Pictures and Impressions of Trattoria IL Mulino Restaurant in Memorial City, Houston, Texas
By Peggy W
Westin Hotel at Memorial City
IL MULINO restaurant first opened in New York in the year 1981 and has been satisfying guests ever since with hearty and rustic Italian food patterned after the foods in Abruzzo, Italy. According to the Zagat guide, the New York IL Mulino is the number one Italian dining establishment in New York. It has white tablecloths and tuxedo-ed wait staff.
They have been branching out with more IL Mulino restaurant locations and Houston, Texas is their latest endeavor to bring the tastes and flavors of Abruzzo inspired foods to diners in this region of the country.
Their Trattoria version offers a more casual atmosphere than their flagship location in New York which is perfect for where they are located.
Located inside of the Westin Hotel which is adjacent to Memorial City Hospital complex as well as Memorial City Mall, Trattoria IL Mulino will draw diners from many sources and they are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.
People who may dismiss this as "just another hotel restaurant" should put their preconceptions aside.
TRATTORIA IL MULINO
Elevated walkway connecting Memorial City Mall to Memorial City Hospital and the new Westin Hotel in Houston, TX
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TRATTORIA IL MULINO
Location! Location! Location! Isn't that a prime factor in Real Estate?
The location of the Westin Hotel next to Memorial City Hospital would have been a smart move just for that reason alone as it is a large complex of medical buildings serving West Houston. But with the addition of one of the city's malls just across the street and with established neighborhoods of houses all around, this upscale hotel will surely be much frequented and utilized in the years to come.
While Houston, Texas certainly has its fair share of restaurants, this fourth largest city in the United States has its fair share of "foodies" always on the lookout for something not only pleasing to the eye by way of decor, but satisfying to the stomach and offering a little something different.
Westin Hotel guests as well as people visiting those in the hospital or others wanting a break from shopping as well as those seeking a new dining experience are in for a treat when trying out the new Trattoria IL Mulino.
Trattoria IL Mulino location
Westin Hotel where Trattoria IL Mulino is located... - Trattoria IL Mulino in Houston, TX
Best Italian Meatballs in Houston!
Trattoria IL Mulino may be the "new kid on the block" but they have already acquired the status of having the best Italian meatballs in the city of Houston!
This was done in a blind tasting with many chefs and restaurants vying for that title. The Meatball Invitational ticket prices benefited the Houston Food Bank and the Texas-Italian-American Sports Foundation.
Will they hang on to that title next year?
Time will tell, but you can bet that the competing chefs will try and tweak their recipes in order to gain that status of having the best Italian meatballs in the city!
My husband has tasted their meatballs and told me that they are really good. This comes from a man that can make really good meatballs of his own, so I trust his judgement and look forward to trying them someday soon.
They are offered as Antipasti for $10 on the lunch and dinner menus and one portion is a hearty two large meatballs according to my husband.
My husband and I recently went to Trattoria IL Mulino for lunch. It was my first visit.
For $15.95 one can choose one antipasti and one entree from their Prix Fixe menu. The antipasti choices included Citron Salad, Insalata Caesar, Arugula salad, Meatballs or Stracciatella Soup.
Entrees on the Prix Fixe (set price) menu included Rigatoni Bolognese, Risotto Funghi, Chicken Piccata, Veal Marsala and Red Snapper Luciana.
Since I wanted fish that day and the Prix Fixe menu seemed to be a good value, I did not want the meatballs as a starter. Thus I will wait for another visit to try those award winning meatballs.
Trattoria IL Mulino in Houston, TX
Trattoria IL Mulino / Houston
The food of Italy
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Foods of Abruzzo, Italy
Abruzzo, Italy is located in the approximate middle of the country on the eastern side. It is mountainous and also has several ports along its coastline.
Not far from Rome, about 50 miles east (80 km) it offers great skiing on those mountainsides.
The foods from that region of Italy are hearty and rustic, often strongly flavored and spicy. The people who have lived in Abruzzo for centuries often favored animal meats over those from the sea...although certainly with a coastline on the Adriatic Sea, seafood would also have been on their diets.
With a nod to the cooking styles of Abruzzo, Executive Chef Michele Mazza at Trattoria IL Mulino in Houston also likes to feature local fresh ingredients.
On the day of my husband's and my lunch visit, in addition to a basket of freshly baked focaccia and another rustic bread accompanied by a wonderful and fragrant olive oil, a chunky and delicious eggplant caponata was brought to the table while we studied the menu and awaited delivery of our order.
Location of Abruzzo in Italy
Trattoria IL Mulino / Houston
Abruzzo Italian cookbooks
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Our dining experience...
So what did you think of the food at Trattoria IL Mulino? Several friends have inquired with that exact question when we told them of our dining experience.
Prior to this visit, my husband has tasted not only the meatballs but also the mushroom risotto of which he has given a big thumbs up rating.
