Celestino Ristorante Archives

Ethnic Food Stars in First taste OF PASADENA!

September 25, 2023 Comments Off

(Content courtesy of Taste of Pasadena, Gerry Furth-Sides photos) Ethnic food cuisine takes front row and center as Pasadena magazine debuts the Taste of Pasadena 2023. A wide array of carefully curated culinary offerings plus handcrafted cocktails will be offered, along with live music.

The Raymond 1886 brings “old Pasadena sumptuous elegance to **Taste of Pasadena 2023**

This inaugural celebration will take place on Friday, October 6th, 2023, at the Pasadena Convention Center Historic Exhibit Hall C, running from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm. With a community as elegant and as welcoming as Pasadena it promises to be perfect.

Pez Cantina will be featured in the **Taste of Pasadena 2023**

Pez Cantina, famous for fresh fish and vibrant food will be featured in the **Taste of Pasadena 2023**

Some of this year’s Taste of Pasadena 2023 participating Restaurants include Arth Bar + Kitchen, Cabrera’s Mexican Cuisine, //Celestino Ristorante, Champion’s Curry, Engine Co. No. 28, Farina Pizza, Granville, Great Maple, Lunasia Modern Dim Sum & Cuisine, KAVIAR, //Pez Cantina, The Luggage Room Pizzeria & La Grande Orange, The Raymond 1886, Santa Anita Park, Twohey’s

Wildly delicious food and fun to match: The Celestino Ristorante family will be featured at the Taste of Pasadena 2023

2023 Desserts include Beard Papa’s Pasadena, (the super friendly) , //Bertha Mae’s Brownie Co. Esther & Olivia BouqCakes, I Like Pike Bakeshop, Marsatta Chocolate, Ms. Rhonda’s Crack-N-Pop, and Nothing Bundt Cakes and more.

Bertha Mae’s Brownie Co. will be featured in the **Taste of Pasadena 2023**

Wines will be poured by Adobe Road Winery (Sonoma County), Bernardus Winery (Carmel Valley), Bouchaine Vineyards(Carneros Napa Valley), Defiance Vineyard (Paso Robles), The Mill Keeper by Gamble Family Vineyards (Napa Valley), Tercero Wines (Santa Barbara), Vino Los Angeles (Mexico), Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyards (Temecula Valley), and more.

Spirits, Cocktails, Beer, Music, and Special Experiences courtesy of Acqua Panna, Cerveceria Del Pueblo, Balcones, Corbin Cash Distillery, Casa Azul Tequila, Dough Ball Whiskey, Frey Ranch Farmers + Distillers, Knox & Dobson, Mezcal 33, Old Hillside Bourbon, Rancho La Gloria Tequila, Shelter Distilling, and many more.

The unique cocktail mix, Knot & Dobson will be featured in the Taste of Pasadena 2023

Ticket Information: The inaugural Taste of Pasadena will take place on Friday, October 6th, 2023, at the Pasadena Convention Center Historic Exhibit Hall C from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm and this is a 21+ event. General ticket prices are $85 ($100 at the door the day of the event). Early Bird Pricing is available for $60 until Friday, September 22nd, 2023. For more information and to get your tickets today, please visit //Pasadenamag.com/taste.

Follow Pasadena magazine for the latest updates on Facebook @PasadenaMagazine and Instagram @pasadenamag

Pasadena Magazine is a bi-monthly lifestyle publication covering the people, institutions, and businesses of Pasadena, and the surrounding San Gabriel Valley. The publication covers food, arts, culture, real estate, design, and entertainment.

“The Taste of Pasadena is … a celebration of culinary excellence, culture, and community,” says Malina Saval, Editor-In-Chief for Pasadena magazine. “This event promises an unforgettable evening of delectable experiences, featuring unlimited tastings from top chefs and renowned restaurants encompassing the San Gabriel Valley and beyond.”

Special Partners and Sponsors: AbilityFirst, Pasadena Convention Center, Visit Pasadena, Sodexo Live!, Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, Yelp, and Viva LA.

Your Very Italian Table for Three or 30 at Italian Celestino’s Pasadena

August 22, 2023 Comments Off

(Gerry Furth-Sides)When I was asked to an arrange a birthday party in Pasadena, Celestino owner Calogero Drago and GM Mario were out of the country. Each of them still contacted me immediately: “Ciao, Bella! No problem.”

