Living The Dream: Da Mimmo Restaurant Celebrates 30 Years In Business

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—A long time ago in Baltimore a husband and wife had a dream to open a restaurant in Little Italy. Their dream became a reality.

Ron Matz reports they're celebrating 30 years in business.

On Jan. 11, 1984, Mimmo and Mary Ann Cricchio took a rowhome in Little Italy and converted it into the restaurant of their dreams.

"We wanted to provide the complete dining experience. They would come and dine on the best Italian food there was to offer," said Mary Ann Cricchio.

Da Mimmo was born.

"We feel so blessed here at Da Mimmo, that we've had 30 great years, and we hope to have 30 more," said Mary Ann Cricchio.

Saturday night, Mary Ann Cricchio will wear the same red dress she wore the night they opened.

"I would never get rid of the dress. It's hung in the back of my closet for 30 years now. I will wear it tomorrow evening when we roll back the prices to 1984," she said.

Mimmo Sr. died 10 years ago. Their son is carrying on the family tradition.

"We're very fortunate. People continue to come back to us. I love people coming here, and I love to see them happy. They're in our home. We're cooking for them. That's a very beautiful feeling. That is the American dream," said Mimmo Cricchio Jr.

It's been a home for celebrities from Sinatra to Johnny Depp, Pavarotti and Palmer. Tony Bennett is a good friend and so is our very own Bob Turk.

"I see two people who took a chance. They came to Baltimore with hard work and determination, wanting to fulfill their dream, and they did it in stunning fashion," Mimmo Cricchio Jr. said.

On Saturday night they'll roll back prices to 1984.

"If folks come in their best '80s attire tomorrow night, they'll receive a $30 gift certificate they can use at a future visit," said Mary Ann Cricchio.

As part of the celebration on Sunday, Jan. 19, Da Mimmo will donate 30 percent of their receipts to the Associated Italian American charities.

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