photo by German Jimenez
George Sorrano, manager of Second Street Bistro, offers a relaxing and rich atmosphere at this French-Italian restaurant in the Pomona Arts Colony. The restaurant features an open kitchen and a decor with posters imported from France. The bistro opened this summer in Pomona.
A long, narrow-but-high paneled ceiling opens its space to what is the Second Street Bistro.
The rich dark hardwood floors contrast with brick walls featuring brightly colored posters of the 1940s. The basic feeling is European in design, but out-of-place elements add to the restaurants charm.
The Second Street Bistro opened this summer in Pomona, serving some of the best French and Italian cuisine in the area. With reasonable prices and delicious food, it is a great restaurant to visit.
The kitchen is isolated. Guests can hear the food being made, as pots dangle and food sizzles. Dried red peppers and garlic hang near pots and pans in the kitchen.
Two walls of wine add dark decoration and character at the back of the bistro.
To top it off, reggae music plays quietly under the noises of the restaurant.
“I thought that it was very cute inside,” said Maryann Sanchez from Glendora. “I felt comfortable and I liked the posters that they put up on the wall.”
This restaurant offers casual dining, but there is nothing casual about the food. The combination of French and Italian cuisine offers any diner plenty of choice.
Dining begins when the server brings freshly baked sourdough bread to the table. Still warm, the crust is tender and butter melts easily on the pungent appetizer.
Then a beverage is ordered. The Second Street Bistro offers a fine selection of wine starting at $4.
American beer and imported beer from Mexico, France and Italy are also available.
“People who dine usually order wine,” said a server at the bistro. “We have a big selection.”
Other appetizer include Chicken Ravioli, mixed green salad, Escargot Beurre Maitre D’Hotel served in its shell baked eggplant, mushrooms in wine sauce and cantaloupe melon drizzled with port wine sauce.
All appetizers are $7, or less.
The Second Street Bistro offers a wide assortment of salads and sandwiches. Their sandwiches are nothing ordinary.
Every sandwich is unique and each is served on fresh breads ranging from croissant, baguette or pastry shell.
“I didn’t know if I should order a sandwich or pasta. I am used to pasta, but all of the sandwiches looked so good,” said Jason Tubb from Covina.
The mixed green salad is served with a choice of red wine vinaigrette, caesar or honey mustard dressing.
The honey mustard dressing is very light and the sweet taste accentuates the mixture of leafy lettuce, spinach and cabbage leaves.
The red wine vinaigrette is not out of the ordinary.
No French or Italian restaurant would be complete without a wide variety of pasta and the Second Street Bistro is no exception.
There is nothing “regular” about the menu.
An array of fresh, seasonable vegetables, roasted garlic, spices and homemade sauces are used to create unique pasta combinations.
The Second Street Bistro really justifies the characterization of fine dining with its presentation of specialties. It is difficult to decide just which one to choose.
Two in particular are fantastic.
The filetto nicolo, which is a marinated grilled pork tenderloin with a port wine reduction sauce, wild mushroom ragout and sauteed carrots and zucchini, was absolutely delicious.
The pork was tender, the vegetables were crisp and the mushrooms were plentiful. The entree was $15 and definitely worth it.
Thon a la Provencal was the second entree of great interest and enjoyment.
Yellow fin ahi tuna seared rare, served with Roma tomatoes, basil, garlic and roasted bell pepper was absolutely mouth watering.
Not only was the fish flaky and flavorful, but also the vegetables and seasoning accompanying it made the dish complete.
This meal was worth beyond the $14 paid for it. None of the entrees exceed $15.
The dining experience would not be complete without dessert.
The Second Street Bistro offers three desserts: tiramisu, crème brulee and chocolate mousse.
Dessert seemed to have no meaning before this chocolate mousse. Served chilled in a wine glass topped with fresh blueberries and raspberries, the creamy chocolate dessert is filled with chocolate crumbs that melt, providing a warm contrast to the cool dessert.
The Second Street Bistro is located at 171 W. Second Street in Pomona.
Michelle Loggia can be reached by e-mail at msloggia@aol.com.