Italian Trattoria MARIA & ENZOS to Open Alongside Enzos Hideaway and Pizza Ponte at Disney Springs

Nick Valenti, CEO of Patina Restaurant Group (PRG), confirmed plans to open three new modern Italian restaurant and bar concepts at Disney Springs this winter. The restaurants, all new concepts created by PRG, each with unique menus, will form an expansive dining complex showcasing authentic Italian food and entertainment. They will be adjacent to The Edison, the lavish "Industrial Gothic"-style destination also being developed by PRG.

"I'm delighted to announce that we will be opening a trattoria named Maria & Enzo's, as well as Enzo's Hideaway, a separate restaurant in what were said to be rum-running tunnels, which is destined to become a local favorite," said Valenti. "They are inspired by the cuisines of Sicily and Rome, the Italian family, and the best of Italian modern cooking."

The new concepts tie into the Disney Springs storyline of a restored Florida waterfront town. "Our inspiration is to bring unforgettable food and wine from Italy to Florida, with the stunning scenery you only find at Disney," said Valenti.

Maria & Enzo's - an Italian trattoria set in the town's storied abandoned airline terminal from the 1930s, now transformed into a restaurant. The dining room is open and airy, featuring 50-foot ceilings with views of Lake Buena Vista. The restaurant interiors showcase artifacts that reference air travel of the time, with maps and historic flight paths. The menu is inspired by Sicily, with a range of family-friendly dishes - Arancini di Carne (rice balls stuffed with meat), Melanzane Parmigiana (eggplant Parmesan) - and handmade pastas - Busiate con Granchio (spiral pasta with crab), 'Ncasciata al Forno(Sicilian baked pasta) - served tableside. Other highlights include fresh fish, richly flavored steaks and chops.

Enzo's Hideaway - a speakeasy inspired by Roman aperitivo bars, located in the storied rum-runner tunnels that adjoin Maria & Enzo's. Inspired by Florida's true history of rum running, Enzo's Hideaway will pour Prohibition-era cocktails at its Tunnel Bar and serve a casual menu of hearty Roman dishes, such as the city's legendary Bucatini alla Carbonara (hollow spaghetti with creamy egg and pancetta sauce) and Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe (square-cut spaghetti with pecorino and black pepper).

Pizza Ponte - a fast-casual concept and the perfect place for a quick bite serving pastries, pizza, Italian sandwiches, and espresso. Pastry specialties include Bomboloni (Italian doughnuts) Sfoglia di Riso (pastry with rice cream) and Tiramisu. Savory items include signature Triangolo (stuffed pizza bread) sandwiches, Porchetta (roast pork) and Pizza al Taglio, Sicilian-style pizza by the slice.

Maria & Enzo's, Enzo's Hideaway and Pizza Ponte are slated to open during this winter. For more information on Patina Restaurant Group visit www.patinagroup.com.

About Patina Restaurant Group

Patina Restaurant Group (www.patinagroup.com) is a bicoastal boutique company and leader in the premium segment of the restaurant industry. In New York, its portfolio features Lincoln Ristorante, STATE Grill and Bar at the Empire State Building, Stella 34 Trattoria at Macy's Herald Square, The Sea Grill at Rockefeller Center, Brasserie 8 ½, The Grand Tier Restaurant at the Metropolitan Opera, La Fonda del Sol at Grand Central, Yellow Magnolia Café at Brooklyn Botanic Garden and The Rink at Rockefeller Center. Other East Coast properties include Tutto Italia Ristorante and Via Napoli at the Epcot World Showcase in Lake Buena Vista, Fla, and Morimoto Asia Orlando at Disney Springs.

On the West Coast its portfolio includes the renowned Los Angeles Times' four-starred and Michelin-starred Patina Restaurant in Walt Disney Concert Hall, Café Pinot, Ray's & Stark Bar, Catal, Tortilla Jo's and Naples in Anaheim's Downtown Disney District, Leatherby's Cafe Rouge, and catering and food service in museums and cultural centers throughout California.

About Disney Springs

Disney Springs is a one-of-a-kind retail, dining and entertainment district located in the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. With its namesake springs, beautiful open-air promenades and lakefront setting, Disney Springs evokes the charm of Florida waterfront towns at the turn of the 20th century. It's also home to a collection of more than 150 shops and restaurants, including top-name retail brands, specialty boutiques and dining experiences created by celebrity and award-winning chefs. Located in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Disney Springs is open daily.

Photo Credit: Courtesy Patina Restaurant Group

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