Appetizers

Spinach Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette, Gorgonzola Cheese and Candied Walnuts

Calamari e Fritti Crispy Calamari served with Lemon & a Spicy Tomato Sauce

Bruschetti Grilled Bread with Oven Dried Tomatoes, Goat Cheese

Insalata alla Cesare Hearts of Romaine Lettuce with Tomato Basil Croutons with Ceasar Dressing

Mozzarella alla Caprese Fresh Buffalo’s Mozzarella, Tomatoes, Basil& Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Polenta Crab Cake Crab Cakes served with Lobster Aioli and Mixed Greens

Steamed Mussels in White Wine & Tomato Broth

Portobello Mushroom with Mozzarella & Balsamic Coated Onions

Zuppa di Giorno

Entrees

Pollo con Parmesan Parmesan and Herb Crusted Chicken Breast topped with Mozzarella and Pomodoro

Fresh Grilled Sea Bass, “Branzino” finished with Red Pepper Coulis on a Bed of Chianti Risotto

Capasanta al Forno Baked Sea Scallops with Parmesan, Garlic Butter & White Truffle Aioli

Grilled Fresh Trout with a Champagne Chive Cream Sauce served with Saffron Orzo with Artichokes & Asparagus

Ravioli Aragosta Lobster Ravoli in Truffle Butter with Asparagus

Eggplant Plant stuffed with Ricotta finished with Pomodoro

Grilled Vegetarian Plate with Balsamic Glaze

Gnocchi Home made Gnocchi with Italian Sausage, Natural Pomodoro Sauce

Grilled Pork Chops with Madiera Wine Sauce, served with Truffle Mashed Potatoes & Sautéed Spinach

Grilled Beef Tenderloin Medallions, finished with Gorgonzola Chianti served with Truffle Mashed Potatoes

Bolognese con Pappardelle A Traditional Sauce of Ground Beef, Veal, & Pork served with Pappardelle

Desserts

Tirami su A Rich Dessert made of Lady Fingers, dipped in Espresso with layers of Mascarpone

Budina al Carmello A delicate Custard with Caramel.  Served Chocolate or Vanilla

“Chocolate Speciale

Isabella’s Italia will be featuring two wonderful menus beginning February 11th, 12th & 13th for Dinner (Saturday, Sunday & Monday).  You may Choose from either a $35 Pre-Fixe menu or a $50 Pre-Fixe Menu.  On Valentines Evening, February 14th the Menu will be the $50 Pre-Fixe only.  Reservations Suggested as we are filling up fast!

Valentines Pre-Fixe Menu  $35

Appetizer

Calamari e Fritti Crispy Calamari served with Lemon & a Spicy Tomato Sauce

Bruschetti Grilled Bread with Oven Dried Tomatoes, Goat Cheese

Insalata alla Cesare Hearts of Romaine Lettuce with Tomato Basil Croutons tossed in our own Ceasar Dressing with Shaved Parmesan Cheese

Zuppa di Giorno

Portobello Mushroom with Mozzarella & Balsamic Coated Onions

Entrees

Penne Pasta con Pollo Artichokes, Zucchini, Sundried Tomatoes in a light Basil Broth topped with Pesto and Parmesan

Portobello Mushrooms stuffed with Crab with mixed Greens

Penne alla Primavera Penne Pasta in a Sauce of Peppers, Zucchini, Squash, & Asparagus

Bolognese con Pappardelle A Traditional Sauce of Ground Beef, Veal, & Pork served with Pappardelle Pasta

Salmone al Vapore Fennel Crusted Atlantic Salmon served with Arugula and Tomato Salad & Basil Vinaigrette

Grilled Fresh Trout with a Champagne Chive Cream Sauce served with Saffron Orzo with Artichokes, Asparagus & Peppers

Pollo con Parmesan Parmesan and Herb Crusted Chicken Breast topped with Mozzarella and Pomodoro served with Linguini and a Basil Pesto Cream

