobbi’s over 30 trips to Italy after an initial trip in 1992, and as Bobbi says “From the favorite part of my DNA from my great-great grandfather, Antonio DaPrato, who emigrated from Barga, Tuscany to the US when he was 15 years old in 1846. A picture of Antonio hangs in the shop today in honor of this heritage, and I like to think he is happy with what we have created here”.
Originally mostly a ceramics and home furnishings shop located in the former leaning 104 Railroad Avenue historic building, Simpatico has expanded beyond these roots, and has grown over the years to what some have called the best Italian wine selection in the area, with over 350 different wines from all 20 regions, a foodie haven with a broad and deep array of foods from Italy, as well as ceramics and gifts, daily wine tasting, take out meals and wine-food tasting events. Bobbi loves to share the happiness that Italy brings to people through the offerings at Simpatico. Key partner relationships with a number of Italian artisans, Italian wine and food importers and distributors are integral to the Simpatico offerings.
Bobbi shares “I can’t believe it has been this long that we have been open. We are only still in operation due to our wonderful customers, personable, fun staff and our families, volunteers, and special supplier relationships both here and in Italy. I am so humbled by the sharing of the love of Italy and the experiences we have with so many people, many of whom have become dear friends over the years. We look forward to more wonderful experiences together”.
Simpatico moved the retail shop in 2015 to the 106 Building across the courtyard on the property when the leaning 104 building was deemed structurally unsound. The building has since been restored, and the entire façade facing Talbot Street is painted in the colors of the Italian flag so there is no doubt about the Italy connection. Simpatico now operates in both buildings and the adjoining courtyard for special events and al fresco dining with the Trattoria Simpatico restaurant added in the restored building.
This latest expansion with Trattoria Simpatico is a multi-purpose open-plan space with a small commercial kitchen in the back of the building where Chef Dawn McLoughlin creates incredible Italian food available to eat in, take out, or pick up in the retail shop across the courtyard. The Trattoria offers Italian Wine & Food, special wine and Food tastings events, cooking classes, private parties and other special events.
Simpatico invites all Italian aficionados to our little piece of Italy in the heart of St. Michaels for our 20th celebration Memorial Day weekend on Saturday, May 25th and Sunday, May 26th, from noon to 5:00 PM. Come join us for the kickoff of the next 20 years!
Details and tickets for the event can be purchased online at https://www.simpaticostmichaels.com/events-1/simpaticos-20th-birthday-celebration-event-2 Add a lunch ticket to your order to enjoy an Italian hoagie or risotto with a glass of wine, for only $15 more!
The celebration over the two days includes:
- Wine tastings of up to 20 wines from Italy’s 20 regions supported by several of our Italian wine importers
- Food tastings of Simpatico’s delicious Italian specialties, including tasting of their fast becoming favorite Mangia Meatballs, sauces, cheeses and risotto, another house specialty
- Try your luck at bocce ball on the mini-court
- Test your knowledge of Simpatico history with a Trivia Contest – the winner will be awarded a Gift Basket of Dinner for Two
- Live music from Accordion Artist Sergio Fresca, sing or dance to the music, Sergio is a long time favorite from performing at previous events over the years past!
- Take advantage of special discounts of up to 15% off selected foods and gifts