Tasteful Creations

A revamped menu and an exciting collaboration elevate 51 East to new heights.

The Club’s third-floor Italian-American eatery, 51 East, has already made a splash among Members with its elevated and innovative cuisine.

The restaurant will soon be offering even more to enjoy, starting this month with a menu relaunch led by renowned chef Mario Frittoli.

Over a career that has taken him from Europe to Japan and the United States, Frittoli has developed a refined culinary approach that reflects the food cultures of the countries where he has lived and worked. And as a Member himself, he knows firsthand how central high-quality dining is to the Club experience.

As Frittoli explains, while he will honor the restaurant’s Italian background, he will lean into American flavors, featuring homemade pasta, hearty steaks and delectable appetizers like fried calamari. “In terms of flavors and concepts, it’s Italian, but with really strong American influences.”

He’ll also be highlighting outstanding seasonal ingredients. “As you know, the quality of ingredients in Japan is wonderful. And every few months, we can go in a different direction and highlight the unique flavors of the changing seasons.”

While Frittoli will be ensuring that 51 East serves impeccable cuisine, he’ll be making sure to deliver unparalleled value. “Instead of making a meal at 51 East something you enjoy just once a month, Members will be delighted to come several times a month. Dining at the restaurant isn’t something that needs to be limited to special occasions.”

Looking ahead to March, 51 East will host a hallmark collaboration with Tim Bodell, who has been the chef at Francis Ford Coppola Winery since 2011. As part of the two-day event, Bodell will be bringing dishes served at the winery to the Club along with some premium selections from the Coppola wine portfolio.

As Club Executive Chef Lindsay Gray explains, the Club’s connections with Bodell and the winery are strong. “Tim has made previous visits to Japan; in fact, he hosted a wine dinner a few years back in our banquet facilities. We have a great relationship with the Coppola wine importer, who is also a Member, and we’re nurturing this by welcoming Chef Tim back to the Club.”

Gray points out that the tie-up is one that speaks to the heart of 51 East’s concept as a restaurant that bridges two cultures. “Francis Ford Coppola is a quintessential Italian American, and hosting Chef Tim is a unique opportunity for our Members to experience not only authentic Italian-American dishes, but also some outstanding California wine pairings from the Coppola Winery’s finest selections.”

Whether it’s being able to experience an exciting menu revamp with a delicious array of new dishes or the chance to enjoy fine cuisine and vintages from Sonoma County and beyond, diners at 51 East are set to be spoiled for choice.

Words: Alec Jordan
Top Image: Chef Mario Frittoli

February 2025