Kitayama
Claro’s Italian Market
My travels first took me to the Far East, where I was treated to a stunning view of a beautiful Japanese garden and waterfall, and a traditional Japanese dining experience I won’t soon forget.
After bidding sayonara to the wonderful hospitality I enjoyed in Japan, I soon found myself in a world where prosciutto and popular desserts like Panettone reign supreme.
Kitayama has been serving flavorful sushi, a variety of sakes, and other Oriental specialties since 1989, and the loyal clientele that filled the restaurant during our visit during a busy Thursday afternoon lunch is a testament to the consistent quality enjoyed here.
Claro’s is an Italian market unlike any in Orange County, specializing in imported and domestic specialty Italian foods, wines, and delicatessen products. With six locations throughout southern California (we stopped off at the store in Tustin), there is no excuse to go without tasting their homemade lasagnas and sausages.
Konnichiwa!
“This is a beautiful place to dine, where the prices are reasonable and you can enjoy an upscale, yet intimate environment,” says Emily Kubo, a longtime patron and native of Japan. “We recently brought a group of friends here who were visiting from Japan, and they were highly impressed with the food, ambiance, and terrific service. This is certainly a special occasion destination for me.” For those who prefer a modern seating arrangement, there are dining rooms with tables and booths. The restaurant also offers private seating (the ‘take your shoes off’ kind) in its Tatami rooms, built into the floor with plenty of leg room, and screened off from the general public for the utmost privacy. Kitayama’s master sushi chef has been doing his thing for more than three decades, and it shows. I enjoyed a mouth-watering assortment of tempurabattered shrimp and vegetables, salad, sushi and sashimi rolls, and a flavorful bowl of miso soup that warmed me on that chilly day. Fitting, since my heart had already been warmed by the hospitality offered in these centuries-old customs and cuisine of the Land of the Rising Sun.
Native Knowledge: The restaurant offers a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, called Chanoyu, on Monday afternoons. The experience is designed to be as authentic as possible, so count on your server wearing a kimono. 101 Bayview Pl, Newport Beach 949.725.0777 www.kitayamarestaurant.com
Ciao!
“Our sausage is what built this place,” says manager Richard Calagna. “We make it ourselves from scratch at a factory in San Gabriel. I think the anise seed is what really makes it zing on the palate.” Claro’s offers an array of hot and cold meatballs, salamis, cheeses, homemade pastas, and larger-than-life desserts. I grew up in Southern New Jersey (minutes away from the Italian neighborhood of South Philadelphia), so I certainly know my way around a cannoli. Let’s just say (quietly so as not to upset the hometown bakers) that Claro’s version of this decadent Italian dessert, dusted with pistachio and filled with homemade ricotta cheese and chocolate chips, was light, creamy, and one of the best I have ever enjoyed. Claro’s also offers cooking classes, recipes, and catering services. Most importantly, it offers customers an authentic ethnic experience. “We spoil all of our customers,” says Calagna. “We make sure to give cookies to the little ones, because they’re our future shoppers.”
Native Knowledge:
Claro’s gigante provolone is actually cut from a 600 pound block of cheese that serves as an inevitable conversation piece for customers of the store in San Gabriel.
1095 E. Main Street, Tustin 714.832.3081 www.claros.com
RE:Charge 2012
168