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| Dr. Drew celebrating with friends at Filomena's Cafe and Wine Bar in Laguna Niguel, CA |
Tucked away inside the Laguna Design Center, I used to think that this restaurant was only available to the designers and retailers who had privileged access. This facility is now open to the public and everyday folks can now sample a restaurant that needs to meet the demanding standards of some of South Orange county's most sophisticated, high end retailers, merchants, designers and their discerning customers.
As you may know, the original Filomena’s Italian Kitchen in Costa Mesa has been rated one of the top 10 best Italian restaurants in Orange County by the Orange County Register. My sense is that this traditionally great food is now being served in a stellar location including outdoor courtyard dining near the Laguna Design Center's central plaza water fountains.
We have been there four times now, twice for birthdays, once for our anniversary, and once with our Bible study group. My tastes are simple. I enjoy the lasagna and the spaghetti with meatballs. I do not think I have eaten better Italian meatballs any where else in my life. The wait staff is very attentive and constantly refilling our bottle of water. I think they are starting to recognize us as infrequent regulars.
After dinner and a salad, we usually splurge on Italian coffee and share a desert after our meal. The owner, Linda Johnsen, is the granddaughter of the lady who inspired Filomena's fresh, light, flavorful spin on classic Italian dishes including salmon on lentils, shrimp scampi, and crisp Caesar salads. Last time, we ate in the courtyard at twilight at a large table surrounded by white roses in full bloom. We could not have been happier with our experience and we recommend Filomena's Cafe and Wine Bar to everyone. It is a little tough to find, but once you find it you will feel like you have discovered a hidden treasure. Be sure to make a reservation by calling (949) 349-9332
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