There’s something special about Sisley Italian Kitchen, and it’s not just their delicious food, beautiful restaurant and great customer service, it’s the true heart of the company-its owners Jamie and Francine Alba. And after an evening of great food, wine and remarkable company, it’s no wonder why their business is such a success.
With Jamie’s zest for getting the job done, coupled with Francine’s attention to detail and perfection, Sisley Italian Kitchen is the perfect place to dine. Both raised in New York and coming from large Italian-American families with roots in Sicily and Rome, the couple decided to continue the tradition of a hearty home-cooked meal. Since the opening of their first Sisley Italian Kitchen in 1989, they’ve served celebrities such as Meryl Streep, John Voight, Pete Rose, and Sylvester Stallone-the list goes on and on.
From the moment you step into Sisley, the experience has already begun. Greeted by the ever so pleasant Cal, General Manager for 7 years, we were given a tour of the facility. It was as if we had stepped into Italy, with the Tuscan inspired murals, giving the restaurant an old-world feel, creating a warm and inviting environment, while ambient lighting helps set the mood for an intimate dinner. A full service bar, bakery with fresh goods, a beautiful private dining area and spacious outdoor patio, Sisley’s has it all. And while Jamie and Francine served up countless entrees and desserts, so many to name, I have highlighted a few of the night’s best.
We began the evening with warm bread sticks. Dip the sticks into fresh cold press, first press extra virgin olive oil, only the finest for Sisley customers. Spice it up with some chili, salt or pepper and a fine glass of wine to drink and you’ve got perfection.
Our first starter was one of Jamie’s favorites-Sisley’s own Italian Quesadilla. Fill a thin pasta shell with delicious roasted chicken mixed with mozzarella, pinenuts and basil, and dip it in a rich sun-dried tomato pesto cream sauce and you have a delicious appetizer!
For seafood fans, you must try the Sushi Grade Tuna Tartare. Bursting with flavor, the dish included fresh Ahi tuna chopped and marinated with olive oil, capers, cilantro and lemon.
If you’re in the mood for a warm treat, be sure and order the Linguini and Clams. Fresh clams in their shell cooked in Sisley’s clam sauce (your choice of white or red) along with shallots, white wine, oregano, basil and garlic. It’s very flavorful.
What is an Italian restaurant without some meatballs and spaghetti? By far this was one of the most eye pleasing, mouth watering spaghetti dishes I have ever been served up! Order up Sisley’s Popular Old fashioned Meatballs on a bed of spaghetti with marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese. The meatballs are “out of this world” delightful!
There’s no doubt I will be back for more of the next entrée brought out, the very special Sisley Chicken. Fresh chicken with sautéed mushrooms, peppers, onions, Italian sausage, basil and balsamic vinegar served with roasted vegetables and Acini di Pepe Pasta. There’s no shortage of flavor in this dish.
And if it’s meat you want be sure and try the Chef’s special- Filet Mignon. This was, by far, my favorite dish. Eight ounces of mouth-watering filet, grilled to perfection and topped with Gorgonzola cream sauce, served with Parmesan mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus. I’ve never had a filet mignon that tasted this good.
If you’re in the mood for pizza, be sure and order any of Sisley’s gourmet pizzas-dough made daily in their bakery and cooked in their wood burning brick oven. We tried the Brooklyn pizza, topped with sweet Italian sausage, pepperoni, roasted peppers, onions, basil, cheese and marinara sauce. It’s a meal made for everyone!
There’s one thing certain, Jamie and Francine are always looking for new ways to please their customers, because they care about them. After two years of research and development, they’ve created what I believe to be the best tasting vegetarian dishes there are. Recipes for Sisley’s best selling dishes are now available in vegetarian options that taste phenomenal and available through Life Foods Company. After being served two dishes, I was shocked at how the appearance, flavor and texture was similar to the non-vegetarian dishes and the flavor was not compromised by using soy. It was unbelievable.
Also taking health into consideration, Sisley’s offers whole wheat and gluten free pasta to make your meal that much better for you.
To complete your meal, you must try one of Sisley’s fine desserts. Rich in flavor, it’s the perfect ending to a perfect dining experience.
For the early birds, be sure and visit Sisley for a delicious brunch, and if you’re in a rush and can’t dine, be sure and call ahead and get curbside service when picking up your meal!
Visit Sisley Italian Kitchen today and experience a little bit of Italy in Santa Clarita.
For more information, visit www.sisleykitchen.com or call 661-287-4444.