Il Fornaio

DineLA is here again! I'm sure any people have already been participating in some cheap dining options. Some places are definitely recommended (The Bazzar, Ruth's Chris, etc) but some aren't really worth it, in my opnion. Check out the menu prices and compare. Some instances you really aren't saving that much.

Since work has been crazy busy lately (and some people have expense accounts), a bunch of us headed down to Il Fornaio to grab a nice three course lunch and unwind a bit. I generally think Il Forniao is a bit pricey (I'm an Olive Garden or Pomodoro kind of girl if I'm going to eat chain Italian food) but on an expense account, I'm down! Since there were many of us, we got to order a few more items off the menu. However, I was shy about taking pictures of everyone's food.

complimentary bread

bruschetta al pomodoro (grilled Il Fornaio ciabatta bread rubbed with garlic, marinated chopped tomatoes, basil, kalamata olives)

salmone con spinaci (grilled salmon, organic baby spinach salad, red onions, mushrooms, toasted walnuts, warm vinaigrette)

conchiglie al pollo (shell pasta, chicken breast, broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes, pecorino cheese, roasted garlic, trebbiano wine)

zabaione alla fritti (chilled zabaione, fresh berries, bellini sorbet, fresh whipped cream, amarena cherry)

crespelle di mele (crepes filled with apples and grappa infused pastry cream, vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce)

tiramisù (lady fingers, rum, mascarpone cheese, espresso, cocoa powder)

All in all a good time, though I'm still not quite a fan. The service was attentive, but it took us almost 20 minutes to get our dessert. Furthermore, the bruschetta was nothing to write home about - warm grilled bread, but nothing except chopped tomatoes.

Il Fornaio
1800 Rosecrans Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266