April 4

Culinary Connection

Fine Dining at the Station
By Kathy Highcove

The days lengthen, wildflowers bloom, and Valley residents anticipate the return of traditional spring holidays in the coming weeks. Families will soon gather for the annual celebrations of Easter and Passover. Where to find a local restaurant to meet familial expectations for a memorable meal? When different generations break bread together, the thoughtful host is wise to select traditional entrees in combination with more cosmopolitan cuisine currently popular in our community.

Afficianos of quality dining have found a new bistro near the Chatsworth train station: The Station, appropriately named, is located at 21515 Devonshire. Patrons exit from busy Devonshire Boulevard to step into the softly lit and decorous atmosphere of a French/Italian restaurant. Owners Steven and Graciela Bilotta wait to welcome the expectant diners who journey to their establishment.

The Station features two chefs de cuisine: Giovanni, a specialist in French entrees, and Oreste Di Gregori who prepares the Italian dishes. Two sous-chefs assist in the preparation of desserts: Ivan Ramos and Elder Ramirez. The Bilottas themselves are often found in the kitchen where they prepare special dishes discovered in their trips to distant corners of the world. Consequently, four chefs and two excellent cooks combine culinary talents to produce savory meals in The Station's new kitchen.

Outside the patio windows, the busy Amtrak train speeds by on its way to points south and north of Chatsworth. Because of the restaurant's proximity to the Valley railroad station, the owners decorated their rooms with a railroad theme. For example, the owner/designer Bilotta laminated large photographic copies of famous locomotive train scenes on several tabletops, which are additionally coated with a layer of anti-bacterial epoxy. Bilotta, a former engineer for the local aerospace industry, takes pride in the careful renovation of The Station's interior. The restaurant plans to enlarge and enhance the patio in the coming year as the mall updates its look on the busy Devonshire Street.

Steven Bilotta endeavors to make The Station a special gift to the Valley community. His creed for The Station: "Tell me what you want for your perfect meal. I will find it for you. I know how to find the best fish, the best meat, and the freshest vegetables. I want to please my neighbors, treat them like guests in my home," stresses the long-time Porter Ranch resident.

The Station servers and staff follow the lead of the welcoming owners. The atmosphere and service is professional and attuned to a diner's needs. Each table is quickly supplied with drinks, a basket of fresh baked rolls, and the flavorful olive tapenade. Customers peruse a menu with a delectable array of French and Italian cuisine. Every week new specials are offered to The Station diners.

Bilotta emphasizes that The Station management works hard to fulfill their customers' culinary expectations. In addition to a varied menu, the Bilotta owners offer customers the opportunity to design a custom banquet for their group of diners. Special menus for special occasions are designed by the customer with input from the Bilotta team. Special menu items chosen by a recent banquet group: Appetizers consisted of Vegetable tower, Cesar Salad, and Soup Du Jour. Entrees featured Lobster Ravioli, Veal Marsala, Pollo Boscaiola, and Duck Provencal. Desserts ended the feast with Graciela's own creamy Caramel Flan, colorful Spring Soufflés, and Petit Fours.

The Station is a new stop for fine dining in our Valley community. With the spring holidays approaching, it's not too soon to make your reservations for a celebratory meal for family and friends at The Station. All aboard.

Details: 21515 Devonshire St., Chatsworth. Open for lunch from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and dinner from 4 to 11 p.m. nightly. (818) 349-8500. Prices: Appetizers from $4 to $13.50, salads from $8.50 to $10.95, pastas and entrees from $17.50 to $24.95, desserts: $6.50. Pizzas: $10.95 to $13.50. Side Orders: $5.95 Corkage: $10.