The energy of the Drago brothers are in Celestino, Pasadena. Owner-proprietor Caligero second from right

Thirty guests for lunch? Order off the menu and let us know what we can do. When questioned about the wine list, which is not on the menu, General Manager Mario Tello told he would make a copy and email it. This was done although

Playful Manager Mario and owner-proprietor, Caligero Drago, at Celestino Pasadena after a wonderful dinner meal

Here are the photos of this luxury lunch that included a kitchen tour afterward and into traffic that floated us to and from the restaurant and back. Brava! Multi-Grazie!

The Celestino, Pasadena private room all set up

Mario confers with the hostess, joking, and then takes all the orders (seriously) at Celestino, Pasadena

GM Mario somehow has each guest order something different for variety at our Celestino, Pasadena luncheon

Meanwhile an entire room full of guests were on the other side of the wall. No offers of taking a bottle of grappa home with me this time but then it wasn’t 5 o’clock yet either!

The Celestino, Pasadena main dining room – filled in another hour on a week-day

Afterward, hostess Donna Herman asked for a tour of the kitchen. No problem! The chef has been with Celestino for over two decades and knows his way around! All of the pastas and sauces are made in-house.

A tour of the Celestino, Pasadena kitchen

All of the pasta is housemade at Celestino Ristorante, Pasadena

The Celestino, Pasadena kitchen staff performing seamlessly

The back entrance form the free parking lot to indoor and outdoor private areas and the main dining room

For more on the restaurant, please see:
Www.celestinopasadena.com and for more of the story: //localfoodeater.com/celestino-pasadena-upholds-royal-family-pedigree/
Www.localfoodeater.com

Celebrate An Ethnic Mother’s Day

May 9, 2023 Comments Off

Celebrate Mother’s Day the Ethnic Way in the Greater Los Angeles area! From spiffy, contemporary Indian and Mexican fare to traditional soul food and Sicilian Italian, it is all memorably scrumptious and festive.

ARTH BAR + KITCHEN – CULVER CITY

Arth Bar & Kitchen’s Mother’s Day Lunch or Dinner features the Kitchen’s Small Plates, Tandoor Starters, Entrées, Sides, Handcrafted Tandoor Breads, Rice,and Dessert.

The Arth Bar will also serving their full list of Cocktails including their special Prem Kahani made of elderflower liqueur, violet liqueur, lemon juice, sparkling wine and a rose petal, or Lychee Martini comprised of vodka or gin, lychee liqueur, lychee juice and elderflower liqueur.

**ARTH BAR + KITCHEN – CULVER CITY** (photo by LocalfoodEater)

(For our coverage, please see: //localfoodeater.com/how-arth-bar-kitchen-redefines-indian-fare/

Arth Bar + Kitchen Hours: Mother’s Day Mimosa Lunch from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm. Mother’s Day Dinner from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm; 9531 Culver Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90232; 424.503.4155; www.ArthLA.com

CELESTINO RISTORANTE – PASADENA

Mother’s Day is celebrated in true Sicilian style at Celestino Ristorante where Owner and Executive Chef Calogero Drago has created a special Tasting Menu for Mama.

The chef and staff invites you to treat Mama to a special dinner on either of Celestino Ristorante’s outdoor garden patios or in the main dining room.

The full Classic Menu showcases signature items like the Carpaccio, Insalata Ai Frutti Di Mare, Linguine with Mixed Seafood, Risotto with Red Beets & Goat Cheese, Ossobuco, Pollo Alla Parmigiana.

**CELESTINO RISTORANTE – PASADENA** (photo by acuna-hansen)

For a sweet ending, there is Tiramisu, Panna Cotta (Vanilla Custard with Strawberries) and the decadent she can indulge in the Torta d’ Arangia (Flourless Chocolate Cake).

**CELESTINO RISTORANTE – PASADENA** (photo by LocalFoodEater)

To read more detailed coverage on Celestino Pasadena, please see: //localfoodeater.com/celestino-pasadena-upholds-royal-family-pedigree/

Celestino Ristorante Mother’s Day hours: Dinner from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm; 141 South Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105; 626.795.4006; www.CelestinoRistorante.com

EL GRANJERO CANTINA – THE ORIGINAL FARMERS MARKET LOS ANGELES

Executive Chef Jenni Sklar El Granjero Cantina at The Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles invites you to celebrate Mother’s Day with a specially created new “All Day” Breakfast Menu.

**Executive Chef Jenni Sklar** **El Granjero Cantina** (photo LocalFoodEater.com)

The Breakfast Menu showcases her signature Chilaquiles, Farmer’s Breakfast Plato, Huevos Rancheros, Papas Y Soyrizo Plato, Steak & Eggs, and Breakfast Burrito.

