Carmine's unveils menu for tonight's re-opening

Artistic Carmine's logo is back.

ALBANY -- Carmine Sprio not only has resuscitated the name of his Amer-Italian restaurant that re-opens tonight, he has brought back the familiar logo that represented the original Carmine's for 13 years at its original location.

The new Carmine's succeeds Carmine's Brazilian Grill, his shot at a churrascaria that he closed as of New Year's Eve at 4-6 Sheridan Avenue downtown, opposite Capital Repertory Theater.

On the new menu are such things as "Apps for 2" such as bruschetta del giorno and bresaola (chilled imported air cured shaved filet mignon, giardinaire, pickled beets), "Dinner for 2" (linguine, beans and greens  with house-made meatballs, pancetta, cannellini beans, garlic and olive oil), and pan-roasted salmon (leek fonduta, potato croquette and baby greens), and a "No-Sharing Dessert" (fallen chocolate souffle with ice cream and chili chocolate pudding).

Sprio also is bringing back some former favorites served at his original Central Avenue location (now the home of Grappa '92 Ristorante) such as braised veal cheeks, veggie risotto, bresaola and zuppa de pesce.

The restaurant's new website also was just unveiled today. It contains the lunch and dinner menus. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 5 p.m. to close Monday-Saturday. Phone: 729-4477.

Union Cafe is located at 1725 Union Street. Phone: 280-1600.

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