There are a lot of high-end and high-concept Italian restaurants in Houston these days and I will always have a soft spot for the hand-extruded spaghetti al pomodoro at Tony’s.

But when people ask me what our favorite Italian restaurant in Houston is, there is only one answer: Davanti, where chef Roberto Crescini makes his own pasta and grinds his own meat for his ragù.

Chef and I have been talking about doing a wine dinner series for a few years now and now, we’ve finally gotten around to putting the first one together.

He, manager Oliver Calza (super cool guy btw), and I worked really hard to make this reasonably priced at $120 inclusive; see menu below. And for those who like the wines and want to take some home, there will also be a retail offering that evening.

The coolest thing is that Roberto is from Brescia! That city has become my home base in Italy over the last 10 years or so. Let’s just say that when Roberto and I connect, we speak each other’s language.

The seating will be limited to 12 people. Please email/DM me if you’d like me to hold you a spot (jparzen@gmail.com).

This is going to be good one, folks! Thank you for the support. I hope to see you then.

In other news, my Abruzzo trade dinner at Rossoblu in LA tomorrow night is full. I’m sorry that we weren’t able to accommodate everyone but I’m so glad to be beating the drum for Abruzzo.

I believe that our Abruzzo food and wine lover dinner on Wednesday night, also at Rossoblu, is almost sold out. But for those who want to grab the last few spots, here’s the link.

Wine Dinner October 28

Aperitivo

Crostino Con Baccalà Mantecato
Raina Umbria Bianco Grechetto 2023

Antipasto

Manhattan Clam Chowder
Marotti Campi Verdicchio
Castelli di Jesi Riserva Salmariano 2020

Primo Piatto

Large Rigatoni Al Cinghiale
Chianti Classico Riecine 2021

Secondo Piatto

Agnello alla Napoletana
Scuotto Taurasi 2019

$120

Wine pairing, tax, and gratuity included.