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Ciao Bello

Ciao Bello (5161 San Felipe, 713-960-0333) is Tony Vallone's new, moderately priced neighborhood place, just west of the Galleria. "This is an Italian restaurant, not an American-Italian restaurant," says Vallone. "We either make everything in premises, like our fresh pasta, or we import only the finest ingredients from Italy, like San Marzano tomatoes. It's a great family place, and our wine prices are excellent. We serve our antipastos from a special display, and we make our Bolognese sauce right here. Some of the dishes we're really proud of are the veal chop Milanese, the rabbit alla cacciatore and the soft-shell crab in anchovy sauce."

Dish joined the crowds late on opening weekend and found it packed. So powerful is the Vallone name that even with no advertising, the trend­setters had already staked their claim to the best seats in the house. The only table available was on the large patio, and there were some opening-night service gaffes, but with the Vallones at the helm, those will be corrected.

Got the latest info on restaurant openings, closings, special events and gossip? E-mail us at dish@houstonpress.com.

 
  • jay 10/16/2009 6:59:00 PM

    Take my word on this ,I did work there and food is great along with the chef but theres real issues with this place .1. They hire server off the street with no experence and poor service skills, I was not one of them.2.Almost nore of the servers know what the hell there serving , its comon to see them hold menu up to the point of serving the table.3.Don't be surprise if you wait 1 hour for food , the last night I worked there the kitchen dropped the ball so bad that a ton of food never made it to the table , apertisers came out after the main meal and you get my point.4.Now a little on management, Mark one of my favs, Hes a closet queen( queer) that like to grab the male waitors asses , I know it happen to me, Also watch hin in action a tweeks and jerks like he high on cocain wile talking to table most of the staff knows he Hi.Angus a sweet man but messy , hes a manager there to , he often comes in hung over and I did watch the disater the other night when he flip a trey of coffie and food all over the flloor almost on the table.The number one mgmt Jeff , as you know we serve people like the gov and even x president bush sr, but coming from his mouth and I quote( If we ran a criminal check on kitchen staff only we would have to fire half the kitchen .Im sure you 'll feel at easy with ex cons a few feet from the gov or president x or not.5.unlawful hiring and firing practices.This place is run like IHOP and in the end like Mark the manager says quote( Its doesn't madder what people think of the reviews we already have the customers we want ).My name is Jay Reulet x server ,enjoy your food!

 

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