CyberEater Review

Planning For Love At Acqua Al 2

By David Rottenberg

David Rottenberg is the editor of Dining San Diego Magazine, a guide to many of the city’s favorite restaurants. He is a member of the Southern California Restaurant Writers Association and vice president of the North American Travel Journalists Association. © 2007 David Rottenberg All Rights Reserved

It is never too early to plan for love so it isn’t too soon to plan for St Valentine’s Day, coming up in a few weeks on February 14. Many restaurants sell out in advance, particularly those which offer a romantic setting or cuisine. Who speaks the language of love better than Italians? Here’s the good news – Acqua Al 2 is going to offer a special “lust inspiring” menu. Here’s the bad news – it’s a one day program, just for that special “day of love”. So plan ahead and reserve.

Acqua Al 2 is our local dining treasure that imports all of its oils and spices directly from Italy and uses recipes that have won worldwide acclaim. Its owner, Martin Gonzales was an inveterate international traveler who stopped to learn to speak Italian by enrolling in a cooking school in Tuscany.

The school, Instituto Culinario in Florence, has a famous chef as professor -- Stefano Innocenti, whose restaurant, Acqua Al 2 was a favorite destination for such celebrities as Samuel L. Jackson and Lauren Hutton. Gonzales was named “Best Student” at the school and won the opportunity to work with Innocenti. He convinced Innocenti that he should be given the chance to open a similar restaurant in San Diego, in the heart of the Gaslamp. Located close to the Convention Center, Acqua Al 2 has won over a loyal following of local residents as well as appealing to transient visitors in nearby hotels. During the baseball season, many Padres players unwind there after home games.

The restaurant has a large and comfortable patio. Wide doors open to the bar, on one side, and to the interior space, which is carved into intimate sections by room dividers. There are dozens of plates hanging on these dividers, with messages and signatures by many famous patrons. It is fun to walk around and search for recognizable names, like Padre Jay Payton, NFL Hall of Famer Lynn Swann, and local newscaster Caroll Labeau.

The dinner menu at Acqua Al 2 is divided into the classic Italian categories of antipasto, primi, secondi and dolci. Hearty eaters as well as lovers, Italians love to linger over their meals, enjoying an array of dishes. Antipasti or appetizers include freddi or caldi, cold or hot selections. Secondi or entrees on the regular menu list hand cut veal chop and hand shaped filet mignon.

But I was given the opportunity to preview the special Valentine’s Day menu, available on that day in addition to the regular menu. These special dishes were designed to be aphrodisiacs, to instigate and to fuel feelings of love. “Aphrodisiac” is a term coined from the name Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love.

The first course, antipasto freddi of rucola e maiz was a delightful mix of arugula, kettle corn and shaved aged cheese. Arugula has aphrodisiac qualities.

Primi – the intermediate course – was an appealing plate of corkscrew pasta (fusilli) suffused with a light truffle oil that held the flavor of garlic but left one’s breath kissing sweet. Believe it or not, truffles have aphrodisiac qualities. Is that why they’re so expensive?

Secondi – the entrée – was a hand carved New York steak and asparagus on a thin film of green peppercorn sauce, with cream, Dijon mustard and cream. The meat was superb and my mouth was flamed with exciting fire by the sauce.

Dolci – dessert – chocolate, what else? It was a large slice of flourless chocolate cake topped with powdered sugar and fresh strawberries. What could be more aphrodisiac than chocolate and strawberries?

Prices for this special dinner will be moderate.

Valentine’s Day is a special day, steeped in history and lore, symbolizing love and honor for the most important people in our lives, our significant others, our life partners. Dinner out is one wonderful way to celebrate. Wherever you choose to go, make it special. To reserve at Acqua Al 2, call 619-230-0382. The restaurant is located at 322 Fifth Avenue, between J & K Streets. It is open for lunch Monday through Friday and dinner nightly.

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