Maggiano’s turns cocktails into an eye-catching restaurant moment
While family style dishes fill the table and vivacious conversations create ambiance in the dining room, one moment can get all eyes gravitating to a particular image. As that specialty cocktail parades to the table, it makes diners thirsty to place that order.
A dinner out can fall into many categories. While there is a time and place for the quick meal when cooking at home seems overwhelming, other meals are celebratory or special. Even that simple date night can turn into something bigger when amazing food and a creative beverage are part of the equation.
Maggiano’s has been a favorite dining experience for decades. While it is rooted in family inspired dishes and welcoming hospitality, the Italian cuisine on the table only tells part of the story. When food creates connections, the flavor is magnified.
Recently, Maggiano’s made several significant changes to its menu. When Dominique Bertolone took the leadership reigns, he infused aspects from his MGM Resorts and elevated fine dining world into the restaurant brand. The changes were both simple and grand. From the signature plates on the table to bold presentation styles, these moments make eating that delicious meal even more memorable.
One of the changes was adding Chef Anthony Amoroso. The Michelin starred chef focused on the little touches that make a huge difference in flavor and experience. The classics are still on the menu, but they have been reimagined with a sophisticated, yet approachable slant.
While everyone anxiously awaits wow moment when the veal parmesan arrives at the table, no one just dives into the main course. The opening cocktail sets the tone for the whole dinner.
The new signature cocktails turn a familiar beverage into a moment. Even before that first sip, guests appreciate the care and craft behind that libation. The new cocktail menu features a Smoked Old Fashioned, Pomegranate Martini, Rosa Spritz, and Grand Margarita.
When the Smoked Old Fashioned makes its way to the table, everyone cannot help but turn their heads. As the guest opens the door and the subtle oak aroma wafts around the table, it can sometimes create a murmur around the room.
Beyond the “moment,” the cocktail has spectacular flavor. Using the Knob Creek Rye, the oak smoke balances the spiciness of the rye. The cocktail is warm, comforting, and even alluring.
The idea is a simple concept but one that is not often seen in a larger scale restaurant brand. Bringing that sense of showmanship is smart for Maggiano’s. Dinners need excitement, a spark. In a way, it is a modern interpretation of classic tableside service.
While the Smoked Old Fashioned might be the showstopper, it is not the only cocktail moment. Borrowing a concept from a sister brand, the Pomegranate Martini is shaken and served at the table. In a way, it adds another layer of sweetness to the vibrantly colored cocktail. Again, it proves that how a cocktail is presented is just as important as the ingredients used to make it.
Even the classic sour cocktail, the Grand Margarita, gets a glow-up. Even though a margarita and Italian food might not necessarily be the food and beverage pairing that comes to mind, that cocktail is popular across all types of cuisines.
Named after the restaurant’s original Chicago location, the Italian herbal foam not only enhances the flavor but makes it look like something from a speakeasy or a high end cocktail bar. Sometimes little changes can have a huge impact. The foam on the margarita cocktail is a clear example.
Given the positive reception to this new cocktail menu, it seems likely that Maggiano’s will continue to innovative its beverage offerings. Whether it is a special take on a modern cocktail trend or reinventing another classic, the beverage program is exploring all options.
Before the pasta is served and the first bite is eaten, enjoy one of the new signature Maggiano’s cocktails. A little flare and bold flavor make every meal a memorable one.