Romano’s Macaroni Grill

(photos by acuna-hansen)  Celestino Ristorante in Pasadena introduces a  New Summer Power Lunch Menu created by Owner and Executive Chef Calogero Drago that turns lunch into a daydream trip to Italy.  We’ve known the Dragos for a generation and their family chefs consistently prepare the most superb, authentic food with service to match at their restaurants.  Chef Calogero’s new flavor-packed Three-Course Prix-Fixe Lunch Menu ($32.00 per person)also includes a non-alcoholic lunchtime beverage.

The New Summer Power Lunch Menu starts off with an Antipasti where guests can choose from the Insalata di Lattughe Miste con Barbabietole Rosse Gialle made with mixed baby greens and fresh beets, topped with goat cheese, apples and walnuts; the Burrata con Salsa Peperone e Vegetali Miste served with burrata cheese, mixed vegetables and bell pepper sauce, or the Zupa di Lenticche e Cavolo, a lentil and kale soup.

The Entrée section invites guests to choose from four delectable dishes including the handmade Gnocchi di Spinaci alla Sorrentina (spinach potato dumplings and tomato, in a flavorful mozzarella cheese sauce); the Involtini di Pollo con Marsala prepared with chicken breast in a Marsala wine sauce; the Maccheroncini all’ Aratriciana, house-made pasta with bacon, onion, tomato, and Pecorino cheese or the Filetto di Sole al Vapore con Misticanza di Vegetali, a perfectly prepared filet of sole served with mixed seasonal vegetables.

This New Summer Power Lunch ends on a sweet note with a dessert choice of  the Traditional Sicilian Cannoli made with creamy ricotta and golden-brown fried dough or the  Panna Cotta served with seasonal fruit. 

Celestino Ristorante is open for Lunch every Monday through Friday from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm.   For information or reservations, please visit www.CelestinoPasadena.com or call Celestino Ristorante directly at 626.795.4006.

Across town, another Italian daydream dining trip awaits diners with the Pronto Market Lunch, at Culina at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills.  The meal includes prepared selections as well as dishes from the kitchen  Monday through Saturday from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm ($35 per person)  

Abbondanza defines Chef Moriconi’s wildly sumptuous array of Soups, Salads, Pastas, an entire section of Cheese and Charcuterie,  weekly rotating Seasonal Specials, Desserts and Fresh Fruits.  Each has its own name with ingredients next to it. A staff as friendly as any in Italy is there to guide diners.

Pronto Market Lunch has become our favorite meal of the day because it can be brunch, lunch or the big meal. Chef’s Daily Pasta offerings, for example, include Baked Capunti with Eggplant; classic Pasta e Fagioli, and Pappardelle with Wild Boar.  Protein choices are an example of the luxurious offerings:  Tri-Tip, Grilled Salmon and Grilled Chicken.  Saturday Pronto Market Lunch with bonus stations such as the Avocado Toast Station, Omelet Station and Eggs Benedict Station. Fresh Fruit is always offered as a dessert and is only part of the trays of weekly specials that can be Tiramisu, Lemon Tart, Panna Cotta with Passion Fruit Gelée and Red Velvet Cake.

As if the sumptuous  “Market Table” ever needed refreshing, the huge spread at  internationally prominent Brazilian steakhouse, Fogo de Chão, features new seasonal items geared toward summer’s warmer temperatures.  The idea is that “Brazilian cuisine focuses on harvesting and serving fruits and vegetables when they are in season and have reached peak flavor,” as described by Chief Executive Officer of Fogo de Chão, Barry McGowan.  We are also always thrilled to see a white tablecloth restaurant thrive, and this atmosphere both casual and spiffy,  takes diners out of the city’s din.  It makes lunch in the luscious interior a special occasion and the lunch which starts at $15 contributes to the success.  For details and hours, please see:  Fogo de Chão

One fraction of one side of the Market Table at Fogo de Chão. 

And here is another option: dine in your own backyard or favorite summer area. To celebrate the launch of the new delivery service, Macaroni Grill is offering free delivery on all orders placed from July 29 – Aug. 4. In addition, from Aug. 1 – Oct. 7, Macaroni Grill will offer a special “Feast for Five for $25,” available only for those ordering online for pickup or delivery, that will include either Spaghetti & Meatballs or Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, Caesar Salad and Rosemary Peasant Bread for five people.