Bellini’s Italian eatery is celebrating its 50th Anniversary year in 2009, and among other things has added “1959 Classic Italian Sandwich Shop” offerings to its lunch menu at three of its locations (Slingerlands, Clifton Park, and South Windsor CT).   Here’s what they’ve got (all sandwiches are served with roasted rosemary potato wedges):

  • “Italian CB” Twin beef sliders with provolone & balsamic mixed greens   8.95
  • Meatball Hero veal meatballs, roasted Stanislaus, CA tomatoes with mozzarella   9.95
  • “Old Country” Cutlet chicken pan seared with broccoli rabe with fresh basil & roasted tomatoes   10.95
  • Sausage & Peppers grilled Italian sausage with oven roasted peppers   9.95
  • Eggplant Stack eggplant, oven roasted tomatoes, Bufala mozzarella   10.95

I wish I worked closer to a Bellini’s so I could go there for lunch.  The sandwiches sound pretty good, and pretty reasonable, to boot.  They’ve also added a few 1959 Classics to the dinner menu for the celebration. 

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I was wondering about the “50th Anniversary” thing, though – I hadn’t realized Bellini’s had been around so long.  Turns out it’s really the 50th Anniversary of Marello Management Group, which operates the Bellini’s eateries.  Bellini’s is also slated to open Bellini’s at High Rock this summer, part of a joint hotel and condominium complex in Saratoga Springs known as 38 High Rock.  The restaurant will feature classic continental fare in an upscale setting, serving roasted meats and seafood, as well as classic Italian dishes, according to Joe Marrello, principal at Marrello Management Group.

Their website (eatdrinkbellinis.com) also has a cool video feature called “Watch Joe Cook”, where Joe Marello himself shows you how to cook some of the restaurant’s popular menu offerings.  The Cavatelli Pasta with Sausage Sauce looks particularly delightful.  Joe is not as dynamic as say, Rachael Ray, but his instructions are clear, and the recipes are solid. 

Bob and I (and my in-laws) enjoy eating at Bellini’s – the food is good, they have a nice selection of vegetarian and healthy options, and the service has always been very attentive.  Their wine list is also very fun – most of the time I try one of their “wine flights” – 4 reds or 4 whites, either “old world” or “new world”.  Getting the wine flight is actually a great value, and allows you to try some of the more interesting wines on their list.