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8/12/2009 3:29:00 PM As seen in the Round Rock Leader |
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Angelo “Gino” Minardi (seated, center) poses for a
photo with family members at their restaurant on South
Mays Street. Gino’s was founded in 1993, expanding from
a pizzeria into a full-fledged Italian restaurant in the
past 16 years. |
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Gino's Italian Restaurant
1701 S. Mays
Phone: 218-9922
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Authentic Italian
From Sicily, Minardi family grew roots in Round Rock
By KELLY SAXTON LINDNER
Special to the Leader
Angelo "Gino" Minardi grew-up in Gela, Sicily and began working in a
bread shop at the age of 12. After relocating to New York and working
for several years baking and creating Italian pastries, he opened his
own bread shop in New Jersey.
In 1976, Gino and his brother Luciano moved to Galveston and opened a
bakery, which after 20 years became a pizzeria and Italian Restaurant.
Later Gino and his wife Angela decided to move to Round Rock, where
their children had decided to relocate, leaving the Galveston location,
still in operation today, to Luciano.
Gino founded the Round Rock location in 1993. What began as a simple
pizzeria has expanded over the course of 16 years into an Italian
restaurant with a full menu of authentic Sicilian food. The pizzeria
sign still hangs at the entrance and the original structure is intact at
the center of the establishment, giving customers the impression they've
walked into a take-out pizzeria before they move into the warmly lit and
more polished spaces of the restaurants. These new sections have Italian
signs hanging over their entry ways that say "la dolce vita" or "the
sweet life."
A menu that began with pizza, bread (made fresh daily) and pasta now
contains pages of food, including such favorites as the Linguini
Giardino (pasta tossed in garlic, olive oil and vegetables), pasta
pescatore (an Italian marinara sauce spread over shrimp, mussels and
clams) and the Cacciatore (sautéed mushrooms, onions, peppers and
marinara sauce served with chicken or veal).
The Combo Platter gives the customer a chance to taste three traditional
dishes at once: the lasagna, the fettuccini and the chicken paramigana -
all favorites among regulars and the restaurant's operators.
In fact, the lasagna is Minardi's favorite and one of the staples of the
restaurant, though Gino and his nephew Emanuele occasionally introduce
new weekend specials to add to their family's 60-year tradition of
original recipes.
"Nobody makes it the way we make it," said Minardi. "Everything is
homemade and fresh and Italian."
Gino's is also known for making homemade sauces daily and has a full
beer and Italian wine list. There are also favorite desserts such as the
cannoli, tiramisu, the Italian crème cake and the four flavors of cheese
cakes (decadent, chocolate, raspberry and amaretto).
"We enjoy bringing the taste of homemade Italian food to the families of
all nationalities who come in and love our food," said Teresa, Gino's
daughter and co-founder of the Round Rock location.
In fact, Minardi's other daughters are also involved in running the
location: Gina helps manage and Christina and her son James help out in
the restaurant.
The restaurant also brings its food to other locations, as it tends to
cater for events both large and small. It has catered events with over
600 attendees and often caters rehearsal dinners, weddings and other
various types of celebrations. For more information about catering,
contact Teresa or Gina at the main number, 218-9922.
There are four chefs at Gino's and most of the waiters and waitresses
have worked at this location for many years. When regulars come in they
tend to be greeted warmly with a hug from Gino himself or other members
of the family. Gino's has been at this location for years and plans to
continue there for many years to come.
Gino's is open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.
They are closed each Sunday. For more information visit
ginosroundrock.net. |
The below Editorial Profile is
taken from the "CitySearch" Website of Austin, Texas
"It's the food that keeps Round Rock regulars and Dell employees
coming back to this busy
Italian
eatery."
Editorial Rating: Recommended
"The Scene
Don't be deceived by the strip-mall location and unremarkable
exterior--Gino's is a warm, welcoming Italian eatery. With silk flowers,
Italian flags and simple, Tuscan-inspired paintings, the atmosphere is
unpretentious, inviting and classic Italian. Family-owned and operated for
over 16 years, the staff is helpful and pleasant.
The Food
Your appetite will kick in when you walk through the door. The heady aroma
of Italian favorites, such as baked ziti, Chicken Marsala and Lasagna is
tantalizing. For starters, order fried zucchini, or just opt for the
delicious complimentary bread and dipping oil. The solid antipasto salad
serves four--a perfect appetizer for a group. The surprisingly extensive
menu includes seafood and veal specialties and an assortment of baked
entrees and pasta dishes. Try Carbonara spaghetti with tender Canadian bacon
and onions in creamy Alfredo sauce. And you can't go wrong with the Pizza --
and affordable, it rivals any in town.
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I
want to personally thank you and your staff for making tonight a great
success. The food and service were impeccable. I'm sure you will get many
repeat customers as the comments about your restaurant were not only
favorable, but outstanding. Ron and I will be seeing you soon. Thanks again
Rhoda Greene, Neighborhood 44 rep, Sun City
Gino's has been
one of our favorite haunts for the past 8 years. You would have to go far to
find such delicious and authentic Italian cuisine. The service is wonderful.
The ambiance is low-key and charming. If you are lucky, Gina will greet you
and chat. What a winner!!
Dr. Don and Arlene Klein
This
was our first time to Gino's and we thought everything was terrific. Serice
- Friendly and pizza delicious just like New York. We will definitely be
back and would recommend to friends.
Linda and Gerry Sepe
We
enjoy our evenings at Gino's. The service (favorite server - Jennifer) is
friendly and good. The food is just like Mama used to make. Who could ask
for anything more......the real deal
Your Italian friends,
Linda and Bob Casvese
My
wife and I have just finished our first dinner at Gino's. The ambiance of
this cozy eating place is as outstanding as the meal. The pasta exceeds
anything we have eaten in Italy or Chicago. The pizza beats any thin-crust
made in Chicago The service was perfect and Gina makes the entire evening
warm and friendly
Bill Salam
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