Carbon Angela's Kitchen in the heart of South Park is a standout, unique restaurant. This is…read moredefinitely a perfect spot for your next date night or the place to go for dinner for any occasion, like a birthday, or better yet, my birthday! Yes, I will be there next month with my whole gang celebrating with me on my special day!
Our reservations were early, arriving on time @ 5:30 it was a bit quiet with only two other tables, but not for long. In no time every single table was filled. The restaurant was busy and the wine was a'flowin'!
This quaint and very special restaurant reminds me of a small restaurant in San Diego in the 1980's, "Ciao Bella". It was located downtown on 4th Ave., it was also chef-owned. When you dine at a chef owned restaurant you are most likely destined for greatness, or a great meal! This is the case at Angela's Kitchen 'Carbon', because there is pure authenticity in her dishes and a whole lotta' love delivered in each plate.
The subtle, warm decor is welcoming and the music is played at the perfect level. Just the right ambiance. Once seated, you'll be promptly greeted and the attentive wait staff will have your wine delivered pronto. What a selection they have.
I started with the prosecco and moved on to the Sangiovese which complimented my pappardelle perfectly. My friend ordered the grilled salmon and had the Montepulciano Abate Pietro.
The delivery of their fresh bread with garlicky pesto, and another with tomato, which I think was a focaccia. Just amazing. We asked for olive oil to compliment the bread: it was the very best of quality with a dark Sicilian olive green hue and the smoothness with the polyphenols and antioxidants dancing in my mouth. Yum! I asked for a side of Parmigiano and they brought a nice square ramekin full of finely grated cheese, Perfection!! These are the details that make me fall in love with a restaurant, causing me to return again and again.
Both of our entrees were executed perfectly, the vegetables were grilled leaving a slight char, and the salmon was grilled just right leaving a tender center. My pappardelle was dressed in the deepest, richest mushroom + beef cheek fusion of flavors with whispers of some kind of red wine like maybe the Nero d'Avola that they feature on the menu. WoW!! This is a dish that you want to take your time savoring. Every bite surpassed the last, and then a sip of the Sangiovese and I was in fresh pasta heaven.
Just when we were winding down and reeling from being overwhelmed by the amazing food, Angela came to our table with cannoli. It too was amazing! This was such a kind and unexpected gesture from the chef/owner. Grazie mille, a domani!