Spaghettini @ Seal Beach welcomes Chef Scott Howard – Media Tasting

Spaghettini was a vision created by  restaurateurs, Cary Hardwick and Laurie Sisneros, to provide unique dining and entertaining experience for LA and Orange Counties.  Conveniently located just off the 405 Freeway at Seal Beach Boulevard, this award-winning restaurant has been featuring exceptional Northern Italian cuisine and top name entertainment since 1988.  Soon it will be bringing the same famed talents to Beverly Hills, CA.

In preparation of the Spaghettini & the Dave Koz Lounge in Beverly Hills, Cary and Laurie welcomed highly acclaimed Chef Scott Howard to the Spaghettini family.  Allen and I had the pleasure of attending a recent media tasting to sample some of the new ‘ingredient-focused menu items’ by Chef Howard, Executive Chef and Victor Avila.  

(Photos by Allen Taylor Photography)

The restaurant has an old world charm to it.  It is much bigger that it looks with a lovely outdoor patio with a fire-pit.  The interior is classy and elegant.  Upon arrival, we were greeted and led to the patio area for some champagne and pre-dinner o’dourves.
These appetizers maybe small-bites but you can definitely taste the care and thoughts that went into each. (Clockwise from top right: Shrimp with Parmigiano-Reggiano on phyllo dough, Peach Bruchetta, Tuna Tartare and Tomato Bruchetta) I love an open kitchen where I can see all the actions and how each dish was prepared.

The amazing wines that were paired with our dinner. After given a tour of the lovely restaurant, we started our tasting with an amuse bouche – Butter Poached Morels (herbed soft polenta , prosciutto jus, parmigiano-reggiano foam) paired with barbera d’asti – prunotto fiulot – piedmont -2012.

I don’t believe I’ve ever had Morels.  These are honeycomb-like mushrooms prized by gourmet chefs.  The texture and flavor were more delicate than other mushrooms.  The polenta was so smooth and silky.  I simply adored this dish!

Course One – Yellow Corn Agnolotti (mascarpone, yellow corn, parmigian-reggiano) paired with sauvignon blanc – twomey – napa & sonoma county – 2013.

This dish may look simple but it was as perfect it gets!  The homemade pasta was perfectly al-dente! The sweetness in the yellow corn sauce paired very well with the citrusy fruity wine.    Course Two – Chilean Seabass (parmesan crust, yukon gold potato purée, spring squash, citrus butter) paired with chardonnay – kistler vineyards – les noisetier – sonoma coast – 2012.

This dish blew me away at first bite!  The lightly Parmesan-crusted sea bass literally melted in my mouse.  The vegetables were cooked perfectly and retained its crunchiness.  This was definitely everyone’s favorite of the night.
Course Three – Slow-Braised Short Rib  (risotto, black trumpet , baby carrots, jus) paired with cabernet sauvignon – code – napa cuvee – napa valley – 2010.

We were told the short rib was slow-braised for 3 hours.  You can imagine how fork-tender it was.  The black trumpet risotto made this dish even more exceptional!

Course Four – Coconut Panna Cotta (cherries – citrus) paired with semillon – sauvignon blanc – dolce – late harvest – nappy valley – 2007.

To say this dessert made a happiest ending might be an understatement.  The panna Cotta was so creamy with just a right hint of coconut.  And I wish you could taste the sweetness of the cherries!

We got to meet our amazing hosts (from left to right) – Owners, Laurie Sisnero and Cary Hardwick; Kim Entringer, General Manager; Chef Scott Howard, Culinary Director; and Executive Chef, Chef Victor Avila.  At the end of the light, we all got a souvenir to take home!  These little treats were a reminder of a spectacular dining experience.  It was easy to see that while many restaurants have come and go, Spaghettini has won over so many patrons in the last 26 years.

The restaurant offers lunch, dinner, bar menu, and happy hour.  Private dinning is available for parties of all sizes in several areas/rooms.  And if you haven’t tried the famous Sunday Brunch buffet, you must!  Included in the brunch is a entree made fresh to order.

A lot of people ask me what my favorite restaurant is.  I can honestly say this easily makes one of my top 5 favorite restaurants of all time.  Exceptional food with outstanding service and great entertainment, Spaghettini is where you take your friends and family to.

Spaghettini
3005 Old Ranch Parkway
Seal Beach, California 90740
(562)596-2199