Technology at the Table: Il Palio Restaurant Introduces iPad App to Enhance Dining Experience

Committed to providing seasonally fresh and flavorful Italian cuisine honed in the Piemonte region where she was born, Il Palio's Executive Chef Margherita Aloi recently enhanced the Shelton restaurant's dining experience by offering its extensive wine list on the iPad.

Il Palio's Director of Operations, and Margherita's husband, Cliff Pereira stated, “Instead of bringing our wine list, encased in a formal, leather-bound book, to the dining table, we now present our patrons with an iPad which contains in-depth information about the wine's origin, composition and flavor. We encourage people to have fun as they browse through the wine app filled with vivid imagery and clear descriptions about every wine in Il Palio's extensive collection. It's like having your own personal sommelier by your side.”

Utilizing Apple's Wine List Pro, which Pereira developed with his brother, restauranteur Bob Pereira, Chief Operating Officer of Metronome Hospitality Group, and Sandra Frank, wine enthusiasts are able to pair Il Palio's finest wines with Aloi's creative and tasty dishes, featuring her signature homemade pastas, seasonal produce hand-picked from Jones Family Farms in Shelton and the freshest spices and ingredients.

Before partnering with Bob Scinto at Il Palio, the couple helmed Aloi Restaurant in New Canaan, where they reside with their daughter, Ariana. For three years, this popular eatery was named “One of the top three restaurants in Fairfield County” for three years in a row. In 2004, Aloi recognized for its “The Best Wine List.”

Wine has always been an integral part of Aloi's culinary background. Growing up with a father who worked as a farmer and wine maker in the small town of Tucci, Aloi intuitively understands the importance of pairing the right fine wine with delicious homemade Italian cuisine. “My father Aloi Luigi Giovanni used to always say, 'Life is made up of moments, sip them slowly,' “she recalled. “In the kitchen I am constantly on the look out for new ways to put together foods that are bursting with flavor. I am excited about using Wine List Pro because the right wine will complement the meal and enrich the overall dining experience of everyone we welcome at Il Palio.”

Pereira agreed. “The Wine List Pro app on the iPad is interactive and fun. So far, everyone loves it. The response has been phenomenal. Since introducing the iPad last month, not only has Il Palio's wine sales increased but people are having a good time exploring the wine list on the iPad.”

With a smile, though, Pereira admitted that he has encountered a few patrons who are hesitant about using the latest technology to access information about Il Palio's wine list. “They felt that they weren't technically savvy,” Pereira explained. “However, once I demonstrated how simple it is to access information on Wine List Pro, they came on board and ended up having a great time picking out their wine,” Pereira said. “In fact, some people like to play around with the app and explore the wine list further, even after they place an order. This is exactly the type of dining experience that Margherita and I want to provide at Il Palio—a relaxing and fun environment where families, friend and business associates can come to and enjoy high-quality, delicious Italian cooking and the finest wines.”

Wine enthusiasts are also invited to purchase Wine List Pro for their personal wine collection. Since its debut, the Wine List Pro, which allows up to 1,000 wines, has been sold to restaurants and wine connoisseurs around the world. The application is use to customize, update your inventory and edit, as needed. For more information, go to winelistpro.com.

Il Palio Restaurant, located at Five Corporate Drive in Shelton, is open for lunch Monday to Friday 11:45 pm to 2:15 pm and dinner on Monday to Saturday from 5:30 pm to 9:15 pm. For more information, go to ilpalioct.com or call 203-944-0770.