Italian Dinner at Arte Cafe

 July 30, 2026

Theme tonight was Italian.  Wines from several vineyards. Six of us dining in main area. Too noisy. Prefer the side area. Acoustics are better. Will have to ask for a table in quiet area next reservation.

I normally do not eat the bread served at the beginning but yielded tonight. Don't know what style the bread was but it was exceptionally good. Could have eaten the entire basket and not shared

Started off with a Caprese Salad, Heirloom Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella,  Fresh Basil and Olive Oil. Gave my plate away because of the tomatoes. Way too much acid for me right now.  Wine paired was a 2024 Tomasi, Lugana.  Wine was good which I did not give away. 

Next was a Smoked Salmon Capaccio, Fried capers, Herbs, Red Onion, Dijon Mustard and Cheese. Served with a couple of slices of a baguette. Never would have thought to have Dijon mustard with salmon but it worked out very well. Ate every bite. A 2024 Santa Margarita, Eterna White Blend wine was paired. Nice pairing.

Second course is a Wagyu Bolognese, Linguine Pasta with Cabernet reduction. Flavor was good but I felt it was a bit dry. Paired with a 2021 Volpaia, Chianti, Classico Riserva.

Main was a Slow Braised Lamb Shank, Crushed Tomatoes, Pancetta, Garlic and Fresh Rosmary. Meat was very tender and flavorful.  Wine is a 2020 Tenuta Sette, Cieli Indaco, Toscana Rosso. 

Dessert is a Panna Cotta with Strawberry Sauce. Served with a cocktail. French 76 made with Vodka. 

Dinner at Nirvana

 July 16, 2026

Stopped at Nirvana restaurant in Laguna Beach before attending the Pageant of The Masters. Seems to be a semi "healthy style" restaurant.  Food was very good. Very busy.

I had the Grilled Artichoke Hearts with a non-GMO Baguette with organic butter. Bread is all cooked on site.   Companion had the Short Rib Ravioli which they said was very good also. Shared a bottle of 2022 Brewer-Clifton, SRH, Pinot Noir. Food and wine both were a hit. 

A nice small place, perfect before the pageant which was just a few blocks away.

Retro Dinner at Damons

June 20, 2026

Dinner tonight at Damon's in Glendale. Restaurant opened in 1937. Decor is Polynesian which was popular back then. Looks like nothing has changed. Packed house and table turnover was ongoing. Seems to be a very popular place. A bit noisy but tolerable.

I ordered the mixed meat plate. Ribs, Pulled Pork and Brisket. Came with sides of Mac n' Cheese and Cole Slaw. Huge portion. Got two more meals out of the leftovers.  Everything was very good. 

Most of the others at the table ordered Steak or Prime Rib. Lots of Twice Baked Potatoes which you do not see on menus anymore. All said their food was excellent. Dessert was the 10 Layer Chocolate Cake. 

Big assortment of wines. Have no idea which ones I tasted.  It was a bit chaotic at the table. But made for a festive evening.

NV    Avissi, Proseco

NV    Lancelot-Rayer Grand Cru Champagne

20245 Sea Smoke, Botella, Pinot Noir

20223 Perlato del Basco. Toscana Vermentino

2016 Conn Creek, Mt. Veeder. Cabernet Sauvignon

2022 Nyers, Carneros, Chardonnay

2021 Neyers, Vista Norte, Zinfandel

2022 Neyers, Sage Canyon, Red Blend