Simpatico, Italy’s Finest, a specialty “All Things Italian” retailer and Trattoria Wine & Food Venue, will be celebrating their 21st birthday on Saturday October 11th with a special Italian Festival of wine tasting up to 21 wines, food, live accordion music, and birthday dessert tasting. The tented venue is located in their courtyard at 104-106 Railroad Avenue in St. Michaels, MD. Activities for all ages are planned for this festive event during this annual holiday weekend event.
The celebration over the day includes:
- Wine tastings of up to 21 wines supported by several Italian wine importers
- Bruschetta to enjoy while tasting wine, and lunch is available as well
- Food tastings of Simpatico’s delicious Italian specialties
- Live music from Accordion Artist Sergio Fresco
- A Birthday Dessert competition will offer tastes of up to 3 desserts for a donation with the proceeds to benefit Baywater Animal Rescue in Cambridge, MD in honor of Bella. If you would like to donate a dessert for this competition contact Bobbi at 410-745-0345.
- Special discounts off selected wines, foods and gifts
Details and tickets for the event can be purchased online at https://www.simpaticostmichaels.com/events-1/simpaticos-21st-birthday-in-our-courtyard-birthday-cake-tasting-in-st-michaels.
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 Italian artisans to enter the USA market. This passion for “All Things Italian” grew from Bobbi’s initial trip to Italy in 1992, which then turned into over 32 more trips over the years. Bobbi says “The favorite part of my DNA came 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 believe he is happy with what we have created here in St. Michaels.”
Originally mostly a ceramics and home furnishings shop located in the former leaning and now restored “Trattoria” historic building, Simpatico has expanded beyond these roots with increased focus on wine and food over the years. The incredible wine selection has been 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 and EVOO tastings, take out meals, cooking classes and wine-food tasting events in the Trattoria. Bobbi loves to share the happiness that Italy brings to people through the offerings at Simpatico. Many customers comment that they feel like they were just in Italy after visiting Simpatico. Key partner relationships with a number of Italian artisans, Italian wine and food importers and distributors are integral to the authentic 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 had with so many people, many of whom have become dear friends over the years. We look forward to more fun 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 is used for special events and al fresco dining.
This latest expansion with Trattoria Simpatico in late 2023 with a multi-purpose open plan space and small commercial kitchen in the back of the building is where Chef Dawn McLoughlin creates incredible Italian food. The Trattoria offers Italian wine & food available through Popup lunches, cooking classes, take out or pick up in the retail shop, special wine and food tastings events, 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 21st celebration over the upcoming Holiday weekend on Saturday, October 11th, from noon to 4:30 PM. Come join us for the kickoff of the next 21 years!
Details and tickets for the event can be purchased online at https://www.simpaticostmichaels.com/events-1/simpaticos-21st-birthday-in-our-courtyard-birthday-cake-tasting-in-st-michaels.
About Simpatico, Italy’s Finest
Simpatico, Italy’s Finest is an independent importer, retailer, wholesaler and restaurant in St. Michaels, MD, specializing exclusively in Made in Italy artisan products that include: a diverse selection of Italian wines and spirits; unique range of authentic Italian foods, meats, cheeses & more; chocolates; ceramic dinnerware and other home accessories; gifts and gift baskets, kitchen linens; Murano glass jewelry; Trattoria restaurant, and much more. Simpatico also offers special wine and food events, special private events, and cooking classes, wine tastings daily and trips to Italy. For more information, please visit www.simpaticostmichaels.com
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