(Pasadena, CA), Tuesday, March 3rd, 2015: For nearly two decades, Celestino Ristorante has been Pasadena’s mainstay for fans of truly authentic (and truly delicious!) Italian cuisine, made with the freshest produce Southern California has to offer. True to its Italian roots, Celestino Ristorante changes its menu with the seasons, reflecting the best of each. The latest menu from Owner and Executive Chef Calogero Drago does not disappoint, showcasing the luxurious flavors of winter with hints of spring, guaranteed to heat things up and tantalize your palate launching Tuesday, March 3rd, 2015!
Download the new menu here: 
Celestino New Dining Menu - 2015.pdf
“With fewer fruits and vegetables in season now than in warmer months, it is all about rich sauces, hearty meats and earthy mushrooms,” says Drago. “But that doesn’t mean everything should be heavy, as there are plenty of delicious lighter dishes using the same flavors.”
That philosophy can be found throughout Celestino Ristorante’s new menu. To start, Drago says nobody should miss the Papa al Pomodoro alla Toscana, a Tuscan style bread and tomato soup. “It is thick, warm and satisfying, but the addition of garlic and basil give it a wonderful freshness,” he says. That freshness persists in many other flavorful dishes like the Insalata Rustica, a salad of Belgian endive, radicchio, apple and walnuts, and the Insalata Cose Buone, a traditional chopped salad lavished with grilled shrimp. Looking for a heartier dish with lots of fish? Try the Insalata Frutti Di Mare, a mixed seafood salad that boasts beautiful colors and bold flavors.
An extensive set of ten antipasti choices are all meant to tempt, and range from seafood delights like Carpaccio de Pesce Spade con Finocchio e Arance, thin-sliced raw swordfish with an orange and fennel salad, and Cappesante con Fagioli e Salvia, scallops served with cannellini beans and sage to more indulgent creations such as the Petto d’anatra Affumicato con Bietole, smoked duck breast with beet salad, and the Timballo di Funghi con Fonduta e Tartufo Nero, a mushroom soufflé with Fontina cheese sauce and sliced black truffle. “People don’t realize it, but there is such a great variety of flavors you can get from ingredients this time of year,” Drago says. “There is tart citrus, bittersweet beets, crunchy greens and of course luxurious mushrooms.”
For the main course, an array of seasonal options beckons, with both pastas and entrées in astounding variety. Fans of hearty meat dishes will find plenty of options, whether it be the classic Lasagna alla Bolognese, the Bistecca alla Florentina, Osso Buco alla Milanese, served with saffron rice, or a more unusual dish, the Coniglio al Forno con Salsa di Olive Nere, roast rabbit with black olive sauce, or Pappardelle con Fagiano e Morelle, pappardelle pasta with pheasant and morels. “This dish tastes like a fresh walk through the forest,” Drago says.
Lovers of seafood can try a lighter-bodied pasta, such as Spaghetti con Sarde e Finocchi Selvatici alla Siciliana, spaghetti with fresh sardines and wild fennel, and Spaghetti al Cartoccio con Frutti di Mare, in which the pasta is baked en papillote with assorted seafood in an elegant tomato sauce. Vegetarians are not to be left out, with tasty options to choose from, like Tortelloni di Zucca al Burro e Salvia, pumpkin tortelloni with a creamy, buttery sage sauce.
And then there are the Risottos. “Risotto is the ultimate winter dish,” says Drago. “It is just so creamy and comforting.” Celestino Ristorante’s new menu has three different choices: Squid Ink, Beets and Goat Cheese and with Aged Balsamic Vinegar and Rosemary.
An experience at Celestino Ristorante is not complete until you have ordered dessert. Whether you prefer the light and airy flavor of the Panna Cotta, the decadently rich Flourless Chocolate Cake or even one of Calogero Drago’s favorites, the Cannoli, there is truly something for everyone.
On top of the new menu, Celestino Ristorante is also offering an extra special seasonal Mushroom and Truffle Menu through March 31st, 2015, with a range of dishes showing off some phenomenal fungi.
It may feel like the depths of winter, but with Daylight Savings Time upon us, longer and warmer days are just around the corner! Take advantage of the extra sunshine and head to Pasadena for an authentic Italian experience at Celestino Ristorante, where the new menu melds the vibrant flavors of winter and spring. If it were not for delectable seasonal menus like these from talented chefs like Calogero Drago, we Californians may not even know what season we are in!
Celestino Ristorante is open for lunch every Monday through Friday from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm, and for dinner from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm Monday through Thursday, 5:30 pm to 11:00 pm on Friday, 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm on Saturday, and 5:00 pm to 10:30 pm on Sunday. For information or reservations, please call Celestino Ristorante directly at 626.795.4006 or visit www.CelestinoPasadena.com.