More burgers coming, and Bologna (inspiration), too

Expect a second Big Daddy’s Burger Bar, at Ballantyne Commons in the former Wizeguys spot, by the end of June or beginning of July, says partner Frank Scibelli. He is also looking to place a third Cantina 1511 in the SouthPark area (with rooftop bar!) in the near future. The original Big Daddy’s is in Dilworth, at 1626 East Blvd.

Also coming up at a Scibelli restaurant: new menu items at Mama Ricotta’s (601 S. Kings Drive). He and chef Scott Roule, back from traveling in Bologna, Parma and Milan in Italy, aim to put some of the fare they liked best there on the menu in six weeks or so. Look for cotoletta Milanese done with fine, cheeseless breading; malfatti (spinach and potato gnocchi baked with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and butter); risotto Milanese; shrimp and fresh artichoke strudel with walnut sauce; and penne with bacon, pumpkin and balsamico.

Roule will open the new Big Daddy’s when it’s time, says Scibelli, which means he’s in the process of looking for a chef for Mama’s, and he’s finding some surprising candidates – “a guy from Gordon Ramsey’s” among them, he says. And “apparently New York has really taken a hit, so I’m … seeing great resumes.”