"My friend and I were looking for a place to have coffee and dessert on New Year's Eve after attending a movie. Neither one of us had ever been to your restaurant before, but we had always heard wonderful things about it. We arrived at your place around 10:00 p.m., and we were so impressed by the ambience that greeted us. We let you all know right away that we were there for just dessert. We were treated with the same concern and attention as if we were ordering a multiple course meal. Thank you so much for the wonderful experience. What a great way to end a year!!!!"
The Malloy’s, Houston, Texas, December 25, 2006
"Dear Carmelo,
What a great gift you provide with enjoyment this Christmas Eve dinner at your restaurant. Exceptional food, fine wine and excellent service. So many families this Christmas Eve have shared special time in a place you have made us all feel at home! Dinner this evening was so wonderful for our family and I thank you so much for accommodating us when we showed up early. With the sacrifice of being at home with your own family your daughters are working by your side…You all show the grace of always working together for enjoyment of others. We really appreciate and see the beauty of everything you do together as a family.
You truly are the best!
Merry Christmas
With much Respect and Appreciation,
Thank you~
The Malloy’s"
Roxanne Valdez, Austin, Texas, December 22, 2006
"I wanted to drop you a line letting you know that we thoroughly enjoyed our visit at your restaurant on Friday night. The food and service were outstanding! Although I have lived in Austin for around 27 years, I had never dined at Carmelo's but I definitely intend to do so again. Thank you for the wonderful evening."
Margaret Clarke Hunt, GTC Technology, Houston, Texas, December 13, 2006
"Dear Luisa: Please accept many thanks from me for all you and your staff did to make GTC Technology's Holiday Party such a success. Everyone enjoyed themselves in your relaxed atmosphere and the food was wonderful. Every detail went very well, and I am very pleased to have chosen your restaurant for our special gathering."
Sonia, December 5, 2006
"Our rehearsal dinner was terrific. Your staff took good care of us. Our guests were complimenting us on our choice of restaurants the rest of the weekend. My husband and I look forward to enjoying a quiet meal together one day soon."
Laura Keiner, Crescent Real Estate, Austin, Texas, December 4, 2006
"Luisa - I just wanted to say thank you so much for your help with Crescent's Holiday Party. We had a fabulous time and I received multiple compliments from our guests. I wanted to pass those on to you. The food was wonderful and the service was outstanding! We never felt we had to ask for anything and were very well taken care of.
Thanks to you, Leo and all of the staff for doing such a great job!"
Wendy Armstrong, Manager of Corporate Alliances, HoustonPBS KUHT-TV, Houston, Texas, November 21, 2006
"Carmelo: I wanted to take a moment and congratulate you on your Blue Ribbon Award from Marvin Zindler. What a great accomplishment and acknowledgement of your wonderful establishment!
Wishing you continued success and a beautiful holiday season!"
Branan Cooper, Bridgeforce, Inc., Austin, Texas, November 1, 2006
"Thank you very much for being so gracious as to allow me to join everyone at Carmelo's 21st anniversary. It was a bit awkward for me since I thought I was going to your fine restaurant for a nice dinner, having been in town for the Lance Armstrong Foundation's LiveStrong Cancer Survivors conference, only to arrive and find quite a gathering going on.
The maitre d' waved me in, encouraged me to join in the fun, and I certainly appreciate it. I met several very nice people, fascinated to hear the English background (and learned about the green penny farthing bicycle) from the gentleman who plays Santa Claus during the Christmas season.
Although I snacked on a few appetizers (they were delicious) and enjoyed the wine (reached my legal limit of three glasses!), I found I'd eaten enough and, by the time I finished talking, it was a good time to go straight back to The Driskill for a good night's sleep.
I will absolutely recommend your restaurant to other people when I hear they're visiting Austin on business or pleasure. I hope that my wife and I will both be back in Austin sometime soon to enjoy it. In my nine previous trips to Austin, I'd been to your restaurant only once, usually opting for the "quicker eats" since I was there with groups or cycling events; however, I can tell you the combined experiences of Las Manitas, Old Pecan Street restaurant, Chuy's, The Salt Lick, etc., etc. don't even begin to compare with what I heard, saw, tasted and learned about Carmelo's (and the Driskill deserves mention, too)!
Thanks again for making me feel welcome and not like a "party crasher" when I arrived! Thanks for a wonderful evening and terrific experience."
Eddie R. Alley, Austin, Texas, October 13, 2006
"WOW! What a wonderful evening last night. I dare say that Carmelo's made our 40th anniversary one of the most unforgettable of all. Filippo di Belardino was delightful, your dad incredibly charming and gracious, and the gentleman at the door (Fernando, I believe) greeted us by name and made us feel VERY special. The food was a culinary extravaganza and the wine most memorable. I assure you that Betty and I will return to Carmelo's often. My wife's niece (Jolana Kruse) chose your Austin location for her wedding rehearsal dinner (October 6th). It was a special occasion at a very special place. Everyone there that evening commented on the "classy touch" of dinner at Carmelo's. Again, may God bless you and yours in all of your endeavors. In grateful appreciation."
