A Concept Built from the Love of Rome, Italy
Rione is the third restaurant created by husband and wife team Rich and Chris Garcia. Their journey began with Angelinis Italian Restaurant in Modesto in the late 1990's, it continued to Red Tavern in 2013 and just last year they opened Rione. For this project they invited their daughter Linsey, who also shares the love and appreciation for travel, true Italian cuisine, and the beauty that the culture brings.
Rione is a concept built from their love of Italy but specifically Rome and specifically the neighborhood of Trastevere. Over the years, they have traveled many times to Rome and shared many memories while exploring the beautiful cobblestone streets and frequenting their favorite non-touristy restaurants.
The Food & Culture that Inspired Rione
There are many regions of Italy but Rione mostly focuses on those items you would order when you get off that airplane at the Fiumicino Airport in Rome. Pasta Carbonara (not American carbonara), Cacio e Pepe, Amatriciana, Veal Saltimbocca, Pasta alla Zozzona, Oxtail, Pasta alla Gricia, Pasta alla Papalina, Fried Squash Blossoms, Fried Suppli, Tomato Bruschetta are just a few of the amazing and traditionally prepared Roman items you will find.
In addition you will find a personal size thin crust pizza named Pizza Tonda (Roman round pizza). This pizza has a 72 hour proofing, the hydration level is lower than its sister pizza from Naples, it is very light and crispy, and it comes topped with traditional and imported toppings from Italy such as San Marzano Tomatoes, Buratta, Fresh Mozzarella, Soppresetta, Mortadella, Porcheta, just to name a few.
From there, they move to other favorite regions such as Tuscany, Umbria and Ligaria. Whether it it is Trofie Genovese, Bucatini and Clams, Ravioli alla Norcina, Wild Boar Bolognese, you will find delicious items Rich and Chris have loved to eat, learn and prepare.
Dishes & Atmosphere
Rione is perfect for lunch, date night, or family night. Rich had his eyes opened to Italy and its cuisine at such an early age. He says, “It’s always been close to my heart.” The food is what drew him in, but traveling there, meeting the people, and experiencing the culture is what solidified his love for the area. Chris says, “We are so excited to showcase the food, to put it out for everyone to taste and see.”
The quality of their dishes is a direct reflection of their experience and training as well as their chef’s talents and the ingredients they use. Rione imports many of the ingredients directly from Italy such as Salamis and Cheeses, San Marzano plum tomatoes grown in the volcanic soil between Naples and Salerno, balsamic vinegars from the Emilia Romagna region, unique olives and olive oil varieties, along with particular pastas that are seldom seen here in the states. In addition to imported pastas they make their own fresh pasta, ravioli and gnocchi.
The expansive bar backed by green subway tiles and black bar shelving will initially focus on beer, wine and delicious and creative aperitif spritz, which are so popular in Italy. Rich and Chris have handpicked each wine and the wine list will feature a wine from each Italian Region.
While there aren’t any cobblestone streets to meander down and explore, there is a beautiful Roman Italian restaurant waiting for you to step into and experience Italy right in your neighborhood.