As we made our way to the entrance, we were taken by the beautifully welcoming

canopy of well-manicured bougainvillea blooms. It was a nice night for the outdoor street-side patio seating, but we opted to dine in. Once inside, our eyes were immedi- ately drawn to the eclectic collection of artwork displayed on the walls; many of them “for sale.” What a great way to collaborate; supporting both culinary and fine arts! We were quickly greeted and given our choice of tables. Our friendly server, Jen (studying to be an Art Historian) presented us with a wine list. The brands were thoughtful and diverse, which is part of the reason they were able to do an expansion having added a wine bar (they also have a fun beer selection!). John enjoyed the Shug Chardonnay and I chose the Pinot Noir by the same vineyard from Sonoma. Be sure to go to their website and check out details for the Wine Tasting Dinner on May 11th at 7:00 p.m., the menu and wine selections sound well choreographed. Amir Zee, the good natured owner/manager was on duty and immediately sent a sample of the Lobster Ravioli with mushroom, garlic and red bell pepper in a brandy cream sauce. In the course of the evening I asked him how they decided on the name Utopia. He said that “the goal was to create a warm, relaxing place where people could forget about their day-to-day problems and leave their worries out the door, if only for a while.” For appetizers, we always order Calamari and it was cooked crispy with a homemade spicy tomato sauce. Our other choice was the flavorful Garlic Shrimp sautéed in garlic, olive oil with white wine and capers. We went on to share a Chicken Spinach Salad sprinkled with apple, goat cheese, raisins, walnuts and red wine mustard dressing; fresh and healthy! Most of the salads come with the option of grilled chicken,

shrimp or scallops. I requested a sample of the Bombay Curry Shrimp with green peas, onions and homemade spicy curry sauce served over rice. It was one of my favorites. There is something soothing about a well-prepared curry. As our dinner progressed, I was impressed that on a Thursday evening the dining

room was almost filled up to capacity. The diners were a combination of regular customers and foot traffic passing by. Our entrée choices were the Linguine De Mar consisting of Linguine pasta with mussels, sea scallops, garlic and red bell pepper in a creamy saffron sauce, John was satisfied with it, but craving more. I made a special request for a surf and turf combination which was Ginger Beef, strips of tenderloin, ginger, red cabbage and shallots in a sesame wine sauce, served with mashed pota- toes. With that, a side order of “the special” Teriyaki Scallops which made for a satisfying combination. Other intriguing items on the menu included Himalayan Lamb Chops, Havana Grilled Pork Loin and Orange Brandy Duck Breast . . .they cater to vegetarians as well. For dessert, I selected the Chocolate Toffee Mousse, rich and addictive. Crème Brûlée and Bread Pudding were just some of the delectable desserts as well as gelato and sorbet. Every Friday and Saturday from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., Utopia presents a live solo pianist to entertain guests. In addition, they are currently exhibiting the artwork of Anne Mitchell for her show called “Heart Strings” on sale through May 20.

UTOPIA, Good Food, Fine Art is open Monday through Friday from 12:00 to 9:30 p.m., Saturdays 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Closed Sundays. Located in Downtown Long Beach at 445 E. 1st Street (Cross Street is Linden). For reservations: 562.432.6888 or utopiarestaurant.net

Curry Shrimp

Lobster Ravioli

Linguine De Mar

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