I have dined at this restaurant several times in the late eighties and early nineties. I haven't been back since then only because of the distance. The restaurant has a fascinating history for those who haven't heard of The Anaheim White House.
It is a historic landmark in Anaheim, California, that has been at its location since 1909. In 1981, the Stovalls transformed it into a restaurant. In 1987, Chef Bruno Serato, an Italian from Verona, took over the ownership. It was unfortunate that in 2017, the restaurant suffered a fire, resulting in $2 million in damages. However, the following year, they were able to complete restorations. It has been business as usual since then.
You have the choice of dining outside on their charming patio or indoors, in the elegant house. We were celebrating our friend Cindy's birthday. Neither she nor Sandi has ever been there. I knew they were in for a treat.
Shortly after we got settled at our table, Sylvano Ibay, managing partner, came to welcome us. Soon after that, Chef Bruno, the owner, came to say hello. His charismatic personality matched his flamboyant appearance.
Our server, Lexie, was informative and very pleasant. We all had the lingering question of whether we could order a side of their white chocolate mashed potatoes, which is part of their signature dish, included with the Salmon. None of us was interested in the Salmon, but we wanted to try the white chocolate mashed potatoes. We didn't see it on the menu, but we were all relieved when Lexie assured us that we could order it as a side dish.
We ordered the Tempura Artichoke Hearts, which were fried in tempura, buttered, and topped with Burrata cheese, Italian pesto, and spiced aioli. Though not crispy, it had very good flavors, but lacked salt. The birthday celebrant ordered the Braised Beef, a White House Signature Dish, braised in a Cabernet Sauvignon reduction with wild mushrooms and yellow polenta. I had a bit of the beef, which was absolutely delicious.
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Sandi had the Filet Mignon with mushrooms and Porcini sauce. This was served with polenta. She did enjoy her steak. I had the Scaloppini Funghi, tender slices of veal with "Chef's favorite" Morel mushrooms. I could see why it was a favorite. It was positively and undoubtedly one of the best sauces I have had. The White Chocolate Mashed Potatoes were heavenly! Who would have thought?
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Bryan Peterson, an assistant manager, stopped by to introduce himself and ensure everything was in order. It is rare nowadays to have service this efficient and great food to go with it. Most restaurants are there to just make money, which is understandable, but something is lost when the quality of food and great service do not go hand in hand.
All three of us decided before our entrée that we would order their famous Soufflé Nino, a Grand Marnier Soufflé served with three sauces: chocolate ganache, crème anglaise, and chantilly cream. This had to be ordered 20 minutes prior to our desired consumption. Lexie did a beautiful job of pouring the two sauces and topping them with the chantilly cream. While we were devouring the soufflé, Lexie brought the birthday girl a generous slice of Tiramisu. It would have been an insult not to appreciate and enjoy this wonderful dessert, so we happily consumed it.
Last night's dinner experience was superb. Both Sandi and Cindy were equally impressed with the food and service. We all thought we would come more often if it weren't for the 91 freeway. If someone offers to do the driving, we're all in.
The Anaheim White House is at 887 S. Anaheim St. in Anaheim, California.
Interesting Fact: YOU MUST LOOK UP THE INCREDIBLE, CHARITABLE, CHEF BRUNO SERATO, WHO FEEDS PEOPLE DAILY. A TRUE HUMANITARIAN LARGER THAN LIFE.
