5/5 - (1 vote)
July/August 2024
It’s been several months since the last wine-pairing dinner hosted by Tony’s of Indianapolis to benefit the Carmel Clay Public Library (CCPL) Foundation. On behalf of our fellow organizers, the editorial staff of Carmel Monthly is excited to invite you to the next dinner, which will take place at Tony’s at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 10, 2024.
First-Class Hospitality and Community Building
As many of our readers may recall, before the COVID-19 pandemic, Tony’s Steaks and Seafood of Indianapolis partnered with the Carmel Clay Public Library (CCPL) Foundation to host a series of themed wine-pairing dinners at their beautiful downtown location. These events, held once a quarter, were designed to support the nearly 2,000 free programs offered by CCPL and funded by the CCPL Foundation.
Tony Ricci and his compassionate staff continue to assist their Hoosier neighbors and nonprofit organizations such as the CCPL Foundation via fundraising events similar to these impactful pairing dinners.
The previous dinners of this quarterly series were sellouts and an astounding success for the CCPL Foundation. Ricci donates the costs, including food, wine and venue, so the foundation retains all the proceeds from these dinners.
Michael Morgan, quality assurance manager for Tony Ricci’s restaurants, including the Indianapolis location, has hosted all of the wine-tasting events benefiting CCPL Foundation. He is eager to greet the guests with an enticing new menu and a reconfigured bar menu, and with the same level of exceptional hospitality and humble service that repeat attendees have come to appreciate and value.
“We’ve been working on a fun mocktail and non-alcoholic beverage list, and we’ve just put new menus out in Cincinnati and Lexington, and we’re getting ready to reveal our new menu in Indianapolis,” Morgan shared. “We have some really cool items that Chef Ryan [Montgomery] has come up with. We’re not changing our [signature] steaks, of course, but we have some new appetizers, seafood and pasta dishes, and some other fun stuff.”
Experience the Joy of Dining Out Again
Since the pandemic, dining out has become less enjoyable for many due to a decline in service quality and an increase in toxic behavior from both customers and staff. The hospitality industry, already struggling with staff shortages and changing regulations, faces additional stress and uncertainty. This has often led to slower service, mistakes and a general sense of chaos in some establishments. Additionally, impatience and rudeness from customers have become more common, making the dining experience uncomfortable. What was once a relaxing outing has, for some, turned into a stressful ordeal.
Morgan and his staff want to remind everyone that Tony’s is not just a place for first-class culinary excellence and exceptional service; it’s also a place where memories are made and friendships are cultivated. Whether you’re celebrating a special event, enjoying a romantic evening or spending time with family and friends, Tony’s provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere. You can also enjoy a more casual meal at the bar before a game or after an event, relaxing with an excellent co*cktail or a pour from their impressive wine locker. On Friday and Saturday evenings, live jazz by Jaden Street Jazz sets the mood from 7 to 10 p.m. At Tony’s, the staff—all the way up to the owner—go out of their way to make you feel more than just a guest. They make you feel like a cherished friend.
“Let us spoil you for two hours,” Morgan expressed. “Enjoy the convenience of our valet parking service, our new appetizers and menu, or go to the bar and enjoy our more casual fare featuring our delicious stuffed cheeseburger. Relax and unwind to the live music on Friday and Saturday nights. There’s a saying written on the hostess stand, ‘Privileged to be here. Honored to serve you. Let’s become friends.’ That is something Tony always says when he leaves a table and shakes somebody’s hand, so I’m inviting you to come experience Tony’s of Indianapolis, and let’s become friends!”
So, whether you’re joining us at Tony’s to support the CCPL Foundation, celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a night out, we encourage you to support our fellow community partner. By dining with Tony’s, you contribute to the Carmel community and help sustain our library.
To request more information and/or to reserve your seats for the next Tasting at Tony’s of Indianapolis Benefiting the Carmel Clay Public Library Foundation on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, please email Elizabeth Hamilton at [emailprotected].
For more information about Tony’s of Indianapolis or to make reservations, visit tonysofindianapolis.com.
Writer:
Janelle Morrison
Photography:
Staff and submitted