Impressed best describes our recent visit to Arte Cafe located at the sparkling Town Center Complex in  Cerritos.
 We knew about Arte Cafe and its owner-chef Richard Alm by reputation as a leading chef and restaurateur as well as his standout Cafe Camellia in nearby Bellflower. 
 Chef Alm was personally on hand to prepare the memorable four course dinner for our group of restaurant writers.. At Arte Cafe Chef Alm shows a Pacific Rim style menu that also displays his early training in French cuisine.
 First course was lobster filled ravoli. Then salmon in a delicate lemon creme sauce.  Next to arrive was the  shrimp fettucini and our dessert was samplings of rum cake and creme brulee.
 Chef Alm has an extensive menu including homemade soups, pastas, and seafood and meat entrees. Some dishes show an Asian influence, others can be called classic French or Continental. There is a full service bar and a fine wine list of over 150 labels.
  Long past sunset and after our  tea and compliments to Chef Alm we finally found our way onto the  nearby 91 Freeway and, with the knowledge that we had dined well indeed, headed for home.
 Arte Cafe is located at 12741 Towne Center Drive near the Cerritos Performing Arts Center, Telephone 562- 965-arte,  web www. artecafeca.com. 
 Contemporary in decor and ambiance the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, seating for 80 inside and another 80 outside on an attractive patio overlooking the Towne Center mall.