“When I saw you I fell in love and you smiled because you knew” – Shakespeare

Il giorno della festa degli innamorati – Valentine’s Day in Italy was initially celebrated as an outdoor Spring Festival.  Young people gathered to enjoy listening to music and the reading of poetry. Later they would stroll off with their Valentine into the garden.

 Honoring one of today’s traditions, the giving of Baci Perugina – small, chocolate-covered hazelnuts containing a small slip of paper with a romantic poetic quote in four languages, is one of our ways to show our appreciation of you.

 This Valentine’s Day, who is your affection for…

Your husband? Your wife?
Your girlfriend? Your boyfriend?                                                                                                                  
Your best friend
                 or…pastaaaaah…?  Choose your night out!

                       Serving our Celebration Menu and …

•Friday 10th ◊ Complimentary Baci

•Saturday 11th ◊ Complimentary Baci

•Sunday 12th ◊ 10AM enjoy our Brunch $15.95

                          ◊ Dinner- Complimentary $20 gift certificate for  use in March 2012

•Monday 13th ◊ Complimentary chocolate covered strawberries

•Tuesday 14th ◊ Complimentary glass of Moscato

As you celebrate your romance and friendship “Be our Italian Valentine” and

Share a little Italian love with our Chocolate Covered Strawberries Recipe ~ Perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients:  for 6 strawberries
2 oz. dark chocolate
6 Jumbo ripe strawberries with stems
Method:
Melt dark chocolate in a container over a pot of boiling water.
Swirl each strawberry individually in the melted chocolate and place on a plate to dry.

 Buon Appetito!

Houstonfans are full-blown with anticipation and excitement to cheer on the Houston Texans as they host their first playoff game in franchise history. Football pride fills the city of Houston as fans show their spirit wearing Texan apparel while Houston rap artists Slim Thug and Chamillionaire join in producing a tribute song, “Houston, Texas: Home of the Texans.” If you’re a fanatic, this song will definitely pump up your spirit. 

This month, CARMELO’S RESTAURANT is revved up for the Texans and kicking off the post season with our “Battle Red, Liberty White, and Deep Steel Blue” handcrafted cocktails in support of the Texans.

Come kick off the post season at Carmelo’s and get in the spirit with one of our delicious cocktails and couple it with one of our fantastic Italian dishes and get fired up as the Texans take on the Bengals this Saturday!

GO TEXANS!

GO TEXANS

 Those who have searched the city for restaurants serving not only gluten-free cuisinesbut, items that are rich in taste and enjoyable look no further. Carmelo’s Ristorante offers numerous gluten-free dishes that can accommodate to every taste bud without losing the authenticity. All the dishes presented on the menu are superb, and for those who love wine, can always be paired with the right wine.

 One of my favorite items that cannot be found at any other restaurant is their zesty dish, the PIZZA SICILIAN. The pizza is topped with tomatoes and Bufala mozzarella adds a sweet, delicate flavor to the dish. Great dominant aromas from the pizza mixed with the fruity flavors of the Chianti Classico Riserva, Banfi is a superb match.

 The CHEESE RAVIOLI is another mouth-watering dish sits on top of a bed mixed with spinach, sweet peas and Parmigiano Reggiano. The texture and the jade green color of the spinach adds to the tasty filling cuisine. The dish is best when paired with Cum Laude, Castello Banfi which adds a soft tannin texture.

 You cannot pass up this appetizing dish, the AVOCADO FILLED WITH SEAFOOD. It is a delicious mixture of fresh shrimp, crabmeat and wild salmon with a light cream sauce-it is to die for! This appetizer is matched with the right wine, the Pinot Grigio,Castello Banfi “San Angelo”, Tuscany. The wine itself is a light refreshing wine usually served before main meals and with its full and persistent taste makes this pair a match made in heaven.

 Escape to Italy for the holidays, in either our Houston or Austin location. The atmosphere of the Italianate touches captures the Italian way of life. Carmelo Mauro, the owner of the restaurant, makes Carmelo’s more than just an ordinary restaurant with his warm hospitality, authentic freshly prepared Italian cuisines and their extensive collection of wine.

 This holiday Carmelo has personally picked some of his favorite cuisines and paired them with exquisite wines.

 One of Carmelo’s favorite dishes is the PESCE SPADA AL POMODORO. The mixture of the Pacific Sword Fish flanked with Involtini of Eggplant filled with spaghetti and topped with crab meat pairs well with the Castello Banfi Pinot Grigio “San Angelo.” The rich taste of the wine accompanies well with fish and light dishes. The fruit flavors of the wine combined with the fresh fish will make you want to take another sip.   

 Two of their Signature cuisines are also on top of Carmelo’s list this season, the BISTECCA DIANA and the FETTUCCINE CARBONARA. If you’re a huge fan of steak, you must try this fabulous Filet Mignon sautéed lightly in garlic and butter served with a side of Fettuccine Alfredo. The Barolo “Bricco Rosso” has a delicate, but well-balanced full-bodied taste making it a fine companion for red meats. The other, authentic dish is for all pasta lovers. The fettuccine is lightly tossed with cheeses, speck, and mushrooms. This simple yet flavorful dish is matched with Banfi Chardonnay Fontanelle with its tasteful sensations of apple, peach, and apricot makes a nice balanced whole.

 This restaurant is the place to be-your home away from home for the holidays.

Join us on Thursday October 20 for a memorable evening of Barolos, Brunellos and Amarones with a matching delectable menu.  All the fun will begin at 6:30pm  $80 per person plus tax and gratuity
Seating is limited so please call 281-531-0696 for your reservation.  Saluti!