Patrenella’s Back-Door Hideaway to Open Patio / Garden
Corleone’s Bar & Grill, the cozy hideaway located behind Patrenella’s Italian restaurant at 813 Jackson Hill just off Washington, will begin serving Sunday Brunch on May 4.
Taking advantage of pleasant temperatures and a large, rustic patio overlooking one acre of vegetable gardens, the brunch will feature a number of Italian breakfast and lunch dishes and bottomless Mimosas and Bellinis. The hours are 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Executive Chef Ryan Hildebrand has introduced a special menu for Corleone’s brunch that includes a variety of antipasta dishes, pasta plates, frittatas, eggs and panini. Seating will be inside of Coreone’s Bar & Grill or on the adjoining, covered patio.
As it has since opening 16 years ago, Patrenella’s will remain closed on Sundays and Mondays, but the Bocce Ball court in front of the restaurant will be open for use.
This return of Corleone Bar & Grill is literally one of rising from the ashes. Shortly after the spot opened as a bar and private dining area a little more than a year ago, it was nearly destroyed by a fire which also threatened Patrenella’s which is in a 1938 building converted from a house built by the first Patrenella to immigrate from Italy. Fortunately, the restaurant received only minimal damage. Corleone was not as lucky.
But with ashes came opportunity, and Hildebrand, who had just joined the Patrenella family at the restaurant, began working on creating a casual, comfortable retreat where diners could come after work or after the theater for great food in small portions, cocktails and select wines.
The decision to open on Sunday comes in tandem with the changing demographics of the neighborhood. As the area along Washington Ave. has undergone a major development change in the last decade – adding thousand’s of residences in addition to new businesses and restaurants – new generations of diners now live within walking distance.
Corleone captures the same ambience of the historic Heights and Sixth Ward that the charming restaurant does. Besides the new Sunday hours, it is open from 5-11 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 5-midnight Friday and Saturday serving small portion versions from Patrenella’s menu. It also boasts a large by-the-glass wine menu.
For reservations to the restaurant or information on Corleone, call 713-863-8223.
Taste some of the best of Houston food at the 2008 Zonta Zelebration, formerly known as the Glass Sipper Ball.