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.

chefs

Ramen News

Acclaimed Jinya Ramen Bar to open new Dallas location in Carrollton

Courtesy of Jinya Ramen

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A buzzy California-based ramen bar is opening a restaurant in Carrollton: Jinya Ramen Bar, known for its authentic, meticulously prepared ramen, will open at 2451 Old Denton Rd. #150 in the Century Square Retail Center, across the road from Carrollton Town Center.

According to a release, it opens on October 15.

Jinya originated in Tokyo, Japan where it was founded by in 2000 by Tomo Takahashi, whose father was a restaurateur. He expanded the concept to the U.S. in 2010, when he opened a location in California. There are now 66 locations across the U.S., including 14 in Texas, with an especially big presence in Houston. (Jinya Ramen Bar also has five sibling dining concepts including bushi by Jinya, Robata Jinya, LBD Japanese Bar and Lounge, and Jinya Ramen Express.)

Jinya Ramen Bar made its Dallas entrance in 2019 with a location in Victory Park; followed by a location at Preston Hollow Village which opened in 2023. (Plans for an Irving location were shelved.)

Jinya's ramen starts with a rich broth and house-made noodles. You add toppings, from tender pork chasu to poached egg to fresh garlic. The menu also has bao buns and other tapas, sake, and beer.

They tout the fact that they use Fuji water and subject their noodles to a special process before they're cooked and served. "Meticulously aged for three days to maximize their flavor, Jinya Ramen Bar's noodles are made fresh daily and crafted to sink perfectly in your bowl with thick noodles for some broths and thin noodles for others," the chain says.

Their creamy broths and the inclusion of unique fusion ingredients and flavors in their ramen has earned them much praise.

Carrollton will offer ramen with several broths, including chicken, tonkotsu, and vegan options, with bowls starting at $17. They will also offer Japanese rice bowls and small plates, such as sashimi and pork gyoza.

“After feeling so much love from the Dallas area, we knew we had to bring more of our signature ramen to the surrounding cities,” says Takahashi in a statement. “Our customers have been wonderful in supporting us so far and we hope Carrollton will fall in love with ramen this October.”

They'll host opening day festivities at 11 am with the first 100 guests in line receiving a free ramen bowl.

openings