When I first heard Chris Shepherd introduce his friend, Chris Cosentino, a Top Chef Master from San Francisco, months back at a an event for Southern Smoke I immediately liked him and what he had to say to us. He was an Italian-American guy opening an Italian restaurant here in Houston, whose dishes were inspired by his immigrant Italian Great-Grandmother, it all felt so familiar to me. When he stopped by our table and we chatted about his Nonna who had inspired his love of food and cooking and was the one that actually taught him more than he even realized at the time, I related 100%! Most of my cooking and dining knowledge has all stemmed from my Italian Grandmothers, one of which Rosie for whom I was named, and my Mom, whose dishes I make to this day.
Of course, how familiar the surroundings felt……Cosentino worked with Philadelphia-based interior design studio, Rohe Creative, that is responsible for the interiors of the C.Baldwin Hotel, where, Rosalie’s resides. The result was a design collaboration between the two with Rosalie Cosentino’s 70’s inspired kitchen in mind. They aimed to weave together the comfort of home and aesthetics from this period in which Chef Cosentino was learning beside Rosalie.
About the Food…
The menu reflects classic red-sauce dishes reminiscent of lessons Chris learned from his great-grandmother, accompanied by his own interpretations. The dishes on the menu blend the local ingredients of Houston and Chris’ family traditions such as whole eggplant parmesan with Rosalie’s Sunday gravy and Gulf shrimp Fra Diavolo to name a few.
“This food represents immigrant cuisine in America,” said Chris. “When Italian immigrated to the U.S., it was difficult to acquire the same products that they had at home in Italy. This is why Italian-American food was created. I’m taking a lot of the dishes that I grew up with and breathing in a little bit of new life–in this little region of Italy known as Houston.”
The Dishes……
Rigatoni Bolognese......a staple and a personal favorite, delish!
Rosalie’s Soulful Italian Restaurant is located on ground floor of C. Baldwin Hotel, 400 Dallas Street. For more info click on to www.rosalieitaliansoul.com
photos by Julie Soefer