Restaurant Guide 2009

This candlelit corner of Hawthorne Boulevard makes for a romantic date night if you’re not worried about your wallet. The sautéed sea scallops saying hello to fennel and grapefruit in your mouth is the perfect start to the evening. In a meatier mood? Try the tender lamb Milanese with tomato, basil and mozzarella if you don’t mind your meat breaded. If you’re still hungry for dessert, a Tahitian vanilla crème brûlée and chocolate pot de crème is a sweet finish to the evening. And if you’re feeling guilty about the calories, stroll to the Ladd’s Addition rose gardens for a romantic, stargazing wrap-up. HENRY STERN.
Order this: The sautéed king salmon and crawfish.
Best deal: Grilled octopus and potato with arugula ($12) as a starter.
I’ll pass: The caramel ice cream with cookies lacked much caramel flavor.
[Editor’s note: Castagna just announced major changes to its menu, including the introduction of such innovations as horseradish snow and sheets of smoked fat. Look for a review in the regular edition of WW in a month or so.]