Whiz Biz: Tutto Fresco Trattoria

Whiz Biz:

Phone: 949-858-3360

Address: 30642 Santa Margarita Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita

Website: TuttoFresco.biz

What’s Nearby:  , ,

Employees: 38

What Makes it So Awesome: Since 1991, Tutto Fresco has been serving up fresh Italian cuisine with recipes that, as its menu boasts, “have a passion for flavor, a flair for creativity and a respect for tradition.”

What’s the Scoop: For owner Stephen White, the restaurant business has always been second nature. His family was in the business, so it only made sense that when he turned 16 he dove in as well. He began his career at Marie Callender’s, working his way up to management while learning the ropes from Don Callender himself. He then opened an ice cream shop in Seal Beach and eventually helped open several Claim Jumper restaurants as well. When Tutto Fresco went for sale in his own neighborhood 11 years ago, he jumped at the opportunity, and he’s happily been with the restaurant ever since.

As the restaurant gained success, White began to brainstorm ways to expand to other parts of Orange County. He learned that the fast food Italian restaurant Fazoli’s was going out of business in downtown Orange and decided it might be the perfect place to install another Tutto Fresco. In 2006, he opened his doors there for the first time but, he admits, it took customers a while to warm up.

“They were expecting the sort of fare Fazoli’s had to offer and we had to prove to them that we were unique,” White said. Customers soon caught on, however, and despite the downward economy, the restaurant gained popularity; it is now steadily busy. Complete with a drive-through, this location offers a more casual setting for customers on the go, as well as a slightly lower price point than the Rancho Santa Margarita location. White hopes to eventually scoop up several more Southern California Fazoli’s and implement the same casual Italian dining format.

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White and his wife of 17 years, Debbie, resides in Coto De Caza. Their two sons, Chandler (13) and Cameron (12), are avid basketball players at Las Flores Elementary and Middle schools. When White isn’t busy catching their games, he enjoys spending time with his customers and employees at the restaurant. He believes excellent customer service is one of the elements that makes Tutto Fresco stand out, and he encourages his staff to remember names and make every guest feel as welcome as possible. Included in these guests is regular Jeana Keough of the "Real Housewives of Orange County." Keough has said of Tutto Fresco, “It’s like going home to dinner. Owner Stephen White is so warm and welcoming that we shoot the show there at least three times per season.” Housewife Vicki Gunvalson and RHOC producer Scott Dunlop are also regulars.

White has ridden the roller coaster of a rocky economy and has still managed to not just stay afloat, but stay busy as well. He attributes his true passion to serve his customers as the primary reason his restaurant has done so well.

“We went 1,000 days without raising prices a while ago,” he said. At last, with the steep rise in food costs, he had no choice but to raise prices, but he did so reluctantly. Just another example of how his customer friendly habits have made Tutto Fresco so widely loved by the community.

What’s Unique:  Nestled in the bustling shopping center near what will soon become a top-of-the-line luxury movie theater, Tutto Fresco is a charming step out of reality. The lovely patio serves as a perfect place for an afternoon lunch in the sun, while the quiet dining room is both elegant and upscale. But it is perhaps the food that comes from chef Dan Johns' kitchen that draws the most attention at this place. Tutto Fresco means “everything fresh,” and the restaurant certainly lives up to its name. Pasta dishes include house favorite Chipotle Chicken Linguine, complete with blackened chicken, red and yellow bell peppers, roasted corn and onions in a spicy chipotle cream sauce, as well as Linguine alla Cardinale, made of ribbon pasta, sun dried tomatoes and grilled chicken breasts. Baked pasta is also popular; house favorite Baked Sausage Lasagna always wins palates over with fresh ricotta cheese, mozzarella, fresh grated Parmigiana-Reggiano and mild Italian sausage.

Ravioli dishes include Pumpkin Ravioli, comprised of sweet pumpkin ravioli and served with a brown butter sage reduction. Apple Whiskey Chicken, Pork Tenderloin and Halibut alla Checca are among other house favorites. Gourmet pizza lovers can enjoy an Ai Vegetali pizza made of artichoke hearts, caramelized onions, sun dried and fresh tomatoes and Kalamata olives. Roasted chicken, risotto and seafood pasta are also included in the large menu. For those on the hunt for a lighter fare at lunch, the Chicken Pesto Sandwich and Turkey Bacon Avocado Panini are always a hit. There’s also the Fitness Wrap, inspired by local trainer John Spencer Ellis. It includes a delectable combination of avocado, strawberries, blueberries, carrots, pine nuts, fresh ginger, artichokes, spinach and other healthy ingredients.

The soups and salads cannot be overlooked at Tutto Fresco.

“These days, most restaurants don’t make soup from scratch anymore, but we still do,” said White. He added that the Chicken Tortilla Soup is immensely popular; customers “go crazy for it” when it shows up on the menu. The Southwest Chopped Salad, complete with blackened chicken, spicy jack cheese and creamy chipotle ranch dressing has also become a customer favorite.

Desserts include the Chocolate Lovers Cake, Carrot Cake and of course, Tiramisu. Customers can enjoy two delicious mini bite-sized squares for just over a buck. There’s also the traditional Italian ice cream, Spumoni, to top off the evening.

Tutto Fresco is happy to cater birthdays, weddings,  showers, corporate events and other special occasions. They also provide delivery, service staff and party rentals for a fee.

“To be in the food business, you gotta love people and food,” White concluded. And it seems his love for both is what has  made Tutto Fresco a staple in the Rancho Santa Margarita community all these years. With its romantic ambience, charming décor, exemplary customer service and, of course, memorable food, Tutto Fresco will be sure to continue serving up “everything fresh” for decades to come.