From our friends at Carluccio's...
Carluccio's Opens Second U.S. Location at Pike and Rose in North Bethesda
From fresh house-made pastas to over 80 imported products direct from Italy, the authentic Italian restaurant, caffe and market offers a delicious new addition to the community
Carluccio’s, the celebrated Italian restaurant, caffe and market, has officially opened its doors today, March 7, 2016, to its second U.S. location in North Bethesda, MD. The opening comes less than a year after Carluccio’s opened its first U.S. location in Old Town Alexandria, VA. Located on 11826 Trade Street at the newly developed Pike and Rose retail and housing community, area residents can now taste and experience Carluccio’s true flavors of Italy that our friends across the world have been enjoying for years. From a quick espresso at the bar, to a delicious sit down dinner, to browsing the gourmet market with more than 80 imported products sourced direct from small artisan producers in Italy, locals, foodies and families alike are in store for a real Italian treat.
With over 100 restaurants operating internationally in the UK, Ireland, Turkey, Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, founder Antonio Carluccio and U.S. CEO Cory Waldron are excited continue Carluccio’s expansion in the U.S.. “Pike and Rose is the ideal location for our second U.S. restaurant,” says Waldron, “We love being a part of the revitalization of the North Bethesda area and contributing to the growing business landscape. Whether you’re grabbing a hot cappuccino on your way to work, meeting friends for a cocktail, enjoying a leisurely breakfast, lunch, or dinner or simply shopping the market to prepare dinner for your family, there is something for everyone at Carluccio’s.” Adds Antonio Carluccio, “My mission was to bring the authentic, simple flavors and products I remembered from my childhood growing up in the regions of Italy, to a comfortable, casual all day restaurant. Celebrating the tastes of Italy is what Carluccio’s is all about.”
The newest Carluccio’s U.S. location embodies a bustling, Milanese ambiance, offering a modern approach to dining while staying true to its Italian roots. Upon entry, guests are greeted by the colorful retail and deli offerings in Carluccio’s market, most imported direct from Italy. The 4559 square foot space has approximately 100 seats for dining, including a main dining room and a large bar area where patrons can enjoy coffee, cocktails or share antipasti with friends. The space also features an open kitchen in the back of the restaurant, where guests can enjoy a front row view of U.S. Executive Chef Alfio Celia - trained personally by Antonio Carluccio - and his team hard at work. During the warmer months, 30 outdoor seats will be available to dine al fresco under twinkling bistro lights in front of the restaurant.
The Restaurant and Caffe:
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, there is something for everyone, any time of day at Carluccio’s! With minimum fuss and maximum flavor being the bread and butter of Antonio Carluccio’s recipes and seasonal menus, the classic Italian dishes are authentic and affordable. To start the day, guests can enjoy Carluccio’s Breakfast Magnifica, a choice of eggs with grilled smoky pancetta, sautéed mushrooms, tomato and toasted Italian bread, served with coffee or tea and a juice ($12.95) and Carluccio’s Breakfast Sandwich with a fried egg, mortadella sausage and melted provolone cheese on ciabatta, served with rosemary potatoes ($7.95.) Lunch and Dinner include a wide variety of options including a selection of Italian starters, antipasti and salads. Traditional pasta dishes include the Penne Giardiniera, created exclusively by Antonio with Carluccio’s imported giant Pugliese penne, zucchini, chilli and fried spinach balls, Parmesan and garlic ($13.50); Daily house-made Lasagna Tradizionale featuring layers of egg pasta, béchamel and a ground beef and pork sausage ragu ($15); Pasta con Funghi, Antonio’s recipe made with Carluccio’s imported egg pappardelle, shiitake, oyster and button mushrooms ($14.50); and Trio di Pasta, a choice of three pasta dishes to share ($37). Fresh fish and meat selections include Branzino e Basilico, pan-fried sea bass fillets on crushed potatoes, basil and sundried tomato with black olives ($25); Zuppa di Pesce, a traditional fish stew with shrimp, clams, pollock fillet and mussels with spicy sausage, tomato, garlic, chilli and anise ($20); and Tagliata di Manzo, thinly sliced, chargrilled 22 oz. flank steak for two, served with arugula, shaved Parmigiano Reggiano, rosemary potatoes and tarragon mayonnaise ($50.) The flank steak is grass-fed, grass-finished and antibiotic free. Guests can end their dinner on a sweet note with a selection of desserts, including Carluccio’s Tiramisu ($7.50); House-made Pana Cotta ($8); and Formaggi, a selection of three Italian cheeses served with truffle honey, walnuts and Italian flat bread ($12.) Carluccio’s cheeses are imported from all over Italy, including regional specialties and hand-made favorites.
As the lights dim and the evening progresses, the lunch to dinner scene seamlessly transitions with softly lit candles throughout the venue. Guests can belly up to the bar for an after work drink and enjoy a wide array of Italian cocktails, spirits, bar snacks and sharing plates. All social occasions in Italy start with antipasti and Carluccio’s antipasti sharing boards are stacked with the best from the market. Selections include the Deluxe which features chargrilled zucchini and eggplant, roasted peppers with pesto, bruschettine, buffalo mozzarella, marinated olives, anchovies, Napoli Toacano salami and toasted Italian bread ($23.95) and the Verdure, a vegetarian selection of roasted peppers, buffalo mozzarella, semidried tomatoes, caponata, chargrilled vegetables, olives and green bean salad with house-baked focaccia bread ($16.95.) Cocktails include Italian classics such as a Peach Bellini made with peach puree and Prosecco ($8); Aperol Spritz, Aperol topped with Prosecco and soda ($10); and a classic Negroni with Campari ($10), vermouth and gin served over ice. The bar also features craft Italian beers that rotate seasonally as well as a selection of Italian red and white wines.
The Italian Market:
From lemon oils to chilli pesto, squid ink pastas to dried porcini mushrooms, honey cantucci to cappuccino truffles, as well as shelves of Italian wines, you are sure to find the perfect gift for the gourmand in your life in Carluccio’s market. An extension of the restaurant and caffe, the market features 80 imported products sourced direct from small artisan producers all over Italy. A few special items include Carluccio’s limited time Panettone, made from a 100 year old yeast, which is nurtured in its own room by a producer in Italy from the previous season. The market also features fresh pastries, coffee, cheeses, olives, grab-n-go sandwiches and is a great pit stop to pick up the perfect duo of pasta and sauce to prepare for a special meal.
Carluccio’s is open Monday-Friday 7AM - 10:30 PM; Saturday 8 AM - 10:30 PM; and Sunday 8 AM - 10:00 PM. For more information, please call (240) 669-4694 or visit www.carlucciosusa.com. Please follow Carluccio’s on Facebook, Twitter @CarlucciosUS and Instagram @CarlucciosUS. Reservations are available on yelp.com.
About Carluccio’s:
Carluccio’s is an international Italian restaurant group that offers a unique combination of all-day dining coupled with an in-house market with over 80 imported products sourced direct from small artisan producers all over Italy. Founded in 1999 and named after the founder and acclaimed cook, author and TV personality Antonio Carluccio, the Carluccio’s group has over 100 restaurants operating internationally in the UK, Ireland, Turkey, Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Carluccio’s opened their first U.S. location in Alexandria, VA in 2015 and opened at Pike and Rose in North Bethesda, MD in 2016. For more information, please call 240-669-4694 or visit www.carlucciosusa.com. Please follow Carluccio’s on Facebook , Twitter @CarlucciosUS and Instagram @CarlucciosUS.
