Wednesday, January 15, 2003

It's all in the family at Augustino's. The Ragozzine family, that is

The Brothers Ragozzine, Anthony, Bill and Freddy, are the owners of Augustino's Ristorante Italiano in Peachtree City.

Originating in Treglia, Italy, the Ragozzine family is honored at Augustino's, which is named for the owners' grandfather. The brothers give their mother credit for teaching them at a very young age about food and cooking.

Anthony and Billy have more than 30 years experience in the food and beverage industry. They began cooking at ages 11 and 13 in a neighborhood bakery. Now, Anthony is an executive chef with more than 15 years experience. Billy has been a restaurant director for seven years. Brother Freddy joined his brothers recently, bringing 25 years restaurant experience, the last 12 in management, to the table.

The restaurant opened in June at 282 N. Highway 74, in the former location of Baci's in Wisdom Pointe Plaza. Italian and continental Italian cuisine is served there in an intimate atmosphere which reflects the Ragozzine brother's love of food and exceptional service. All of the dishes on the men are made on the premises.

An evening at Augustino's may begin with artichoke and hearts of palm, tossed with tomato and black olives and topped with gorgonzola cheese, an antipasto salad, or fried calamari.

Augustino's mouthwatering entrees includes house specialties such as:

Herb crusted salmon - baked salmon dusted with Italian herbs and spices, served with a side of penne Alfredo;

Troute Florentine - sauteed trout stuffed with spinach in a white cream sauce over linguine;

Seafood Fra Diavolo - a dish of shrimp, scallops, mussels and clams sauteed in a spicy red sauce over a bed of linguine.

"Pasta Your Way" allows diners to choose their favorite pasta, sauce, and "fixins" (meatballs, sausage, ground beef, chicken, shrimp, mixed seafood, veal, mixed veggies, mushrooms, spinach, plum tomatoes, sun dried tomato, egg plant, and roasted peppers) for custom-built dishes.

Classic Italian desserts like Tiramisu, cannoli, and sphgodelle are a wonderful way to end the evening.

Entrees are reasonably priced, from $8.95 to $16.95.

Augustino's serves lunch Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Diners can choose between an all-you-can-eat $5.95 lunch buffet, an excellent way to sample many of the restaurant's fine entrees, or select a favorite from the lunch menu.

Augustino's expanded their offerings with a Sunday brunch in October. This meal is served from 11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., $12.95 for adults, $5.95 for children 10 and under.

Enjoy your meal with live entertainment Thursday through Saturdays. featuring classics and soft jazz on piano and upright bass on Fridays. Classic soothing violin music is provided on Thursday evenings and for Sunday brunch by Daniel. A piano and bass duo present classics and soft jazz on Fridays and Saturdays are always a surprise.

Special events are a favorite at Augustino's. Since opening, the restaurant has hosted art exhibits, wine tastings, a halloween party, thanksgiving buffet, breakfast with Santa and New Year's Eve celebration.

Couple's making Valentine's Day plans will want to know about the romantic evening planned at Augustino's. Dinner includes a flower for the ladies, a bottle of champagne for each table, choice of appetizer and entree, and strawberry pillows for dessert. Seatings are at 5:30 and 8:00, $75 per couple, and reservations are required.

Augustino's is available for private parties, office parties, and special occasions. Reservations are recommended for parties of six or more, all special events and wine tastings. You are invited to join the Ragozzines for a romantic dinner or a family feast of rich Italian cuisine. They are anxious to show you their interpretation of classic Italian cuisine and attentive service.

Augustino's is open Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for the lunch buffet; Monday through Thursday, 4-9 p.m. for dinner, Friday and Saturday, 4-10 p.m. for dinner; Sundays, from 11 a.m. 2:30 p.m. for brunch and 5-8 p.m. for dinner.

For more information, visit www.augustinosristorante.com.

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