Dallas-based Maggiano's Little Italy drops new menu from Michelin chef

Maggiano's Little Italy antipasto board.

Maggiano's

A Dallas-based Italian restaurant chain is stepping up its game: Maggiano’s Little Italy, the upscale Italian concept that's part of Brinker International, has brought in a Michelin-star chef to elevate the dining experience, with innovative dishes and concepts.

According to a release, chef Anthony Amoroso has been named vice president of innovation and growth, and will lead the chain in a new, more exciting culinary direction.

Amoroso has worked for restaurants such as SeaBlue at The Borgata in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Aria Resort & Casino, and Corporate Executive Chef at MGM Resorts. He earned the Michelin star while working at the Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, and was also a winner on Iron Chef America in 2009.

In his new role, he'll create and execute dishes that celebrate traditional Italian flavors while incorporating modern culinary techniques.

The new hire is part of an initiative by Maggiano's president Dominique Bertolone, who joined the company in December 2023. Bertolone, who also worked at the Bellagio, says in a statement that bringing Amoroso to the team is a first for the company, and promises to be a game-changer.

Maggiano's chef Anthony AmorosoMaggiano's

“Welcoming Michelin-starred Chef Anthony Amoroso as our Vice President of Innovation and Growth, along with our exciting new menu additions, represents a pivotal moment in our journey," Bertolone says. "Chef Amoroso’s Michelin distinction is more than just an accolade – it embodies his extraordinary creativity, meticulous precision, and unwavering passion for culinary excellence."

New menu items include appetizers, entrées, and desserts, some with interactive tableside presentations:

Antipasto Board with meats, cheeses, crisp toasts, and other house-made accompaniments
Chef’s Signature Caesar, with Romaine lettuce hearts, Caesar dressing, croutons, and topped with Parmesan cheese grated tableside
Mozzarella alla Caprese, with mozzarella, tomato, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze
"Riserva” veal parmesan: a 14-ounce bone-in veal chop, breaded and topped with marinara and mozzarella, cut tableside
Chicken saltimbocca, chicken breast cutlets wrapped in prosciutto and sage in a lemon butter sauce, with spaghetti aglio e olio (spaghetti with olive oil)
Dessert trio: cheesecake, tiramisu, and Vera’s lemon cookies

Maggiano’s has also instituted a Master Sommelier Selection of six wines by the glass, chosen by master sommelier Jason Smith, one of 168 certified professionals in the Americas, featuring wines not commonly available by the glass.

Amoroso says he looks forward to leading the restaurant on a new path.

“I am honored to be joining the Maggiano’s team to help shape this next era of the brand, building upon its rich heritage and commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences,” says Amoroso in a statement. “Maggiano’s has long been synonymous with classic Italian-American dining, offering cocktails, wine, dishes and experiences that foster unforgettable memories for our guests. I’m excited to partner with the team, push the envelope and ultimately, set a new standard.”

Maggiano's was originally founded in Chicago in 1991, then was acquired by Brinker International, owner of Chili's Grill and Bar, in 1995. There are two locations in Dallas — NorthPark Center in Dallas, Shops at Willow Bend in Plano — and 50 locations across the U.S.

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Booze news

Buzzy Dallas suburb pops the cork on first Total Wine & More store

Photo by Gabe Wolf

Total Wine & More is open in Prosper.

No one needs another reason to move to fast-growing Prosper, but here's a new one anyway: The first Total Wine & More in the city has just opened its doors.

The newest Dallas-area wine, beer, and spirits superstore debuted March 5 at The Gates of Prosper, 1191 Gates Pkwy., Suite 400. For reference, it's next to Target.

The new store marks a big milestone for the retailer, as it is the 40th Total Wine & More location in Texas. Pop the champagne!

According to a release, the 26,000-square-foot store carries more than 8,000 wines, 4,500 distilled spirits, and 2,500 beers, plus a "robust" lineup of non-alcoholic and THC-infused beverage options.

"It gives local shoppers a convenient new place to shop a vast assortment of products at the lowest prices," the release says.

Total Wine & More Prosper Prosper even gets its own signagePhoto by Gabe Wolf

Shoppers can also expect:

A wide assortment of local-to-Texas brands, including Tito’s and Deep Eddy Vodka.
“The Brewery District” beer tasting station and cold case.
Wine and spirits tasting stations.
Walk-in humidor with more than 50 premium cigar brands.
In-store classroom for customer classes and events featuring winemakers, distillers, and brewers from around the world.

Founded in 1991, Total Wine & More is based in Bethesda, Maryland and is the nation's largest independently owned retailer of fine wine, beer, and spirits, with more than 290 superstores in 30 states and the District of Columbia.

There are more than a dozen Total Wine locations across Dallas-Fort Worth, but it's their first foray into Prosper, which made the list of fastest-growing cities in the U.S. last year. Total Wine joins other big openings in the city, including H-E-B, Handel's Ice Cream, and Alabama chain Urban Cookhouse.

Hours of operation at the Prosper Total Wine are 10 am-9 pm Monday-Saturday; closed (by state law) on Sunday.

openings shopping prosper total wine