Giovanni's Restaurant

Meals on Wheels

Chef Merkel and the American Culinary Federation Chefs of Northwest Indiana Cordially Invite You to the 6th Annual Dine with the Chefs

 

Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana cordially invites you to

an afternoon of delightful hors d'oeuvres and delicious

cuisine prepared by our best local chefs! Sunday, March 11, 2007

11:00 a.m. • Hors d'oeuvres, Sunrise Cocktails and Silent Auction
Music provided by String Fever

12:30 p.m. • Dinner and Wine

The Avalon Manor
3550 U.S. Highway 30
Merrilville, Indiana
$100 per person
Sponsorships Available

Call 219-756-3663 for Tickets

Proceeds benefit Meals on Wheels Building Campaign

Our new facility has positioned Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana to feed thousands in the future! As we still face a $650,000 deficit, it is our goal to complete our campaign in 2007.

Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to partake in an incredible meal that will ultimately provide nourishment to others.

Chef Tim Merkel

Congratulations to Chef Tim Merkel for winning the Northwest Indiana American Culinary Federation Chef of the Year Award.

In 1963, the ACF developed the Chef of the Year Award to acknowledge Walter Roth, AAC, for his tireless efforts to promote and elevate the profession. The award has grown in prestige, and today is the highest honor annually bestowed by the ACF.

The ACF Chef of the Year award recognizes an outstanding culinarian who works and cooks in a full-service dining facility. This person has demonstrated the highest standard of culinary skills, advanced the cuisine of America and given back to the profession through the development of students and apprentices.

To be considered for the award, candidates must hold a sous chef title or higher, work in a full-service facility and be nominated by any ACF member or chapter in good standing. Regional winners compete in a culinary competition at the national convention, where a panel of distinguished judges will select the national winner.

Chef Tim is also featured in the February/March issue of Shore Magazine.

Procopio LoDuca

Procopio LoDuca
Giovanni’s, Munster

Procopio LoDuca began his career at a small snack shop in Hammond. During the 1950's, he bought the business, named it Pro's Snack Shop, and expanded its menu to include breakfast, lunch and dinner. On July 1, 1966, Procopio and his wife Nancy bought a small pizza restaurant in Munster and again expanded its menu. In 1976, they enlarged and remodeled Giovanni's to its size today. He was a hands-on owner with a vast memory of his customers. He would call them by name and remember details about their children and special foods they liked. He knew how to motivate and encourage his employees to do their best work. His was one of the first restaurants in his area to serve fine wines by the glass. Other people thought he was crazy, but this innovation helped to expand the business. Giovanni's Restaurant has never coasted on reputation, but is always looking for new ideas while keeping trademark dishes for twenty years.

Procopio died in September of 1994, but his family keeps the restaurant moving forward in his memory.

Chef Tim Merkel

Our chef Tim Merkel is a member of the American Culinary Federation.

• ACF certification demonstrates to the industry that a chef has the initiative to take charge of their professional development and career.
• ACF certification provides concrete markers of skill development and culinary expertise.
• ACF certification verifies that professional chefs and cooks have the knowledge and skill required for elevated culinary positions.
• ACF certification reassures consumers that the food they eat is safe and prepared to the highest standards.

Catering and Private Parties

Planning a Special event?

We can help you plan a wonderful event and work with your special needs and budget.

Our main dining room is available for private parties and requires a reservation of 45 people and can accommodate up to 60 guests. It is available during lunch hours Monday through Friday, and dinner hours Monday through Thursday.

Saturday afternoons are available from 11am to 4pm. This reservation requires 30 people and can accommodate up to 60 guests. Advance reservations are required and a special menu applies.

Please contact our management staff for specific private party policies, reservations and further information.

Showers • Birthday Parties • Anniversaries • Club Meetings • Funeral Luncheons

Welcome to Gionvanni's

Now that you have found us...
prepare to fall in love!

Procopio LoDuca immigrated to the United States as a young boy. He achieved the dream of owning his own restaurant and began Giovanni's on Jyly 1, 1966. Pro's wife Nancy and daughter Mary continue to run Giovanni's in a way that he would be proud of.

