After a long week of work, chores, carpools and practices, it's time to kick back and have some fun.

When looking for a fun place to relax with a glass of wine, it's great to consider some place new and different.

As of late August, A Little Bit of Tuscany can now be on your list of destinations to go with friends, neighbors and loved ones.

Visitors entering the eatery, located at 84 E. Main St., will feel transported to a charming café nestled in a northern Italian neighborhood. The butterscotch walls are covered with beautiful finds from Italy, which are available to view on display or tempt you for sale.

Seating is available on wrought iron chairs surrounding beautifully set tables. The authentic atmosphere is bolstered by the Italian music playing, featuring artists as varied as Frank Sinatra and Andrea Bocelli.

Like a number of other restaurants and cafes downtown, Little Bit is a family affair. Rose Seaman owns the café with her husband Kirk, who happens to have his law office just next door. The couple's two children, Rachel and Branden, also work at the café.

Our visit was a girls' evening out, complete with light fare, great conversation and terrific wine. While waiting for our table we were able to browse through the shelves of authentic Italian wares. Throughout the evening, the café was crowded with guests mingling and munching with new and old friends, providing a welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of a comfortable party.

On the evening we visited, Rachel Seaman was our waitress. She served us with a smile while adorned in the sunny uniform of a yellow T-shirt embellished with the Tuscan sunflower of the shop's logo.

The café offers gourmet pizzas, paninis, pastries, espresso and many small plates.

Rose recommended the wild mushroom pizza, or the new prosciutto panini.

The menu will change with the seasons, such as its new offering of homey Liguria Bean stew. "It's a hearty mix of fava beans, wine, sausage, chicken, potatoes and veggies," said Rose.

Dinner isn't the only opportunity to dine at A Little Bit of Tuscany.

In fact, the work day can be brilliantly interrupted with a venture out to Little Bit.

"Lunch is a relaxing and delicious experience," said Carrie Parker, a recent visitor. "The bruschetta and Italian chicken salad were both incredible, and it's a great new place to go for lunch."

Spouses and wallets beware -- the amazing food is only surpassed by the astonishing shopping opportunities. A place to eat, drink and shop -- what could be better? It's a girl's dream! From pottery and candle holders to books and jewelry, there's little you won't covet in the boutique part of the café.

"All of our items are either imported from or inspired by Italy," Rose proudly stated. "You can walk around with a glass of wine, shop for gifts, and visit a Tuscan shop without ever leaving Westminster.

"It's always been a dream to own a place to eat, drink, and shop," she added. "My husband believed in my concept and let me live my dream, right here in Westminster."

Capacity for dining is just 35, so reservations are strongly recommended.

Outside seating is also available. Given the blustery days and nights on the horizon, an outside back patio is heated and can seat 20 guests. Parking is available in front of the cafe on the street, or in the lot behind the café.

For extra fun, Little Bit also plans to host wine tastings and wine dinners in the future, and the location is available for private parties. "We're already booking for the holidays," said Rose.

Little Bit of Tuscany (410-857-4422, www.alittlebitoftuscany. com) is located at 84 E. Main St., Westminster. Hours are noon to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays; and noon to 10 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays.

Missie Wilcox serves on several Westminster and Carroll County boards, and can be found shopping, eating or enjoying downtown on a regular basis. Contact her at 410-456-0397 with column ideas.

user comments (0)