Houston Carmelo's

14795 Memorial Dr.
281.531.0696
Email Houston's Carmelo's

Houston Staff Luisa Mauro I have worked full time at Carmelo's for over 4 years. But, I grew up playing the tamborine and moroccas for Carmelo's guests at every opportunity! Working at Carmelo's is extra special for me because I have the opportunity to work with my dad. I am the luckiest girl in the world as I talk to my dad on a daily basis; over the past few years I have come to understand him better than ever, and he understands me! I will treasure these moments forever. My life is especially wonderful as every day I return home to my two gorgeous pups, Nick and Scotch. We run through the dog park almost daily; they keep me motivated and in shape for marathons! And, of course, we share constant love and hugs. One of my favorite parts of having an Italian father is I am always well fed. We enjoy our bowl of pasta daily; please let me know when we may prepare one for you!

Juan Gomez Manager, since 1981 Juan Gomez manages Carmelo's Ristorante Italiano like the good soccer player he is - on a wing (left) and a prayer. No challenge is too formidable; no goal is beyond his reach. Juan was born in Guanajuato, Mexico, in a family of 7 boys and one girl. In 1979, at the age of 16, he moved to Chicago to live with a brother. While visiting in Houston, he decided to stay and found work at a Mexican restaurant for eight months. In 1981, he went to work at Carmelo's as a bus boy and he has been there ever since - graduating from back waiter to front waiter, to floor manager and eventually, in 1997, to manager. Juan has a way with people. He wants to please and make people comfortable. Clients look to Juan knowing they can expect happy, pleasant, attention-getting service. Juan never forgets a name or a face. Juan's staff looks to him for his knowledge and leadership. With his managerial skills, staff retention is high. The average waiter has worked for him for 10-12 years. In 2003, he was honored as Houston's Restaurant Manager of the Year.

Fidel Cardozo Chef, since 1981 When Fidel Cardozo joined Carmelo's Ristorante Italiano in 1985 as an apprentice cook, it was his very first job. He worked extremely hard to earn the respect of his co-workers, and in 1990 he was promoted to head chef. He is fully in charge of the kitchen staff and all the day-do-day operations - from organizing daily food purchases, maintaining the cleanliness of the kitchen, managing the inventories, and creating delicious daily specials. His favorite part of the job is training new people in the kitchen, and he recently enhanced his culinary skills by attending the Art Institute of Houston. Fidel was born in Guanajuato, Mexico, into a family of five brothers and two sisters. His favorite hobby is sports - especially soccer. Thanks in part to his efforts; Carmelo's Ristorante won the "Best of Beef" Challenge contest conducted by the Texas Beef Council benefiting the Capitol Area Food Bank of Texas. Carmelo's won the contest with Filetto Fidel, a beef filet accompanied by roasted vegetables and béarnaise sauce.

Miguel Cardozo Manager, since 1996 Miguel Cardozo became manager at Carmelo's one year ago, after starting as a busboy in 1996 and working his way up. What he enjoys most about his work is his comfortable relationships with the restaurant's clients. He enjoys taking care of them, at the door or over the phone; reserving groups and helping the waiters do their job well. His favorite item on the menu is Pollo Carmelo, with Gamberi Ripieni running a close second. Miguel was born in Mexico, and both his cousin, Fidel, and brother, Manuel, also work at Carmelo's. He is married with three children. His favorite pastime is playing soccer on Sundays.

Pino Virga Accordionist, since 1981 Music, according to Shakespeare, is the food of love. "Without live music, a restaurant is not Italian," according to Carmelo. Accordionist Pino Virga has been performing at the Houston restaurant almost since the day it opened. Recreating the role of a strolling Italian street musician, he stretches out his accordion to full length, pumps out a jolly solo, and the sound is irresistible. Unwittingly, perhaps, Virga has contributed to the groundswell of an accordion revival in this country. According to Time magazine, "an estimated 75,000 accordionists can be observed running amuck across the U.S. - competing in squeeze-offs, paying homage to their patron St. Lawrence of Welk and going deep into dance halls, beer parlors and bar mitzvahs inflicting their relentless merriment." On the island of Sicily, Mauro and Virga grew up together but never actually met until Carmelo's opened in Houston almost twenty years ago. Pino has been entertaining almost continuously six nights a week - in addition to doing much of the restaurant's upholstery himself!