NEW YORK–Relish the company of loved ones and take pleasure in the generosity of the holidays, even as you transport your palate to novel destinations. Aroma Kitchen & Winebar invites you to experience the virtues of authentic Italian dining at the first-ever Thanksgiving Dinner 2006. Drop your carving knife, pick up a glass of Aroma’s finely selected wine, and toast to a classical celebration of health and togetherness. This year’s 2006 Citysearch Audience Award Winner for “Best Wine List” and “Best Group Dining,” Aroma specializes in creating faultless food & wine arrangements that cater to large and intimate parties alike. To make a reservation or schedule an interview with owners Alexandra Degiorgio & Vito Polosa interested media please contact Workhouse Publicity, Lauren Gould by telephone 212. 645. 8006 or via email lauren@workhousepr.com.

THANKSGIVING 2006
During the duration of their time in America, Thanksgiving has always been one of Vito Polosa and Alexandra Degiorgio’s favorite traditions for its focus on family gatherings, cozy environments, and excellent, homemade cooking. They now have a unique connection to the holiday as well, as it was four years ago on this date that they met and discovered their mutual passion for food, wine and great company. Join us as we re-create these enchanting sentiments at Aroma’s Thanksgiving Dinner 2006 to take place on Thursday, 23 November 2006 from 4:00PM-10:00PM. This 4-course menu is available for $55 per guest with an additional $35 for wine pairing (before sales tax and service). Seating is limited. For reservations or more information call 212-375-0100 or visit aromanyc.com.

MENU
first course
braised turkey salad, escarole, frisee, pancetta, poached egg
Cusumano Syrah 2005 (Sicily)
syrah ~ young, appealing, delicate, cherry, prune, tobacco, soft, fall winner

second course
pumpkin fagottini, butter, sage, amaretti, ricotta salata palermitana
D’Angelo Sacravite 2001 (Basilicata)
aglianico del vulture ~ exotic spices, dark fruits, dry , tannic, richly rustic

main
“grigliata mista di carne”
oven roasted turkey, cornish hen, sausage, roasted potatoes, fall fruits
Cecchi Val delle Rose Morellino di Scansano Riserva 2003 (Tuscany)
sangiovese ~ vegetable zest, vanilla, ripe fruit, plummy, elegant, full finish

dessert
roasted pumpkin crostata, cranberry marmalade
Di Majo Norante Apiane 2002 (Molise)
moscato reale ~ pear, raisins, peach, rich, lean, floral

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 cool 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 on 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. Aroma doesn't have a fancy cellar, but even the red wines are served at just the right temperature. 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.