Greetings!

Well, the big day is almost here. I'm sure Santa and his elves are frantically getting their act together (we hope), and likewise I bet you and yours have a few things to do in the very near future, like this very weekend. But I'm hoping that you can take a break from your hectic schedule and perhaps join us for some good food and wine and Holiday Cheer. This weekend we will be featuring Crab Cakes for an appetizer, followed by, among other items, Beef Strip Loin, Australian Barramundi Fish and Hawaiian Wahoo Fish, along with all your favorite Fratello dishes. Remember, we are here for you, I know it can be a busy time and all, but we'd love to see ya'!

My wine board is about to change slightly as we are nearing the end of our run with the excellent Pinot Noir from Oregon, Expressions 44, but I have some tasty wines from Italy and Spain to join the list waiting in the wings. I have or expect to have soon (as in I hope they deliver it tomorrow) some new wines that will make it to our list, including an excellent Orvieto from Italy that I enjoyed at a tasting (i.e. a white wine) and a new red from Bolgheri from the Castello di Bolgheri, Varvara. Wines from Bolgheri, which is on the Mediterranean coast of Tuscany, typically are blends of grapes better known in Bordeaux, France, than in Italy, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, etc., and are typically on the expensive side. Varvara is a Merlot based red that we will offer at $38/bottle, and it will work very well with our menu. This wine is in the house but not yet on the list, so ask for it if you are interested. Also, tis the season, so remember that Christmas Ale is still flowing from our tap.

At this time of year we are reminded of all that we have to be thankful for, and we are very grateful for many, many things. We have just wrapped up our 21st year in Avon Lake, and we are grateful for your continued support and friendship. My brother and I have also been fortunate to have an excellent staff to help us all these years, and as many of you know a number of them have been with us since the beginning. And many purveyors have assisted us over the years. But it is your support which has sustained us all this time, and we would not be here without you. Thank you. It is our hope that those of you who may be traveling arrive to and from safe and well - safe traveling. And we hope that the blessings of the season, and this wonderful and magical time of year, are with you all. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to all, and we look forward to seeing you.
 
Ciao