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In the popular region of sunny Southern California, lies an abundance of multi-faceted eateries. A restaurant, no doubt, for every taste. And nestled in the quaint, historical area of downtown Fullerton, is one particular independent dining establishment that emits an aura of nostalgic familiarity to all who visit the Florentine's Downtown Grill. Upon your entrance, you will experience an immediate "sense of place" which is inspired by its warm and intimate décor, original red brick walls constructed at the turn of the 20th century, create a connection to the past and a natural upscale ambience with the present. Dark wood floors, elegant area rugs, Italian tapestries, fresh palms and greenery, bring this elegant setting to life. This truly is a pleasurable place to dine Too often we are quick to decide our dining destiny. A chain or "Brand name" restaurant? Staying with the same? Maybe a fast food restaurant, or somewhere else we can just settle for. It remains factual that a true diner will take time to investigate and search for that something new, and unique hoping to expose a "True find" or "Best kept secret." Florentine's Downtown Grill has certainly earned its place on the map as a "True find" and the owners, Joe and Robin Florentine are proud of that distinction.
The proprietor, Joe Florentine, has grown up in the food and beverage industry. Restaurant and Tavern experience began with the family when his grandfather was hired by the Hilton Company as a union bartender in the 1940's. At the time when the coat and tie were daily attire and a bartender was always a gentleman, Joe's grandfather laid the foundation for a family tradition in restaurant hospitality. Since then, Joe's father Tony, has owned restaurants and taverns of his own and has groomed his son for the business. And now, with his wife Robin, have added their own warmth and personal touch of ambience, exceptional food and personal guest service to Florentine's Downtown Grill. Features of Florentine's Downtown Grill include a tavern with a 55-foot bar on one side and a formal dining room featuring booths and tables lit at night by chandeliers and soft candlelight on the other. The dining room is used primarily for small groups, clubs and organizations, corporate dining and large family dinners. Photos on the walls depict the founding fathers of Fullerton who, in 1910, actually lived in the structure now occupied by this restaurant. The room has the capacity to seat 80 and has provided our corporate clientele with a private area for dinners and accommodations to conduct business meetings, special presentations, or company socials. The Tavern Room to the restaurant (don't let the name fool you), boasts a beautifully custom wrought iron railing accented with colorful and artistic grapevine casts. Attractive area rugs and comfortable seating make you feel right at home, especially while enjoying a glass of wine from Florentine's carefully selected list. Many of the wines are produced in the northern California regions as well as the coastal areas of California. Other regions of wine production include Oregon and Washington as well as imports from Italy.
Chefs, Jorge Torres (2 years) and Jose Luis Rameriz (4 years) take exceptional pride in their creations. Daily specials are presented with much thought and consideration. The seafood specials such as fresh filet of Atlantic salmon char-grilled and topped with choice of lemon butter, white wine, and capers or a fresh mango-papaya salsa are very popular at Florentine's Downtown Grill. "It is truly satisfying to see our guests so delighted when they enjoy our specials," says Florentine. He's right! You can really tell when a restaurant operates on a very conscientious level by the time and creativity they devote when developing new specials. And believe me, this one does! We cannot feature Florentine's Downtown Grill without mentioning desserts, namely tiramisu. The home made Tiramisu is wonderful, with a nice, light consistency?and a touch of rum. This is dining at its finest.
Just when you think Joe has covered all the angles, you might want to think again. Florentine's also offers a full-service catering program. Marketed over the internet, and by personal referrals, Joe and Robin work double time to feed Corporate America, fund raising participants and wedding guests. That's right, weddings! And I mean full service! From menu development, site acquisitions, staffing, rentals, entertainment and full event coordination. "It's a market we had to embrace", says Florentine. "Without trying to sound too conceited, there were just TOO many inquiries and opportunities that basically fell into our laps. It would have been foolish of us not to take advantage of these opportunities." Florentine says that catering accounts for as much as 18% of his total store sales and is growing stronger every year.
Growth and success only come with a loyal and devoted restaurant and catering staff. Florentine's Downtown Grill employs 46 employees to serve its 180 seat restaurant and catering clients. DeLayne Bond who manages Florentine's Downtown Grill and who literally "runs" the front of the house, has been loyal to the family for 7 years. She does an outstanding job along with other key staff members including prep cooks, server staff and bus people, to represent the Florentines and their restaurant as a place of distinction.
Florentine's
Downtown Grill has received numerous high ratings from food critics as well as awards from the Southern
California Restaurant Writers Association and Zagat's
Survey. The restaurant has acquired a sterling reputation
in the community and the restaurant has been recommended
to guests by local hotels, businesses, chambers of commerce and the Anaheim
Convention Bureau. It has become a very popular dining
location for the local community as well as for visitors
to the Fullerton area. "Our repeat guest business
has increased dramatically over the last couple of years.
Whether our visiting guests are local, or from out of
town, our attitude of making them feel comfortable and welcome has always been of utmost importance to us, as well as to
our staff."
Joe and Robin are proud to offer their guests a unique and positive dining experience. "Robin and I truly desire that our guests feel just as comfortable as if they were dining in their own home. Comfort, familiarity and a warm "sense of place," allows the dining experiences of our guests to be genuinely unique and pleasant. We, and our staff look forward to the time our guest will spend with us". Joe believes that without a positive working relationship with his staff, none of his success would be possible. "And," he says "His strong faith in God and a wonderful and supportive wife and family, have encouraged him and allowed him to establish himself as a successful restaurateur." |
