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An art show grand opening at the Pacific Grove Art Gallery, in September, made for an evening of beauty, culture and fine dining. The gallery's three salons and walkway walls were covered with artwork waiting to be viewed and purchased by some of the many who attended. Aromas Hills Artisans had their works of art on display in part for promotion of the Open Studio to be held on October 4th and 5th.

Well-known local Artist Sara Anderson, her husband Ted, my wife Janet and I walked from the gallery to Favaloro's Restaurant for a late dinner. I heard the sounds of a piano playing inside the restaurant which attracted me immediately, dining on two levels, though small, also appealed to me, the awnings on the inside of the windows instead of curtains indicated a café atmosphere, I caught a glimpse of a woman dining with a baby on her lap and another child seated beside her which indicated to me affordability, the aromas emanating from the kitchen disrupted all logic. After about a ten-minute wait, we were seated.

We ordered wine by the glass accompanied by a basket of bread and butter. As we conversed we were serenaded by the piano, we toasted the success of the art exhibit and began to view the offerings of the menu. I selected Vitella Milanese (tender Holland veal breaded and cooked Sicilian style with extra virgin olive oil and lemon $15.95), Janet selected a vegetarian dish Penne Pasta Alla Parmagiana with grilled eggplant simmered in a marinara sauce asiago and mozzarella cheese ($11.95), Sara ordered sand dabs ($14.95) and Ted ordered the special of the evening sea bass.

A choice of split pea or summer squash soup or salad was being served this evening. The salad received very positive reviews the onion was finely sliced designed to add a subtle flavor not overpower the palate. The lettuce and vegetables were thoroughly coated with dressing; it was a wonderful beginning to the meal. 

The Milanese was served with a small oval dish of pasta pomodoro and sautéed vegetables. A thin cut of veal was lightly coated with a mix of egg, breadcrumbs, and seasonings served hot and golden brown. Janet thoroughly enjoyed the pasta making complementary gestures and expressions with every bite. Numerous golden brown sand dabs adorned Sara's plate served with rice and sautéed vegetables. The sea bass was served covered with a red sauce and topped with Parmesan cheese. The wines selected for us went very well with dinner; we ordered house wines by the glass. A good restaurant will have pre-selected wines that complement their dinner selections. If you would like wines selected for you, I recently discovered a wine Shoppe, also in Pacific Grove, that specializes in this art. The owner has spent many years wine tasting and assigning wines to foods served at the Pebble Beach Restaurants. Read more about this Shoppe and service.

You must leave room for desert, the desert menu included: Tiramisu, Crème Brulée, Marscapone Custard, Mocha Java Torte, NY Cheesecake, Mud Pie and Ice Cream (spumoni and mint chocolate chip).

This restaurant was a wonderful surprise, I've driven and walked past it on many occasions, during the lunch hour, and have never seen it open so I totally dismissed its existence, the locals obviously know it's there. Sara was very insistent that I review this restaurant for you and we hope that you too will enjoy it as much as we did. 

Overall, I thought the prices were very reasonable, the ambiance was "big city" and the food/wine were both pleasant and satisfying. The service, though efficient, lacked warmth and respect. As the server's workload dropped, the service turned remarkably friendlier. 

Favaloro's Restaurant is located at 542 Light house Ave. in the heart of Pacific Grove. For reservations and information call (831) 373-8523.