Thursday, March 6, 2025
Arte Cafe - Bellflower
A new Arte Cafe opened in Bellflower November 2024. First time I was able to go. Richard, the owner had Arte Cafe in Cerritos for years but lost his lease several years ago. Glad he finally found a suitable building. Interior decor was my style. Black, white and grays. For a store front style building he did a great job . Biggest issue is the lack of convenient parking. Two lots nearby by but not next to. Limited street parking. But the food and service here is so good parking becomes a minor issue. I just wish I was still able to drive and not rely on generous friends. I would be at Arte Cafe a lot.
Through the course of the evening, I saw and talked with several people I knew. Nice to see everyone supporting the new restaurant location. Also talked with Dina the local wine rep. Had not seen her in several years. Still bubbly as ever.
Since I still have major gastric issues, I talked with the wait staff. I was going to have the first two courses served. The mains and dessert I would be taking home. They packed up everything in the kitchen ahead of time. Also told them my limits on the wine and that was accommodated also. No use in wasting wine if it is poured and I do not drink it. I justified everything by the price of the dinner and the type of food being served. Dinner was $95 for 5 courses with 5 wines. If it had been $195 I would not have attended.
We started off with Hamachi Poke on a Corn Tosada with Miso Black Bean Puree and Avocado/Mango Puree. Very good but to me the tostado was difficult to cut and I wasn't about to pick it up with my fingers. I was only about 4 inches in diameter but a bit messy. Paired with a Quattro Theory Sauvignon Blanc which I did not taste.
Second Course was Excellent. Fresh Lump Crab Risotto with English Peas and Crisp Pancetta. This is what I nibbled on all evening. Wine was a Quattro Theory Chardonnay. Did not taste that wine also.
Next was a Coco Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Blueberry -Merlot Reduction and Charred Brussels Sprouts with Warm Blue Cheese and Pickled Onions. This was packed for take home and I will be tasting it tomorrow. But I did drink the wine. A Quattro Theory Merlot. A nice wine not stellar but solid.
Fourth Course was packed for take home also. Grilled Wagu Rib Eye with peppercorn-Cabernet Sauce and Roasted Root Vegetables. Looked really good. Will know tomorrow. Wine paired was a 2022 Quattro Theory Cabernet Sauvignon. A good drinking wine.
Dessert is a Basque Cheesecake with Orchard Fruit Compote and Toasted Nut Crumble. This was taken home also for a treat tomorrow. Wine paired was a NV, I Vignaioli di Santov Stefano-Ceretto Moscato. Others at the table said it was a good wine.
Quattro Theory is owned by Trinchero which bought Sutter Home. First winery to make "White Zinfandel" They have a variety of labels in their portfolio. With a big range in pricing and quality.
I passed on the white wines and dessert wine. Acidity and bubbles are not my friend now days. A very good dinner, a great night of socialization. I really miss doing these wine dinners. It was so good to get out and do one again. I do get out for dinners and lunches where we bring our own wines but it is different having everything set up professionally for you and have the food, wine and service set up in advance. No decisions and everything is good.