Giovanni's offers expertly prepared veal, pasta seafood and other Italian delicacies. The numerous dishes Chef Tim Merkel prepares daily will be decided upon early each morning, based on the availability of the maket. Chef Tim is eager to please you with his daily effort fo serving fine food. He welcomes special requests and will do his very best to meet your needs.

Our staff is here to explain the various dishes prepared by our Chef and to expertly serve them to you during your Giovanni's experience. The numerous daily specialties are for your discriminating selection and enjoyment. We recommend that you complete your dining experience with one of our fine wines and our home-made desserts.

You may find it no longer necessary to fly to Italy for the "Cucina Italiana"

Wine List

Sparkling Wines and Champagnes

Dom Perignon (France)

the world’s most famous champagne...190



Domaine Chandon Brut (California)

refreshingly dry with pear and citrus accents...42



Rotari Brut ( Italy)

from chardonnay & pinor noir grapes...8.00 split / 32



Moet & Chandon White Star (France)

harmonious blend of chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier...80



Cook’s Sparkling White Zinfandel (California)

salmon pink color with juicy strawberry fruit flavors...6 / 22



Batasiolo Moscato D'Asti (Italy)

luscious and fruity, perfect alone or with dessert...6.00 / 22

Giovanni’s Cellar Selections

Indian Wells Merlot Chateau Saint Michelle...55



Merlot Stonestreet...60



Geyser Peak 2000 Reserve Shiraz...70



Chianti Classico Riserva 1999 Cecchi...60



Tapestry Reserve 1994 BV...65



Tapestry Reserve 1996 BV...65



Symmetry 1998 Rodney Strong...80



Cabernet Sauvignon Provence...80



Merryvale 1993 Napa Valley Cabernet...65



Chianti Classico Ruffino Riserva Ducale Gold Label...85



Cerretto Barolo...87



Cabernet Sauvignon 1993 Beringer Private Reserve Napa Valley...75



Amarone Zenato...90



Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve 1993 BV George La Tour...110



Brunello Di Montaicino 1997 Castello Banfi...120



Cabernet Sauvignon Silver Oak Alexander Valley...125



Opos One 1995...250



Opos One 1994...275

vintages are limited, server will notify you of any changes

RED WINE SELECTIONS

Chateau Souverain Cabernet Savignon (California)

full bodied classic cabernet with berry and oak...42



Estancia Cabernet Sauvignon (California)

well structured, big bodied, mellow flavor...8.50 / 32



Mondavi Costal Cabernet Savignon (California)

black cherry and plum notes with gentle tannins...7 / 26



Folie a Deux Zinfandel (California)

soft and smooth with plum, cherry and a hint of spice...32



Rancho Zabaco Heritage Vines Zinfandel (California)

from sonoma with zesty blackberry and raspberry flavors...6.00 / 22



Toad Hollow Cacophony Zinfandel (California)

zesty and jammy raspberry fruit with aromatic vaniila nuances...30



Kenwood Merlot (California)

soft and smooth berry flavors...6.75 / 25



Ruffino Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico (Italy)

the tan label, exquisitely dry taste...45



Corvo Rosso (Italy)

ruby red color with a dry, velvetly, and balanced taste...6.00 / 22



DaVinci Chianti DOCG (Italy)

a fine italian red wine from tuscany, juicy and fruity...7 / 26



McWilliam’s Hanwood Estate Shirraz (Australia)

black cherry flavor with a soft, rich palate...7.75 / 30



Bridlewood Syrah (California)

dark berry fruit with soft tanins and a clean finish...7.50 / 28



Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico (Italy)

classic chianti with blends of sangiovese, merlot and caniaolo...7 / 26



Jacob’s Creek Merlot (Australia)

smooth textured with berry and mellow oak flavors...6.00 / 22



Farina Valpolicella Ripasso (Italy)

a full-bodied "Baby Amarone" with subtle characteristics...35



Antinori Santa Cristina Sangioveses (Italy)

from toscana, mature fruit is harmonious and pleasant tannins...6.00 / 22



Rodney Strong Pinot Noir (California)

from russian river valley, complex and fruity...38



Gallo of Sonoma Pinot Noir (California)

from the family selections; red fruit, sage and spicy...6.75 / 25



Mirassou Pinot Noir (California)

