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SEAGRASS...FINE DINING IN SANTA BARBARA
by Bonnie Carroll

Seagrass...Fine Dining in Santa Barbara

Seagrass opened on Christmas Day in Santa Barbara 2007, on the site of the old Sage & Onion Restaurant, and it came as an unexpected surprise to everyone, including Mitchell Sjerven, Josh Brown, and Leila Hamilton, who were anticipating an opening later in January 2008. I stopped by on Christmas morning to see how everything was going, and the venue was a hub of activity. The excitement and anticipation of the special evening to come was electric. The room was still being finished, and Mitchell Sjerven was smiling and said he was thrilled with the menu, room, and the support he was being given by his staff and Santa Barbara patrons. The restaurant was fully booked on opening night, and was fully booked on the night of my visit a month later.

Mitchell Sjervan, your host, is an amazing person who manages to make every person coming in the door feel welcome and familiar, and assists patrons with menu details and wine pairing suggestions.  He is like an encyclopedia of food and wine knowledge due to his long career in the industry. Mitchell is also the proprietor of Bouchon Restaurant, a favorite venue to local residents and vacationing visitors.

Seagrass...Fine Dining in Santa BarbaraSeagrass...Fine Dining in Santa BarbaraSeagrass...Fine Dining in Santa Barbara

The menu offers the best of fresh seafood you will find anywhere, and the steak is superb as well. The restaurant boasts using only the best in products, including fruits, vegetables, cheese and dairy products. Josh Brown also has many years experience as a chef, and his flavor combinations are sensational.

Seagrass...Fine Dining in Santa BarbaraSeagrass...Fine Dining in Santa BarbaraSeagrass...Fine Dining in Santa Barbara

I would recommend the following for your dining enjoyment the Seared Giant Sea Scallop, which comes in a choice of Ratatouille, Thai basil, herb pesto & lemon confit; Coconut black rice, green curry & spiced apricot chutney or  'Sauce asperge', fennel oil, corn, watercress & lipstick pepper. They all melt in your mouth, and the unique flavor combinations are exciting. I adored the delicately prepared baked Littleneck Clams 'Casino' with spinach, chorizo that were stuffed with parmesian and served with béarnaise sauce. This was not only a sensational presentation, but an unforgettable seafood dish. Selections from the ‘Four Fresh Fish’ menu are all unusual and delightful dishes. For lobster or steak aficionados there is the steamed Santa Barbara Spiny Lobster Tail, served on butternut squash, fava bean, leek, corn & applewood-smoked bacon succotash, as well as the seven-say aged 9 oz. Filet Mignon with horseradish demiglace, saffron creamed corn and potatoes 'au gratin' are also extraordinary.

Seagrass...Fine Dining in Santa BarbaraSeagrass...Fine Dining in Santa Barbara


A TASTE OF LIGURIA ITALY
Hosted by Italian Tourism Leaders
by Bonnie Carroll

A Tast of Liguria Italy - Italian Tourism Leaders

It was a delicious taste of Liguria dinner, held at Valentino Restaurant in Santa Monica and was hosted by Angelo Berlangeri, Director of the Regione Liguria Tourist Board, Pompilio Fabrizi, Director of the A Tast of Liguria ItalyItalian Government Tourist Board, Western USA, Claudia Gori and members of the executive staff.

The tasting lunch included the delightful food of Piero Selvaggio and wines of the Liguria region. A presentation was given by Angelo Berlangeri of Liguria Tourist Board and the entertaining translation was made by Emanuela Boni, LA IA Tast of Liguria Italytalian Government Tourist Board. The informational video was filled with inviting views of this beautiful seaside area, and provided historic and cultural details on the Italian riviera destination.

Regarding Piero Selvaggio’s vision for Valentino, it was to bring Italian culture, food and wines to America, and his dream is now realty. His splendid restaurants include Valentino in Santa Monica; Valentino Las Vegas in the Venetian Hotel & Casino, and Giorgia Caffe & Restaurant in the Mandalay Place in Las Vegas. For Liguria information contact www.italiantourism.com,for restaurant information visit:
www.valentinorestaurants.com.


"CHEF'S TABLE"

 L'Espadon Ritz Paris

From the 14th to the 25th of April 2008, every evening from Monday to Friday - a unique dining experience in the heart of the Ritz kitchens

We all wish for our happiest moments in life to remain unforgettable memories!
Chef Michel Roth invites you to a unique dining experience in the mythical kitchens of the Ritz.

As privileged guest of the Chef, you will be welcomed into the kitchens for an exceptional dinner where you will discover a magical universe; you could observe the preparation of the finest foods, watch the creation of the most surprising desserts accompanied by the graceful dance of the wait staff.

Seated in the heart of the kitchen, the Chef's Table is the perfect occasion to discover Michel Roth's latest creations through this menu - especially put together for the event:

Appetiser
Foie gras with apple and rhubarb
John Dory cooked in a beurre blanc with cockles
Sweet interlude
Lightly sweetened strawberries on a shortbread crust


The Chef's Table is available from Monday to Friday at 250 € per person, including a bottle of Ritz Brut Champagne as well as mineral water and coffee.

We will only be welcoming 2 guests per evening


Finest Italian Balsamic from Ripani ItalyFinest Italian Balsamic from Ripani ItalyTHE FINEST IN ITALIAN BALSAMIC
From Rimini Italy
For information visit: www.acetaiamontale.it

 

 


2008
March 08 | April 08 | May 08 | September 08 | June 08 | July 08 | August 08 | October 08 | November 08 | December 08 | January 09 | February 09 | April 09 | March 09 | May 09 | June 09 | July 09 | August 09 | September 09 | October 09 | November 09 | December 09 | January 10 | February 10 | March 10 | April 10 | May 10 | June 10 | July 10 | August 10 | September 10 | October 10 | November 10 | December 10 | January 11 | February 11 | March 11 | April 11 | May 11 | June 11 | July 11 | August 11 | September 11 | October 11 | November 11 | December 11 | January 12 | March 12 | February 12 | April 12 | May 12 | June 12 | July 12 | August 12 | September 12 | February 08 | January 08

2007
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2006
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2005
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© 2008 Bonnie Carroll, All Rights Reserved