Saturday, August 25, 2012

A Venetian State of Mind – Ca'Brea


The story begins in the heart
of Italy's Venice, set against
a picturesque backdrop of
ancient water canals, quaint
bridges, and unique
architecture, where Antonio
Tommasi (a six-year old boy
at that time) worked at the
kitchen of Venice's Cipriani
Hotel,
with his father as the
chef. These days, Tommasi
a scientist, culinary artist and
inflamed kitchen alchemist
is a sort of Leonardo da Vinci
of L.A.'s Italian restaurant
macrocosm, making his own
prosciutto, salami, and wine
while applying traditional
cooking techniques to his
ingenious concoctions.

The Southern California
Writers Inc
. proclaimed
Tommasi to be
"Restaurateur of the Year"
several times, awarding him 
three stars. Chefs in America
bestowed him the title
"America's Outstanding
Chef". For his exceptional
cooking skills he received
the "Epicurean Rendezvous
Award" and the "Five Stars
Diamond Award".

Framed by 3rd and 4th
Street, on a culture-loaded,
artsy-store-studded strip, in
the thick of a fashionable
Hollywoodish neighborhood 
where the movers and
shakers of L.A.'s creative
engine hobnob and pally, is
where this Venetian culinary
gem and cult-favorite dining
establishment is nestled.
Open since 1990, Ca'Brea
qualifies as golden vintage
among Hollywood's ever
changing restaurant scene
for most restaurants in Los
Angeles this is already a
lifetime!

Step outside urban Los
Angeles and inside the rustic
doors of Ca'Brea, where
northern Italy is palpable to
all senses. Instantly a cordial
reception will snap you out
of Venetian reverie. This
romantic yet comfortably
rustic two-story dining
establishment features two
spacious dining rooms, a
charming mezzanine, a bar
area, and an enclosed
sprawling patio that perfects
the romantic vibe and evokes
the feel of a country villa
dinner amid a Venetian-style
ambience: Colorful artwork
by Yuroz, dark wood fixtures,
and imported Venetian warm
caramel plaster walls
surround intimate oakwood
booths, each set with an
impeccably arranged, white
linen-clad table. For special
occasions, the upper level
will serve with more private
space along with a quieter
atmosphere.

It's not only the exceptional
menus and the superior
service that has kept diners
coming back for the past 20
years to this reliable old
favorite: customers are
delighted to meet the chef
de cuisine and continuously
return to enjoy his presence
that brims over with sheer
enthusiasm and excitement.

Amidst a genial and warmly
welcoming atmosphere, a
mixed yet unpretentious
lively crowd soaks up the
flavors and aromas that
merge within the simple
yet sophisticated, authentic
yet innovative foods, and
frequently changing weekly
specials.

Lunch, dinner, and late at
night the seats are always
filled at this fine La Brea
mainstay: Couples cherish
the tranquility and Italian-
infused romance wrapping
up the upper dining room;
large community tables
invite families and groups
to homey lingering, while
wine connoisseurs will
encounter some brilliant
Italian gems on the notable
wine list.

Tommasi's trademarks are a
vast open kitchen where he
is the master of a wide array
of down-to-earth, country-
style, solid Trattoria fare.
With his creative approach
to rustic and hearty cuisine
he guarantees for elaborate
dishes imbued with distinct
aromas and multifaceted
flavors.

Kick off the feast with
Polpettine di Gamberi
the
pan-fried crab cake comes
in a succulent onion confit
with a side of baby greens.
Salad fans will adore the
Insalata Riccia
creation that
includes Venetian Gorgonzola
cheese and crispy potato
threads. Fish arrives at table
crispy backed in parchment
paper, tossed with roasted
artichoke hearts and eggplant
slices in a tomato-caper
sauce. A friendly garçon will
gladly assist you to unwrap
your meal.
For a taste-bud-blowing
dinner experience opt for the

baked goat cheese
wrapped
in roasted
eggplant slices
that come toasty served on
a bed of garlicky spinach
along with pumpkin ravioli
tossed in a creamy walnut
sauce. Finish with a
sumptuous slice of Venetian
Ricotta cheesecake richly
topped with vanilla custard.
 

Ca'Brea
346 South La Brea
Los Angeles 90036

Friday, August 17, 2012

Morning Bliss @ Vivian's Café in Studio City

Nestled on a busy stretch in Studio City, 
in the thick of Ventura Boulevard's hustle
and bustle, is Vivian's Millennium Café
a quaint little dining gem that has been
ringing in Egg-o'-Clock seven days a week
since January 1st, 1963.

This peaceful New York-style retreat with
homey backyard feeling, is where friends,

couples, families and dancers from the
next-door dance studio
discover a
charming shaded patio after trespassing a
part of the kitchen area. Although offering

an inviting indoor space, breakfast and
brunch fans opt for a snugly patio spot to
kick back and while away the time.

