Miramare Ristorante Opens At Village On Venetian Bay
NAPLES, FL (January 19, 2009) – If you miss Marie-Michelle’s kisses at The Village on Venetian Bay, take comfort in knowing Sal Sinzieri greets guests of his new Miramare Ristorante with a traditional Italian welcome that includes a customary kiss on both cheeks, along with a hearty “Buongiorno!”
Instituting the customs of his Sicilian birthplace, Sinzieri has transformed the former Marie-Michelle’s restaurant at Village on Venetian Bay into a haven of Italian delights that permeates one’s senses from the moment you are ushered inside.
Set to open this week, Miramare, which means “looking at the water,” takes full advantage of its bay front locale with an array of seating waterside, as well as floor-to-ceiling glass that expertly frames the water views for those dining indoors.
“Italians are open and warm,” says Sinzieri, a feeling exemplified at Miramare amidst the servers, the chefs, the décor, and the food.
Ultimately that is what makes Miramare stand out from its competition. Everything, down to the finest detail, echoes the sentiment and flavors of Italy. “Genuine Italian is a different palette altogether,” he explains.
To recreate the flavors and dishes of northern Italy, Miramare’s chefs hail directly from the European country and prepare the authentic lunch and dinner items as set forth by Sinzieri, who has been in the restaurant business since 1987, most recently as a managing partner of Bicé. Homemade pastas, ravioli and pizzas don the menu, which features both the Italian and English translation, as does fresh fish, antipasti and veal selections.
“You have to know your food in order to satisfy your guests,” Sinzieri says, and there is no denying that this lover of Italian food is by far an expert.
Tantalize the taste buds with risotto al frutti di mare con pomodoro leggero (arborio rice with shellfish in a light tomato sauce), branzino cotto sul cedro (seabass grilled on a cedar plank topped with tomato truffle vinaigrette), gnocchi di patate al gorgonzola (potato gnocchi with gorgonzola cheese sauce), or the legendary Italian favorite, osso bucco.
Enhance the delectable flavors with a cocktail or a glass of wine from the beautiful bar, whose selection of liquors are displayed in custom wood shelves that complement the elegant furnishings found throughout the restaurant. Even the bar itself opens to the outdoors allowing guests to enjoy a drink while waiting to be seated.
A romantic at heart, Sinzieri tops off his Italian creation with live piano and guitar musicians providing entertainment seven days a week. While his guests are sure to delight in the food and the atmosphere, it may be the Italian welcome that sweeps them off their feet.
Miramare Ristorante serves lunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner 4 to 11 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
For more information or to reserve a romantic Italian dinner for two this Valentine’s Day, call 239-430-MARE (6273). [back]
