DALLAS, Aug 28, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX News Network/ -- At wineries across Italy, it's time for the annual grape harvest, which marks the start of this year's winemaking process. This season is known as the vendemmia, and it truly is a celebration of wine and food.

In the spirit of this tradition from the old country, Maggiano's Little Italy is hosting its own Italian Harvest, offering Chef-created specials, made from scratch and paired with Tormaresca wines from southern Italy. The restaurants will highlight Tormaresca's Chardonnay and Neprica wines as complements to the new Italian Harvest items.

    The Italian Harvest specials, available through Sept. 24, include:

    Appetizer   Prosciutto Wrapped Shrimp -- Jumbo shrimp wrapped with
                imported prosciutto in a white wine sauce with leeks
                and tomatoes

    Pasta       Sausage Rigatoni -- Italian sausage, peppers and onions
                tossed with rigatoni pasta in a lightly spiced tomato
                wine sauce

    Entrees     Chianti Beef -- Braised beef cooked to perfection with
                mushrooms, peas and red wine tomato sauce -- served
                with pappardelle pasta
                Halibut Meurette -- Crusted with Asiago and fresh
                herbs, served with asparagus, red onions and shitake
                mushrooms, finished in a white wine butter sauce

    Dessert     Stacked Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar -- Layered
                chocolate, peanut butter and hazelnut mousse with
                blackberry caramel sauce

"Maggiano's prides itself on serving our guests not just a meal, but an experience," said Edithann Ramey, director of marketing for Maggiano's Little Italy. "Introducing these fresh, seasonal menu items and their unique wines pairings allows us to embrace the Italian harvest season in a way that is authentic to our heritage."

About Maggiano's Little Italy

Maggiano's Little Italy specializes in Italian-American cuisine served in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Maggiano's menu features both classic and contemporary recipes -- authentic pastas, signature salads, prime steaks, fresh seafood, regular chef specials and specialty desserts. Maggiano's 42 locations nationwide offer lunch and dinner, delivery, carryout service and banquet spaces for special occasions. Maggiano's is one of four restaurant brands in the portfolio of Dallas-based Brinker International (NYSE: EAT), a recognized leader in casual dining. Other Brinker restaurants include Chili's Grill & Bar(R), Romano's Macaroni Grill(R) and On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina(R). For more information, visit http://www.maggianos.com.

SOURCE Maggiano's Little Italy

http://www.maggianos.com