plum and cherry flavors with subtle floral and vanilla notes...7.00 / 26

WHITE WINE SELECTIONS

listed from drier and more full-bodied to fruitier and light-bodied

Silverado Vineyards Chardonnay (California)

an excellent full-bodied chardonnay from napa valley...48



Chalk Hill Chardonnay (California)

full-bodied with oak cask flavor...65



Cambria Katherine’s Vineyard Chardonnay (California)

lush and silky; pineapple and tropical fruit flavors...42



Chateau Saint Jean Chardonnay (California)

fruity yet rich with subtle oak flavors...7 / 26



Gollo of Sonoma Chardonnay (California)

elegant with a rich fruit palate ad soft, buttery, vanilla finish...6 / 22



Antinore Castello della Sala Chardonnay (Italy)

a dry, floral bouquit; well-balanced and a hint of citrus...38



Columbia Cellarmasters Reserve Riesling (Washington)

a sweet, bountiful, full-fruited wine...6.00 / 22



Rodney Stong Sauvignon Blanc (California)

from charlotte’ home; dry, medium-bodied, with citrus aromas...7 / 25



Robert Mondavi Stag’s Leap District Sauvignon Blanc (California)

herbaceous; slightly woody, crisp, white wine...46



Corvo Bianco (Italy)

fragrant bouquet with a vivacious taste...6.00 / 22



Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio (Italy)

medium-bodied, dry, crisp and well balanced...12 / 48

La Vis Pinot Grigio (Italy)

crisp and light bodied from northern Italy...6.75 / 25

 

 Ecco Domani Pinot Grigio (Italy)

from trentino-alto adige, italy; light bodied yet full flavored...6.00 / 22

BLUSH WINE SELECTIONS

Beringer White Zinfandel (California)

fruity, sweet and medium-bodied...5.50 / 19



Zonin White Merlot (France)

off dry with a hint of berry flavor...6.00 / 22

HOUSE WINE SELECTIONS

by the glass

Ruffino Chianti (Italy)...6.50

Gavit Pinot Grigio (Italy)...5.50

Ruinite Lambrusco (Italy)...5.50

Copperridge Cabernet Sauvignon (California)...5

Copperridge Merlot (California)...5.50

Copperridge Chardonnay (California)...5.50

Beringer White Zinfandel (California)...5.50

DESSERT WINE SELECTIONS

by the glass

Ferrari-Carano Eldorado Gold (late harvest)

a product of patience and perfectioin, lush and sweet...7.50



Chateau Saint Michelle Ice Wine

dazzling in flavor with sweet apricot, pineapple, honey and lemon...9.75

Sandwich Menu

SANDWICHES

available after 9pm

served with fires

Giovanni’s Burger

grilled to your specifications with lettuce, tomato, onion and your choice of cheese...6.95



Roast Beef

in au jus or italian beef in red sauce, served on a french roll with your choice of hot or mild peppers...6.25



Italian Sausage

served on a french roll with red sauce topped with melted mozzarella and your choice of hot or mild peppers...6.25



Turkey & Bacon Club Sandwich

served on toasted white bread with lettuce and tomato...7.50

Pizza Menu

“NOTHING BEATZZA GIOVANNI PIZZA”

10” small cheese...5.95, each additional ingredient...1.30



12” meduim cheese...7.95, each additional ingredient...1.50



14” large cheese...9.95, each additional ingredient...1.90

sausage, pepperoni, mushroom, onion, green pepper, olives, spinach, prinavera vegetables, tomato or any of your favorite fresh ingredients

Dinner Menu

 

ANTIPASTI

Bruschetta

fresh tomato, basil, garlic and olive oil on toasted Italian bread...4.25



Scampi

sauteed shrimp with mushrooms, arichoke hearts, black olives, garlic and butter...6.95



Baked Oysters Rockefeller

on the half-shell with creamed spinach, garlic and white wine...6.95



Crab Cake

giovanni’s own with fresh mango sauce and lime...5.95



Fried Calamari

hand breaded and served with cocktail sauce...6.25



Stuffed Portabella Mushroom

stuffed with fontina cheese, plum tomato, and prosciutto...6.50



Grilled Polenta and Italian Sausage

with goat cheese and marinara...5.50



Fried Artichoke Heart

served with spinach, garlic and parmesan cream sauce...5.95



Shrimp Pizza

with black olives, roasted red peppers, fresh tomato and spicy marinara on an eight-inch crust...4.25

