Christini's Ristorante Italiano Celebrates 35 Years as Orlando Restaurant Icon Welcoming New Executive Chef
Acclaimed Restauranteur Chris Christini Brings Chef Jason Gonsalves to Meld Fresh Flavors with Cherished 'Taste of Italy' Experience
ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 9, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Christini's Ristorante Italiano – the esteemed fine dining favorite serving authentic Italian flavors in Orlando for 35 years – marks its milestone anniversary with the hiring of new executive chef Jason Gonsalves. Working in tandem with famed restauranteur and Christini's founder Chris Christini, Gonsalves presents a fresh, seasonal menu blending the tastes of high-quality Mediterranean cuisine with the traditional, upscale gastronomic experience for which Christini's has earned accolades and celebrity patronage since its inception in 1984. With an impressive culinary career background working for six years as a sous chef under French chef Daniel Boulud, Gonsalves brings a penchant for fresh ingredients and carefully crafted cuisine to the Christini's table.
"It has been an honor to give nearly 50 years of restaurant experience to creating Christini's. We've built an iconic restaurant in the United States, and as we celebrate our remarkable anniversary, we are thrilled to welcome Jason Gonsalves as an executive chef," says Chris Christini, founder and owner, Christini's Ristorante Italiano. "His notable background and philosophy in the kitchen are an impressive fit with our principles of providing the highest quality cuisine and service, in a welcoming, unforgettable atmosphere."
For six years, Gonsalves held the sous chef position with Daniel Boulud, building a striking food acumen, most recently serving as executive chef of the five-diamond resort and restaurant, Winvian Farm. His French-inspired approach to cooking stems from years spent learning in Michelin Chef Daniel Boulud's restaurants across the United States, cooking for celebrities and dignitaries alike. Gonsalves holds a Culinary Arts degree from Johnson & Wales University.
"Many of my early childhood memories involve being in the kitchen. My grandfather was a chef on an Exxon Oil tanker and my mom and grandmother taught me countless lessons on cultivating delicious dishes straight from our garden and using ingredients wisely to minimize waste," says Gonsalves. "My career started at The Candleworks, in New Bedford, Mass., which was once the biggest fishing port in the world. My time there and in my subsequent positions well-prepared me for the coveted experience of working with Mr. Christini and his family in this treasured restaurant."
The addition of executive chef Gonsalves and the celebration of Christini's 35th anniversary brings new menu offerings to Christini's classics. Alongside signature favorites like the Christini's Veal Chop and the Chilean Sea Bass served over Shrimp Risotto, the new menu features seasonally-inspired dishes from Prince Edward Island Mussels and Crab Salad topped with Mango to Smoked Salmon accented with Nova Scotian Caviar and a classic Grand Marnier Soufflé for dessert. Timeless Christini's traditions remain, with patrons beginning each meal with savory olives from Mr. Christini's European grove and ending each meal with the tastes of authentic Italian Limoncello. And, each female patron departs from dinner with a long-stemmed red rose, a simple reminder of an exquisite experience.
An Orlando culinary icon for 35 years, Christini's Ristorante Italiano offers a five-star, tradition of crafting, classic Italian cuisine, presented on a menu melding fresh flavors with a cherished 'taste of the Old Country' experience. Centrally located in the upscale Dr. Phillips suburb of Orlando, the esteemed, family-owned favorite was founded by the beloved Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association Hall of Fame Restauranteur, Chris Christini. Christini's warm hospitality, exemplary service, attention-to-detail and tasteful menu have earned the restaurant countless awards, accolades and celebrity patronage since its inception in 1984. The antique and art-ensconced restaurant and strolling world-famous accordionist coupled with satisfying house-made pasta dishes and signature cuts of veal and seafood offerings creates a robust, special occasion restaurant not frequently found stateside.
Be charmed by this classic Orlando icon and make a reservation today by calling 407.545.6867 or by visiting http://www.christinis.com.
SOURCE Christini's Ristorante Italiano
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