It’s been a few years since my last visit to Prego, a northern Italian restaurant nestled in between office buildings in Irvine. At lunch time, the restaurant is bustling with business people trying to clinch a deal, and, those wanting to impress a client.
So when I received an invitation to check out its “Spring into Summer” menu, I eagerly accepted. I remember the unfortunate fire at the restaurant not too long ago, and when I walked in, I was expecting a change, but was relieved to see they have kept it relatively the same, except for an upgrade to the existing structure.
We were welcomed by owners Tony and Ruth Bedi, as well as their son Devin, as we joined the rest of the media party on the back patio for hors d’oeuvres while sipping on Sofia blanc de blancs.
After mingling for a little while, we moved into the private room for our meal prepared by Chef Ugo Allesina, a 25 year culinary veteran who has been with Prego since July 2000.
We started with Asparagus Delizia, a perfect example of simple hearty Italian cuisine using fresh ingredients. Grilled duo of asparagus — both green and white — are wrapped in Parma prosciutto and finished with shaved parmesan cheese, organic arugula and truffle oil. I like how Chef Ugo has featured white asparagus, a wonderful spring time produce only available for a very short period each year.
Our primo piatto of Risotto alla Sovaccese was a perfectly al dente bowl of delicate arborio rice, porcini mushrooms, fontina cheese with hints of fresh rosemary. A tad under-seasoned for me, but nothing extra cheese and a touch of salt wasn’t able to fix.
Cotechino e Lenticchie is Chef Ugo’s homemade Italian sausage with white wine served on a bed of stewed lentils and whole grain mustard sauce. Traditionally eaten during new year’s, Chef Ugo’s sausage possessed wonderful flavors, although texturally, I would have liked a little more contrast. Lentils, also a traditional accoutrement, were hearty and delicious with the mustard sauce adding a good acidity to the dish.
To finish, we were presented with Tronco ai Cioccolati, a puffed pastry filled with white and dark chocolate mousse served with creme anglaise and raspberry sauce. Chef Ugo explains that this is a dessert close to his heart and reflective of the Piedmont area where he is from. It reminded me of desserts I used to eat as a child when my parents brought us out for a fancy meal.
Prego is an Orange County institution which has withstood challenges and time. It is still one of the restaurants where business deals are made and anniversaries are celebrated.
This week I have a $50 gift certificate courtesy of Prego Ristorante for one lucky reader to win. Please leave a comment with your FULL name for a chance to enter. Tell me your memories of Prego, or why you’d like to visit. Contest ends Monday, a winner will be chosen and announced on Tuesday.
Prego Ristorante
18420 Von Karman Avenue
Irvine, CA 92612
Tel: 949-552-1333
I don’t think I am allowed to win, but I thought I’d get the ball rolling!
We have never been to Prego and upon your recommendation that this is an OC Institution, it seems that this is a must do for us!
My husband and I are always looking for great Italian places, and their dishes look delicious! I’d also love to take my parents there since they live in Irvine too 🙂
My daughter and her husband live in Irvine. I would love to come there and visit and take them out to dinner at Prego Ristorante!!
I have never been, but would LOVE to go after reading about your experience AND seeing the delicious food from your pics! I have NEVER been to a really fancy restaurant, so I’d love to go and treat my brother. Thanks for the chance to win!!
Joey
comments must be moderated maybe? Hope mine shows up lol..thanks!
Oh, that one is showing moderation..sorry if the 1st one shows again, but I don’t see it awaiting moderation.
I have never been to this restaurant, but based on your nice review & your delicious looking pics of the food, lol, I’d love the chance to go & treat my brother who works so hard! I’ve never been to a restaurant so fancy, so this would be a fun first! thanks for the chance!
Joey Jennings
congratulations
OMG I won?! lol..thank you!! I had to go re-check email & just saw that you sent it! yaheee lol..I subscribed to comments, so I was coming here to see if a winner had been drawn ha..You made my weekend:) I hope you have a great weekend! thanks again..emailing you back now!
wow, the food looks great! Would love to go here when I visit my brother at UC Irvine!
I’d like to visit Prego as I have yet to find an abundance of great Italian food down here… Even more so Northern Italian..! I’d love to explore their menu and find some new favorites!
I would love to try this restaurant, always looking for good Italian food
I would love to take my husband there for dinner!
I would love to take my daughter and son-in-law out to dinner there while visiting them in Irvine.
I visited Prego 2 years ago for my
friend’s daughter’s first birthday and your post just reminded me. I’m currently looking for a spot to host my twins’ first birthday and would love to revisit and sample their food.
Prego looks amazing!!!
That looks like a great meal.. Need to bookmark it on my yelp!! Would love to try
We are new home owners in O.C. and are looking for great places to dine. This looks good. I hope to win and try you guys out.