Who knew! Two of the best restaurants around are just minutes from each other. And we visited them just a few days apart. And both are one of a kind, with husband and wife operators. Cafe Provenal is the latest incarnation of an address that has seen a deli and an antique mall before it. But the feel today is of the open low-ceiling typical provincial French restaurant.

The best part is that, in traditional French style, the sauces are heavy and creamy. None of those light, watery, California-style French sauces here. The appetizers feature such continental treats as escargot and soft shell crabs and run in price from $4.95 to $8.50. Delicious and filling dinners include such delights as lobster ravioli in cardinal sauce ($14.40) and center cut filet mignon in roquefort cream sauce ($18.95). There is also the sauteed veal lion normandie ($18.50) and sauteed scallops Provenal ($17.50).

Owner-Chef Ange Lamonica, along with his wife and hostess Nicole, hover over every table to make sure everything is just right.

Aruffo's is completely different, and just the same. Located in the Claremont Village on Yale, just down from other restaurants we've visited, Aruffo's is Italian cuisine, prepared and served, again, by a dedicated husband and wife team. Our hostess was the lovely red-headed Valerie Aruffo, and her husband, Tom, was back in the kitchen overseeing the preparations. They describe their place as comfortable, cozy, warm, casual, sophisticated, relaxed, unpretentious, lively, generous, fun, elegant and affordable. That is all printed on the menu.

Aruffo's appetizers run from $2.50 to $8.95 and cover scampi, calimari, soup, salad and cheese bread, all listed by their Italian names.

The same is true of the ravioli, most of which costs $11.95 and could include chicken, spinach, cheese or even potato and onion.

Seafood entrees include the cioppino del pescatore at $26 and alfredo del mare for $15.95. This is an egg fettucine alfredo with clams, bay shrimp, sea scallops, parmagiano cheese and fresh roma tomatoes.

There is also a wonderful assortment of beef and veal dinners running from $15.95 to $18. 95. Then comes the pasta and lasagna dinners. Is it any wonder that I couldn't finish.

Both Aruffo's and Cafe Provenal are among the best we have had the privilege of sampling. Both are dangerous because you'll go off of your diet and both are dangerous because whoever you take will be convinced of your sincere romantic intentions.

Consider yourself warned.

Aruffo's is at 126 Yale Ave. in the Claremont Village. For more information, call (909) 624-9624. Cafe Provenal is at 967 W. Foothill Blvd. in Upland. For more information, call (909) 608-7100.