Franco Barone Executive Chef, Antonello Originally from Sicily, Franco Barone literally grew up in the restaurant business. He would spend hours in his uncle's restaurant which was conveniently attached to the back of the family's home. Under the tutelage of his gifted uncle, Barone developed into a discerning, creative and brilliant chef. When he arrived in the United States in 1982, he assumed a position in the kitchen at La Scala, even though he had no formal training. He graduated through the hierarchy of positions in the kitchens at various restaurants including Anthony's Seafood, San Pedro Restaurant and Di Oricio before making his debut at Antonello.

Now hailed as one of the finest chefs in Orange County, Barone understands what it takes to be part of a successful restaurant like Antonello. "I think it's very important to acquire as much knowledge about gastronomy, restaurant perations and other facets of the industry both here and abroad so that you can meet the demands of today's discriminating diner."

Recipe of the Week
Franco's Pollo Alla Maria

Ingredients
4 each 8 oz chicken breast, boneless & skinless
1 cup all purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon minced shallots
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon dry basil
1/2 teaspoon dry oregano
1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
1/2 cup white wine
3/4 cup ground tomatoes
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

Directions
Start by placing the butter and vegetable oil in a large saute pan on medium heat. Dust chicken breast with flour on both sides. Place them in the pan and cook both sides for a few minutes on each side. Dispose of all of the butter and vegetable oil, except for approximately 2 tablespoons. Add shallots, garlic, dry oregano, dry basil, rosemary and saute until golden brown. Deglaze with white wine, add tomatoes and cook at low heat for a few minutes. Add salt, pepper and chicken broth and continue cooking on medium low heat for 4-6 more minutes or until the center of the chicken is cooked.

Antonello Ristorante is located at
3800 Plaza Drive in Santa Ana.
For reservations, please call 714-751-7153
or visit them online at www.antonello.co

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