On April 21st, Maggiano’s Little Italy kicked-off their 13-year collaboration with the Make-A-Wish® Foundation with new menu items for their Eat-a-Dish for Make-A-Wish® initiative. This initiative, in the last 13-years, is responsible for raising $6 million for the Make-A-Wish® foundation, providing the opportunity to grant over 800 wishes, and hosted hundreds of wish parties and local fundraising events to benefit children with life-threatening medical conditions.
Beauty and the Bump was in attendance at the Maggiano’s Little Italy Garden City location for an exclusive sneak peek at the menu items this family-style Italian restaurant is offering guests in order to raise funds to make terminally ill children’s wishes come true. Over a three-course meal, General Manager, Joseph Peluso and Chef Mat from the restaurant’s Roosevelt Field location discussed with attendees the inspiration behind the selected menu items from appetizers, to entrees, to desserts and drinks. Each menu item has its own special story, and designated donation amount. Maggiano’s Little Italy will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish from each select menu item, $5 per pitcher of seasonal sangria, and 50¢ per lemonade.
Chef Mat and staff prepared for us the following Eat-a-Wish for Make-A-Wish® menu items:
Beverages
Dylan’s Lemonade Peach & Pomegranate Lemonade Maggiano’s sponsored Dylan’s wish to travel to Italy
Seasonal Citrus and Peach Sangria
Appetizers
Asiago Crusted Shrimp with Mixed Greens (Smoked Bacon, Lemon Vinaigrette) – available April 21 – May 25
Strawberry Bruschetta (Strawberry Chutney, Orange Fondue, Prosciutto) – available May 26 – June 29
Entrees
Filet Mignon & Asparagus Risotto (Shiitake Mushrooms, Garlic, and Steak Jus) – available April 21 – May 25.
Stuffed Chicken Fontina Risotto (Mushrooms, Tomatoes, and Chives) – available May 26 – June 29.
*In participating restaurants, both Risotto dishes come with any On The House Classic Pasta to take home.
Dessert
Fresh Berry Tiramisu (Blueberries, Blackberries, Strawberries, Fresh Berry Sauce)
Everything we tasted that evening was nothing short of amazing. So much so that we can’t even select a favorite dish. However, for dessert, since there is only one option, that was easy. I can eat the Fresh Berry Tiramisu ten times over. It’s just that delicious. The fresh berries and whipped cream make this dessert feel like heaven in your mouth. Amazing!
Joseph, also a chef, informed attendees that Maggiono’s is a chef-driven company that prides itself on making and service fresh foods. We were told everything is made to order using fresh ingredients, which was proven through the meals we tasted that evening. Have allergies or have an Italian dish that you do not see on the menu? No worries. Both Joseph and Chef Mat assured us that they do their best to keep their guests satisfied whether it’s catering to a specific allergy or recreating a favorite dish.
We urge you to make a reservation, and try out at least one of these menu items. I mean, it’s for a great cause.
From April 21 through June 29, guests are invited to join their local Maggiano’s team to “Eat-A-Dish for Make-A-Wish” and share their dining experience on social media using the hashtag #EATADISH4MAW for an additional donation to help raise more funds for this meaningful cause.