Autumn has arrived and it’s time to reflect on what was an exceptionally busy summer for DZ Restaurants. Aside from the infrequent rainy day, countless guests enjoyed the lush patios at all three of our restaurants this summer; and many are still braving the cool nights trying to squeeze in every bit of outdoor dining possible.  We also had one of our busiest seasons yet with private events and took great pride to ensure all were successful and memorable.

As we strive to always improve our guest experience and personal touch, we have recently expanded our sales team to include Michele Brown as Sales Manager.  Michele will be handling Private Events at Forno Bistro and Chianti Ristorante.  I will continue to work with our guests for Private Events at Pasta Pane and will also assist with the launch of our newest division, DZ Catering.  Over the summer, we have created many strong partnerships with our Saratoga and Clifton Park based hotels and bed and breakfasts through our Preferred Partner Program and have placed many corporate and social events within all three restaurants as a result.

At Pasta Pane we recently hosted a wonderful Joe Carr Wine Dinner at which nearly 100 guests had the chance to meet and learn about the wine parings for the dinner from Joseph Carr himself.  Pasta Pane also welcomed Chef James Frese as its new Head Chef and saw Ryan McCormick take on the responsibilities as Sous Chef.  Darelle Fitzpatrick welcomed a knew Manager, Lynda Constantine and they are working diligently to continue creating the best dining experience available in the Clifton Park and surrounding area.

We have also been very busy behind the scenes at DZ Restaurants as I eluded to above.  We are preparing for the much anticipated launch of our Catering division; DZ Catering.  We have already been busy with corporate luncheons and our Dinner Party To-Go line has been met with great enthusiasm and success!  Look to our Website to get more details.

DZ Catering provides boutique-style catering services to accommodate private and corporate events alike and strives to fill a unique niche for smaller custom affairs. We specialize in unique personalized events of up to 75 guests in homes, offices or at select venues.

Our Dinner Parties To-Go line features inspired and authentic platters of classic and custom dishes that require little or no effort to set up so you can enjoy your guests AND the party. We will assist you in planning every details of the menu, create it, cook it and package it for you to pick up and enjoy.  We have put the fun back in entertaining and taken the stress away.

I look forward to telling you so much more in the next “Note from the Sales Office.” Remember to plan early for your Holiday Gathering to get your first choice of dates!  We can host your events in our private rooms and unique spaces at Forno Bistro, Chianti and Pasta Pane, AND with DZ Catering can now help you host your event at your home, office or any location you choose.  Watch for more special events on our website for all of our locations and as always please don’t hesitate to call the Sales Office for your social event or business dinner needs.

Until next time!

To plan your next event with us, please contact our Director of Sales Susanne Simpson at 518-339-6373 or susanne@dzrestaurants.com

OpenTable is a leading provider of free, real-time online restaurant reservations for diners and reservation and guest management solutions for restaurants

Part of the charm and appeal of a DZ Restaurant was a seating policy that has been described as ‘first come, first serve’; a seating policy that encouraged walk-ins and gave every guest an equal chance to get a table on any given night. However, it was in response to increasing guest requests, says owner David Zecchini, that DZ Restaurants ultimately decided to open its reservation books and begin taking names.

“We listened to our guests and it’s always important to give guests what they want. OpenTable will not only help us accommodate more guests more efficiently throughout the course of an evening, but we can also use it to remember our guest’s preferences, special occasions, and special requests” said Zecchini

Zecchini stresses that all three restaurants will still have a significant number of tables available for walk-in guests all evening long. Likewise for guests who are hesitant to embrace the reservation technology of OpenTable reservations will also be accepted by phone. “Whether it be through OpenTable or over the phone by taking reservations we’re providing peace of mind, which in the end improves the overall guest experience.”

Limited reservations are available now by phone at all three locations and online at OpenTable for seating starting next Thursday July 21 at Pasta Pane, Wednesday July 27 at Chianti Il Ristorante and Thursday, September 1 at Forno Bistro.

