Dish-Houston

Houston will welcomed a touch of New York’s West Village with an exciting, new restaurant: Trattoria Il Mulino. An off-shoot of the famed Il Mulino New York, Trattoria Il Mulino offers a casual, family-friendly dining experience in a lively atmosphere with a menu emphasizing classic Italian cuisine from the Abruzzi region of Italy while incorporating the bounty of Texas culinary products available for the kitchen. Some of the most popular dishes at Il Mulino New York are featured, along with the more traditional pizzas, pastas, and lighter dishes. Trattoria Il Mulino offers an extensive wine list along with an outstanding bar menu and an array of specialty cocktails.

The interior design of Trattoria IL Mulino, as its’ name implies, creates a fun, come as you are atmosphere for guests. The open concept design with pickled cedar, natural red brick, large exhibition kitchen and four private wine rooms adds an element of elegant contemporary Italian design. Custom-designed wood dining tables, sans table cloths, add to the sense of authentic old-country ambience and cuisine. The Bar area creates an intimate, sensual mood with a large contemporary backlit bar and comfortable leather bar stools.

At Trattoria Il Mulino, Executive Chef Michele Mazza embraces the Abruzzi tradition of “la panarda,” a decadent feast sometimes lasting up to 24 hours in the old country. Since the 16^th Century, the Abbruzi region has been celebrated throughout Europe for its superior culinary tradition. Notorious sticklers for freshness and simplicity, Abruzzi chefs have been sought after by aristocrats the world over for their savory recipes and abundant portions. Staples of Abruzzi cuisine include olive oil, tomatoes, lamb, and hot peppers, as well as a variety of cured meats, goat’s milk cheeses and superbly textured pastas.

Trattoria Il Mulino Trattoria will offer its guests a superior dining experience centered around the finest Abruzzi cuisine. A wide array of elegantly presented dishes will be served in a lively bistro environment with a superior level of customer service.

 To keep the menu fresh and in season, dishes are changed regularly and reflect local culinary influences. Choose appetizers, pizzas, pastas, entrees or desserts from the extensive menu. The authentic Abruzzi recipes are prepared in a traditional open kitchen with only the finest ingredients and an incredible eye for detail. The charcoal grill and wood-burning pizza oven make for a cozy ambience and an array of delicious aromas. The Italian wine selection is extensive, featuring moderately priced offerings as well as more exclusive vintages. With its teeming bar, communal tables and exposed brick walls, the Il Mulino Trattoria exudes a lived-in, casual grace with an undertone of sophistication.

But what really sets Trattoria Il Mulino apart from other bistros in their price range is the food. From the eggplant caponata to the veal chop with sage and garlic, each dish is prepared with a commitment to superior quality, presentation and taste. Simple favorites like the rigatoni bolognese redefine Italian comfort food, while the savory nuances of dishes like the seared red snapper with cherry tomatoes, garlic, pancetta and white wine over broccoli rabe befit a more sophisticated palate.

One of the specialties of the house at Trattoria Il Mulino is the house-made Grappa which has been a tradition in Northern Italy for centuries utilizing recipes handed down through the generations. Trattoria Il Mulino uses those recipes to create a variety of house-made, infused grappas such as Pear, Blueberry, Strawberry, Fig, Raspberry, Apricot, and Raisin.  The process consists of taking the distilled spirit and fermenting it with the fruit of your choice.   We allow time, Mother Nature, and a little love to create these delectable digestifs.  As a finale to your meal, we serve a complimentary pour of house-made Limoncello.

Trattoria Il Mulino t the new Westin Houston Memorial City will be open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 945 Gessner at I-10. For reservations, please call (832) 358-0600.