Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/1263815
46 | I NSIGH T • J u l y 2 0 2 0 w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y C A R M E L L A' S I TA L I A N B I S T R O POWER LUNCH A welcome return A s one of the Appleton area's most popular places for lunch and dinner, Carmella's, an Italian Bistro reopened the second week in June. Following the end of Wisconsin's Safer at Home measures, safety was a new addition to the menu as employees and guests alike adopted new precautions. Stepping inside Carmella's, guests will see all staff members wearing masks and servers wearing masks and gloves. Guests can choose to eat inside or outside. e tables are distanced farther apart, and the maximum for each party is six. Reservations are encouraged, and customers must call the restaurant to see if their table is ready before entering. Guests access the menu by scanning a code with their phone. (Paper menus are available for those without a smartphone.) Once you get to the menu, everything you love about Carmella's is there. e delicious bread and olive oil starter. e wide range of dishes from pasta and chicken parmesan to asparagus salad and Scottish Salmon are still there. e server recommended one of the restaurant's most popular dishes — Rigatoni with tomato cream, spinach and fresh mozzarella — which did not disappoint. You also can't go wrong with the Baked Gnocchi with marinara, mozzarella and parmesan. And it's always a good idea to save room for dessert, from the decadent Carmella's Chocolate Cake to its homemade gelato. ough the dining room is open, the restaurant will continue to offer daily contactless curbside pickup. e restaurant opened with limited hours but plans to expand them, so it's advising guests to check out its Facebook page or website for an updated schedule. —MaryBeth Matzek