Cuocco's Profile
LA CUCINA, Brea, California
Wonderful Italian menu and flavors at LA Cucina, in Brea, California at 975 E. Birch St., in the Target Brea Marketplace.
We had lunch the other day and it was outstanding. We had a delicious Calamari alla Grigllia (grilled calamari in a light EVOL ,garlic, butter, caper sauce) served on perfectly toasted slices of good Italian bread.
Then I had the Penne al'Arrabita as a main dish. Again, perfectly cooked al dente with a diavalo spicy tomato sauce, garlic and pesto basil. My wife a delicious grilled peppers chibata toasted sandwich.
If you like fish, the Tilapia Livornese (tomatos, Kalamata olives, capers in a white wine pesto sauce with rice) is another outstanding mesh of flavors and textures.
My only complaint is that it is is Brea!. We live in Whittier which is not too far away to drive for a truly outstanding Italian meal with authentic tastes and flavors.
Now, if I can only convince the owner to move to Whittier.
Abalonetti's on Fishermans Warf, Monterey, California
Being Italian and a medaled chief, my only connection is good food at reasonable prices. It's not elegant nor does it pretend to be. If you want elegant with the price and an excellent dinner to boot, then try The Sardine Factory. For a good hardy lunch, Abalonetti's is fine.
Abalonetti's on Fishermans Warf, Monterey, California
We've been going there for over 35 years. If you want calamari, they have the best!.
I'd recommend the Giant Roasted Garlic with Toast as antipasto, Steamed Clams are a close second as are the Oysters or the Jumbo Prawn cocktail washed down with your choice from the good selection of domestic and imported wines.
Calamari, almost any way is great!. I like the Abalonetti, simply calamari fresh fried with a light butter wine sauce, or the Siciliano, calamari sauteed in a garlic, parsly, white wine sauce or the Calamari a la Napolitana, in a fresh marinara sauce over linguine or the Stuffed Calamari with cheese and sausage served over linguine are grand!.
Whenever I'm in Monterey, I will have lunch and probably dinner at Mr. Gilberts Abalonetti's on the Warf. Mr. Gilbert bought it from the original owners and is continuing the tradition of wonderful peasant Italian cuisine at reasonable prices.
Abalonetti's used to be Clint Eastwood favorite when he was head honcho in Carmel. Clint has good taste.
I only wish someday they add Arancini to their list of antipastos. Rice balls are the best!!. Labor intensive to make and well worth the effort.
I can truthfully say, I have never had a bad meal at Abalonetti's. Only delicious ones!.
If you like Italian you'll love Abalonetti's.
Dennis Cuocco
