“Just as I suspected, Aroma is something special…they manage to fill their precious few hundred square feet with passion enough for the most gargantuan of spaces.”
—Andrea Strong of the New York Post

NEW YORK—Caught in the throes of clichéd displays of affection and bland Valentine gifts, the day of love can be easily overdone. This year, Aroma Kitchen & Winebar invites you to relax and focus on the experience instead of the expense with its seductive Valentine’s Day Dinner on Wednesday, 14 February 2007 from 6:00PM-12:00AM.  Prepare for a fusion of sensuality and style as the night’s four-course original menu and rich bouquets of Italian wine arouse the senses. Inspired by owners Alexandra Degiorgio and Vito Polosa’s shared love of the intimate Italian dining experience, a rustic, candle-lit dining room and enchanting underground cavern invite patrons to escape further into dining bliss. At Aroma, the restaurant’s understated elegance effortlessly supplies a romantic backdrop to any meal, while the kitchen provides heartfelt selections of food and wine meant to be enjoyed in the company of someone you care for. 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

ROMANCE REINTERPRETED
The emotions of Valentine’s Day have been woven into Aroma’s Valentine’s Day Dinner, a feast that playfully integrates Italian tradition and European flair into every course. Start with a heart-warming, traditional fisherman stew paired with a glass of champagne, then move on to squid ink arancini: deep-fried balls of risotto that incorporate a signature Italian ingredient for special occasions: squid ink. Next, spice things up with lobster diavolo and roasted red pepper linguine which exude the vibrancy of the holiday’s signature color, or opt for the hearty braised lamb shank with wild mushrooms and winter vegetables. To end things on a sweet note, share a decadent chocolate fondue for dessert. This celebratory four-course meal for two is available for $130 per couple with a $35 per person wine pairing. Space is limited. For reservations or more information call 212.375.0100 or visit aromanyc.com.

MENU
first course
“brodetto alla termolese” southern fisherman stew
Phillipe Prié Brut  NV (Champagne, France)

second course
squid ink arancini
Borgogno Freisa d’Asti 2005 (Barolo, Piedmont)

main course
lobster “diavolo”, homemade roasted red pepper linguine
Gradis’ciutta Bratinis 2004 (Friuli)
or
lamb shank, wild mushrooms, winter vegetables ragu, fontina polenta
Allegrini La Grola 2003 (Veneto)

dessert
Belgian chocolate fondue, fruit, biscotti
Bindella Vin Santo Dolce Sinfonia 2001 (Tuscany)

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 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 outside of Naples) has extensive experience in service as waiter, head waiter and 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.