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Italian Food

Filomena’s Italian Kitchen

 

 

A short walk from my house is an Italian restaurant that has recently experienced a complete makeover from the Food Network’s “Restaurant Impossible”. I had eaten there several times in its previous incarnations and was curious to see the new improved version. So my brother and I and our friends Bob and Johanna dined there for my Birthday Celebration #4. The interior had been completed refigured, new furnishings and fixtures, and the ugly bar was gone. The ambiance was light and airy. The family photos and memorabilia remained and were a perfect blend of old and new.

The menu choices were many and varied – if it was not on the menu, it must not be Italian!! My choice was the special Seafood Risotto – David opted for the Meat Pizza – Mushroom Linguine for Bob – and Caprese Angel Hair Pasta for Johanna. our food was delicious beyond words!

 

Everything about our dining experience was delightful. The server was friendly and accommodating, and she gave us the impression that she was actually happy to wait on us. The changes at Filomena’s present a very welcoming atmosphere. They are located in a small strip mall at Newport Boulevard and Vanguard in Costa Mesa. I know their reputation for great food is growing so I don’t know how long they will remain a neighbor. But while they are here, we will walk over often.

A nice addition is their deli. You can eat there in a more casual atmosphere, drop by to stock up on some deli items, or order to go off their menu.

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The Other Thing – My only complaint was that since we licked our plates, we had no room for dessert! Next time.

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Urra Spaghettini

I hadn’t been to Spaghettini for many years but it was close to friends Julie and Stan who I invited to join me in celebrating my brother’s birthday. It’s been in this location in Seal Beach for a long time so they must be doing something right.

The place was busy so quite noisy, but we had a nice table for four in the main dining room. I was surprised that David wasn’t quite as surprised as I thought he would be. But no matter, we had a great time, and the conversation flowed. Our server, Cat, was very attentive, knew the menu and gave helpful suggestions.

I was introduced to a red wine that I thought quite pleasant – nice smooth taste in my humble opinion. A toast to the birthday boy, then our first course of Red Oak And Bibb Lettuce Salad with Reggiano, cabernet tomatoes and creamy parmesan dressing.

Main course for Stan was Seven Layer Lasagna with spinach pasta, bolognese, béchamel sauce, ricotta, marinara, parmigiano-reggiano. He said it had an even amount of cheese and sauce so it was a perfect blend of flavors. Julie said her Pasta Primavera with linguini, roasted fall vegetables, and shaved Reggiano was delicious. The birthday boy chose the Seafood Pasta. He was quite pleased with the amount and size of the seafood – lobster, shrimp, jumbo lump crab, parmesan cream, rustic bread crumbs. My Wild Mushroom & Chicken with penne pasta and roasted garlic sauce was loaded with flavor, which shows what a really good chef can create with so few ingredients.

The special dessert of the day was Red Velvet Cake with cream cheese frosting and vanilla ice cream. This was the birthday cake presented to David which was obviously too good for him to share (lol). The rest of us shared the Tiramasu – espresso, ladyfingers, rum, and mascarpone.

The Other Thing – This birthday lunch was the perfect example of a pleasant atmosphere, good food, great company and accommodating waitstaff. Long live Spaghettini!

 

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Black Trumpet Bistro

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The owners of Mona Lisa and Capone’s in Huntington Beach have opened another gem, this one at 18344 Beach Boulevard. Black Trumpet Bistro specializes in Mediterranean tapas, small plates bringing flavors from Italy, Greece, France, Morocco and Spain. This place was highly recommended by my friend Debbie the gourmet cook, so I already knew that it must be pretty good.

We ordered several small plates to share …. Roasted Cauliflower with Almonds, Harissa Yogurt and Caramelized Onions, Charcuterie Plate featuring 3 different cheeses, 2 types of salami, prosciutto, imported olives, honey roasted nuts, and crusty bread with fig jam, Pan Roasted Duck Breast with Pomegranate Reduction, and Truffle Fries with Garlic, Parsley and Shaved Pecorino. All of this came with freshly made pita bread accompanied by an olive tapenade made with an elegant olive oil. Everything was nicely plated and a wonderful blend of flavors. I’m starting to salivate just writing about this. And, of course, we had a little sparkling Cava Brut from Spain to enhance our culinary experience.

We told our very helpful server that we were too full for dessert. She ignored that and then brought by the dessert tray. Guess which one we picked!

Chocolate cake with marshmallow mousse filling and covered with chocolate ganache.

The Other Thing – Italian restaurants Mona Lisa and Capone’s and the New Black Trumpet Bistro are family owned. Their attention to detail in their food and in their service sets them apart.

 

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