|
|
|
| |
|
Vol. I
No. 10 Portal to A Dimension Of Delight Lost Coast Cuisine
Opera Alley Bistro is an old building between Second and Third Street directly behind the Ritz Building. Its Mediterranean charm is echoed through both the food and the atmosphere. Murals of Spanish, French, and or Italian Villas and coastlines are proudly displayed in their original sepia tones. This elegance is not in vain, for the preparation and presentation are equally elegant.
I noticed the plates to be most colorful, neatly arranged and plentiful with seasonal vegetables and, get this, cucumber slices instead of pickles. “We kind of like using cucumber slices, unlike most restaurants who use processes items such as pickles.” He and his “main guy” Abbaro are focusing on getting his catering off the ground, his latest for Arkley Center for Performing Arts Grand Opening. His Bistro usually opens at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday and for brunch at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday. Breakfast is a great deal, for $8 you can get your choice of four hearty breakfast selections, such as raisin bread french toast, eggs with German-style potatoes and breakfast burritos with grilled vegetables. Closing time usually rolls around at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 3:30 p.m. on Sundays ands goes late on Fridays and Saturdays with music until 10:00 p.m. A talented master of the culinary arts, Kevin also delves into musical venues, employing solo acts on Friday and Saturday Nights and expertly accompanying on keyboards, or whatever instrument is handy.
The last time I was there Kevin sampled up mozzarella sticks and shrimp balls, a tangy deep fried explosion of flavors to name a few of their treats. They have shish kabob to die for. Red and yellow and green peppers with garlic and red onions decorate the sumptuous marinated meat. Kevin does many vegetarian dishes also. You just have to go there and experience it for yourself. You got that Bob? Opera Alley Bistro is located at 409 Opera Alley (near E Street) in Old Town. Place your order at 443-4227. David Giarrizzo is a writer, activist and the Associate Editor for In The Know. He can be reached at dayvee247@yahoo.com. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright © 2005-06, Humboldt Sentinel. All rights reserved. |
Wander
through the Opera Alley sometime and you will find the gateway to an incredibly
delicious and delightful Café owned by the friendly gentleman Mr.
Kevin Held.
Kevin
has moved here from the Bay Area where he owned an infamous sandwich shop,
The Sandwitchery Café, “Sandwiches so good it’ll put
a spell on you!” Kevin laughs , then informs me that a few of the
recipes followed him to the Opera Alley Bistro. I asked what his specialty,
and to my delight he responded, “Everything is a specialty because
everything is fresh and made with love. If I am not going to eat it, you
won’t either. Some people appreciate this because you take pride
in your own work. Fresh homemade soups, fresh cut salads and an attentive
staff sets us apart.”
Come
explore this portal to a dance of the taste buds, for you shall never
be left unsatisfied once you sample the Great dishes. I had a Salmon Steak
with a colorful salad garnish of different baby lettuces and sprouts,
a side of sautéed squash , yellow and green, with fresh cut green
beans and sautéed red onion or so it would seem. A side order of
the soup du jour was a nice smattering of savory navy bean, black-eyed
peas and flavorful sausage. Its robust flavor complimented the teriyaki
salmon steaks, served with a roll the size of my fist. I had a glass of
their fine California wine selection, a Zinfandel for me.