Descrption:
While traveling through Southern California I read reviews of an Italian restaurant in Rancho Cucamonga. I could not resist the opportunity to sample the treats of a restaurant recommended by colleagues, and how can anybody not be intrigued by a city named Rancho Cucamonga?
The Cucamonga name became famous back in 1945, the days of syndicated radio, and the Jack Benny show. A show regular was the late Mel Blanc, who became the voice of Bugs Bunny and other Warner Brothers cartoon characters, portrayed a Los Angeles Union Station train conductor. As Jack Benny's party prepared to board the train, Blanc called out, "Train leaving on track five for Anaheim, Azusa and Cuc-a-monga!"
Rancho Cucamonga would rather be remembered for producing fine wines and being home to the, now obsolete, Thomas Winery. Thomas Winery, established in 1839, was California's oldest winery and the second oldest winery in the United States. It is in this Thomas Winery complex that I found Antonino's Italian Restaurant.
Antonino's Italian Restaurant, formally known as Chianti Ristorante, is very popular with the locals and provides an ideal setting for business lunches, and banquets. It is the ultimate in casual yet elegant dining. The beautiful and romantic dining room has large classic paintings, etched glass and comfortable seating.
Immediately after sitting down a basket of warm fresh bread rolls were placed in front of us. If you are a bread lover, which I am, these rolls are a meal in themselves. These rolls are great with butter or the bottled oil and balsamic vinegar already on the table.
Antonino's offers a nice selection of wines and a full bar. I opted for a particular favorite of my guest, and that is a bottle of Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio. This dry white wine is pale straw-yellow in color. The clean, intense aroma and dry flavor with pleasant golden apple aftertaste makes Santa Margherita excellent as an aperitif, ideal accompaniment to seafood salads and fish- and shellfish-based pasta and rice courses. It is also perfect with white meats and boiled or grilled fish and with soufflés.
Frankly, at this point, with my wine and bread, I didn't care if the waiter ever showed up. I was happy!
But I can't do real justice to Antonino's menu on the bread and wine alone. For the entrée my guest ordered the Salmone alla Griglia, grilled salmon with special herbal sauce, and I selected Filetto al Funghi, the filet mignon sautéed in brandy with mushroom and brown sauce. Both dishes were very nicely presented, and excellently prepared.
While we dined Tuscan tenor Andrea Bocelli could be heard. Either he is happy working in Antonino's kitchen or one of his CDs provided the pleasant background music.
Finally we were tempted by the fine selection of home made desserts and chose the crème brulee and tiramisu.
For ambience and the quality of food, Antonino's Italian Restaurant in Rancho Cucamonga should be on your dining out list.
Antonino's Italian Restaurant is located at 8045 Vineyard Ave. Rancho Cucamonga, CA. 91730, and they are open daily from 11:00am to 10:00pm.
For more information please call 909.941.0047 or go to: http://www.antoninosrestaurant.net
Jonathan W Smythe travels extensively looking for the finer things in life, such good food and wine. When he finds them Smythe likes to point them out so others can share in his passions too.
He may be reached at Jonathan_W_Smythe@yahoo.com |