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La Trattoria Restorante Italiano, Galleria, Houston, Texas |
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Written by Mr Five Star
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Houston Texas June 10, 2009 La Trattoria Restorante Italiano. If you are in the Galleria area of Houston and want a truly authentic northern Italian meal prepared by a real Italian Chef, then this is the place to come to. I imagine you could find a fancier Italian restaurant in the area, but I can tell you one thing, you won't find better food or a more friendly Chef/Owner. From the moment I walked through the door and was greeted by Chef Carlo Molinaro I knew I was in for a wonderful dining experience. During my first few minutes in the restaurant I learned from Chef Carlo, that he grew up in Milano, Italy. He became a Chef at a young age in Milano, then worked all over Europe. He traveled west to the Princess Hotel in Bermuda where he spent several years, then on to Miami and finally 27 years ago opened La Trattoria. Chef Carlo has served Presidents, Heads of State, Captains of Industry, Oil Barrens, movie stars and thousands of Italian Food lovers like you and I, all from this very spot.
True to form for me on my first visit to a new restaurant, when handed the menu I immediately handed it back to the Chef and asked him to “impress me, please make me what you think is the best you have to offer”. Since I eat just about anything, I attach no strings to my request. I make it clear I want to be surprised, no hints, just start bringing me things to eat. Sometimes the Chef will ask,”do you prefer seafood, beef, or chicken? My answer is again “please surprise me”. More often than not I am served something I would have never ordered on my own and generally it is a wonderful experience. La Trattoria was no exception. First I was offered a fine Italian wine, Bianco di Custoza. Then came the warm fresh garlic bread with a crisp thin crust. I could have made a full meal just with this bread. Next came 24 baby clams in wonderful wine and garlic, style, so fresh they seemed to just want to jump off the plate into my mouth. For the main course there was a wonderfully prepared Quail next to an outstanding piece of Sea Bass. The dessert was Cassata, homemade traditional Spumoni. Italian dining doesn't get any better than this anywhere.
Something happens to friendly people dining in a friendly Italian restaurant. Soon everyone seems to be talking to each other. One of the highlights of the evening was watching 3 generations of the Wu Family celebrating a third wedding anniversary. Chef Carlo prepared numerous items for each course that were shared by all the family members with great gusto and laughter. And again, true to form for Italians, during dessert Chef Carlo picked up the 9 month old baby and paraded him around the restaurant and gave him a visit to the kitchen. Somehow I found myself in conversation with the family and was treated to a fine glass of wine from their carefully decanted treasure.
My experience at La Trattoria Restorante Italiano was wonderful, with great food and the opportunity to make new friends. This is a restaurant I am pointing all my friends and family to when visiting Houston. Click here to go directly to La Trattoria Restorante Italiano web site.
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