The folks who live in Hanover’s Arundel Mills seem to be a little bit happier since Vivo Trattoria Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar opened its doors in December. The Italian tavern at The Hotel at Arundel Preserve has a menu to please just about every palate, with comfort food versions of pasta, flatbreads and such traditional preparations as veal piccata and chicken parmigiana. There’s also a highly accessible wine list with plenty of options in the $30 to $50 range.
The interior is a fury of textures, with faux stone walls with lettered signs announcing trattoria, pizza and vino. Wood blinds compete with long draperies and there are at least four styles of light fixtures—as if multiple designers were at work independently. If something about the place says chain, that’s just where it’s headed.
Vivo is a prototype for additional projects, says George Korten, of the Long Island-based George Martin restaurant group, which also owns Grillfire across the lobby. Grillfire has locations in Merrick and Rockville Centre, Long Island, and the group also owns Strip Steak and GM Burger Bar. “We’d like to take Vivo someplace else if there’s a market for it,” Korten says. “Maryland seems underserved.” 7793-B Arundel Mills Blvd., Hanover,
410-799-7440, http://www.vivotrattoria.com
—Martha Thomas
