Enoteca Emilia: New in O'Bryonville

Pasta, spiedini and insalata at Emilia Enoteca

It's all Italian, from the salumi and formaggi (cured meats and cheese) pre-appetizers through the spiedini (grilled skewers of meat and garnishes), pasta, artisnal pizza and wines ranging from soave to amarone. Enoteca Emilia at 2038 Madison Road has been open just since mid-August and it doesn't yet have a website, although you can find them on Facebook.
We dropped in for dinner the other night and tried a few items, beginning with a lovely Principessa Gavi 2010 (mine) and a glass of Abrigo Rosato Dolcetto 2010 for my companion. She ordered deviled eggs for a quick nosh -- three eggs each garnished with a tasty topping, a bit pricey she thought at $7. After that, we split three dishes: asparagus salad with an heirloom tomato vinaigrette -- the lightest and for my taste the best thing we ate. Again, she thought it was good but that $10 was too much for the portion.
Along with that we split a rich, buttery Bucatini pasta with prosciutto, white wine, a tiny bit of frisee lettuce (I wished for more of that) and a side of roasted cauliflower, also a bit too rich with olive oil for my waistline.
We spoke with owner Margaret Ranalli after we ate and found her open to our feedback. She also said the restaurant had started well and she felt good about the community's reaction thus far.
My friend and I agreed we would both return. I'd like to try the pizzas and more of the pastas, and would definitely order the asparagus salad again. There are enough interesting Italian wines -- not a strong suit in my wine knowledge -- to entice me back, as well.
The space -- formerly Brickyard Pizza -- makes for a pleasant, open ambiance. It's definitely a good addition to the neighborhood, and Cincinnati needs more wine oriented places to dine. Check it out!