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Calamari Steak |
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Re Nato Ristorante is located adjoining the Portofino
Beach Hotel on the ocean front at the Newport Pier. The front tables
have a view out to the beach and ocean. The back dining room has a beautiful
carved chandelier accenting a ceiling mural of clouds and sky softly
illuminated from the edges of the room. Service is relaxed and friendly,
Antonio our server was able to enthusiastically described each item we
asked about. The location and ambiance alone are reason to try this
restaurant and once you've done that you'll keep returning to experience
more of the delicious food.
Re Nato just recently began opening for lunch with all items under $10.00
so we tried some items from the lunch menu as well as dinner. Known
for its outstanding Italian dinners, lunch provides the opportunity for the
kitchen to dazzle us in a new area, a full repertoire of Mexican
food as well as pastas, grilled chicken and sandwiches are now served at
lunch. In Chef Braulio's
trademark style all items are prepared from scratch and cooked to order so
this Mexican food is incredibly fresh and lovingly prepared.
Lunch is served with a bowl of homemade salsa and warm homemade tortilla
chips thick, crispy and lightly salted. The Calamari Steak, a lunch
appetizer, is a unique tender and mild treat, it was perfectly grilled,
presented drizzled with balsamic vinegar topped with scallions, parsley and
light spices. Next we tried a dinner appetizer; paper thin Ahi Tuna slices
with fresh greens sprinkled with cracked pepper, pine nuts, fresh shaved Reggiano cheese, delicately drizzled with a light lemon oil and
vinegar, a subtle blend of flavors that is cool and refreshing perfect after a
hot day at the beach.
The lunch entrée we tried was Chicken Enchiladas, with rice and pinto
beans. Hearty chunks of marinated chicken are rolled into 3 soft tortillas
with a tangy red sauce covered in melted cheese, topped with sour cream
sauce and cool crispy lettuce. The Spanish rice is moist and tender the
pinto beans firm and tasty arriving from the kitchen steaming hot. The
dinner menu is extensive, full of delicious sounding pasta, chicken, veal
and fish dishes. We selected the specialty of the house Rotelle. This
homemade pasta is rolled with prosciutto and mozzarella cheese and topped
with marinara and beshamel sauce, it arrived with the cheese still sizzling
and bubbling from the heat of the kitchen. The marinara sauce is light
enough to not overpower the prosciutto and mozzarella that is intertwined
with the pasta. The beshamel sauce is incredible; it is smooth, rich, and
creamy, you must experience it to fully appreciate the delicate flavor
sensation, close you eyes and slowly savor every bite of this delight.
For dessert we enjoyed a homemade Tiramisu, light
and fluffy lady fingers with rich Belgium chocolate and airy cream filling
surrounded by a raspberry and strawberry sauce so delicious you'll consume every drop.
Espresso and Cappuccino are available to enjoy with your desert.
Other homemade deserts; Crème Brule, Spumoni, and Grand Mariner or Chocolate Soufflés
sounded delicious but will have to wait until our next visit.
Re Nato has a full bar, a wine list is available so you can pick an
accompaniment for your experience. Private parties up to 55 can be
accommodated with a variety of private party menus or you can work with Chef Brauilo to create your own custom menu. At lunch al fresco
tables for 2 are available. For the intense business traveler or internet
addict free high speed wireless access is available throughout the
restaurant and hotel. |