**EL GRANJERO CANTINA – LOS ANGELES (Photo by Michael Brown)**

She will also be cooking up her innovative modern Mexican menu all day and evening for Mom, featuring a selection of For The Table (snacks), Salads, Tacos, Bowls, Platos, Quesadillas, Burritos, Sides, and Dessert.

El Granjero Cantina’s Specialty List of Tequilas y Mezcal, Mezcal List, and signature Margaritas are the perfect accompaniment to her meal.

Specialty Cocktails created by Tobin Shea include their Classic Margarita with a choice of tequila or mezcal, Cointreau, fresh lime, and citrus agave, or the Draft Raspberry Hibiscus Cocktail with a choice of spirit, raspberry hibiscus tea, lime, and soda.

Other options include Wine, Beer, Crisp & Crude Canned Cocktails, Non-alcoholic Beverages, and Soft Drinks. So, treat Mom to an unforgettable Mother’s Day celebration at El Granjero Cantina, where she can indulge in delicious menu offerings and delectable cocktails in a lively and festive atmosphere.

For LocalFoodEater.com coverage, please see: //localfoodeater.com/el-granjero-cantina-the-farmer-refined-and-still-fun-at-original-farmers-market/

El Granjero Cantina at The Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles Mother’s Day Hours 10:00 am to 8:30 pm; 6333 W. 3^rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90036; 323.879,9324; www.CantinaLA.com

GEORGIA’S RESTAURANT – LONG BEACH EXCHANGE

Georgia’s Restaurant will be celebrating Mother’s Day with their Mom-cellent Mother’s Day Brunch! Share classic savories such as the Fried Egg Sandwich,with choice of cooked egg, mayonnaise and bacon, Sausage, Bacon, and Eggs served with blackened country potatoes and toast.

Co-Owner Nika Shoemaker-Machado’s personal favorite remains the decadent Steak and Eggs, featuring top sirloin steak and a side of blackened country potatoes.

For Moms that love a sweet start to their day, there is Grilled French Toast made the old-fashioned way and topped with powdered sugar and strawberries. Their Cinnamon Apple Waffle topped with warm sautéed apples in a cinnamon syrup, and a dollop of whipped cream.

Mom can also have the best of both the sweet and savory worlds with the Chicken and Waffles with Georgia’s Restaurant’s signature fried chicken. The process begins with Co-Owner Marlon Machado’s Brazilian buttermilk brine and ends with a seasoned crispy cornmeal crust courtesy of Nana Gretchen’s very own Grandmother, served on a Belgian waffle with creamy honey butter, and maple syrup.

Soul-delicious Southern staples also include the Fish & Grits featuring Creole seasoned cornmeal crusted fried catfish, or the classic Shrimp & Grits made with Creole seasoned shrimp over a bed of savory grits.A vegetarian friendly Mardi Gras Omelet features green and red bell peppers, onions, and cheese. Georgia’s new-about-to-become-a staple Eggs Benedict is another option.

Soulful Sides include a healthy and hearty Oatmeal, quintessential Southern Grits served cheesy style. Blackened Country Potatoes were a favorite of George Shoemaker.

Brunch libations include a bright and bubbly Mimosa ($5) and the signature Peach Sangria ($5), Hard Lemonade ($5),and Bloody Mary ($7).

To read more about our visit to Georgia’s Restaurant at the Long Beach Exchange, please see: //localfoodeater.com/eat-authentic-regional-soul-food-in-your-own-backyard/

Georgia’s Restaurant at the Long Beach Exchange hours for Mother’s Day Brunch from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm; and they will be serving their Georgia’s Restaurant Signature Menu from 9:30 am to 8:30 pm; 4104 McGowen Street, Suite 155, Long Beach, CA 92630; 562.420.5637; www.Georgias-Restaurant.com

HANK’S – PALISADES VILLAGE

Hank’s celebrates Mother’s Day with an offer to each Mom of a Complimentary Strawberry Mimosa and Executive Chef Isaias Peña’s special Mother’s Day Brunch Menu. Everyone can toast with Hank’s Bellini,Mimosa, Bloody Mary or Tableside Martini

Friendly, resort-like **HANK’S – PALISADES VILLAGE**

**HANK’S – PALISADES VILLAGE** (photo by Tonelson)

Menu favorite dishes include Eggs Benedict, Avocado Toast, the Hank’s Omelette, The #77 Burrito and the new Strawberry Waffles, Shrimp & Polenta.