The Ryan Wersten MIOP Foundation and the Saratoga Center for the Family were the May and June recipients of Chianti Il Ristorante’s TWELVE Program, a fund raising effort which features a local NP of Charity on the twelfth of each month. The Ryan Wersten MIOP Foundation received $1583 and Saratoga Center for the Family received $1048.

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life and Parsons Child & Family Center, were the May and June recipients of Pasta Pane’s Raising Dough Program, a fund raising effort which features a local NP or charity on the third Sunday of each month. The American Cancer Society received $1660 and Parsons Child & Family Center received $1364.

Friends of Hannah Hughes Fund was the highlighted charity during Forno Bistro’s “Afternoon of Wine” Event on June 11^th. Eight-year old Hannah Hughes, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) last year. Nearly $600 was raised for Hannah Hughes during the event.

The Ryan Wersten MIOP Foundation was created by Paul and Barbara Wersten in memory of their son Ryan Wersten who lived for only six months after being diagnosed with Malignant Infantile Osteopetrosis (MIOP). The Saratoga Center for the Family provides a comprehensive array of services committed to strengthening, empowering, and educating children, families and the community to reduce the incidence and effects of child abuse, neglect and family dysfunction.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. Camp To Belong New York, proudly offered by Parsons Child and Family Center is dedicated to reuniting siblings placed in separate foster homes and other out of home care for events of fun, emotional empowerment and sibling connection.

David Zecchini presents Raising Dough check to The American Cancer Society Relay for Life for $1660.00

Attendees of the event will have the opportunity to sample a wide selection of over 40 wines from Forno Bistro’s, Chianti Il Ristorante’s and Pasta Pane’s extensive and award winning wine lists along with passed and stationary Tuscan-style fare from Forno’s Bistro’s kitchen.

There is no charge to attend the event for DZ Restaurant Preferred Guest members; however an optional $10 donation can be made to help support the Friends of Hannah Hughes Fund. Attendees who are not DZ Restaurant Preferred Guest Member can sign up prior to event at any DZ Restaurant location or on the day of the event. There is no cost to become a DZ Restaurant Preferred Guest Member.

Hannah Hughes was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) on Monday, November 29, 2010. After several months of treatment in Albany, Hannah and her family relocated to Boston for the next phase of her journey, where Hannah received a bone marrow transplant from her four-year old sister, Fiona.

Hannah and Fiona Hughes

“Giving back to the community is extremely important to everyone at our restaurants. We take a day to get together, roll up our sleeves, and volunteer for a cause close to our hearts.” said Jeremy Ganisin, restaurant manager at Chianti Il Ristorante.

“Rebuilding Together is thankful for the efforts of the volunteers from DZ Restaurants, who use their days off to assist those in need,” expressed Executive Director Michelle Larkin from Rebuilding Together Saratoga County “The DZ crew was a pleasure to work with and I look forward to partnering with them in the future.”

DZ Restaurants has also recently volunteered at the The Double H Ranch’s 4^th Annual Eggstravaganza held at Six Flags Great Escape Lodge in Lake George, NY in April and the Double H Ranch Chef’s Dinner held on May 6^th at the Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing, NY.

DZ Restaurants president David Zecchini added “I am happy to have a program in which our company comes together and works towards a joint cause; helping others. I am proud that my company has been so effective at supporting our local community. I hope to only continue and grow the reach of our DZ Volunteer program.”

As the Director of Sales Susanne oversees and manages the sales and coordination of private events at all three DZ Restaurant locations; Chianti Il Ristorante, Forno Bistro and Pasta Pane.  She will also support marketing of corporate culinary adventures and cooking classes as well as the development of unique culinary experiences.

“I’m thrilled to be working with such a dynamic team and representing some of the finest restaurants in the area.” Simpson expressed.