Jean DeBesse Hoch, Houston, Texas, September 2, 2006
"Dear Carmelo’s staff,
I would just like to take this opportunity to thank you for the wonderful experience that my family had while dining with you this past Saturday evening. We made a reservation to celebrate the 75th birthdays of both my mother and my father and it was indeed a delightful celebration. We were treated as honored guests from the moment we walked in the door and this continued throughout our meal. Our waiter, Gino, made each member of our family feel special; he learned our children’s names as we were seated and called them by name during the entire evening. Gino had wonderful suggestions and recommendations; every member of our family thoroughly enjoyed their meal. Thank you also for the festive desserts that were served to my parents in recognition of their birthdays; they are still talking about how special this evening was for them.
Please give our complements to your cooking staff as well as every member of your staff who made our evening so special. We are already thinking ahead to some special family celebrations in the coming year and we know that Carmelo’s will be the perfect place to celebrate!"
JoAnn Zinnante, Social Events Planner, Italian Cultural Center, Houston, Texas, August 31, 2006
"Grazie! Mille Grazie! Carmelo, Fernando and the whole staff.
The Italian Dine Around, a monthly activity of the Italian Cultural and
Community Center, held our August 2006 Dine Around at Carmelo's. As event
planner I must say that we have never experienced an evening as totally
authentic and representative of our Italian heritage. The service was
absolutely impeccable! That was no easy feat as our party was made up of
74 Italians out for an evening of fun, food, and fellowship. Carmelo's
provided us with this and much more. The evening was
extra special with Pino playing the accordion adding the perfect ambiance.
The beautiful furnishings, exquisite service and mouth-watering
traditional food made for a Dine Around experience like no other! Thank
you all."
Malloy's, Houston, Texas, August 27, 2006
"I love the new menu especially the option of Organic Foods!!! I thoroughly enjoyed the salmon filet with a side of organic pasta - Perfect organic dinner.
Be back again soon for more~"
Joe Roberti, Houston, Texas, August 17, 2006
"I made my first visit Tuesday evening and everything was "incredible!" I am a member of the Houston Italian Federation and we had our monthly Dine Around last evening.
What impressed me, besides the most deliciously prepared food, was the service. Your staff was a wonder to watch in action. From our first step through the door to the end of the evening was like watching a fined tuned machine in action. Personally, I had to ask for nothing. It was like they could read what each and every person was about to ask...anticipating every need ahead of time. Thanks for a wonderful evening and wish I could have met you."
Jim Veal, Houston, Texas, June 22, 2006
"The dinner could not have been more perfect. Your staff was remarkable, and the food was outstanding. Everyone was extremely happy, just as I knew they would be. I want to sincerely thank you for giving such a wonderful event to my Daughter and Son-in-law, and for doing it so economically. I am very fortunate that you are my Friend, and I appreciate everything you have done for me, more than I know how to express. Again, my thanks, Jim Veal"
Carol Crimbly, Houston, Texas, June 19, 2006
"I recently reserved your wine room for the evening of June 8th for approximately 15 people for Shell Global Solutions. Many of the diners were on a business trip from Amsterdam who come to Houston a few times a year for meetings. The following week I received several comments from both sides of the ocean raving about the service and atmosphere they experienced at Carmelo's. Apparently they had a wonderful waiter who added to their enjoyment. Thank you for taking such great care of this group and we will certainly be seeing you again in the future."
Linda Darby, Austin, Texas, May 29, 2006
"My husband and I just found your wonderful restaurant. The food and service were above 5 Star. The experience rivaled any we have had either in New York or Houston. I especially enjoyed the Asparagus Salad, the white asparagus mousse made the dish. Is it possible for me to obtain the receipe for the asparagus mousse? Your establishment has become one of our "special" places to dine. Thank You"
Neil Caldwell, Houston, Texas, March, 2006
"I ate in your Houston restaurant on March 22nd. My waiter was Erick. I have to tell you that my meal (lamb chop smothered in lobster) was about the best I've ever had. But, even better was the service. Erick made us feel like we owned the place. He was so good, I really can't describe how pleased we were. I spent a lot of years in the restaurant business in Houston and would love to have had a whole staff of Ericks."
Jessica Dellario, Grand Island NY, January 27, 2006
"I would just like to say that I ate the best food I have ever had in your restaurant in Austin, TX. My grandpapa would not want to hear me say that being 100% Sicilian himself, but you have even him beat. The food was superb, the service excellent, and the music was to die for. I just want to say, Thank you for making me feel at home."
Era Lee Caldwell, January 3, 2006
"Last year my husband accepted a job in Houston and we moved from
Southlake (DFW) area. State Rep. Vicki Truitt is a close friend and we
always eat at your restaurant in Austin during 'Swearing In' of the elected
officials. Last night and this morning I see the story on my news regarding
our dear friend, Gary Terry and the equipment you now have to 'save lives' .
. . As future President of the TRA, hopefully you will have influence in
others thinking the way you do. (By the way, I, too, am Sicilian). My
Nana & Nano came on the boat from Tortorici. We've not yet been to your
restaurant on Memorial but will do so soon."