For the story on our visit to inviting Hank’s in Palisades Village, please see: //localfoodeater.com/hanks-double-diamond-burger-deal/

Hank’s Mother’s Day hours: Brunch from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and for Mother’s Day Dinner from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm; 1033 N. Swarthmore Avenue, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272; 424.363.7166; www.HanksPalisades.com

KNOX & DOBSON

We are still so impressed with KNOX & DOBSON, both the product and their sophisticated, gorgeous presention! So consider this classic way to celebrate Mom this Mother’s Daywith an in person or delivery gift of Knox & Dobson’s new Superior Bottled Cocktail Gift Box.

The box features a premium gin Martini, classic Old Fashioned, Improved Whiskey Cocktail made with Maraska Maraschino, and authentic Rye Manhattan($70 per Gift Box – 2 Servings per each Bottled Cocktail).

For the story on our stellar Know & Dobson tasting please see: //localfoodeater.com/knox-dobsons-historic-cocktails-in-a-bottle/

Knox & Dobson is now available for home delivery anywhere Nationwide by visiting www.KnoxandDobson.com or visit the Knox & Dobson Stockists to see where you can walk-in and purchase directly.

Happy National Lasagna Day: “Meat or Plant?”

July 29, 2021 Comments Off

Vegan or meat Lasagna? A hard call because Celestino Drago developed both

(Gerry Furth-Sides) This National Lasagna Day (July 29 or week!) celebrate Sicilian style with Celestino Ristorante at home or in the beautiful Celestinorestaurant.

**Celestino Ristorante**, Pasadena, dining indoors or al fresco (photo by Celestino)

Owner and Executive Chef Calogero Dragoprepare his special Homemade Authentic Family-Style Lasagna Bolognese ($19.50) made with homemade lasagna and a meat sauce for dine-in at the restaurant or pre-ordered 24 hours in advance for pickup to be eaten home. Read about the restaurant at: //localfoodeater.com/tag/celestino-restaurant/

Lasagna is also available at the Culver City Commissary the same day. It was our own first party meal after lockdown 2020, unforgettable in taste or feeling.

Every Celestino Catering dish order turns into a party at home, especially lasagna

Drago Bakery and Catering at 3828 Willat Avenue, Culver City, CA 90232, (310.280.6004) turns a lasagna meal a meal into a feast, with plenty of the abundant serving left for more meals. To the Lasagna Bolognese, all we added for a main course was farmers market asparagus topped with homemade mayo aioli. Carrot soup, ciabatta rolls and a beet salad started this Sunday spring meal. Apple Tart, in the shape of a rose, made a beautiful dessert on its own with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Read the story //localfoodeater.com/drago-ristorante-catering-and-good-cheer-comes-home-with-us/

National Lasagna Day celebrations also includes helping fight hunger and climate change with every order of Vegan Sunday Supper’s delectably delicious 100% Plant-Based Lasagna. This dish is a completely new take on the traditional sausage recipe, with sweet peppers and vegan cheeses. The unique Scandanavian secret ingredient, Pulled Oats®, has been developed by Celestino Drago and his team to make this Lasagna into a replication of traditional meat Lasagna, without the meat. Pulled Oats®, a Finnish innovation from Gold&Green Foods, is the perfect protein, made with just five simple plant-based ingredients: Oats, Yellow Peas, Fava Beans, gently pressed Rapeseed Oil and Salt.

Vegan Sunday Supper’s story is fascinating. Read it at //localfoodeater.com/finland-shares-its-pulled-oat-favorite-in-vegan-sunday-suppers/

It is 100% plant-based, of course. 25% of the profits from Vegan Sunday Supper go directly toward benefitting and funding Support + Feed, a non-profit organization created during the pandemic by Maggie Baird (Actress, Voice Artist, Screenwriter), while fighting climate change one meal at a time!

Celestino Ristorante is open for Lunch every Monday through Friday for Indoor Dining, Outdoor Patio Dining, and Takeout (11:30 am- 2:30 pm); Dinner Sunday through Thursday (4:30 pm to 9:30 pm), Friday and Saturday (4:30 pm to 10:00 pm); 141 South Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105; 626.795.4006; www.CelestinoRistorante.com

Drago Bakery and Catering at 3828 Willat Avenue, Culver City, CA 90232, (310.280.6004) //www.dragobakery.com

Vegan Sunday Supper can be delivered anywhere Nationwide today from Buffalo Market. For more information, please visit www.VeganSundaySupper.com.

