THIS RESTAURANT HAS CHANGED NAMES Montecito

THIS RESTAURANT HAS CHANGED NAMES Montecito Restaurant Review:

For proof that California cuisine is still alive and flourishing, look no further than Montecito, a convivial and whimsically appointed hot spot on Sixth Avenue's burgeoning restaurant row. Owners Mel and Janie Master, both restaurant stalwarts, created a bona fide neighborhood gathering place frequented by oenophiles and foodophiles, both of which vie for space in the clamorous bar and dimly lit dining room festooned with shimmering, bronze umbrellas that hang from the rafters. The Masters, renowned for recruiting crème of the crop chefs, enlisted the kitchen talents of Adam Mali, a young wunderkind whose savvy nouvelle Californian fare, embellished with Mediterranean accents, brings a fashionably out-of-vogue cuisine full circle. Mali’s repertoire of ingredients and flavor pairings are ever-changing---evidence of a seasonally-inspired menu---but his efforts come together seamlessly. To wit: a grilled hanger steak, cooked to medium rare and served with a ball of Point Reyes blue cheese butter and crisp-edged, herb-specked french fries; or roasted butternut squash agnolotti pooled in sage-infused brown butter sauce and sided with goat cheese-topped tomato confit. An impressive, globally-diverse wine list, including bottlings from the Masters’ own winery, seals the deal.