A “Little Italy” emerges in Grass Valley

THOUGH BEST KNOWN FOR ITS CORNISH heritage, Grass Valley has been home to Italian immigrants since the gold-rush days. The land is similar to the hills of Italy, for winemaking, ranching and other pursuits.

Now a “Little Italy” is sprouting up downtown for dining, shopping and celebrating Italian culture. On Bank Street, in the historic district, the Bear River Pasta Co. is joined by the Villa Venezia restaurant and the Italian Cultural Center in the Gold Miner’s Inn/Holiday Inn Express.

Bear River Pasta is known for fresh pastas, sauces, ravioli and other Italian specialties. It also offers “to-go” or “eat-in” meals, including new daily specials. They stock a full shelf of imported Italian products, ranging from olive oils to strained tomatoes.

For the holidays, Bear River Pasta will carry brightly-wrapped, imported Panettone, the Italian Christmas bread. The brand, Battistero, is among Italy’s most famous. They will also have La Florentine Torrone (a traditional Christmas sweet), Amerana cherries (for gourmet toppings) and more.

Bear River Pasta Co. has welcomed fall with fresh pumpkin and butternut squash ravioli. Its ravioli are popular for Christmas Eve and Christmas.

At Cornish Christmas, owners Theresa McGuire and Carl Brenner will wear authentic costumes and serve their homemade meatball sandwiches and cannolis.

As for their neighbors, Villa Venezia is an authentic Northern Italian dining experience on Bank Street. The setting, in a restored Victorian, is ideal for a romantic or family gathering. The restaurant features foothill wines.

The Italian Cultural Center is located in the lobby of the Gold Miner’s Inn. It provides literature about Italy, language classes and shows Italian movies, among other activities. “We honor the legacy of Italian immigrants and their descendants,” says Stefano Woods, a founder of the group.