Susanne comes to DZ Restaurants with over 20 years experience in resort and hotel sales, with a specialization in the corporate market.  As a Sales manager at the Gideon Putnam Hotel & Resort in Saratoga Springs and the Sagamore Resort in Lake George, Susanne was responsible for all aspects of the corporate market and specialized in market development, executive level meetings and enhancing guest experience through food and beverage and overall resort experiences.

Active in the community her recent volunteer efforts include overseeing the Tri-Building Middle School Cultural Arts Programs in the Shenendehowa School District and serving as Vice President of the Gowana Middle School PTA.

For information on private events at any of our restaurants, please contact our Director of Sales Susanne Simpson at 518-339-6373 or susanne@dzrestaurants.com

Susanne Simpson (center) pictured with Pasta Pane Manager Darelle Fitzpatrick (left) and Pasta Pane Chef Roslyn Zecchini (right)

It was with an entrepreneurial spirit that David Zecchini looked upon the sight of the former Applebee’s in the in Shopper’s World Plaza and saw not an empty building, but rather envisioned a beautiful, raw and rustic environment in which quests felt not only welcome, but immediately at home; a familiarity that gave guests the sense that they had been there before. He envisioned something simple, yet delicious; approachable and comforting with simple, rustic food of the freshest and highest quality. From that, Pasta Pane was given its name which translates to Pasta and Bread.  That vision became a reality in 2010and this past February 6th Pasta Pane celebrated its One Year Anniversary.

David’s other two restaurant concepts, Forno Bistro and Chianti Il Ristorante, are located in the heart of Saratoga and there was a sense of the unknown in leaving that comfort zone to open Pasta Pane. Any uncertainties he might have had though were immediately put to rest. Based on the reception Pasta Pane has gotten from Clifton Park it is clear that the restaurant and David have been welcomed and embraced by the community.

Hailing from Saratoga by way of Rome, Italy David Zecchini has built numerous successful restaurants on the basic premise of treating every guest like a King. He possesses an unmatched passion for culinary excellence, unconventional restaurant aesthetics, and an instinctual acumen for giving each guest exactly what they want.  His passion however is complemented by his compassion as visible through TWELVE at Chianti Il Ristorante and Raising Dough at Pasta Pane, charitable programs that have raised over $50,000 for Saratoga and Clifton Park-based non-profit organizations since 2008.

Raising Dough is David’s way of “giving back” and supporting the local, grassroots organizations in Clifton Park. Through the Raising Dough Program, on the third Sunday of each month, guests can choose to have 30% of their guest check donated directly to that month’s featured non-profit. In its first year the program has raised awareness and contributions for organization such as Hannah’s Hope, Nick’s Fight to be Healed, the Catie Hoch Foundation and Coming Together for Kaitlin.

A true craftsman David is always trying to reproduce all of his Italian traditions. Everything David does is impassioned; and his passion is inspired and infectious. To have a conversation with him can be likened to an orchestra of which you are a musician and David the maestro entreating a crescendo of excitement and emotion with a mere gesture of his baton.  He doesn’t merely encourage others to do their best, he makes them believe they can do more than they ever thought possible.

Oftentimes, as restaurant-goers, when we reminisce we do so through a lens of embellishment; colors are brighter, scents are intensified, tastes are richer. It’s only when we have the opportunity to relive an experience that we frequently realize the present pales in relation to the past, that the first time really was the best time; that maybe you really can’t go home again.

All of David’s restaurants, including Pasta Pane, are not only built with David’s Italian heritage in mind but more importantly they built on creating memories, the ingredients of which as carefully chosen as the ingredients of any menu item.  Each restaurant is a doorway for those who have traveled to Italy and long to return; a doorway for those who have never been and long to go.

