An Italian twist

La Pecora Nera, famous for its handcrafted traditional Italian sandwiches and dishes, is set to open in Birmingham in March. The eatery, which also has locations in Farmington and Detroit, will occupy the former home of Planthropie at 135 Pierce Street. “La Pecora Nera is an authentic Italian deli with a true Italian experience. We bring in imported Italian meats, cheeses and fresh breads and we are really focused on quality,” said La Pecora Nera partner David Ayyash. The name La Pecora Nera translates to “black sheep.” Ayyash explains that the name is a play on the classic sandwiches that they prepare with an Italian twist. For example, their Rueben is made Italian-style and features Sy Ginsberg corned beef, with homemade spicy red wine vinegar cabbage slaw, pickles and mozzarella. Other popular dishes include the antipasti salad with mixed greens, genoa salami, fire roasted ham, capicola, mortadella, roasted red pepper, sun-dried tomato, mozzarella, parmesan, kalamata olives and homemade Italian dressing. Desserts include fresh baked cookies, hand stuffed cannoli and Italian gelato. The eatery has seating for approximately 12-15 guests and also offers charcuterie services as well as catering. La Pecora Nera will be open seven days a week, 10 a.m.-8: p.m., Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday. 135 Pierce Street, Birmingham lapecoraneradetroit.com