Local hipsters sip at freshly brewed Lattes,
Mochas and Chinos while sharing stories
and laughter around rustic wooden tables
amid the patio's lush greenery. Couples
cherish each other's company along with

delightful moments with ample portions
of eggs, omelets, waffles, or pancakes
alongside.
Plentiful java is being served to unhurried
patrons, perusing the latest L.A.Times or 

fumbling with their smartphones. 
Universal Studios' top dogs pop in for
lunch and serious business talk while
picking on their Caesar Salads and

munching on turkey burgers. Hear
regulars to call the staff by name. A pet-
friendly
service makes sure the doggy is
happy too. 

Hearty and tasty American breakfast
classics mingle on the extensive menu:
The Waitress Special includes scrambled
eggs with fresh spinach, mushrooms and 

crumbled feta cheese garnished with
sliced tomatoes and your choice of crispy
toasted bread. Finger licking! Omelets
come
sumptuously stuffed with diverse
goodies, crispy on the outside, toasty and
buttery soft on the inside. Opt for the

Italian-style omelet which comes with
Italian sausage and Mozzarella cheese.
For the sweet-toothed among you: your

safest bet is the White Chocolate
Macadamia Pancake
that will satisfy
your sugar cravings
mind-and-tastebud-
blowing! Body-conscious fitness gurus
will fall in love with the The Seven Grain
Oatmeal
pancake sprinkled with walnuts
and granola.
Gourmet melts, crispy salads and meaty
burgers dominate luncheons and are
served until 3:30pm. The Tuna Melt
comes sizzling from the grill with your
choice of cheese. An extensive range of
fresh veggies topped with feta cheese

and a splash of olive oil/balsamic vinegar
dressing comes in a roasted wheat bread
and is a healthy vegetarian lunch option.
Burgers include succulent meats like
Angus, bacon or turkey enriched with

grilled mushrooms, onions, cheese or
home-made chili. Non-meat-eaters will
cherish the veggie burger. Popular salads

like Tuna, Caesar, California Cobb,
Chicken or Beverly Hills Salad
perfect
the culinary repertoire. Refills of soda,
water, and coffee are being brought to
you by a friendly waitperson.

Vivian's Millennium Café
10968 Ventura Blvd Studio City, CA 91604






Friday, August 10, 2012

Mesmerizing Zuma Beach Sunsets @ Sunset Restaurant


Snuggled against an idyllic Malibu
bluff, on a picturesque stretch in
Zuma Beach, this secluded
sanctuary of coastal indulgence is
situated only a few steps from
crashing Pacific waves with only
a narrow path separating it from
a marvelous fine-sand beach.

Pleasently laid-back, this sense-
beguiling dinner destination offers

breathtaking sunset scenarios,
magnificent Pacific ocean horizons
along with the hum of endless

waters. Unmatchable southern
California romance conflates with
a tingling oceanic climate behind
the translucent doors. The two-
st
ory building  bar below,
restaurant above
breathes with
space and light thanks to a curved

wall of large panoramic windows
on both stories, infusing the classic
beach bungalow's ambience with
sunset splendor.

A cozy lounge area features large
cushioned booths with oversized
cowhide pillows for comfortable
lingering. A fashionable crowd
rubs elbows at the stylish bar
amid a sleek, elegant setting:
Across from the expanse of
sunset-catching front-side 

windows the building boasts
crisp white walls while blue-and-
white patterned accents to be
found inside and also decorating
the waterfront patio give off an
oceanic vibe.

The most stimulating moment is
right before the sun sets: Start
the night with a Winnefred
Chardonnay and soak up the

inspiring vibe of southern
California life.

The main dining room is infused
by a ballroom-y atmosphere:
Impeccably arranged, beautifully
set dark-wood dining tables set
the scene for finest porcelain
and shiny glassware capturing

the glorious rays of an almost
ever-present sun. White,
beautifully folded, starched
napkins perfect the styling.The
curved back wall is lined with
understated charcoal drawings
and an extensive mirror reflecting
the Pacific scenery outside.

Aside from being a romantic
dining destination par
excellence hosting weddings
and all kinds of parties the
Sunset Restaurant and Beach
Bar is haunted by an interesting
mix of sandy sunbathers, laid-
back locals and Malibeauties that
create a stimulating, flirty yet
chilled atmosphere. A DJ spices 

up the vibe on weekends when
vibrant scenesters generate a
private party feel. Around that

time, celebrity sightings are
frequent. 
Elaborate Asian-influenced
Californian fare indulges
patron's palates with starters
like
Fritto Misto coming with
crispy calamari, shrimps and
zucchini tossed in an aromatic
Marinara sauce. For entr
é
e, 
diners mustn't miss the pan
seared Maine scallops with
Porcini mushroom, English pea
and caramelized lemon risotto.
A taste bud-inspiring salad

experience is certainly the
Prawn option coming with baby
fennel, orange supremes and
avocado tossed in an Orange-
Summer Tarragon vinaigrette.

