Summer 2023

he thought he could do better, Cutino confi- dently replied that he could, so the chef had him prepare pasta the next time it was on the menu. The owner of the resort, Mr. Holman, tasted the sauce and declared it to be the best thing the chef had ever made. The chef admitted it was not his and was, to his credit, not at all offended. He took Cutino under his wing, teaching him as much as he could through the rest of the sum- mer. Cutino went on to work at many area establishments, most notably for Sal Cerrito at Cerrito’s on the Wharf (formerly the Pop Ernest Restaurant) and Neptune’s Table, where he did a three-year certified apprenticeship in the kitchen. (He eventually became operations manager for all of Cerrito’s restaurants.) Cutino 202 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 2 3 Balestreri, Clint Eastwood and Cutino in front of the Sardine Factory in 1971. The restaurant’s bar was used for the iconic bar scenes in Eastwood’s direc- torial debut, “Play Misty for Me.” Cutino, Caselli and Balestreri in 1968 surrounded by grey walls and red furniture and details. Caselli was both business partner and friend and he labored right alongside Balestreri and Cutino as they readied for the grand opening. Photos: Courtesy of The Sardine Factory