Eggplant Plant stuffed with Ricotta finished with Pomodoro

Gnocchi Home made Gnocchi with Italian Sausage, Natural Pomodoro Sauce

Grilled Vegetarian Plate with Balsamic Glaze

Tagliatta of Pork with Madeira Wine Sauce, served with Truffle Mashed Potatoes & Sautéed Spinach

Desserts

Tirami su A Rich Dessert made of Lady Fingers, dipped in Espresso with layers of Mascarpone

Budina al Carmello A delicate Custard with Caramel.  Served Chocolate or Vanilla

“Chocolate Speciale”

Valentines Pre-Fixe Menu  $50

Appetizers

Spinach Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette, Gorgonzola Cheese and Candied Walnuts

Calamari e Fritti Crispy Calamari served with Lemon & a Spicy Tomato Sauce

Bruschetti Grilled Bread with Oven Dried Tomatoes, Goat Cheese

Insalata alla Cesare Hearts of Romaine Lettuce with Tomato Basil Croutons with Ceasar Dressing

Mozzarella alla Caprese Fresh Buffalo’s Mozzarella, Tomatoes, Basil& Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Polenta Crab Cake Crab Cakes served with Lobster Aioli and Mixed Greens

Steamed Mussels in White Wine & Tomato Broth

Portobello Mushroom with Mozzarella & Balsamic Coated Onions

Zuppa di Giorno

Entrees

Pollo con Parmesan Parmesan and Herb Crusted Chicken Breast topped with Mozzarella and Pomodoro

Fresh Grilled Sea Bass, “Branzino” finished with Red Pepper Coulis on a Bed of Chianti Risotto

Capasanta al Forno Baked Sea Scallops with Parmesan, Garlic Butter & White Truffle Aioli

Grilled Fresh Trout with a Champagne Chive Cream Sauce served with Saffron Orzo with Artichokes & Asparagus

Ravioli Aragosta Lobster Ravoli in Truffle Butter with Asparagus

Eggplant Plant stuffed with Ricotta finished with Pomodoro

Grilled Vegetarian Plate with Balsamic Glaze

Gnocchi Home made Gnocchi with Italian Sausage, Natural Pomodoro Sauce

Grilled Pork Chops with Madiera Wine Sauce, served with Truffle Mashed Potatoes & Sautéed Spinach

Grilled Beef Tenderloin Medallions, finished with Gorgonzola Chianti served with Truffle Mashed Potatoes

Bolognese con Pappardelle A Traditional Sauce of Ground Beef, Veal, & Pork served with Pappardelle

Desserts

Tirami su A Rich Dessert made of Lady Fingers, dipped in Espresso with layers of Mascarpone

Budina al Carmello A delicate Custard with Caramel.  Served Chocolate or Vanilla

“Chocolate Speciale

Late Seating – 4 Course pre-fixe Menu $55 per person (7:30PM – 10 PM) – Menu Below

Early Seating – 3 Course pre-fixe menu $35 per person (4 PM – 7 PM – out by 9 PM) – Menu Below

New Years Eve Menu 2011-2012 – 4 Course $55

First Course

Calamari e Fritti Crispy Calamari served with Lemon & a Spicy Tomato Sauce

Beef Carpaccio Baby Arugula, Portabello Confit, White Truffle Oil, & Ricotta Salata

 Mozzarella Caprese  Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella, Oven Roasted Tomato with Basil

 Bruschetta Grilled Italian Bread with Oven Dried Roma Tomatoes, Goat Cheese

Second Course

Zuppa del Giorno

 Insalata Mista Speciale Mixed Green Salad served with Beets, Goat Cheese, Shallots, Tomatoes in Balsamic Vinaigrette

Insalata Paesana Herbed Goat Cheese served with Mixed Greens, Apples & Cherry Tomatoes, Dressed in Lemon-Olive Oil Vinaigrette

Main Course

 Bolognese con Pappardelle Pork, Beef & Veal Ragout with Pappardelle Pasta topped with Grana Padano

 Dentine al Pest Pan Seared Red Snapper served with Orzo Pasta Ratatouille & Olive Pesto

 Bistecca al Formaggio Oven Roasted Marinated New York Strip, with Fontina & Pecorino Romano served with Asparagus & Truffle Parmesan Polenta

