Opened in 1984 by chef-owner Damian Mandola, Damian's Cucina Italiana quickly earned a reputation for old-world hospitality, white-tablecloth service and Italian dishes that made you seriously consider licking the plate when nobody was looking. Veal Parmigiana. Lobster Ravioli. Osso Buco. Chicken Damiano. Giant bowls of pasta arriving at the table like something from one of those food challenge shows on TV. The sort of meals that threatened to bring on an early naptime, especially when you added an earthy, herbaceous Chianti. 

Located in Midtown long before Midtown became Midtown, Damian's survived changing neighborhoods, economic booms, busts, fashion trends and several generations of Houston freeway construction projects. Through it all, it remained wonderfully consistent. A favorite for downtown business lunches and pre-theater dinners, Damian's lasted 41 years. It was a spot for everyday joy and special occasions, and everyone from George H.W. Bush to Kevin Costner and various and sundry Houston great and good could be seen there. 

And then there's this matchbook.

The design is exactly what you'd expect from a restaurant named Damian's Cucina Italiana. Elegant. Refined. Confident. No cartoon chef tossing pizza dough. No leaning tower. Just tasteful typography, classic ornamentation and a subtle reminder that sometimes the best restaurants don't need to shout.

The interior is especially fun. Black matches. Black. Matches.

There's something delightfully dramatic about that. Like they were designed specifically for lighting candles during a power outage in a Sicilian villa while somebody argued passionately about olive oil.

This particular matchbook remains in good overall condition and still contains its original matches. The graphics remain crisp and legible, while the unusual black match stems make it a standout display piece among restaurant memorabilia.

Details

• Original Damian's Cucina Italiana matchbook

• Approximate era: Late 1980s–1990s

• Original unused black matches present

• Excellent overall condition

• Approximately 1.5" wide × 2" tall × 0.25" deep

• Fresh parmesan not included

Houston has no shortage of Italian restaurants. It never has. But only a handful become institutions. Damian's earned that distinction one plate of pasta at a time. This little matchbook is proof that somebody was there when the garlic was fragrant, the wine was flowing and dessert somehow seemed like an excellent idea.