The Calamari Fritti was lightly battered and cooked to tender perfection. A typical but good marinara sauce accompanied the fried calamari. We both love calamari and if it is overcooked it gets rubbery and tough when eaten. The chefs at Trattoria IL Mulino handled this seafood preparation with expertise.
My husband's Arugula salad with a light olive oil based dressing was perfection. Also adorning the plate were portions of vine ripened tomatoes and long slivered slices of Parmigiano Reggiano.
My Caesar salad did not best my husband's efforts at making the same salad at home. I must admit to being spoiled as my husband turns out many delicious meals as do many highly credentialed chefs. Thus I will try other salads on my next visit.
My husband chose as his entree the Chicken Piccata. Also on the plate with the two large and tender pieces of well flavored chicken were some peas flavored with onion, slivered pieces of Romaine lettuce (you read this correctly!) and pancetta. The peas stole the show! My husband will be experimenting at home to replicate this dish. The chicken is tasty and sauced quite heavily. For people wishing to restrict calories, you might want to ask to have the sauce served lightly or on the side.
My Red Snapper Luciana was delicious and served over a mound of garlic flavored sauteed spinach. Again, for caloric reasons, I would ask for the creamy and tasty buttery sauce to be served on the side when ordering this dish in the future.
Serving portions are generous so if one pines for a decadent dessert, keep that in mind. Or be prepared to take a doggie (people) bag home with you if you happen to live nearby. Neither my husband nor I often order or eat desserts, so I cannot give you a report. You will just have to try out the desserts at Trattoria IL Mulino for yourself!
Will we return to dine at this restaurant again? Absolutely! It will be fun working our way through this savory sounding menu.
Trattoria IL Mulino / Houston
Will you be found dining at Trattoria IL Mulino in Houston?
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As you can see from the pictures, Trattoria IL Mulino offers a sophisticated but casual atmosphere with exposed brick walls, wooden tables and Abruzzo inspired country style Italian cuisine. The wait staff is friendly and attentive. The leather bar stools invite one to linger and sample wines and spirits from their extensive list or you could host a party in one of their 4 private wine rooms. Perhaps next time we will try their Sunday brunch served from 10:30AM to 2:30PM. Those award winning Italian meatballs are still waiting to be sampled by me! For reservations call (832) 358-0600 or go to www.ilmulino.com. Maybe we will see you there!
IL MULINO NEW YORK (in the Atlantic City Taj Mahal Casino) featuring General Manager Josh Gavish who is now here in Houston, TX. Shows many food dishes served.
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Comments
Sorry, I am late to know this hub. Wow... this was great and beautiful. I love all pictures here. Thanks for writing and share with us. Rated up as usual. Cheers....
Prasetio
Hi dahoglund,
Wonder why she did not want to admit Italian ancestry? Such a beautiful country with rich culinary history among other things. Thanks for commenting on this Trattoria Il Mulino restaurant hub. Feel sure that you would enjoy it!
Houston certainly has more choices than Wisconsin Rapids.If we run across one of these restaurants we may give it a try. Oddly enough we discovered some Italian ancestry on my mothers side.I am sure she would have denied it if she were alive.When the family lived in Des Moines though some Italian neighbors thought she was one of them.
Hi Micky,
Good choice! The Red Snapper Luciana was delicious! Looking forward to another visit there. Thanks for your comment.
I'll have the Red Snapper Luciana.
Hi Truckstop Sally,
Hadn't thought about the PR business...but that could be fun! Stopped in to The Path of Tea on Sunday afternoon and purchased 3 two-ounce packages of their tea to bring home. Wow! It certainly beats any teabags I have ever used regarding great flavor...and of course, the fact that they are all organic...drinking it should be so much healthier a prospect. Hope you enjoy the visit and flavors there as I have.
When you get to visit Trattoria IL Mulino...another taste treat awaits. They sold out of their award winning meatballs at the George R. Brown convention center this last weekend at the Italian Expo. They are obviously making many people happy! Thanks for your comment.
What a delicious hub! Have you ever thought about going into the PR business?? You do such a great job. Now I'll this add this to my visit list - right after Pathway/Tea.
Hi agusfanani,
Special occasion or any number of occasions, Trattoria IL Mulino will suit many purposes and it is very convenient for those staying at the Westin Hotel. Thanks for your comment.
That's a very cozy restaurant with comfortably arranged ambiance. I think it really suits dining on a special occasion.
Hello quester.ltd,
I think that you will be pleased with the choices on the menu at Trattoria IL Mulino in Houston. Enjoy! Thanks for the comment and votes.
