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i
Cugini, Specialita di Pesce, is the "Reel" Thing in European Dining
The
seafood-inspired menu remains true to the way Italians have always
loved to dine.
 i
Cugini
is a rarity in Southern California - Specialita di Pesce -
specializing in fresh seafood prepared in an authentic European
style. The menu, updated daily, promotes sharing, with whole-cooked
fish dishes, pasta and light portions of antipasti. Extensive server
interaction enhances the dining experience, encouraging guests to
try an array of different items and savor the varying tastes of
Italy.
Guests enter to pass a fresh fish display and bustling kitchen and
are seated at warm cherrywood tables. The casual and comfortable
patio, overlooking the Pacific Ocean makes one think of dining on
the Amalfi coast.
"What marks a perfect meal in Italy is the experience of sharing
and savoring," says Zovig Sarkissian, i Cugini's General Manager. "The authenticity,
like the variations on whole-cooked fish, gives guests the opportunity
to enjoy a true European dining experience."
i Cugini dishes reflect the many regions of Italy - Sicily, Sardinia,
Naples and Tuscany. Antipasti, such as Vongole (steamed manila
clams in tomato broth), Ripiene Cozze (baked mussels with
breadcrumbs and sausage), and Polenta alla Valdostana (creamy
polenta with fontina cheese), are all classic starters. Pastas include
spicy Amatriciana (hollow tube pasta with pancetta and onions
in spicy tomato sauce), hearty Veal-Stuffed Tortellini with Prosciutto,
Sweet Peas, Cream and Parmesan and simple Spaghetti
with Fresh Basil, Tomatoes and Garlic.
Indigenous to the Italian culinary culture is the whole fish dish.
Whether it is oven roasted in a rock salt crust or wood-oven roasted
Adriatic Style, with potatoes and olives, fish, such as Sole,
Snapper, Striped Bass, or Trout is cooked whole on the bone. Guests are "reeled"
into the process as the server de-bones and arranges the fish beautifully
on a platter for the entire table. Other authentic Italian entrees
include Brodetto (Italian fish stew) and rotisserie half a chicken
cooked to juicy perfection. As in Italy, only vegetables in season
are served - grilled eggplant, steaming carrots, escarole with big
cloves of garlic. The food is the highlight, never masked by overbearing
sauces. The clean, colorful presentation completes the entire picture.
When the time comes for dessert, the server offers suggestions:
in spring, a scoop of fresh strawberries from a big, bright bowl,
then topped with a dollop of whipped cream or, in the summer, fresh
peaches, sliced and pitted at the table and filled with marscapone
cheese. Grappas and dessert wines are another fitting addition to
the meal's end.
i Cugini employs a personal touch with friendly interaction
between the server and the guests. The knowledgeable servers will also answer any questions
about i Cugini's extensive wine list, which features Italian and
American selections and an array of domestic and imported beers. i
Cugini perfectly reflects the Italian custom of enjoying delicious
meals over spirited conversation.
i Cugini
1501 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 451-4595
Hours:
Open seven days a week from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
for lunch and dinner. All major credit cards are accepted.
Convenient valet parking is available. Catering is also offered.
"Regulars report the seafood never lets you
down at this Santa Monica Italiano where the Sunday jazz brunch
can't be beat for all-you-can eat shellfish and free-flowing
champagne. Fabulous ocean views plus attentive service means it fits
the bill for any occasion, often beating out ritzier competition in
the neighborhood." Zagat Survey, 2008
And, read a review of i Cugini on
Gayot.
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