NEW YORK— As the weather warms up, lighter fare is the order of the day. Following the footsteps of traditional Italian cooking, Alexandra Degiorgio and Vito Polosa, owners of Aroma Kitchen & Winebar are spreading the Mediterranean diet to New York, a city made famous for its fast food and turbo-charged lifestyle. This summer, New Yorker’s are invited to take home a piece of Italy’s true flavor with Aroma’s signature House-Cured Olives now available in 6oz reusable glass jars for $6.00. A longtime favorite of the restaurant’s regulars, these house-cured olives are perfect for an at-home version of Aroma’s ”aperitivo” with crusty breads, creamy cheeses, and cured meats, or equally satisfying for that spontaneous summer picnic outside with friends. The 2006 winner of “Best Wine Bar,” and, “Best Group Dining,” in Citysearch’s Audience Awards, Aroma continues to spread its understanding and approach to healthy living one dish at a time with the House-Cured Olives’ fresh, indigenous Italian ingredients and a focus on traditional methods of preparation. For more information on Aroma’s House-Cured Olives, upcoming dining events, or to interview owners Alexandra Degiorgio & Vito Polosa interested media please contact Workhouse Publicity, publicist Lauren Gould directly by telephone 212. 645. 8006 or via email lauren@workhousepr.com

THE SECRET TO AROMA’S OLIVES
Vito Polosa grew up in the Italian countryside working with the land, and has developed an unrivaled taste for the unique products from each region. After tasting over 50 Italian olives, he selected his favorites for Aroma’s House-Cured Olives based on taste, color and origin. The diverse mix that results includes succulent winners such as the red Cerignola olive from Puglia and the green Castelvetrano olive from Sicily. The olives are then cured with an infusion of staple Italian herbs including refreshing rosemary, sweet basil, pungent sage, crispy fennel, and a mélange of black and pink peppers. And the final product is delicious! Of Italian and Mediterranean descent, Alexandra and Vito possess a dedication to quality eating and create a home-away-from-home atmosphere for their guests that is both mentally and physically nurturing. Take home a taste of Italian hospitality with their House-Cured Olives, available for $6.00 in a reusable glass jar, or $5.50 with the return of the jar. For more information call 212-375-0100 or visit aromanyc.com

AROMA KITCHEN & WINEBAR
Relaxed. Intense. Italian. Aroma Kitchen & Wine bar is an Italian restaurant intent on taking guests to refreshingly new levels of Italian food and wine enjoyment. Located next to the Bowery Bar in the East Village at 36 E. 4th Street between Bowery and Lafayette, Aroma feels like a secret wine bar in Rome. From the moment Alexandra Degiorgio greets you at the door, to the first scent of wine selected by Vito Polosa visitors to Aroma experience a casual, honest environment and dishes that capture the flavor and soul of Italy. It's a cozy space, yet it feels expansive. The wine list includes over 150 Italian wines, divided by region, including an extensive “by the glass” program. With seats comfortable enough for dining at the bar, a dining booth in the back and a sidewalk veranda, the restaurant seats 30. Additionally, Aroma’s Farmhouse Room, a private, subterranean escape, is accessed through a narrow staircase and winding catacombs and comfortably seats 20 guests.

MENU AND VENUE INSPIRATION
Alexandra Degiorgio and Vito Polosa’s childhood in the Mediterranean was founded in a culture with a strong, stable culinary tradition where great pleasure is derived from food and where dining is an experience to be savored. Great meals lasted for hours, bringing family and friends together. These meals were always prepared with local and fresh ingredients and with love, care and attention.
Since moving to New York, Alexandra and Vito have seen the same passion for food and drink but found the experience is rarely savored or remembered here. This passion is also often hindered by a fear that delicious food cannot be healthy for you. After they met in November 2002, they created an escape in their home by hosting frequent dinners to celebrate friendships and family, food and wine. They dreamed of creating a restaurant that would bring back the values of fresh, local food that is carefully prepared coupled with wonderful wines and genuine service. Alexandra Degiorgio and Vito Polosa opened Aroma Kitchen & Winebar in March 2005 with a vision to take guests to new levels of Italian food and wine enjoyment, making every meal a memorable experience.

ATMOSPHERE
Aroma is a study in contrasts: The urban/rustic interior features exposed brick, a dark wood bar with natural edges juxtaposed with mirrors framed with brushed steel. The room is softly lit by both contemporary chandeliers and flickering candles. Brought together by their shared passion for food, wine and entertaining, owners Degiorgio and Polosa are both as active behind the scenes as they are in front of the house. Alexandra, a native of Malta, was formerly a consultant for American Management Systems (AMS), an international information technology firm. Vito, from Potenza, Italy (just South of Naples) has extensive experience in service as waiter, head waiter or manager at such NYC restaurants as Fiamma, Da Silvano, Bice and Il Gattopardo. Most recently, he was a wine salesman for Winebow, one of New York's largest wine and liquor distributors. The team brings passionate, focused intensity to the art of relaxing hospitality. They plan to share their enthusiasm with wine tastings, directed pairings and other educational programs.

HOURS
Aroma is open Monday – Friday 12PM – 12AM, Saturday - Sunday 6PM – 12PM. Lunch is served Monday to Friday 12PM – 3PM. Dinner is served Daily 6PM – 11PM. Aroma is open for "aperitivo" Monday – Friday, 4PM – 7PM.  

Aroma is located at 36 E. 4th Street between Bowery and Lafayette. For more information call 212-375-0100 or visit aromanyc.com.