Classic Italian Cuisine with California
influences
By
Carol & Joe Davis
Dining Detectives
It
is hard to believe that Italian Colors Ristorante has been open
in the Montclair hills of Oakland since 1993. We have dined there
many times and enjoyed their Italian cuisine.
Executive
Chef/Owner Alan Carlson who is a graduate of the Culinary Institute
of America in Hyde Park, New York has continued to create new
Italian menu items that reflect the changing tastes of his loyal
customers. We sat on the mezzanine level in the dining room and
started our dinner with some of their Specialty Cocktails. The
Colors Cosmo which is made with vodka, Cointreau, fresh lemon
juice, frambois, and a Prosecco float served up with a twist was
so tasty we had a second one! The Colors Margarita made with Sauza
Hornitos reposado tequila, cointreau, Amaretto, fresh lime and
orange juice was also worthy of a second.
As
we perused the menu, we enjoyed listening to the classical guitar
music played by Michael Wollenberg. The homemade Focaccia was
soon delivered to our table and we enjoyed this bread because
they have a special recipe which makes it slightly sweet
The
Primi Piatti starters were all excellent. We loved the Gnocchi
Bolognese which is made with slow braised beef, pork, porcini
mushrooms, onions, carrots, tomato, herbs and cream. We also enjoyed
the Sweet Corn, Crab and Prawn Chowder which had a wonderful consistency
and great flavor.
Next,
we tried the Dungeness Crab Antipasti which was a lovely presentation,
tasty and light and included papaya, avocado, English cucumber,
red bell pepper, scallions, mixed greens and chili lime vinaigrette.
The Pizza Napolitana made with tomato sauce, fresh buffalo mozzarella
and basil was sweet and light and had an excellent thin cheesy
crust. Our entrees were both fabulous.
The
Fresh Red Abalone Dore made with lemon caper butter sauce with
house made lemon ricotta ravioli was very special. In fact, it
was one of the most amazing dishes we have enjoyed in years. The
Grilled Angus Rib Eye Steak was charcoal grilled which made it
very flavorful and juicy. It was served with garlic mashed potatoes,
veggies and red wine demi glace and was better than most Rib Eye's
we have had at "Steak Houses".
The
wine list has reasonably priced selections. We enjoyed the 2008
Pio Cesare Cortese Di Gavi (Alba), the 2008 Mantanzas Creek Sonoma
Sauvignon Blanc and the 2005 Watts Old Vine Zinfandel.
Make
sure you save room for dessert. We loved both the Sour Dough Belgian
Waffle with fresh berries and vanilla ice cream which was light
and lovely and the Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp with vanilla bean
ice cream which was tart and tasty. Italian Colors Ristorante
has both indoor and outdoor dining and is a worthy destination
for excellent Italian cuisine.
Italian
Colors Ristorante
2220 Mountain Blvd.
Montclair Village Square
Oakland, CA. 94611
510-482-8094
www.ItalianColorsRestaurant.com
