This was in the Galaxy News January/February 1998 issue. I don't know if you want to use it. I edited it a tiny bit so it's not the exact same article that was printed. The restaurant is still there. The same chef is there. I know because he's my cousin. AMARONE 686 Ninth Avenue between 47th and 48th Streets 212-245-6060

Searching for a warm casual restaurant in the theatre district? Look no further than Amarone. This small but charming and authentic Italian eatery is just what you want for either lunch or dinner. For Galaxy residents, it's conveniently located only a short walk from the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Chef Marcello Verzino comes directly from Rome; he's only been in the U.S.A. a few years. Because he strives for perfection, he makes his own pastas. These include strangolapreti, papardelle, fedelini and agnolatti as well as different kinds of ravioli. All are excellent. Also available, of course, are the standards: spaghetti, capellini, fettuccini, fusilli, linguine and rigatoni with a variety of sauces. But let me not lead you to believe that pasta is their only specialty. At a recent luncheon, I had a wonderful grilled portabello mushroom over mescalun salad with truffle oil and then mahi-mahi done piccata style (with lemon and capers). One of my friends had a heaping plate of mussels in white wine sauce and then farfalle with leeks, fontina cheese and ham. Another had penne puttanesca. All were very pleased. At a recent dinner, we found the veal piccata al limone (with potatoes, green beans and cauliflower) delicious, the seafood ravioli with shrimp sauce excellent and the filet mignon perfection. The desserts are also great - especially the homemade gelato and the Neapolitan chocolate cake (my favorite). Dinner entrees range from about $12 to about $23 for the filet mignon. Service is efficient and friendly. Everyone at Amarone makes you feel like part of the family. P.S. The name Amarone comes from the red wine of northeastern Italy.