April 9, 2026
Arte Cafe
New wine for me. Not familiar with the "Jayson" label. Made by Pahlmeyer. Female winemaker. Not a sold out dinner but a good size crowd in attendance. Location leaves a bit be desired for the restaurant. This was the original location years ago and then Arte moved to Cerritos. After years at that location they moved back to the original. But the regulars followed. Owner of Arte, Richard, owns the building. Maybe that is why his dinners are always reasonable.
3 at our table tonight and I came away the lucky person. Both of the men brought me a bottle of wine and one brought me a very large chunk, at least 3 to 4 lbs., of sushi grade blue fin tuna.
Dinner started out with two oysters and two mini chicken potstickers. First oysters I have had since way before my abdominal surgery. No issues with digestion so I may try again at another dinner. A bowl of cold Cucumber Gazpacho followed. Gazpacho had good flavor but the spice was so fiery. My tongue burned for several minutes after the first taste. I had just two spoonfuls of it and had to push it aside.
These appetizers were paired with a 2024 Jayson Sauvignon Blanc. Nice wine. Just a bit of tartness to it. Clean and fresh.
Next was a fresh Hamachi Tataki with grilled pineapple, candied kumquats, macadamia nuts and Thai basil. Excellent dish. Wine served was a 2022 Jayson Chardonnay. Just a hint of oak. I am not the great California Chardonnay fan. Not into buttery and oaky. Prefer mine clean and crisp like a good French Chablis.
Second course was a Five Spice Dusted Goose Breast with winter vegetable pave, braised endive and fig balsamic jus. Another excellent dish. Goose was cooked perfectly. Paired with a 2022 Jayson Red wine. Blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Good wine and paired perfectly with the goose.
Main course is a Wagyu Flat Iron Steak with smoked beef bacon, watercress, crispy shallot, dijon vinaigrette, pommes souffle. Great flavors. Again an excellent dish. A 2022 Jayson Cabernet Sauvignon was the wine selection. And another very good pairing.
Dessert was a Chocolate Espuma, crispy meringue and blackberry caramel. Nice light and decadent. A good ending to a very good dinner. A 2002 Covey Run, Yakima Valley, Riesling, Ice Wine was poured Not too sweet but again a good selection for the dessert.
Looking forward to the next wine dinner at Arte Cafe, Curious to see if the dishes outshine this one.
