CARMELO'S CELEBRATES 34TH ANNIVERSARY WITH 'SUMMER IN TUSCANY'

May 19, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Robin Cavanaugh
RobinCavanaugh@comcast.net / 713-851-4478

CARMELO'S RISTORANTE ITALIANO CELEBRATES 34TH ANNIVERSARY
WITH 'SUMMER IN TUSCANY' WINE DINNER JUNE 12

HOUSTON (May 19, 2015) … Mamma mia! Carmelo's Ristorante Italiano will honor its 34th anniversary with a "Summer in Tuscany" wine dinner Friday, June 12. The savory celebration takes place from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at
14795 Memorial Drive in west Houston's Energy Corridor and will feature some of Carmelo's personal favorites.

When Carmelo Mauro brought his wife and family to Houston in 1979, he had a dream to create a restaurant with the same ambience and authentic Italian foods he grew up with in Taormina, Sicily. After 15 years honing his skills working in Germany, England, Switzerland, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands, he was ready to put down roots.   He chose Houston after befriending Texas tourists during his time working in the Caribbean.

"All my Texas customers encouraged me to move to Houston where living was affordable and the burgeoning oil business was king," said Carmelo Mauro, owner of Carmelo's Ristorante Italiano.   "My family and I have called Texas home for 36 years and have experienced so much good fortune here. From the diverse population to the truly philanthropic community, we love Houston and want our customers to join us for this special milestone."

The magical evening includes a reception and four-course dinner pairing Carmelo's award-winning cuisine with some of Italy's finest wines. From the Rigatoni with Artichokes and Sausage paired with Cum Laude “Super Tuscan”
Banfi 2010, to the Brunello di Montalcino, Banfi 2007, served with the Porterhouse Steak, Artichokes and Sweet Peas, the evening is sure to be a sweet and savory journey for the senses mixed with Italian dining and stories from Carmelo's 34-year journey.

The cost for Carmelo's "Summer in Tuscany" wine dinner is $95 per person (plus tax and gratuity) and seating is limited. Always a sell-out, reservations are required at www.carmelosrestaurant.com or by calling 281-531-0696.

Chef Carmelo Mauro has operated Carmelo's Ristorante Italiano in west Houston since 1981, later opening Carmelo's Austin in the historic Old Depot Hotel in 1985. Carmelo's serves Italian cuisine influenced by Mauro's Taormina, Sicily, heritage mixed with his culinary adventures working in Germany, England, Switzerland, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands.    Mauro is the recipient of the Texas Restaurant Association President's Award, the Cornerstone Humanitarian of the Year named by the National Restaurant Association, and a member of the Wine & Food Week Hall of Fame and Texas Restaurant Association Hall of Honor. He also served as former president of the Houston Restaurant Association and the Texas Restaurant Association. Both his restaurants in Houston and Austin hold the Seal of Ospitalita Italiana from the Italian Government guaranteeing the authenticity of the cuisine.

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Wine Dinner
Summer in Tuscany

Reception

Gnocchi di Ricotta
Eggplant Gnocchi
Angry Ahi Tuna
La Pettegola Vermentino Toscana

Dinner

Primo
Rigatoni with Carciofi e Salsiccia
Rigatoni with Artichokes and Sausage
Cum Laude “Super Tuscan” Banfi 2010

Zuppa
Crema Fredda di Verdura
Chilled Summer Vegetable Soup with Ditalini
Centine Rose, Banfi 2012

Piatto Principale
Bistecca e Polpette alla Fiorentina
Frittata di Carciofi, Piselli e Patate
Porterhouse Steak, Artichokes and Sweet Peas
Brunello di Montalcino, Banfi 2007

Dolce
Trilogy of Desserts
Chocolate Mousse Pie in Chocolate Crust
Apricot with Mango Sorbet
Tiramisu
Florus Moscadello di Montalcino Late Harvest, 2010

Espresso

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