Celebrate Easter at Our Favorite Celestino, Pasadena

March 31, 2021 Comments Off

Your Easter table is ready at **Celestino, Pasadena** (photo credit: acuna-hansen)

Happy Spring and Easter celebrations at one of our favorite family of restaurants that brought us “through the pandemic” with their to-go specialties and dining outdoors as soon as it opened up: the Drago brothers – who also happened to be our last public event we attended a year ago! And we found a way to eat their food from the very beginning of lockdown. Even though we missed the family hospitality so much, the staff tried hard!

The Drago brothers at the fantastic last public evening event we attended in 2020

Drago Bakery helps replicate the Drago dining experience at home during lockdown!

This Easter Sunday celebrate Sicilian style and let Owner and Executive Chef Calogero Drago prepare a happy Easter Dinner on one of Celestino Ristorante’s gorgeous Outdoor Patios, in the Dining Room by placing an order for Takeout orDelivery to enjoy a phenomenal meal and maybe an Easter egg hunt at home.

Chef Drago celebrates this symbolic day by featuring his full Classic Menu showcasing signature items like the Ravioli filled with Duck, Mushrooms, & Porcino Blueberry Sauce, Tortellini Stuffed with Pumpkin Cream, Butter & Sage, Risotto with Red Beets & Goat Cheese, Ossobuco, Bistecca, and his Homemade Authentic Family-Style Lasagna Menu that can be pre-ordered 24 hours in advance. For something sweet there are decadent but light desserts to share: Tiramisu, Panna Cotta (Vanilla Custard with Strawberries). Our favorite has always been the Torta Al Ciocolato (Flourless Chocolate Cake) for a perfect, satisfying and not-too-full finish.

A perennial favorite on the Easter menu at Celestino (photo credit: lacuna-hansen)

Easter Chocolate Flourless Cake at Celestino Ristorante (photo credit acuna-hansen)

What better Italian Easter sweet than tiramisu at Celestino Ristorante (photo credit acuna-hansen)

Celestino Ristorante will be open Easter Sunday, April 4^th, 2021 for Indoor Dining, Outdoor Patio Dining, Takeout, Delivery, and Curbside Pickup from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm; 141 South Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105; 626.795.4006;www.CelestinoRistorante.com

Safe! At Our Elegant, Al Fresco Ethnic (Italian, naturally) Dining Choices

October 31, 2020 Comments Off

(Gerry Furth-Sides) A toast to San Antonio Winery for our first lunch outside since March! Thank you, Barbara Hansen, for a perfect first pre-Halloween restaurant outing to our last shopping stop before lockdown in March. Now perfectly prepared for safe outdoor dining that makes any day special, owner Santo is on hand to greet us and the staff does everything to please. (How many more times can we adjust this umbrella!) The food and decorations – and wine- are better than ever.

A toast to San Antonio Winery for safe outdoor dining

You can still shop and do tastings at Historic San Antonio Winery from a vast selection of wines from the family’s estate vineyards in Napa Valley, Monterey County, and Paso Robles appellations.

Tastings include a selection of elegant whites, bold reds, sparkling wines and a Sweet and Semi Sweet selection. Walk-in groups under 8 are welcome in our tasting rooms, no reservation required. Our Artisan Flight features 4 select wines from our estate vineyards for $15.00 per person.

San Antonio Winery and Maddalena Restaurant, 737 Lamar Street, Los Angeles, CA 900311. (323) 223-1401. Open 9:00 am – 6:00 pm. For more information, please see //www.sanantoniowinery.com

Calogero Drago (shown above right with head waiter Mario, and below) also keeps a sure hand on the front of the house. The friendly Mario (left) only looks serious and actually began his career with Chef Celestino at the original Beverly Hills location on Beverly Drive.

These days Mario oversees and hosts the sprawling set of white tablecloth dining rooms and spacious, welcoming veranda on Lake Street, and back patio. (photo above and portrait below are courtesy Celestino Restaurant)

Calogero Drago celebrates 15 years on Lake street, the only Drago eatery in Pasadena. For over twenty-five years, Celestino Ristorante has been Pasadena’s mainstay for fans of its signature house-made pastas and risottos, seafood, organic meats, and the freshest produce.

Super manager (holding down the fort alone these days),Mario, for creating a blue sky, al fresco Birthday Eve feast for two culinary stars and friends: Food Writer, Barbara Hansen, and Master Baker, Alex Peña. Mario makes it into a dream dinner from phone reservations to toasting the table with my favorite grappa. As always, we were the first table, and last to leave!

