If you want to celebrate Valentine’s Day by whipping up your own romantic dinner, Antonello Ristorante will be the site of a cooking class on Friday, February 9 at 6:30 p.m. Chef/owner Antonio Cagnolo and his wife, Fiorella, will offer the fine points of preparing an unforgettable meal after which attendees will enjoy the dinner (#)-course dinner. Cost is $65 per person.
Those opting to take their significant other out for a romantic dinner to celebrate the occasion may take advantage of Antonello’s extended Valentine’s holiday festivities that will be offered February 9 – 15. A special menu has been crafted for the occasion that features an antipasto plate of thinly sliced octopus and Maine lobster drizzled with olive oil and lemon served with roasted heirloom tomatoes and arugula for $25; heart-shaped lobster ravioli in a saffron cream sauce served with lobster claws and seaweed caviar for $47; three grilled lobster tails served with saffron rice and topped with white wine and butter sauce for $60; and chocolate truffles at $12 for dessert.
Antonello’s traditional menu also will be available during the Valentine’s week festivities.
Highly rated in the Zagat Guide for several years, Antonello Ristorante has earned a sterling reputation for having served local residents as well as luminaries the world over including presidents, foreign dignitaries, movie stars, entertainers, industrialists and other leaders. The interior is lighter and airier than its original Old World theme to reflect the menu’s lighter fare boasting high flavor profiles and organic ingredients. Co-Chefs Gino Buonanoce and Salvatore Ferrara work closely with Chef/Owner Antonio Cagnolo to develop daily specials and unique prix fixe menus many paired with wines and other spirits. Among the distinguishing features for which Antonello is renowned for its "sea to table" fresh fish often caught by Cagnolo himself and the dramatic flambé presentations with some menu items prepared tableside. Many of the Old World favorites are still on the menu. Antonello is located at 3800 S. Plaza Drive (across the street from South Coast Plaza). Visit antonello.com or call (714) 751-7153.