Monday, May 24, 2010

Lago Introduces MEATLESS MONDAYS to Santa Monica

LOCANDA DEL LAGO
INTRODUCES MEATLESS MONDAYS
TO SANTA MONICA

Locanda del Lago, celebrated for its imaginative Italian cuisine spotlighting seasonal flavors and the freshest local ingredients, introduces MEATLESS MONDAYS to Santa Monica with several offerings on its lunch and dinner menus, rotating weekly, that are prepared with no meat or meat-related products including butter, cheese and milk.

"With Meatless Mondays we are pleased to be the first Santa Monica restaurant to join a movement that proposes to help the environment by reducing demand for meat products," says Lago's co-owner West Hooker-Poletti. "I first heard of this effort while attending a screening of the film Avatar where our long-time customers James Cameron and his wife, Suzy, ardently discussed how our carbon footprint would be drastically reduced if everyone resolved to avoid meat one day per week."

Lago's MEATLESS MONDAYS began on May 17, with a choice of Salad of Dungeness Crab with Arugola, Baby Artichokes and Button Mushrooms; Pumpkin Ravioli with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Sage; and Tasmanian Trout, Blood Orange Reduction with Baked Peruvian Potato and Garlic Spinach.

"These selections were especially popular," said Hooker-Poletti, "and several of our guests who tried them told me they enjoyed putting aside meat for a day in favor of the flavorful and delicious alternatives."

MEATLESS MONDAYS continue regularly at Lago, which maintains a unique identity in L.A. by spotlighting the cuisine of Bellagio on Lake Como in Northern Italy. The upscale Italian eatery, with its warm, inviting interior, expansive windows and a sidewalk patio overlooking the colorful Third Street Promenade, has been attracting foodies, celebrities, locals and travelers for more than 19 years. Lago is dedicated to providing the ultimate restaurant experience with exceptional cuisine coupled with meticulous, friendly service. The kitchen offers the most flavorful ingredients available in conjunction with traditional and innovative recipes, and the menus feature produce and other foods from the Santa Monica Farmers' Market.

Lago is located at 231 Arizona Avenue, Santa Monica. (310) 451-3525. www.LagoSantaMonica.com


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