Experiences vary from guest to guest, but the lenses through which they remembering those experiences are the same.  David’s true challenge prior to opening a restaurant is not selecting the items on the menu, hiring staff members or the interior decoration. These are all important phases however the real challenge for David begins with his understanding that the reason a guest visits and returns to a restaurant is only partially due to the scent and flavor of the meal, the quality of service and the ambiance of the dining room.  David understands the sincere reason guests visit and return to a restaurant are the memories.

David helps each guest refocus his or her lens so that every new experience rivals the one before and, most importantly, the original. He does this so that there is a shimmer of hope, if only just for one meal, that maybe we can all go home again.

And just as David wants each guest of Pasta Pane to find a little piece of home within the restaurant, David has found a little piece of home in Clifton Park.

Last month DZ Restaurants Director of Operations Nancy Bambara, Chianti Il Ristorante General Manager Debora Zecchini and Chianti Il Ristorante Executive Chef Fabrizio Bazzani traveled to New York City for the 3^rd Annual Vino 2011. The event, sponsored by the Italian Trade Commission, focused on five different Italian regions; Apulia, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Lombardy, Tuscany and Veneto. These regions, which exhibit a broad range of grape varietals and styles from North all the way to the heel of Italy, showcased their varietals and wine making traditions.

Nancy: “Vino 2011 was an amazing experience. After three days immersed in Italian history, heritage and culture and the opportunity to try world class wines from over 200 of Italy’s Premier Vintners I feel as if we’ve been granted invaluable knowledge that will influence the selection of new wines brought in to all three of our restaurants.”

Debora: “The Italian Trade Commission did a phenomenal job with the seminars, wine pairings and of course the Grand Tasting. For me though, the pinnacle of the event was when our dear friend Philip DiBelardino, VP Fine Wines at Banfi Vintners, was honored with the Distinguished Service Award and inducted into the Italian Trade Commission’s Wines of Italy Hall of Fame. As one of only five honorees this year “Filippo” was recognized for his outstanding leadership, contribution and lifelong dedication to the appreciation, education and marketing of Italian wines in the U.S.”

Fabrizio: “As a craftsman I am always trying to reproduce all my Italian traditions, but it is a study, ever-evolving, a soul-search. This is the reason I went to the event; to improve and to learn from all the importers that were at Vino 2011. As we are always in contact with our guests we want to be able to give them something new, something different. The imports we saw, tasted, and sampled at Vino 2011 give us the opportunity to not only provide our guests with the best available product, and not only the chance to become better at what we do, but at the same time it presents us the ability to help our countrymen bring their wines and varietals to the United States.”

February 6 marked Pasta Pane’s One Year Anniversary and to thank our guests for a memorable first year we developed a three-course menu of some of our most popular items for $20.11 that will run from February 1-28. We are optimistic the menu, called our Un Anno Menu, will give regular guests the opportunity to enjoy the classic menu items they’ve made so popular, while giving new guests an economical menu from which they will get a real taste for our rustic approach to Italian cooking.

While we were developing Pasta Pane our intention was to create a beautiful, raw and rustic environment in which quests felt not only welcome, but immediately at home; a familiarity that gave guests the sense that they had been there before. We envisioned something simple, yet delicious; approachable and comforting with simple, rustic food of the freshest and highest quality. From that, Pasta Pane was given its name which translates to Pasta and Bread. Based on the reception we’ve gotten from Clifton Park it seems the concept has been embraced by the community.

There might have been some initial trepidation about opening a restaurant outside of Saratoga Springs. Our other two restaurant concepts, Forno Bistro and Chianti Il Ristorante, are located in the heart of Saratoga and there was a sense of the unknown in leaving that comfort zone to open Pasta Pane. Any uncertainties we had though were immediately put to rest in the way in which the community welcomed us.

We don’t know what the future holds, no one does, but with one year under our belt we are looking ahead to our next year and with hope many years after that. With so many dining choices in the Clifton Park area we truly appreciate the loyalty shown to us by you, our guests. We hope to see you in February for our Un Anno Menu as well as all year long.