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Comment by Augustine Montalvo on October 22, 2009 at 10:19am

Proud owner of new 08 Sky Roadster

Comment by Carmen Lorenzo Skrine on October 3, 2009 at 9:10am

Well now that GM has decided to put Saturn out to pasture, ain't that a bitch.

Comment by Pat on September 21, 2009 at 12:09pm

Fine dining in Santa Clarita?

Well if you like Italian cuisine the answer is yes! Bella Cucina.

On the Web at:

http://www.bellacucinascv.com/ordereze/default.aspx

They have two locations in the Santa Clarita Valley; both are open for lunch and dinner and feature the same menu selections:

Valencia
27430 The Old Road
Valencia, Ca 91355
(661) 253-3900
(Banquet facilities & catering available)

Canyon Country
18316 Soledad Canyon Road
Canyon Country, Ca 91387
(661) 252-1414

They take and honor reservations.


Deb and I frequent the Valencia location, so these comments apply mainly to that particular restaurant.

Overview:

Like virtually any domestic or commercial kitchen around, Bella Cucina’s has a microwave oven. Theirs is somewhere gathering dust and cobwebs, or it would be if they weren’t such clean freaks. The pastas and sauces, vegetables, entrée items and desserts are fresh and prepared daily. The staff is professional and friendly. They know the menu and can answer questions about how dishes are prepared (they might even give up a secret or two about the seasonings and preparation methods), aren’t afraid to make suggestions about building your meal, selecting wines or any other part of the dining experience. If spirits and beers are your choice, they also have an excellent selection of both and a full service bar (If you are partial to a dry gin martini, you can’t go wrong ordering one). You are a valued customer, who gets treated like family.

The Food:

Deb and I have dined at Bella Cucina about five or six times now, and have never been disappointed by a meal or the service. It is traditional Italian cuisine with a twist. The variety of the menu just about guarantees no matter how large your party, there will be something for everyone in your group to enjoy; main course salad, pasta, seafood, steak, chicken and vegetarian dishes. Dinner menu prices are very reasonable with cheese ravioli starting at about $13.00 through New York Steak priced at around $32.00, with a wide selection of entrées for under $20.00.

The sauces are light and deliciously seasoned. The marinara sauce (with or without meat) is outstanding, flavorful with a hint of a bite. Portions are generous and balanced with fresh sides prepared using as much attention and imagination as given to the entrées. No part of a plate is an afterthought; everything from the garlic rolls to desserts compliments and enhances each meal they prepare.

Some of our personal favorites: Salmone Risotto ($18.99), Sirloin Steak ($19.99), Lobster Ravioli ($17.99), Scallop Linguini ($16.99) and Stuffed Shells (starting at $13.99).

Entertainment:

They have a variety of entertainment starting after 8pm. Every Saturday, however, features Belly Dancing. The costumes are tasteful and the dancers first rate.

How do they rate?

For a romantic, intimate dinner for two, or as an evening, top-down roadster rally point; we don’t think you can beat Bella Cucina.

Ciao.

Comment by Pat on September 21, 2009 at 12:08pm

Potential Rally Point: Marina del Rey

Tony P’s Dockside Grill
4445 Admiralty Way
Marina del Rey, California 90292

(310) 823-4534

On the web: http://tonyps.com/

Hours:

Monday - Thursday, 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Friday, 11:30 a.m. until 11 p.m.
Saturday, 9:00 a.m. until 11 p.m.
Sunday, 9:00 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Happy Hour: Monday - Friday from 3 to 6 p.m.

Banquet facilities are available.

Unfortunately they only accept reservations for parties of 10 or more; a tad annoying.

Tony P’s serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Deb and I put the top down and went to Marina del Rey today looking for some lunch. We didn’t have anywhere in particular in mind. Deb saw Tony P’s and we decided to take a chance. We were not disappointed.

Although a first time experience for us, Tony P’s is a fixture in the Marina. It is an award winning restaurant with a full service bar touting not only traditional mixed drinks but a large selection of draft beers and good selection of wines. The bar features 24 big-screens for the sports junkies, including play-off games and championship series nights. The facilities are well maintained and tastefully appointed. The terrace overlooks the marina. There are also a number of tables in the dining room that have a marina view. There is also plenty of parking with spaces wide enough to keep your roadsters from acquiring new door dings.

The staff is friendly. Servers are well backed up by the bus staff. Don’t expect a glass or mug to be empty for long. The appetizers and entrées were well timed. We ordered from the Lunch menu. Deb had sea bass (one of the 6 fresh fish selections available for lunch and dinner, which change daily). It was served with steamed vegetables on a bed of rice pilaf. The bass was fresh, firm and flavorful, the vegetables and rice pilaf were nicely seasoned and the vegetables crisp and full bodied.

They serve soft bread sticks when your drinks hit the table. They were warm, with an incredible aroma that is sure to spark pleasant childhood memories of freshly baked bread or rolls. These bread sticks nearly melt in your mouth.

I ordered a cup of New England style clam chowder as an appetizer and a main course of traditional fish and chips that included a cup of cole slaw. The chowder was first rate, hot and creamy, full bodied and of all things loaded with clams. The batter for the fish fillets is made fresh daily and is nicely seasoned. The fillets were firm and piping hot. The french fires were crisp, hot and lightly seasoned. Throw in the malt vinegar and I was a happy camper. I will admit between Deb’s and my mother’s cole slaw I am quite spoiled. I found Tony’s slaw a bit bland, but the cabbage and carrots were crisp and the sauce creamy and a couple of passes with the pepper shaker brought it up to snuff.

Tony P’s lunch menu is varied and has something for just about everyone.

The Lunch menu offers Stir Fry Teriyaki Bowls with a choice of shrimp, salmon or chicken and you can give it a little kick just ask for the Szechuan style; southwest or parmesan chicken; traditional fish & chips; a soup, sandwich and salad combo; fried clams platter; individual New York style pizza with your choice of topping and either a wedge or half Caesar salad; a charbroiled chicken breast platter; a turkey Ruben sandwich served with French fries and Cole slaw; and Louisiana Seafood Creole platter including fresh fish, shrimp and Prince Edward Island mussels simmered in a house Creole sauce and served over rice pilaf.

Lunch includes soft bread sticks, which are baked daily. You can add a wedge salad, half Caesar salad, a cup of Stracciatello soup or cup of clam chowder to any entre for a reasonable $2.95

The lunch menu also includes selections from their:

Dockside Pasta menu;
A Selection of traditional Italian pastas served with, chicken, seafood or spicy Italian sausages and peppers.

Dockside Grill Menu;
A selection of steaks and chicken dishes

Smoke House BBQ [the meats and poultry are smoked at the restaurant];
The entrées offered include ribs, chicken and combination plates.

We plan to return soon and sample their dinner menu and evening ambiance. We both agree lunch at Tony P’s was a pleasant experience and one we will repeat. Without a doubt, due to the quality of the food, extensive menu, the staff and ambiance Tony P’s has great potential for a top-down rally point.