May 1, 2009
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UPCOMING
EVENTS
A MOVIE, A TAPA AND A WINE AT CAPRICCIO
Next Tuesday 5/5 at 6:30 PM
----- No Charge -----
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MOTHER'S DAY - SUNDAY BRUNCH AT MEZZANOTTE AND CAPRICCIO
Sunday 5/11 from 11 to 3 pm. Reservations Required
 
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ENTERTAINMENT
AT MEZZANOTTE
KARENNA LEE
Friday 5/1
7 to 10 p.m.
Kareena Lee 
Karenna moves easily between jazz, blues, caberet and pop. Her versatile style and extensive repertoire includes romantic ballads to latin favorites and  broadway tunes. Her very entertaining and dynamic style are a welcome treat to a relaxing dinner on a Friday night. She is a must see !!.
 
PAM & HARRY SHEPPARD
Saturday 5/2 7 to 10 p.m.

Pam & Harry

Clarinet and Vibes, a great combination. With Harry Sheppard recreating the swinging style of his years with Benny Goodman and the sweet tone of Pam's clarinet, this duo is unique to Houston. Jazz sets the mood for this event. 
 
ENTERTAINMENT AT CAPRICCIO
GUILLERMO SERPAS Friday 5/1 - 7 to 10 p.m.
Serpas
Evoking the influence of legendary guitarist Carlos Santana and popular folk
players, Guillermo produces the electrifying rhythms of salsa, Latin jazz, and bolero, representing his Latin American roots and pumping vigorous life into his virtuoso classical-guitar performances.
TERRY PARKER
Saturday 5/2
7 to 10 p.m.
terry 
The Port Arthur born native of Texas has been mesmerizing audiences for more than 20 years, with his silky smooth renditions of some of the world greatest legends, such as Nat King Cole, Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, Little Anthony, Smokie Robinson and The Platters. Known as Mr. Entertainer, Terry brings the candle of love to any party, by taking us back down memory lane, with Unchained Melody and Sixteen Candles

CAPRICCIO TAPAS

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MEZZANOTTE RISTORANTE
 
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In This Issue
Upcoming Events
Capriccio Profiled
Movie, Wine and Tapas
New Menu at Mezzanotte
More Exciting Wines
Featured Wines
CAPRICCIO PROFILED!
I was very happy this morning to find out that Capriccio was profiled in Prime Living Magazine. Here is the link to the article that will appear in the May issue:
 
 
NOTE: Prime Living Magazine is wonderful and I believe you may also love getting it. Here is the link to subscribe if interested: Prime Living Subscription
MOVIE, WINE AND TAPAS?? 

Well... yes.  Next Tuesday at Capriccio we will be showing a wonderful 2 hour documentary of the Rioja region of Spain. This wonderful film was put together by the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in cooperation with the Rioja region.

Experience Rioja as if you were there, as you watch interviews with its leading wine makers and chefs and tour the vineyards, wineries and restaurant kitchens that make this region among the most talked-about in Spain. A group of American Sommeliers guides us in this amazing journey through Rioja.
 
So come to Capriccio on Tuesday 5/5 at 6:30 PM. Take your seat, order a glass of a nice Rioja wine and a tapa (if you wish) and enjoy the evening.
 
Hope to see you then!
 
Gerry
NEW MENU AT MEZZANOTTE
We have received great accolades about our new menu. Please check it out if you haven't yet!
 
Chef
MORE EXCITING WINES THIS WEEK
I have been tasting a lot of wines every week (some weeks are better than others) and it is amazing to realize how many good wines and bad wines are out there. This week I found 2 great California wines: one with an Italian name - Nero Misto by Elyse winery in Napa; and the other made by a winery founded by second generation Italians. They are both outstanding so I hope you try either one of them.
 
So that we don't forget about our beloved Italian wines I am featuring a Ripasso Valpolicella by Tomassi. This little brother of the winery's Amarone is also a must try.
 
All in all we have an exciting week of featured wines.
Cheers!
Gerry
FEATURED WINES
Wine serving 
MEZZANOTTE
Elyse Nero Misto 07 - Napa Valley, California - Bottle $51
38% Zinfandel, 34% Petite Sirah, 10% Syrah, 10% Carignane, and 8% blend of Gamay, Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noir, and Barbera
The Nero Misto (Italian for "mixed black") is deep blackish-burgundy colored with a nose of dark black fruits, dried herbs, pepper, leather, and wild blueberries. This delicious "field blend" styled wine has a strong mid-palate with flavors of pomegranate, black fruits, dried cherries and figs with a hint of spice. The wine is medium to full in body, with juicy fruit, firm tannins, great acid balance and a long, lush finish. Nero Misto is an extremely versatile wine, particularly good with Italian food, spicy southwest cuisine and steaks and chops off the grill.
Donati 03 Cabernet Sauvignon - Paso Robles, California - Bottle $49
This Bordeaux variety is just outstanding!  This dark, deeply colored wine presents a fruit explosion that leads to really dark fruit scents. Dark chocolate and typical Cabernet Sauvignon flavors lean on the fruit family, but maintain streaks of spice and herbs, enjoyed through the lingering finish.  A must-have for any Cabernet lover. At the vineyard, the Cabernet vines are thinned to extraordinary levels to achieve exacting concentration of flavor and color, as well as lush, mouth-filling tannins.
 
Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore DOC Tomassi - Veneto, Italy - Bottle $58
Considered the "little brother" of the estate's Amarone, the Tommasi Ripasso has a dense nose of mud, mint and deep blackberry. Pronounced raisin flavors emerge on the palate, the result of a portion of the grapes being dried on bamboo racks in the sun before being pressed. A spicy undertone of cinnamon and thick fruit help extend the long, warm finish. It's an opulent wine at a relatively modest price.

CAPRICCIO
Cabernet Sauvignon, Graffigna -  San Juan, Argentina - Bottle $32, Glass $8
This wine is 100% varietal. It was aged in a 50/50 split of French and American oak for 12 months, followed by 6 months of bottle aging, prior to release.  
As soon as you pour this wine you'll notice a burnt cherry apple red hue. The nose is filled with aromas of bright red fruit. Wild strawberry and red raspberry dominate. Throughout the palate, which is remarkably smooth, lots of berry fruit, and a touch of earthiness, come to the forefront. This is a gentle, but fully flavorful Cabernet Sauvignon with a pretty long, persistent, lingering finish. This wine has easy, soft tannins and good acidity. Outstanding value!
 
Rioja Gran Reserva, Campo Viejo - Rioja, Spain - Bottle $36, Glass $9
This is another outstanding value!! Garnet cherry-red in color with aromas of stewed fruit, wood, and spicy nuances a lot of character and a long finish. Made from a special selection of Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Graciano grapes and only produced in exceptional vintages. Aged five years (two in oak casks, three in the bottle). An elegant wine that is a wonderful complement to beef and sauced meats.