IL PENSIERO “THE THOUGHT”
Office: 10001 Stonell Drive
Member of FUSIE (Federazione Italiana Stampa Unitaria all’Estero)
Marzo 2021 THE ONLY ITALIAN NEWSPAPER PUBLISHED IN THE STATE OF MISSOURI
NUMERO 3
An Italian-American Publication
First Look: Casa Don Alfonso Unveils Menu Highlights and Photos Explore Food and Beverage Options from MediterraneanInspired Landmark Restaurant, Slated to Open March 2021
like Neapolitan-style Fritto Misto with an assortment of arancino, lightly-fried vegetables, and potato croquettes, as well as Tuna Tartare, and Classic Eggplant Parmigiana. Inspired by the pillars of the Mediterranean diet, guests can enjoy anti-aging soups like Tomato & Basil and Castellucio Lentil that are filled with vegetables and legumes, complemented by aromatics served tableside. Casa Don Alfonso’s very own Pizzaiolo will offer guests eight different Neapolitan pizza varieties like Cherry Tomatoes & Burrata and Calabrian ‘Nduja, all made on an organic sourdough crust, gently proofed for 48 hours. Casa Don Alfonso’s fresh and handmade pastas create an edible narrative of the Iaccarino family legacy with Grandmother’s Ziti, Sorrento Coast-Style Baked Tiny Gnocchi, Lasagna Napoletana, Fresh Tagliatelle, and Maccheroni Gratin. Secondi options include Rack of Colorado Lamb, The Rediscovery of the Chicken Cacciatore, and Traditional Pork Braciola. Sorrento’s close proximity to the coast allows seafood dishes to shine, and guests can choose the Catch of the Day served acqua-pazza style, Classical Cod & Potatoes, or Grilled Maine Lobster. Dessert Whimsical desserts transport guests to Naples’ nostalgic bakeries with creations like Sorrento Coast Lemon Delizia, Ricotta and Candied Fruti Pastiera, Sfogliatella Santa Rosa and Espresso Tiramisù. Perfect for pairing or enjoying on their own, uniquely-crafted beverages
At soon-to-open Casa Don Alfonso situated within The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, timeless Mediterranean dishes promise hand-crafted flavors and extraordinary stories behind every bite. A love letter to family recipes and the Sorrento Coast, the menu paints a picture of Italian restaurateur Mario Iaccarino’s childhood in Southern Italy. These beloved recipes feature the culinary traditions of the Campania region with carefully-chosen ingredients that most closely resemble the sun-kissed produce harvested at the Iaccarino family’s farm. Upon opening in March 2021, Casa Don Alfonso and chef de cuisine Sergio Chierego will offer breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner services to the St. Louis community. CUISINE Dinner & Lunch The menu begins with antipasti
St. Louis, Missouri 63123
CONTINUOUS SERVICE AND ACTIVITY SINCE 1904
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are also available from the espresso bar like Lavender-Honey Mocha sweetened with house-made lavender vanilla syrup or Marocchino with a dense layer of Nutella, cocoa powder and frothy milk. Breakfast & Brunch Choose between sweet and savory options alike, with Brioche French Toast, Smoked Salmon & Bagel, Create-Your-Own Toast options including avocado, tomato on the vine, pickled onion, marinated goat cheese and more. Traditional Tramezzino (classic Italian tea sandwiches) will feature freshly made bread with Spinach and Mozzarella, Italian Ham with Fontina, or Forest Mushroom with Goat Cheese. A wide range of egg-focused plates also grace the menu in addition to pizza and pasta for Sunday Brunch. Fresh squeezed and antiaging pressed juices are available, as well as a Bucatini Bloody or a Pesca Bellini. BEVERAGE PROGRAM Cocktails & Wine Inspired by the many bright flavors of the Sorrento Coast, including limoncello from the Iaccarino family property, the cocktail program highlights traditional Italian cocktails with playful twists and new additions. Highlights include Amalfitana (Reposado Tequila, Campari, Fresh Grapefruit and Lime Juice, Aranciata Juice and Agave Nectar) and Wisteria Skies (Malfy Gin, Cocchi Americano, Blood Orange Syrup, Butterfly Pea and Lemon Juice) in addition to a rotating list Continued on page 5