Nothing gives a diner more joy than returning to a restaurant remembered for its excellence to discover that it is even better than memory served. This was the case recently when we again visited Pavia located in the Anaheim Hilton Hotel.

Also to find that the same people who have earned Pavia the highest awards of the Southern California Restaurant Writers are still aboard. Hal Nabavi, Director of Restaurants & Lounges, greeted us, and then Fred Mensinga, Hotel Executive Chef now in his 20th year at the Hilton, joined us for a pleasant conversation about where old friends and chefs where now located.

Jerry Garvin, who has now been entertaining at the piano for over 20 years, came by to ask if we had any favorite tunes we wanted to hear. His partner, Victoria Paoletti, also still performs with him some evenings.

With so many interesting items on the menu selection takes some time with a good deal of tooth sucking. This Writer opened with the Parma Prosciutto which arrived in a dazzling presentation with Asian pear, Arugula, Blue Cheese Crouton and Austrian Pumpkin Seed oil. We thought it bested any prosciutto in memory.

My dining partner selected the crab cake and sauteed shrimp with a fire roasted tomato-pepper vinaigrette. This also must have been special since there was no suggestion of offering me a sample tasting.

For entrees I chose the monkfish which arrived grilled perched atop a bed of mildly seasoned pasta surrounded by petite gherkins.

My partner selected the grilled filet mignon which came on wilted spinach, potato duet and a blue cheese and burgundy reduction.

The regular menu shows a selective Northern Italian cuisine with a fine variety of veal, seafood, poultry and pasta. Every dish shows the superior talents of this culinary staff as well as the highly trained serving staff.

Our wine with this repast was suggested by Ralf Brabandt, Hotel Food and Beverage Manager. It was from the Napa Valley, a Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon. full bodied, fruitful and with a lasting finish.

But we were still not finished with this dining experience. There was still dessert to consider and no easy choices here either. We selected the Tirimasu and was happy we did. Our dining partner a fruit cup with liberal topping of chocolate. Perfectly presented hot tea and coffee followed.

Pavia is located in the Anaheim Hilton Hotel at 777 Convention Way in Anaheim. Valet parking is validated with dining at Pavia.

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Last Update:3/10/05