And try as I might to study the outstanding menu and specials, it’s always Sicilian Pappardelle on Fabiano e Morelle (pheasant and morels). Ah. Morel Mushrooms, most commonly found in their dried form, are only available fresh for just a very brief period each year. The rich, meaty flavor and texture of these fresh honeycombed mushrooms are portrayed with simplistic elegance in dishes sI googled it and my own photos came up! Read Celestino Drago’s illustrious story & restaurants, and Drago’s catering commissary take-out options

Over thirty years ago, the famed Drago Brothers set out to make their name in Los Angeles with true Sicilian food and hav become the powerhouses of all Italian cuisine. The crazy friendly and slightly frenetic Il Pastaio and more sedate Via Alloro perk up Beverly Hills while Drago Centro is a major downtown LA attraction.

Celestino Ristorante is open for dinner only. For Current hours, please see www.Celestino Ristorante.com

“Marino” means “the sea,” and here fish and seafood star among the Neapolitan comfort dishes. Sal is a familiar face at both wholesale fish markets and also local farmers markets. And for the past decade or so, he also grew so many tomatoes in his own garden he started hosting “tomato dinners.” This year they were weekly, with the help of curated farms, and our first foray back into restaurant dining.

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Mario and I had daydreamed of an outdoor patio under the sprawling olive tree out back, just never like this!

Los Angeles Magazine’s “best” pick restaurant host, Mario Marino, shares responsibilities. Brother Sal (former owner-chef of Il Grano, La Bottega Marino), oversees the kitchen. (Marino ristorante) is one of the 31 restaurants in Los Angeles to earn the The “Ospitalita’ Italiana – Seal of Authenticity”, after passing an extensive series of rigorous tests.

Dad Ciro (who passed away in 2009) created Marino Ristorante as an old school formal dining room in 1979. The menu is respected for being as fresh as the fish and seafood the brothers continue to carefully pick out each morning at the downtown markets. Marino, the first restaurant to feature whole Branzino (Chilean Sea Bass), still offers it three ways: grilled, Blackened and baked in a coating of sea salt. And these days there are new innovative events to celebrate, such as the Italian Bike Tour dinners, which features menus from the towns visited by the bikers, and champagne meal pairings.

marino ristorante, 6001 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90038, (323) 466-8812. For more information please see (www.marinoristorante.com)

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Beloved Celestino Ristorante in Pasadena Reopens

May 28, 2020 Comments Off

(Gerry Furth-Sides, photos courtesy of Celestino unless otherwise noted) We are thrilled that beloved Celestino Ristorante in Pasadena reopens this week. Italian food is not only perfect, regal comfort food, but the Drago pasta-focused take out of we had during COVID seemed to last and last because small portions are so satisfying and filling.

Owner and Executive Chef Calogero Drago introduce their seasonal New Summer Takeout Menu created by Owner and Executive Chef Calogero Drago which features a signature selection of guest favorite Italian Soups, Salads, Appetizers, Traditional Italian Pastas & Risottos, Meats and Desserts.

About the last people to hug me out side my house (Wednesday before Friday quarantine) were the Drago brother chefs. I am so honored that they even know me because of their stature. I can give the time and dates of “the best” food I’ve ever had and often it has a Drago name on it: (Celestino Ristorante two autumns ago and I can recite the menu); the “best” lamb chop (Chef Celestino handing it to me at the first Taste of LA ); the best food coma event when the Drago brothers honored a fellow chef and each restaurant covered a table for the Kidney Foundation at CBS in Studio City. And, most recently, the bittersweet memory of the “best” take out from Drago Bakery. (see: //localfoodeater.com/drago-ristorante-catering-and-good-cheer-comes-home-with-us/)

The Drago hospitality even with their to-go food is like a hug. (photo by localfoodeater.com)

Fresh Fish of the Day head the Daily Specials including a Celestino Family Package for Four ($90) includes A Family Style Salad, Choice of Pasta or Fish, Side and Dessert. Celestino;s Special Chef Menu for two or more guests ($38 per person) features a Salad, Pasta or Risotto, Special Fish Dish, Special Meat Dish, and Dessert.

Calogero Drago is also offering a sublime selection of Daily Special Italian Wines including a Red, White, and Sparkling Wine. For those who prefer something just a little stronger, Celestino Ristorante steps it up a notch by offering their Open Bar To-Go which offers Daily Aperitifs, Digestives, Spirits, Grappa, Limoncello, and Celestino Cocktails To-Go

Celestino Ristorante is open for Takeout and Curbside Pickup every Monday through Sunday from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. For information, please call Celestino Ristorante at 626.795.4006, and to view the new Celestino Ristorante Takeout Menu, please visit www.CelestinoPasadena.com.