ZUPPA

Minestrone or Zuppa del Giorno

“soup of the day”, home-made from fresh ingredients

Cup...3.25

Bowl...3.75





INSALTE



Calamari Salad

tender calamari, tomatoes, olives, radishes, onions, celery hearts, olive oil, garlic and lemon juice...6.95



Tomato and Mozzarella Salad

fresh mozzarella and sliced tomato with portabella mushroom, roasted red peppers, pesto, olive oil and balsamic vinegar...6.75

Caesar Salad

crisp romaine lettuce and croutons tossed with our hand-made dressing...4.25





PASTA

served with a house salad or a cup of soup



Gnocchi

hand-made potato dumplings with meat sauce...13.25



Manicotti

crepe-like pasta filled with ricotta and parmesan cheeses...13.50



Lasagna

layers of pasta, meat, cheese and mushrooms baked with meat and bechamel sauces...13.50



Cannelloni

crepe-like pasta filled with ground veal, ham, chicken, spinach and parmesan cheese...13.50



Eggplant Parmigiana

thinly sliced breaded eggplant baked with tomato sauce, mozzarella and parmesan cheeses...13.50



Linguine Primavera

fresh vegetables sauteed in olive oil and garlic tossed with linguine and parmesan cheese...13.50



Fettuccine Alfredo

parmesan cheese, butter and cream sauce with your choice of egg or spinach pasta...13.95



Seafood Risotto

italian arborio rice with shrimp, scallops, asparagus, shiitake mushroom, red peppers, butter and cheese...15.75



Shrimp Marinara

sauteed shrimp served over capellini in marinara sauce...17.95



Meat Ravioli

hand-made and served with choice of meat, marinara or tomato sauce...12.95



Linguine with Toscano-style Beans

assorted beans with linguine, olive oil and lentil puree...11.95



Linguine and White Clam Sauce

fresh clams sauteed with olive oil, garlic and wine...13.95



Linguine and Red Clam Sauce

served with a touch of marinara...13.95



Spaghetti or Penne

served with hand-made meatballs or italian sausage and choice of meat, marinara or tomato sauce...10.25





ENTREES

served with house salad or a cup of soup and unless noted a side choice of potato, vegetable, or pasta



Veal Scallpine Piccata

lightly breaded and served in white wine sauce...18.50



Veal Scallpine Toscana

thinly sliced with mushrooms, scallions and a light brown sauce with a touch of marinara...18.50



Veal Parmigiana

breaded cutlet with tomato sauce, parmesan and melted mozzarella...18.50



Chicken Vesuvio

served on the bone sauteed in olive oil, garlic, rosemary and white wine with roasted potatoes and peas *...13.50

extra charge for boneless, skinless breasts and white or dark meat only



Chicken Alfredo

with fettuccine pasta in alfredo sauce *...14.95



Grilled Chicken Breast

marinated and served with grilled zucchini, asparagus, red peppers and radicchio from our wood-burning grill *...14.50



Roasted Half Duck

served in shiitake mushroom, fresh tomato and marsala wine sauce...15.95



16 Ounce New York Strip Steak

bone-in, aged for 21 days and prepared on our wood-burning grill...24.50



8 Ounce Filet Mignon

prepared on our wood-burning grill and served in natural au jus...22.50



12 Ounce New York Strip Steak

served with barolo wine, mushsrooms and green peppercorns...20.50



Grilled Pork Medallions

served in madeira wine sauce with olive oil whipped potato and grilled vegetables *...15.95



Scampi

sauteed in garlic, lemon, thyme and butter...18.95



Grilled Swordfish

from the wood-burning grill and served in lemon butter sauce...16.95



Lake Perch

sauteed with thyme and lemon butter...17.95



Lake Superior Whitefish

broiled and served with primavera vegetables in lemon butter *...15.95



Dover Sole

broiled with almonds and lemon butter and filleted table side...28.00



* no additional side dish served





don’t see your favorite entree or pasta listed?

please ask your server if our chef can prepare it especially for you!







17% gratuity will be added to parties of 5 or more

as a courtesy to our other guests, please refrain from smoking in our main dining rooms