Well, this is the third restaurant that we are doing (number 2 was Capriccio that we sold last October) so we should be getting good at this! right? not really! Every one of this is like a new baby, with its own developmental issues and personalities. So having done two already doesn't mean this is a cake walk.

But we at least know (for sure) that we will find problems on the way. But if it was easy everybody would have one (or 2)!

Anyway... Here are some pictures of the progress:

This coming week we are starting the construction of the new bar and the new floors! It is very exciting to see that everything is starting to come together.

I will keep you posted. Cheers!

We are very excited about our new additions to Mezzanotte's wine program. This week we are introducing two great by-the-glass, and three by the bottle wines. Here is the lineup:

Pinot Noir, Feudo Arancio Stemmari, Sicily        Glass $7 - Bottle $28

An elegant wine that embodies the intensity of Sicily. Intense red with hints of violet. Mature and full-bodied with aromatic elegance and a hint of spice. Balance of aromas and fruitness makes it distinct.

Sangiovese Cantina Ripatransone Marche IGT   Glass $7 - Bottle $28

This is a great find! I was very lucky to find bottles of the 2004 vintage! A beautiful ruby red wine with an intense and persistent aroma of mature fruit, spices and licorice. The taste is full, robust and persistent, with perfectly balanced tannins, warm, soft and aromatic.

Figini Gavi Di Gavi DOCG                                                    Bottle $38

100% Cortese grape varietal. Pale straw in color with delicate and lean body, rich fruity aromas and flavors reminiscent of pears and honeydew, melon, and apple with a long, lingering, crisp, clean finish.

Verdicchio di Matelica DOC La Monacesca                         Bottle $38

100% Verdicchio. Pale yellow with classic aromas of anise, almond and a sour, bitter finish. Verdicchio is famous for its wonderful fresh acidity which makes it a perfect accompaniment to so many seafood/pasta dishes.

Mompertone Prunotto Monferrato Rosso                              Bottle $44

Unique 60% Barbera, 40% Syrah blend. Intense ruby red color with violet reflections and has a bouquet rich in fruit, especially plum and cherry, with aromas of spices and coffee. On the palate the wine is very smooth, and rich in soft, elegant, and persistent tannins.

Last week I reported on the changes to the front of Mezzanotte. I am happy to report now that the changes are finished!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

One of the features of this week is the Amarone Le Ragose which has become a favorite at Mezzanotte. We are pricing it again under our program of "World Class Wines at Ridiculous Prices". And the other feature wine is truly a gem: a French dessert wine that is 50 years old!!

1961 Chateau Las Collas Rivesalte                                      Bottle $99

Languedoc - Roussillon, France

Another world-famous vintage here! A strikingly beautiful wine made from old vine Grenache. Chateau Las Collas is only made in excellent vintages, so it is incredibly rare to come across any. If baklava were liquid, this is what it might taste like-toasted honey and pastry, brown sugar and cinnamon, notes of burnt orange peel and walnut skin curbing the sweetness. I only have 2 bottles in Mezzanotte!