Both oversee and host the sprawling set of white tablecloth dining rooms and spacious, welcoming veranda on Lake Street, which we look forward to being open soon. (photo above and portrait below are courtesy Celestino Restaurant)

Over thirty years ago, the famed Drago Brothers set out to show Los Angeles what true Italian Sicilian food consists of and have since made a name for themselves as Los Angeles powerhouses of fine Italian cuisine. The crazy friendly and slightly frenetic Il Pastaio and more sedate Via Alloro perk up Beverly Hills while Drago Centro is a major downtown LA attraction.

Drago Ristorante Catering Brings Authentic Sicilian to Events

March 17, 2020 Comments Off

(Gerry Furth-Sides) Our first take-home food of this year was the superb choice of Drago Catering. Sumptuous lasagna, silky-rich carrot soup and apple tart were delicious the first evening and for a month afterward.

The Drago family of chefs has over 9 restaurants to their credit and now adds an upscale Italian restaurant and event site, cal Drago Ristorante located inside the Petersen Automotive Museum. Public dining is available on the side patio. One of the last events before lockdown in LA was a party honoring the place. Thinned out rush hour traffic was already noticeable, and people fist-bumped, or at times with me got a welcome, spontaneous hug. It was a party to remember for the food, the friendly faces and the hospitality as usual with the Drago brothers. Because all else fades when these brothers are around.

Chef Celestino Drago, Southern Italian Restaurant Empire talent

The Drago family has owned and operated some of the most famous high-end Italian restaurants in Los Angeles, California, since the 1980s. They are widely known for their pasta dishes, with dry pasta now being available for sale; breads now baked in a commissary kitchen that supplies a multitude of restaurants near and far, with the best pretzel buns on the planet (that were the hit at LA FARM). They are also pillars of the culinary community; there is scarcely a charity benefit without the Drago restaurants famous food and friendly faces. The family includes four brothers: Tanino, Calogero, Celestino, and Giacomino.Celestino brought over three of his brothers from the family restaurant in Messina to launch the other branches of the business .

The Drago brothers

Calaguero Drago of Celesino Restaurant, Pasadena

Giacomino is co-owner of 11 Los Angeles restaurants—including Beverly Hills’ Il Pastaio and Via Alloro. Both restaurants. Both of these places “go against the grain. Via Alloro is in a space that was a revolving door for restaurant after restaurant before it came and settled in a decade ago. Il Pastaio on a quiet corner of Cañon sprang alive since it opened. Even during the recession where every other restaurant in the city was almost empty, the place was so packed all hours of the day, including the outdoor patio, you would think they were giving away food.

Celestino Drago immigrated to Los Angeles from Sicily in the mid-1970s, and held his first job with Osteria Romana Orsini on Pico Boulevard as a chef before leaving to launch Celestino. His seminal Italian restaurant in Beverly Hills closed but has been re-created in Pasadena under the same name, in a sprawling series of dining rooms, private party areas and patios on famous Lake Street.

The outdoor Drago Ristorante patio at Petersen Museum

April 5th Masters of Taste 2020 Mega Event at the Rose Bowl

March 11, 2020 Comments Off

Come celebrate and be part of the fourth annual Masters of Taste 2019, L.A.’s premier outdoor, luxury food and beverage festival on Sunday, April 5th, 2020 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Rose Bowl Stadium field. The event will be hosted by Master Chef, Vanda Asapahu. It is the time to try so many new ethnic chefs, to try new dishes from familiar restaurants or stores, and to meet the people in the kitchen. When you add up generous samples for the ticket cost, it is super low.

Masters of Taste brings together thousands of food and beverage enthusiasts for one afternoon full of the finest fares from over 45 Master Chefs including, but not limited to, Culinary Masters Chef Erwin Tjahyadi (Bone Kettle), Chef Kyle Johnson (Bourbon Steak), Chef Calogero Drago (Celestino Ristorante), 2019 Host Chef Michael Hung (Faith & Flower) and Chef Lee Hau Fu (Lunasia Dim Sum House.) The event is restricted to guests 21+ years of age and will also feature LA’s top Sweet Masters and handcrafted cocktails and tastings from 40+ Beverage Masters.

