Harrry’s Pacific Grill

 

Harry’s Pacific Grill, managed by Rick Anderson and adjacent to Victoria Gardens in Rancho Cucamonga, had been open scarcely a week when four of us experienced a fine dining experience on a “dark and stormy” evening a week before Christmas.   The newness didn’t show except for the fact that a large fire pit just outside the entrance was without fire.  It would have been particularly welcoming for our wet, cold bodies. Even so, just knowing that it would, in time, be fired up conjured up a greeting warmer than the weather, and the knowledge that it would be a great place to gather for a drink or one of the nine “starters” ($7.00 to $10.75) described on their menu.

We each ordered different starters to share with one another:  Shrimp Cakes, Seared Ahi, Grilled Chicken Satays, and Outrigger Sweet Potato Stack.  The shrimp cakes were flavored with red peppers, jalapenos, red onion covered with Japanese bread crumbs and served with creamy corn sauce and spicy arugular green salad; the sushi grade ahi was sesame coated and lightly seared served with an Asian salad in a flavorful ponzu sauce; the chicken satays were marinated and grilled laced with Thai peanut sauce and a tasty cucumber salad; and the sweet potato stack, their signature starter, was coconut encrusted and lightly dusted with Parmesan cheese. 

The platings were, in every case, unusual and appealing to eye and palate. There were enough spices and flavors to do what starters are meant to do – whet the appetite.  Those starters also served to make us aware that Harry’s is a restaurant where “east meets west” allowing taste traveling to the Polynesian and Hawaiian islands, to Thailand, China and Mexico while, in reality, never leaving California.  More blending than fusion, resulting in the taste being as good as the look.

 Already beginning to satisfy our hunger we passed up the salad offerings – eight on the menu ($5 to $14) and all re-inforcing the Pacific in the restaurants name with salads identified as Island Ahi, Chinese Chicken, and La Fiesta/Chino.

 The entrees arrived in a timely manner and did not disappoint.  We ordered, from the East Meets West offerings, two of the 11 listed: Almond Ginger Halibut ($19), Paniolo Skirt Steak ($18), and one from the eight on the Custom Grill menu, the Filet Mignon ($26).  The Alaskan halibut was seared, oven finished and served with Jasmine rice, wok-fired red potatoes, Chinese long beans and blistered cherry tomatoes in an orange miso sauce.

I reluctantly shared bites with my companions as they shared bits of their steak with me.  The steaks were custom grilled, of good quality, and served – as requested – medium rare.  We were of a mind, however, that I had made the best choice while, at the same time, reminding ourselves that we were not at a new steak house, but, rather at a restaurant that offered red meat in addition to those dishes which altogether made up an expansive and extensive menu.

Only one in our party was up for dessert.  Many choices were given to us by our very knowledgeable, well-trained and attentive waitperson Brenda Chavez.  Not offered, but desired, was a chocolate sundae. “Oh yes,” said Brenda, “I will see to it.”  What arrived was a large bowl of vanilla bean ice cream with a container of chocolate sauce on the side and a second waitperson with an even bigger bowl of real whipped cream.  Even though only one of us was up for dessert, we all, somehow, found room for “just a bite” of this finishing touch to a grand dining out experience.

General Manager Rick Anderson, unknown to us until after dessert, has done a superb job in training his staff and creating a very desirable atmosphere---best described, perhaps, as informal elegance, in which to enjoy a meal – alone or in the company of others.

 

 

Spaghetti Eddie’s

 

Every once in a while, I come across a homey “Mom and Pop” type restaurant, and it happened again last month.  (I honestly wish it would happen more often.)

Oh yes, the name of the place Spaghetti Eddie’s, located at Foothill Boulevard and Aspen Avenue in Rancho Cucamonga, has been there for years, and I have always passed it by until a friend recently told me to try the place. 

Now I recommend that YOU try Spaghetti Eddie’s ---you will not be disappointed.

Here is my best of the best:   Appetizers: Asparagus Parmigiana ($6.49); Clams alla Papa Mio ($10.99).  Soups:  Pasta Fagioli Soup ($3.99).  Pastas:  Gnocchi with your choice of Marinara, Meat, Alfredo or Pesto Sauce ($9.49).  Pasta Classics and Favorites:  Fettuccine Carbonara ($9.49).

In all you can pick from (84 Italian items--not counting the many styles of pizza or desserts) with their very, very fair prices, you cannot go wrong.  Dinners range from $6.49 to $17.99 (for Veal and Shrimp Piccata).

Spaghetti Eddie’s is located at 8153 Aspen Avenue in Rancho Cucamonga.  The phone number is (909) 476-8400.  Take out available and the restaurant is “children friendly.”