 Ravioli al Agnella Lamb & Ricotta Ravioli served with Mint Butter and Lavender

 Capesante con Rissotto Melanzane, Grilled Scallops served with Eggplant Rissotto & Pine Nuts with Ricotta Salata

 Desserts

 Pera al Vino Wine Poached Pear with Sweet Mascarpone

 Budina al Carmello A delicate Custard with Caramel.  Served Chocolate or Vanilla

Cheese Cake Italia Traditional Cheese Cake with Raspberry Coulis & Fresh Berries

December 31, 2011- 4 Course Pre-fixe

Isabella’s Italia 3 Course Menu $35 (5 PM – 6:45 PM)

First course

Calamari e fritti crispy squid served with spicy tomato sauce and lemon

Bruschetta herbed chrostini with oven roasted tomato, and goat cheese

Carrello di formagio fontina, pecorino romano & pistachio goat cheese truffles

Insalata Paesana herbed goat cheese served with mixed green lettuce, apples, and cherry tomatoes dressed in lemon-olive oil vinaigrette

Insalata Caesare crispy hearts of romaine with herbed garlic croutons, and  our house made Caesar dressing, topped with shaved Grana Padano cheese

Feudo Arancia Stemmari IGT 2009

Region:Stemmari – Sicilia – Italia

Grape: Nero D’ Avola (100%)

Kris Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie IGT 2010

Franz Hass – Venezie – Italia

Pinot Grigio (100%)

Main course

Bolognese con pappardelle pork, beef, and veal ragout with pappardelle pasta topped with Grana Padano

Ravioli al agnello lamb and ricotta stuffed ravioli served with mint butter and lavender honey

Fileto di Trota herbed trout served with salmoriglio sauce, roasted potatoes, and spinach

Pollo arosto  grilled marinated chicken, haricot  vert, chipollini onions with soft truffle polenta & marsala sauce

Risotto ai asparagi carnaroli rice with asparagus, and ricotta salata ( vegetable stock based )

Vento Maremma Bianco IGT 2010

Meremma – Toscana – Italia

Vermentino (100%)

Trappoline IGT 2009

Coltibuono – Tosacana – Italia

Chardonnay (50%), Sauvignon Blanc (50%)

Banfi Centine IGT 2009

Region:Banfi-Toscana-Italia

Grape:Sangiovese (34%), Cabernet Sauvignon (33%), Merlot (33%)

Tempo Morellino di Scansano DOCG 2009

Region: Terre di Talamo – Toscana – Italia

Grape: Sangiovese (100%) 

Dolce

Budina al caramello a delicate custard topped with caramel, served vanilla or chocolate

Tirami su lady fingers, espresso, mascarpone cream

Cheese cake traditional cheese cake with raspberry coulis and fresh berries

Rotari Talento Trento DOC

   Valle dell’ Adige – Trento  – Italia

   Chardonnay (100%)

Wine Pairings $15

Three Course Dinner $35

*No Promotions or Coupons are accepted on New Year’s Eve

Isabella and the Holidays

As a neighborhood restaurant we try to stay open all the time.  We hope to see you for the Holidays and into this New Year 2012!

Open all Week Lunch & Dinner till Christmas Eve!

Christmas Eve Dinner Open 24 (Reservations suggested)

Christmas Day Closed 25

Day after Christmas Open

Open Lunch & Dinner from day after Christmas till New Years Eve!

New Years Eve Open (Reservations highly recommended)

New Years Day Closed

Monday, January 2 Open

http://www.skaiflorals.com/

From a small flower arrangement to a wedding for 200 they are always spectacular!

Ladyfingers dipped in Italian coffee & Cognac with layers of freshly whipped Mascarpone & ricotta Cheese filled with semi-sweet chocolate chips

Served Nightly! as featured in Frisco Style Magazine!

Isabella's Tira mi su Moderno

http://goitaly.about.com/od/christmasinitaly/a/christmas.htm

Buon Natale!

