Thursday, November 17, 2011

J. Razzo's Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar

What's the best Thanksgiving wine?
It is that time of year again when we dine with friends and family. The first big holiday is Thanksgiving Day and you ask yourself what wine should I serve or bring? Here are my tips:

The first rule of thumb is that there are no rules. There are no certain wines to drink with certain food. Buy and enjoy the wines that you like, especially for the holidays -- buy the wine that you are familiar with. This is not the day to experiment or try different wines. Go to your favorite liquor store or to a wine tasting bar and give your taste buds a treat- at a reasonable price.

For the whites, I like wines with a fruit taste to go with turkey. Franciscan Cardonnay is full bodied yet fruity. You cannot go wrong with Conundrum- everyone loves this wine which is a blend of 5 white grapes from California. Finally I like a Riesling to serve before dinner and during dinner if you like. I prefer Pacific Rim Riesling . It has just been voted as the #1 Best Wine for the Money.

With Turkey dinner I believe a red is better suited than white. Again I prefer a spicy red. A pinot noir or zinfandel are perfect. For Zinfandel I enjoy Seghesio or Klicker Brick both are "OLd Vine" Zinfandels.For Pinot Noirs I like Oregon Pinot Noirs.Willamette Valley is terrific. Also Cheery Hill Winery , which is owned by the Sweeneys from Indianapolis is an excellent choice.Spanish wines are less expensive and most are spicy like I want. For traditionalists try Cru Beaujolais from France. These wines are bold and fruity.Finally an Indiana Winery is making wine similar to the great wines of Europe and California. For Thanksgiving try Rettig Hill Chambourcin-tasted and liked by my wait staff.

Happy Thanksgiving

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Whew what a wild 2 weeks

We have been open for 2 weeks now and things are going well. Business keeps on increasing daily and we are hearing great reviews.
It is wonderful seeing old friends and meeting new ones. Remmeber if you have any suggestions I would love to hear them.
Everyday brings a new adventure. What was once a large kitchen is now filled with equipment and workers. Seems everyday I need to add new tables or new storage containers.:) I am also having trouble getting some product in so please bear with me.
Beginning next week we will have daily lunch specials at a more than reasonable price.
Thanks
John

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Welcome to J. Razzo's Blog

J. Razzo's Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar will be opening Friday, August 26th, 2011 for dinner.  J. Razzo's is located at 12501 N. Meridian St., in Carmel, Indiana.  J. Razzo's can best be described as "Old World flavors in New World decor." Our emphasis is on quality, from buying only the best ingredients - domestic and imported - to serving you the best food at a reasonable price with friendly, attentive service.

Our sauces, dressings, and some of the pasta and breads are made fresh daily in  our kitchen.  We serve over 80 varieties of wines, many by the glass.  Our wines are reasonably priced and are carefully chosen to complement the food.                                

We are especially proud of our private room.  The room can seat up to 40 and is ideal for business meetings, birthday parties, rehearsal dinners and the like.  J. Razzo's offers carry out and catering for your special event.