Locanda Del Lago Among the Best of the Best in Los Angeles

Photo courtesy of Judy Hansen Pullos of Experience Magazine
Photo courtesy of Judy Hansen Pullos of Experience Magazine
Locanda Del Lago Restaurant at 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica. Photo courtesy Judy Hansen Pullos

The Experience Magazine has dined at hundreds of restaurants in the Los Angeles County, but Locanda Del Lago in the 3rd Street Promenade of Santa Monica is among the best of the best. Specializing in dishes from the northern region of Italy, Michelin star rated chef, Gianfranco Minuz has definitely perfected his farm to table menu and sommelier, Joseph Matlock, knows exactly how to pair wines with each course.

 

J.D. Is Maitre'd of Locanda Del Lago in Santa Monica. Photo courtesy Judy Hanesn Pullos
J.D. Is Maitre’d of Locanda Del Lago in Santa Monica. Photo courtesy Judy Hanesn Pullos

The restaurant is tastefully decorated in northern Italian decor with warm lighting, rich colors, gorgeous chandeliers and beautiful wood tables. Located conveniently on the 3rd Street Promenade, steps away from the Santa Monica Pier, this wonderful restaurant attracts tourists and locals alike.

 

We decided to keep it simple so we chose the Celebration of Winter tasting menu. Each item has been created with the freshest organic produce obtained from the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market and sustainable proteins, and always follow the suggestions of the Seafood Watch by Monterey Bay Aquarium.

 

Prior to our first course, we were brought a treat of parmesan lace and refreshing cocktails prepared personally by mixmaster Joseph Matlock. The thin, crunchy cheese strips are a welcome alternative to the traditional bread sticks and slices that most restaurants provide and paired perfectly with a delicious raspberry lemon drop martini. This was such an incredible start, I would come back just for this pairing!

 

The most amazing salad was our first course. Insalata dI Carciofi al parmigiano or Raw Market Baby Artichoke Salad, was hand crafted using  baby artichokes, celery, arugula, parmesan cheese, and was seasoned with a delicious lemon dressing The wine pairing was the perfect choice of sparkling wine from Italy, Prosecco, Valdo. A perfect start to a grand meal.

 

Amazingly creamy and delicious risotto
Amazingly creamy and delicious risotto

 

Risotto con Cime dI piselli E Cappesante was delivered as our next course. It was made with Carnaroli Risotto, Market Pea Shoot, Peruvian Bay Scallop, and ParmesanCheese. A Pinot Grigio, Borgo Conventi, ’14 was chosen as the pairing and it was quite a treat. Of all of the risottos the Experience magazine has had the pleasure of tasting, Locanda Del Lago has proven to be one of the top creators of this crowd-pleasing dish. Perfectly seasoned, delightfully creamy, and precisely rich, I would recommend this item to the pickiest of diners.

 

For our main course, we chose the pesce spada alla grIglia, cavolflori e salmorIglio, which was a perfectly Grilled Pacific Swordfish, Sautéed Market Cauliflower with Paprika in a Sicilian Salmoriglio Sauce. It was paired with a Chardonnay, Chateau St. Jean, ’12. The wine was buttery and smooth and enhanced the healthy, fresh flavors of the fish and vegetables. A great choice for those of us who are health conscious but still want grand flavors.

 

Amazing Dessert and Wine Pairing at Lago's Santa Monica. Photo courtesy Judy Hansen Pullos
Amazing Dessert and Wine Pairing at Lago’s Santa Monica. Photo courtesy Judy Hansen Pullos

And the grand finale was a winter dessert specialty that tasted so much like an Italian decadent delight. Semifreddo Al Caffe E Amaretti is an Italian Frozen Coffee Meringue with Amaretti Cookies and was paired with a Moscato d’Asti, Michele Chiarlo. A fabulous departure from teramisu, this dessert did not disappoint. The unique dessert and fruity wine capped off the perfect meal and was light and spectacular.

 

The Experience Magazine was thankful to have been invited to this incredible restaurant. It truly was one of the most delicious evenings we have experienced to date. A definite “must-try” dining establishment for anyone traveling to or even through the Santa Monica area. You will be pleasantly rewarded with amazing flavors, incredible service, and a romantic, slightly rustic, environment.

http://www.lagosantamonica.com/#reservations

About Judy Hansen Pullos

Judy is a contributing writer for THE EXPERIENCE MAGAZINE and photographer in Los Angeles, California

View all posts by Judy Hansen Pullos →

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