In February, 2014 Patrick and Sally Halloran purchased Signal Mountain’s Nino’s Italian Restaurant from Nino Piccolo who owned the Italian eatery for nearly 20 years. After a brief refresh and a few modifications in the kitchen, the couple relaunched as Hummingbird Pastaria on March 4, 2014.
Fast forward to a year later, Hummingbird Pastaria has already made its mark on the local community, and it’s not hard to see why. Chef Patrick has put his spin on several of the menu’s Italian classics like Polpette (pork meatballs made from local whole hogs, butchered in house) while introducing many dishes like Gamberi con Polenta (domestic wild caught shrimp, Anson Mill's polenta, Benton’s bacon, and seasonal vegetables) and the Bisteca entreé (grilled hanger steak, red skin potato, roasted tomato, roasted red pepper aioli, pan jus).
While the finished product at Hummingbird Pastaria is remarkable on its own, the individual elements used to create these unique dishes are equally as noteworthy. The kitchen makes all breads, fresh mozzarella, sauces, meatballs, sausage, desserts, and many fresh pastas in house daily using high quality and, when possible, local ingredients.
As Hummingbird Pastaria reaches its one-year anniversary, new and exciting additions are afoot.
In the coming weeks, patrons will be able to enjoy dishes to go from a new deli case. Items available for sale will include a variety of cured meats (some of which are cured in house), cheeses (including the housemade fresh mozzarella), and salads. The upcoming renovation and expansion to the front patio will lend itself to guests lingering on warm evenings to enjoy the restaurant’s wine selection and antipasti offerings.
Hummingbird Pastaria also recently made some modifications to the dining room with locally handcrafted woodwork using reclaimed wood, including benches which will especially be put to good use when the restaurant begins its new community table dinners. Once a month, by reservation only, 20 seats will be available for guests who together will enjoy a specially-prepared family style meal.
As a thank you to the community for its support over the last year, Hummingbird Pastaria will host two weeks of special events. Starting in late March, patrons will enjoy everything from evenings of live music, food and drink specials to children’s activities - there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Hummingbird Pastaria wants to not only thank the community but also bring locals together over thoughtfully prepared, delicious food. The Hallorans and the Hummingbird Pastaria family look forward to serving as Signal Mountain’s neighborhood trattoria for many years to c