I was delighted to learn that an Italian pasta restaurant recently opened in downtown LA. Having fresh memories of my vacation in Italy, I was hopeful that Mona Pasta Bar would relive my fond days of twirling fresh pasta in Tuscany. Mona Pasta Bar quietly soft opened on Ninth Street at the beginning of August….
Italian
Top Chef Jackson Kalb Opens Jemma di Mare in Brentwood
LA diners flock to restaurants that feature their favorite chefs. One such chef riding the wave is “Top Chef” Jackson Kalb. I first became aware of him at Factory Kitchen and later at Jame Enoteca and Ospi. He and his wife, Melissa, recently opened Jemma di Mare, a new Italian-American concept emphasizing seafood. If you’re unfamiliar with Brentwood, you…
All’Antico Vinaio Sandwich Popup Ends Sun Jan 29
Florence, Italy’s famed All’Antico Vinaio, is currently running a weekend popup from the storefront of Mozza2Go in Hollywood. Mozza2Go is Pizzeria Mozza’s takeout operation on Melrose and Highland. The popup began on Sat Jan 28, and runs through Sun Jan 29. All’Antico Vinaio opened in Florence, Italy, in 1989. Over time it occupied four storefronts…
Ghisallo Dishes Out Exceptional Neapolitan Pies
If you enjoy excellent pizza, LA’s the place. Pizza restaurants have sprung up all over LA featuring NY-style, Neapolitan, and even Detroit-style pizza is making a splash. The best part of this revolution is that you don’t have to settle for pizza chain pizza. LA Times Food Critic Bill Addison recently published his top 10…
Cento Delivers Exceptional Pasta Creations
In 2015 Cento caught LA’s food enthusiasts’ attention when it opened inside a downtown wine bar. Owner Avner Lavi operated as a one-person operation, dazzling diners as he prepared unique pasta offerings. There Lavi operated as a weekday daytime pop-up. Lavi (formerly from Bestia and Sotto) perfected his pasta-making skills at Bestia. Thru social media,…
Jame Enoteca – Top Chef Jackson Kalb Makes South Bay Proud
Earlier this year, chef Jackson Kalb competed in season 19 of Top Chef. He dazzled the judges by making an Italian three-course Italian meal within the 45-minute competition. Kalb made fresh pasta sheets, an eggplant side dish, and chicken salsa verde. Due to post-COVID after effects, he could not smell or taste; somehow, he prepared…
What’s New with Bettolino Kitchen
Co-owner Andreanna Liquore grew up at the family restaurant in Gaetano’s, and in 2015, she spread her wings by opening Bettolino Kitchen with her husband, Sean Liquore. Their freshly made pasta dishes became an instant hit with the local community. During the pandemic, their customers adapted to take-out service and enjoyed alfresco dining on their…
Pizzeria Bianco Brings Award-Winning Pizza to ROW DTLA
When I last visited Phoenix, a foodie friend recommended I try Pizzeria Bianco. I had two or three days that visit, and unfortunately, I couldn’t make it there. Nevertheless, I noted that I should frequent Pizzeria Bianco when I return to Phoenix. Imagine my surprise when Eater LA published an article about pizzaiolo Chris Bianco…
Pura Vita Opens Plant-Based Italian in Redondo Beach
In the last few years, I’ve been fascinated by the advances in vegetarian cooking. Instead of tofu being the main ingredient, chefs use other meat substitutes like tempeh, black beans, seitan, and chickpeas. Pura Vita became the first 100% plant-based Italian Restaurant in LA, and they recently opened their third restaurant in Redondo Beach. Chef…
Piccini Delivers Dine-In Quality For Italian Takeout
Updated Oct 31, 2022 During the pandemic, some restaurant owners took advantage of the downtime to create new concepts. Due to the staffing shortage, fast-casual restaurants became popular because they don’t require servers. One example in the South Bay was Piccini, a restaurant created by the owners of Gaetano’s in Torrance. Piccini means young children…