Chef Kimmy Tang at Masters of Taste 2020 Preview

Host Chef Vanda Asapahu, chef and owner of Ayara Thai Cuisine, has participated since its inception in April 2016. Asapahu went to college at UCLA and to graduate school at Yale, then she spent four years living, traveling, and working her way through Thailand before returning home to Los Angeles. During Asaphu’s stay in her native country, she took extensive notes, which included absorbing the Bangkok street food scene and reviving old family recipes. After cooking with relatives and eating her way through the streets and countryside, Asapahu brought back these treasured old recipes and new flavors to share at Ayara Thai, and in May 2019 Ayara Thai Cuisine was named one of Michelin Guide California’s 2019 Bib Gourmands.

100% of the proceeds from Masters of Taste 2020 will directly benefit Union Station Homeless Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to helping homeless men, women and children rebuild their lives. Union Station is part of a premier group of human services agencies in L.A. County that are leading the way to end homelessness in our community. Union Station offers an array of services including street outreach, meals, shelter, housing, case management and career development.

General Admission: $105, $89 Early Bird Special

Festival access from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Unlimited tastings of food, wine, craft beer, and cocktails.

VIP Admission: $164, $149 Early Bird Pricing

Admission to Masters of Taste at 3:00 pm, a full hour before General Admission begins.
Option to purchase an exclusive ticket upgrade for the seated Wolfgang Puck Experience, a unique 4-course “wine and taste” pairing delight. For more information, click here.
Access to VIP lounges and seating.
Special Access to limited release tastings (while supplies last) and unlimited samplings of food, wine, craft beer, and cocktails.

Tickets can be purchased at www.MastersofTasteLA.com.

Cost: $89-165

Our Favorite Valentine Day Restaurants for Two or Twenty

February 11, 2020 Comments Off

Beet Soup, Heart Shaped Ravioli, Lobster Salad, Pasta, Branzino at Celestino in Pasadena (photo by Sara Franco)

(Gerry Furth-Sides) Celestino Ristorante in Pasadena on historic Lake Street is one of the rare huge, rambling spaces in which you could happily dine alone (we were there on a holiday eve with about 15 other people and felt so special) or a party of 100. Perfect for Valentine’s day as a couple or with friends.

Full Valentine Day red cocktails at Celestino Ristorante, Pasadena (photo by Sara Franco)

Celestino Ristorante’s Owner- Executive Chef Calogero Drago created a Four-Course Prix-Fixe Valentine’s Day Menu ($78.00 per person) plus a full à la carte Dinner Menu.

Zuppa di Barbabietole Dolci alla Romeo, a red beet soup with goat cheese at Celestino Ristorante

The Prix-Fixe Valentine’s Day Menu begins with Antipasto choices of: Zuppa di Barbabietole Dolci alla Romeo, a red beet soup with goat cheese; the Anellini di Calamari Fritti e Vegetali al Bacio, fried calamari and vegetables with aioli pesto sauce, or the Insalata di Aragosta con Pure’ di Piselli e Melone, steamed lobster over sweet pea purée and melon. The Pasta course features heart-shaped Ravioli di San Valentino, stuffed with buffalo ricotta, burrata, and spinach in a goat cheese sauce. Risotto al Sapore di mare con Fave e Pecorino, a risotto with mixed seafood, fava beans, and pecorino cheese, or the Farfalle con Degli Innamoarti con Radicchio, Speck, e Mascarpone, a corkscrew pasta served with radicchio, speck, and mascarpone cheese is also on the menu.

Branzino at Celestino Ristorante, Pasadena (photo by Sara Franco)

The Third Course includes a choice of Filetto di Branzino con Patate Peruviane alla Mode degli Amori di Primavera, a grilled filet of sea bass served on a bed of Peruvian mashed potatoes and leeks in a black truffle broth, or the Involtini di Pollo Ruspante al Pepe Rosa, chicken roulade stuffed with fontina cheese in a pink peppercorn and brandy sauce. Savor a special glass or bottle of Italian Wine from Celestino Ristorante’s award-wining Wine List to complement the magical meal. Torta Sorpressa d’Amore, represents a surprise sweet Italian “love” cake.

Torta Sorpressa d’Amore is the grand finale of the Valentine Day menu at Celestino, Pasadena (photo by Sara Franco)

Celestino Ristorante will be open on Valentine’s Day, Friday , February 14th, 2020 for Lunch from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and Dinner from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm; 141 South Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101; 626.795.4006; www.CelestinoPasadena.com

Celestino Ristorante