 Gather. Talk. Eat. Drink.
aka: What happens at Rialto.
A couple of weeks ago we received a comment card thanking us for "keeping it real." I've been walking around with that in my head ever since. Keeping it real--Is that what we do?
When the only hat I wore was a chef's toque I thought my mission was to cook delicious food--and that was it. But as a grownup restaurateur with multiple hats and a view beyond the hot line my perspective has expanded beyond the next duck, the next plate of homemade pasta. I've never wanted Rialto to be a celebrity-chef pantheon, or one of those places where conversation stops whenever a server appears with a new course--and explains in reverential tones what's on the plate before you're allowed to lift your fork. You can't linger in the Rialto dining room for long without registering the fantastic buzz of conversation, interesting people talking about interesting things. As far as I'm concerned, this is what it's supposed to be about--food and service helping to make that happen, not trying to be center stage. Haven't all of us had an experience eating out where you suddenly look up and realize that you're sitting in the middle of this field of people having a great time? I love that.
We're always thinking about how to make that experience more inclusive. To that end, if you're vegetarian or can't tolerate gluten--or love someone who's in that boat--we now offer a 4-course vegetarian menu, as well as a gluten-free pasta dish, and our staff can point you to other gluten-free appetizers and entrees. New high-top tables have made the bar & lounge an even more comfortable stop for a simple Italian supper, drinks, or even a drive-by for our Monday dollar-oyster fests. A few days ago a woman stopped to chat with me on her way out the door. "I don't know what it was, but tonight I just felt so connected to the other tables." That's exactly what we want to happen. So join the buzz--come in, gather round, eat, drink and talk. (Or kanoodle-- Valentine's Day is coming.) We're just trying to keep it real, one table at a time. P.S. In response to your requests, we' re bowing out of Restaurant Week this March. We will serve our regular menus, including our 3-course $40 Picolo Menu, as we always do. XOX, |
satisfy your sweet tooth. 