Christmas season in Italy is traditionally celebrated December 24-January 6, or Christmas Eve through Epiphany. This follows the pagan season of celebrations that started with Saturnalia, a winter solstice festival, and ended with the Roman New Year, the Calends. However there are lots of Christmas things to see during December prior to Christmas, many starting on December 8, the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception.

Italian Christmas Traditions

Although Babbo Natale (Father Christmas) and giving presents on Christmas are becoming more common, the main day for gift giving is Epiphany, the 12th day of Christmas when the three Wise Men gave Baby Jesus their gifts. In Italy, presents are brought by La Befana, who arrives in the night to fill children’s stockings. More about Epiphany and La Befana

Christmas decorations and trees are becoming more popular in Italy. Lights and decorations are often seen starting around December 8, the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception, or even the end of November. The main focus of decorations continues to be the presepe, Nativity scene or creche. Almost every church has a presepeand they are often found outdoors in a piazza or public area, too.

More about Presepi – Italian Nativity Scenesand where to see them.

Traditionally, a meatless dinner is eaten on Christmas eve with the family, followed by a living nativity scene and midnight mass. In parts of southern Italy a seven fishes dinner is traditionally served on Christmas Eve. Traditional bonfires are often held on Christmas Eve in the main square of town, especially in mountain areas. Dinner on Christmas day is usually meat based.

Christmas trees, lights, Nativity Cribs, and Christmas celebrations in Italy:

Although you’ll find Christmas celebrations all over Italy, these are some of the most unusual or most popular Christmas celebrations, events, and decorations.

Naples is one of the best cities to visit for Nativity cribs. Naples and southern Italy have other Christmas traditions, including the Christmas Eve dinner of the seven fish dishes, although it doesn’t really have to be seven fishes and not everyone serves it. Naples Nativity Pictures

Bagpipe and flute players, zampognari and pifferai, are a part of Christmas celebrations in Rome, Naples, and southern Italy. They often wear traditional colorful costumes with sheepskin vests, long white stockings, and dark cloaks. Many of them travel from the mountains of the Abruzzo regionto play outside churches and in popular city squares.

Rome is another top city to visit during the Christmas season. There’s a large Christmas market, nativity displays, and several huge Christmas trees. Here’s what to see in Rome during Christmas Season.

Saint Peter’s Squarein Vatican City hosts the popular midnight mass given by the Pope inside Saint Peter’s Basilica. Those in the square see it on big screen TV. At noon on Christmas day the Pope gives his Christmas message from the window of his apartment overlooking the square. A large tree and nativity scene are erected in the square before Christmas.

Torinois one of the best places for lights. Over 20 kilometers of streets and squares are illuminated by some of the best illumination artists in Europe from late November through early January.

Near the top of Monte Ingino, above Gubbio in central Italy’s Umbria region, shines a huge Christmas tree, 650 meters tall and made up of more than 700 lights. In 1991 the Guinness Book of Records named it “The World’s Tallest Christmas Tree.” The tree is topped by a star that can be seen for nearly 50 kilometers. Tree lights are turned on every year on 7 December, the evening before the feast of the Immaculate Conception.

Città di Castello, in Umbria, celebrates Christmas Eve in on the Tiber River. Towards evening, a group of canoeists, each dressed as Father Christmas, with their canoes illuminated by lights, make their way along the river to the bridge at Porta San Florido where a crib is suspended over the water. When they get out of their canoes, they give small presents to the children gathered there.

Lago Trasimeno, also in Umbria, celebrates with Soul Christmas, Umbria Gospel Festival, December 8 – January 6.
Read more about Christmas in Umbria

May the Magic of Christmas be yours today, tonight & all year long…

The Magic of the Holidays!

“Romantic Dining”, Diner’s Choice Awards, 2011

“Best Romantic Restaurant”, Readers Choice Awards, 1st Place, 2010

“Best Romantic Restaurant”, Readers Choice Awards, 1st Place, 2011

“Best Romantic Dining”, Top Ten, Citysearch, 2009-2010

“Most Romantic Dining” Plano Profile “Best Eats” Survey, 2010 Winner

“Most Romantic”, Plano Profile “Best Eats” Survey, 2011 Winner