Yummy - I know where we are eating the next time we are in your town -
thanks
vote up and useful!
q
Hi Charlu,
What a shame! The recipe I have has Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs in them and they are very light...not too heavily spiced. Of course they are simmered in the homemade sauce for hours. I actually have some in the freezer right now. When I go to the trouble of making the sauce and meatballs, I generally triple the sauce recipe and double the meatball recipe. Have lots of Tupperware and a big chest freezer. Nice to be able to haul out just the right sized portions once in a while and have a good meal without having to do the hours of preparation each time. Just read your latest hub. Loved your memories of Thanksgiving. Here is a link for others who might enjoy it as well: http://hubpages.com/hub/Thanksgiving-Italian-Style
I didn't get any of her recipes which really pains me because that woman could cook Italian food like no other. Especially meatballs,not to spongy, not to dry, spiced just right OK I'm hungry now Thanks again for the memories, I actually wrote about it Talk to you soon
Hi again Charlu,
At least you have those great memories! Did she share her recipes with you?
There is an Italian Expo in town this weekend at our downtown convention center. My husband went there on Friday and Trattoria IL Mulino had a booth offering food. He had another meatball and enjoyed it. Can't wait to taste one for myself now. Guess most people who aren't vegetarians like meatballs! :)
Thanksgiving Italian style is definitely a feast for all with leftovers for weeks (well maybe days with the meatballs :) Thanks again for the great memories I think I missed her more than my X and it's been over 25 years :) lol
Hi Billy,
I know...and nice that upscale things are now available there. It definitely has drawing power now compared to the past.
Hi Charlu,
I would agree that good Italian meatballs are few and far between. Nice to know that Trattoria IL Mulino in Houston makes them if we don't feel like making them ourselves. Have a recipe from an Italian lady that also spent many hours on her sauces. You must have had some great Thanksgiving dinners from the sound of it. Thanks for your comment.
Peggy that has become a busy corner - especially when you consider the town and country mall went into receivership a few years back as been totally revitalized.
Awesome hub, and now I will be craving meatballs for who knows how long. OK until I make them because there really are very few restaurants that serve really true good Italian food. My ex-husbands mother was Italian and used to get up at 5am to cook sauce and Thanksgiving was like a feast for 50 even though there was only 7 of us with meatballs to die for. Awesome up beautiful and wow you take great pictures Have a good one
Hi Billy,
Yes, the entire Memorial City area has truly been transformed over the years from the typical older type of shopping mall and hospital across the street to what it has now become. It is a huge hospital complex with the Westin Hotel just off of Interstate 10 on the northeast side and all interconnected to a complex of mid-rise living accommodations as well all types of businesses, shops, restaurants, and the much updated mall across the street.
I'm sure that you will enjoy your dining experience at Trattoria IL Mulino when you get a chance to give it a try. Their private rooms would be nice to use for business lunches or dinners! Thanks for your comment.
Wow hasn't he Memorial City Mall been upgraded over the years. Next time I am out West I need to check IL Mulino out. What a great restaurant review.
Hi Stephanie,
With your wanderlust, I know that you will make it to an Il Mulino restaurant soon. Guess it is getting to be close to the time to think about lunch! Enjoy it and thanks for your comment.
I shouldn't read about food just before lunch. After reading your enticing descriptions, I'm really craving some good Italian food! I'm putting Il Mulino restaurants on my list of places to try, but will have to wait for our next visit to Florida, Las Vegas or Texas, I think. Now about lunch...
Hi susannah42,
Let me know what you think of it when you visit. Will be interesting to hear. Thanks! At least you now know what the decor looks like. The various ones that they have around the country are patterned much the same regarding decor. Thanks for your comment.
Hi MaryJ,
Hope you enjoy the new Trattoria IL Mulino as much as my husband and I did. Let me know if you tried the famous meatballs...OK?
The bar across the lobby...we just stepped in to take a look...is really something to see. Has a large waterfall feature over the numbers related to that locations' zip code.
Thanks for reading and leaving a comment. :)
Looks like a great place. I will put it on my list.
Thanks Peggy. I didn't even know there was a restaurant open in that new hotel Good to know. We'll be visiting it soon. Sounds yummy
Hi Hello, hello,
Glad you liked this peek into one of Houston's newest Italian restaurants. It certainly is pretty and I know we will be enjoying more of their food in the future. Thanks for your comment.
A wonderful hub and these picture of the restaurant are awesome. Thank you for your hard work and sharing.
Hello livelonger,
Yes, the IL Mulino or Trattoria IL Mulino is the same chain of restaurants. They pretty much keep to the same decor and types of food served in the various locations from what I have learned. The Trattoria version is the more casual of the two. We are fortunate to have it now in Houston, Texas. Thanks for the comment and happy to hear that you enjoyed your experience there in Las Vegas.
What a gorgeous restaurant! Glad to read that the food doesn't disappoint. We ate at the one (I'm assuming it's the same restaurant) in Las Vegas and really enjoyed both the meal and the ambiance, too.
Peggy W 10 months ago
Hi Prasetio,
Now you know what another restaurant looks like in Houston. Glad you liked it. Thanks for the comment. :))