Opened in 1994, Amerigo's Grille, at 25250 Grogan's Park Drive, has long been regarded as one of the top restaurants in the north Houston area.

As other fine dining establishments have opened in The Woodlands at the resident-centric village centers and as Town Center caters to tourists and where-to-be-seen scenesters, Amerigo's consistency in its menu, wine offerings, service and warm atmosphere has made it the standard for in-the-know Woodlands residents.

"It's our consistency and dependability," owner Casey Kosh said. "When people come to our restaurant, they really want to know they are in secure hands."

At the core of the restaurant's success is a commitment to family and community.

Daughter, Tina Kosh, recently graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in restaurant and hotel management. A fixture at Amerigo's as much as her parents, Tina is being groomed to carry on the family tradition.

"I've always really enjoyed it," she said. "It's been entertaining, getting to know and growing up with our customers."

The commitment to family transcends blood lines into the kitchen. Amerigo's renowned Executive Chef Arturo Osorio has headed the kitchen since its opening in 1994, as has the restaurant's sous chef, Tomas Hernandez.

Hernandez's son, Manuel Hernandez, serves as pastry chef. For 14 years, Sean Goltz has managed the dining room.

Amerigo's roots date back many years to when Casey got his first job before college in a restaurant as a dishwasher, he said. Gradually, Casey worked his way up to server and management.

"I just fell in love with wine and Italian food," he said. "And I always wanted to have my own business."

In 1989, Casey and Nancy opened the first Amerigo's on Louetta Road in Spring, which has since closed.

"That was really a good platform for us," Casey said.

As The Woodlands developed, Casey and Nancy soon noticed two things: many of their early customers were driving to their Spring location from The Woodlands, and there were no fine dining options in The Woodlands at that time.

"We set the standard in the area, as far as a fine dining restaurant," Casey said.

Casey and Nancy have shown their appreciation through a multitude of charitable efforts. Since its opening, Amerigo's has given more than $2 million to charitable foundations in the community, including scholarships for local art students, the American Cancer Society and The Woodforest Foundation.

In addition, Amerigo's has hosted events for The Woodlands Symphony and the American Heart Association.

"One of our main focuses is involvement in the community," Nancy said. "We really believe in that."

Fine wine

Amerigo's features an extensive wine list with selections from its wine cellar 20 years in the making. Owner Casey Kosh visits wineries around the world to select wines for his restaurant. "There are some jewels in our wine collection that please wine connoiseurs and those seeking a treat," Kosh said.

Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley

• Harlan Estate – 1998, 2000
• Dalla Valle – 1998, 1999, 2000
• Spottswoode – 1998
• Diamond Creek – 1992 Volcanic Hills

Champagne and Sparkling Wine

• Cristal, Louis Roederer
• Cuvee Dom Perignon, Moet et Chandon
• Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Brut

Pinot Noir

• Williams Selyem – 2006 (Russian River)
• Sea Smoke – 2008 Southing (Santa Barbara)
• Domaine Drouhin – 2005 (Willamette Valley)

Customer favorites

• Snapper Amerigo's – $39 Crab meat, tomatoes, scallions and leeks in a reduction of chardonnay
• Wild Sea bass – $42 Roasted abalone mushroom, beer-battered artichoke hearts and lobster panzotti with Texas mandarin and wild fennel relish

Amerigo's Grille, 25250 Grogan's Park Drive, The Woodlands, 281-362-0808, www.amerigos.com

Hours:

• Mon.–Thur. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
• Fri. 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
• Sat. 5–11 p.m.
• Sun. 5–9 p.m.