Carmelo’s Food & Wine Menu

Have you been to Carmelo’s in Houston or Austin? If you have, chances are that you met Carmelo himself. Paul calls him Paisano. Carmelo is from Sicily. He and Paul share a mother land kinship. For many years we have done dinners with Carmelo. He and Paul tell stories, his long time accordion player strolls through the restaurant, and there is a sense of family with everyone. This menu was one of my favorites.

First Course
Roasted Eggplant Mousse
Served with Messina Hof Chardonnay

Second Course
Pasta shells filled with Crabmeat and served with Grilled Zucchini
Served with Messina Hof Pinot Grigio

Third Course
Grilled Lamb Chop on Tomato Garlic Aioli,
Served with roasted potatoes, caponata and spaghetti squash
Served with Messina Hof Shiraz and Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Fourth Course
Chocolate Mousse with fresh raspberries coulis and chocolate covered strawberries.
Served with Private Reserve Papa Paulo Port

There are so many recipe sites these days. This site is one of my new favorites for caponata. This dinner was my first experience with spaghetti squash as well. It was so good that Paul and I eat it regularly. I just microwave it, broil it, shred it, and toss it with garlic, olive oil, and parmesan and Romano cheeses.