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The Greenwich Italian steakhouse Gabrieles may be the shiny new scene on the block, but its packing in diners by serving up a helping of old school charm, sans stuffiness. Recently, restaurateur and Gabriele's owner Danny Gabriel made a deal with Jody Pennette and his talented team of consultants at cb5 Restaurant Group (the same guys who brought you the smoldering Mexican hot spot, Lolita) to develop Gabrieles Italian Steakhouse in Greenwich. The space, formerly named Lucas, has been in the Gabriele family for years and was previously run by Danny and his father. But Danny was ready for an upgrade, so he called in the professionals. If Gabrieles were a movie, Jody told the group I was with on a recent visit, it wouldnt be The Godfather, it would be Goodfellas. In other words, it has the potential to seriously whack your appetite, but doesnt feel the need to put on a tuxedo to do it.
Gabrieles is a very classy joint, dont get me wrong. Guests are welcomed into a spacious bar marked by a warm hearth and polished wood. A curved wall separates the bar from the dining room, but the top half of the wall is made out of glass, creating the illusion of openness between the two rooms, while keeping any bar noise from spilling over.
The private dining space in the wine room is lush, with bottles lining the walls and a backlit onyx table taking center stage. The effect is stunning. General manager Tony Capasso introduces both the evenings menu and our guide of the grape, sommelier Matthew Hebdas, who expertly moves us from glass to glass throughout the evening.
The food arrives in waves: towers of seafood, parchment-thin ravioli as big as the palm of your hand, salad, chicken and, of course, thick, juicy, perfectly seared steak. All of it expertly executed by Chef Joseph Giordano. Then, just when we thought we couldnt possibly take any more, they hit us with the dessert course, which included a secret confectionary weapon: Nutella-stuffed French toast. It was as decadent a dining experience as any Ive had in recent memory.
Gabrieles takes great food, great wine and good times very seriously. And with all this deliciousness in your back yard, the only question you need to ask yourselves, Fairfield County, is how do you like your steak?
Gabriele's is located at 35 Church St. in Greenwich. Call 203-622-4223 for a reservation.
Have you tried the new Gabrieles Italian Steakhouse in Greenwich? Is there another new restaurant on your radar you think I should also have on mine? Leave a comment here, or email me at mmorelli@mainstreetconnect.us.
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