chianina

chianina2

Construction is underway on Chianina Steakhouse on 5617 East 2nd Street. Photo by Gisela Merino.

Chianina, a new steakhouse named after the cattle it will breed and raise for the restaurant, is set to make its grand opening in December.

The American style steakhouse featuring an element of Italian cuisine is an extention to the Michael’s Restaurant Group (MRG), which includes Michael’s on Naples and three award-winning pizzerias. Chianina’s stands in the former home of Kelly’s of Naples, the oldest steakhouses in Long Beach of 50 years, which closed this year.

The steakhouse’s star cattle, known for their muscle mass and lean, tender meat, is amongst the world’s oldest breeds. The all-white bovine is also larger than most breeds, low in fat and contains 30% less cholesterol.

chianina

It was commonly used in Italy for Bistecca alla fiorentina, a dish that is to be the highlight of Chianina’s menu.

“We wanted to bring a healthy alternative in beef,” said MRG Founding Partner Michael Dene. “And because this beef is so rare in the United States, you won’t find it much at other steakhouses.”

With the help of retired ranchers Bob and Judy Marrow of Klickitat Valley Chianina in Washington, MRG acquired two bulls and five cows, and are now collaborating with a trusted ranch in Utah to breed and raise the steakhouse’s cattle.

“We really believe in the quality of this breed,” said Massimo Aronne, MRG managing partner. “Of course, without question they will be grass fed and organically raised, with no hormones or antibiotics.”

MRG’s other four restaurants will also make use of meat left over from the steakhouse’s premium cuts such as porterhouses and New York steaks. “The quality of ground beef off the Chianina is amazing,” Chianina chef David Coleman said to the Los Angeles Times. “And we make a lot of Bolognese at Michael’s.”

Besides steak,s Chianina will also serve seasonal small plates such as vegetables and seafood.

Chianina Steakhouse will be located at 5716 2nd St. It is expected to make its grand opening mid-to-late December.

{FG_GEOMAP [33.7565317,-118.12266929999998] FG_GEOMAP}