The Salsamenteria di Parma has hit Paris, at the heart of the South Pigalle district. And while the city of Parma is already famous for Toscanini, Paganini, Verdi, its soccer team, and of course, its excellent ham and parmesan cheese, the traditional cuisine of this fine region of Emilia-Romagna is still relatively unknown. The charming dining room is decorated like a typical grocery-trattoria, with its wood furniture, plump hams hanging from the walls and large rounds of cheese overlooking the long, marble-topped bar. Plates feature a wide selection of tasty charcuterie, all the same cut or in a mix, for one or up to four people to share, like this rare 18-month Culatello ham. A selection of panini and local tapas also make for a great after-work snack or light dinner. But the real stars are the restaurant’s pasta recipes and typical dishes from Parma, unique in Paris, like the agnoletti di zibello (meat and tomato ravioli with Culatello ham sauce for €12), the tortelli d’erbetta (ravioli stuffed with ricotta, Swiss chard and parmesan, €12) or the guancialini di maiale (pork cheeks simmered in Lambrusco wine with fried polenta (€16). Alongside the classic panna cotta, desserts also include an original chocolate saucisson (€4.50), much like a Spanish turrón. The short wine list is 100% Italian, giving pride of place to Lambrusco sparkling wines, which are not served by the glass but… by the bowlful (€4.50 to €6 for 18cl)! Apparently it’s tradition…
