We don't let Uncle Dean go hungry around here.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
What's there to eat in Santa Cruz? Why, Lillian's Italian Kitchen of course
I started this post 6 weeks ago. I do apologize for taking so long to post things. Working does take up a lot of time! But I am glad to have a job for the time being...
If you ever find yourself in Santa Cruz and are looking for a place to eat, Lilian's Italian Kitchen is the place to try. Some friends and I met a family on the beach that knew people we knew and it turned into a whole separated by 6 degrees type situation. Leah, one of the individuals we met, works as a hostess at Lillian's and was kind enough to put our name on the waiting list.
Located on 1116 Soquel Ave Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, we drove a few short blocks to the restaurant and noticed it was the only place on the strip that had a line waiting out the door. As we waited, folks came out and told us it would be worth the wait. We asked why they thought we were newbies, and one lady simply responded, "I've never seen you before." This is the type of place we stumbled on, a local hot spot. Patrons hugged other patrons and members of the staff as they came or left.
It had a nice ambiance, one conducive for an excellent date night with your sweetie or with group of friends that love food as much as you do. The music played lightly in the background and the lights were on dim, with short candles on each table.
French bread was served as we sat down. There was freshly minced garlic, balsamic vinegar and olive oil on the table for consumption with the bread. Knowing there wasn't anyone to be smooching after dinner, I wasn't afraid to mix all 3 condiments together and dig in with the bread.
The menu wasn't too big, but still had plenty of variety. You can look at their menu on their Facebook page. Sign into Facebook and search for Lillian's Italian Kitchen. Most days they tease you with their special of the day from home made ravioli's to fresh seafood items.
A picture that is missing below, is one of the Pasta e Fagioli soup. This hearty vegetable soup definitely gets the taste buds ready for the rest of the meal.
Alyssa isn't a fan of pasta and was kind enough to come along for the ride to Lillian's. She had the Cheese Ravioli in Tomato Cream Sauce
Jared had Lil's Penne with Broccoli
My favorite was the meal Erika had. Black Truffle Stuffed Gnocchi with a Gargonzola cream sauce and roasted cremini mushrooms with grilled chicken. This dish is usually served with a NY steak but they were nice enough to make it custom ordered. (It's ok to drool. It was that good.)
I had the same as Erika, except with sauteed prawns with a pesto sauce and roasted cremini mushrooms.
Megan had the Pasta Primavera with pesto.
If you ever find yourself in Santa Cruz and are looking for a place to eat, Lilian's Italian Kitchen is the place to try. Some friends and I met a family on the beach that knew people we knew and it turned into a whole separated by 6 degrees type situation. Leah, one of the individuals we met, works as a hostess at Lillian's and was kind enough to put our name on the waiting list.
Located on 1116 Soquel Ave Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, we drove a few short blocks to the restaurant and noticed it was the only place on the strip that had a line waiting out the door. As we waited, folks came out and told us it would be worth the wait. We asked why they thought we were newbies, and one lady simply responded, "I've never seen you before." This is the type of place we stumbled on, a local hot spot. Patrons hugged other patrons and members of the staff as they came or left.
It had a nice ambiance, one conducive for an excellent date night with your sweetie or with group of friends that love food as much as you do. The music played lightly in the background and the lights were on dim, with short candles on each table.
French bread was served as we sat down. There was freshly minced garlic, balsamic vinegar and olive oil on the table for consumption with the bread. Knowing there wasn't anyone to be smooching after dinner, I wasn't afraid to mix all 3 condiments together and dig in with the bread.
The menu wasn't too big, but still had plenty of variety. You can look at their menu on their Facebook page. Sign into Facebook and search for Lillian's Italian Kitchen. Most days they tease you with their special of the day from home made ravioli's to fresh seafood items.
A picture that is missing below, is one of the Pasta e Fagioli soup. This hearty vegetable soup definitely gets the taste buds ready for the rest of the meal.
Alyssa isn't a fan of pasta and was kind enough to come along for the ride to Lillian's. She had the Cheese Ravioli in Tomato Cream Sauce
Jared had Lil's Penne with Broccoli
My favorite was the meal Erika had. Black Truffle Stuffed Gnocchi with a Gargonzola cream sauce and roasted cremini mushrooms with grilled chicken. This dish is usually served with a NY steak but they were nice enough to make it custom ordered. (It's ok to drool. It was that good.)
I had the same as Erika, except with sauteed prawns with a pesto sauce and roasted cremini mushrooms.
Megan had the Pasta Primavera with pesto.We ended dinner with a banana, nut and chocolate Polar Bear ice cream. It was heavenly. It tasted more like banana nut bread and the chocolate flavor was very subtle. The 5 of us shared a scoop as we were all very full from the rest of the meal.
Another friend took more pictures and when I receive them, I will update this blog with more pictures!
It was a great night with great friends and excellent food. I will definitely be going here again!
It was a great night with great friends and excellent food. I will definitely be going here again!
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