Highlight your Malibu debauchery
with a warm bread pudding strewn

with fresh berries and a scoop of
finest strawberry gelato, or opt for
the delicate
crème brûlée

garnished with Tahitian vanilla
beans and lush berries
taste bud
blowing! The wine list features
moderately priced products of
Californian wineries, yet is studded
with some international accents.
Truly impressive is the ample

organic wine list. All in all, the
kitchen does an excellent job.
Gracious servants are

knowledgeable, responsive and
professional.

6800 Westward Beach Road Malibu



Thursday, August 2, 2012

The Malibu Goddess - Villa dei Papiri


With its abundance of glorious
sunny hours, an intoxicating
bright atmosphere, and a fizzy
ocean breeze, there is no better
location to amass incredible art
and antiquities collections:
17985 Pacific Coast Highway,
in Pacific Palisades is where
artifacts of Heracles, Zeus,
Achilles, and Dionysus reside
and stories of the Trojan war
are being retold amidst ancient
Greek, Etruscan, and Roman

treasures of culture...

Nestled on a bluff overlooking
the pacific, J. Paul Getty's

Romanesque villa is set against
a backdrop of epic architecture,
charming gardens and scenic
views. Constructed in the early
70' and modeled after the
partially excavated Villa dei

Papiri in Italy, J. Paul Getty had
this picturesque maison set right
next to his ranch house, when
later in 1974 it became home to
the J.Paul Getty Museum.
While being an educational

center and museum dedicated to
the study of ancient cultures, the
villa is as much about haute art
as it is about excellent
architectural work and
exceptional landscaping.

The Villa dei Papiri in
Herculaneum near Pompeii

(Italiy) served as a model for
the unmatchable esthetics of this
museum, and although only
parts of the original edifice were
excavated, architects were able
to reconstruct the dimensions of
the ancient Roman villa by using
its original floor plans. Several
other Greek and Roman
architectures supplied the Getty
Villa with details of floor and
wall designs.

Kick off your Getty Villa
experience at the quaint Herb

Garden which is situated right at
the entrance
inhale and excite
your senses. Take the stairs from
the Entry Pavilion and the Path to
Museum to reach the top of the
marvelous Outdoor Theater and
soak up the gorgeous view over
the Villa Entrance.
Imbedded between the Auditorium
of the Outdoor Theater and the
Museum's Store is a square pond
of black marble collecting waters
trickling from in between layers
of travertine, bronze,
porphyry
stone and broad-formed layers of

concrete. Who knew that these
layers represent the strata of
volcanic deposits that covered the
Villa dei Papiri after a volcanic
eruption of the Vesuvius in AD 79.
The native concept of the Villa dei
Papiri is immortally captured:
Up
in the Malibu hills, its historic and
archeological features are
visible
and palpable in every angle and
every detail of the architecture.

An open skylight atrium fills the
room with natural light, while a

purling pool surrounded by lush
horticulture occupies center stage.
A gracious courtyard, embraced
by a columned porch, features
sculptures of deities flanking an
extensive fountain. Walk further
to discover another oasis of
tranquility: A sparkling pool amid
o
ver 1.000 Mediterranean plants
a true masterwork of landscaping.


29 galleries on two levels will
carry you off to ancient Greece,
the Roman Empire and to exotic
Etruria, inspiring you with
mythological heroes, luxurious
vessels, ornate glassware, awe-
inspiring, perfectly shaped gods
and goddesses. A mellow Reading
Room invites avid readers to revel
in catalogues and books related to
the Villa's history, its collection
and current exhibition. Two
interactive exhibits round off your
visit by visualizing interesting facts
and valuable knowledge about
ancient art and culture.


17985 Pacific Coast Highway
Pacific Palisades, California 90272



Monday, July 23, 2012

An Artistic Disposition - The Getty Center L.A.



In 1957 Fortune magazine called
him the richest living American,
while the 1966 Guinness Book of
Records
appointed him the world's
richest citizen: It takes a man like
J. Paul Getty an avid collector
of art and antiquities and a tycoon
of Getty Oil Company to establish
a phenomenal cultural empire,
entailing monumental works of
architecture, grandiose horticulture
and a sensational art collection to
spark the interest and inspiration
of an L.A.-centric bourgeoisie.

This chapter in the history of art
starts at a Roman-style villa in
Malibu in 1954: The oil-
millionaire J. Paul Getty exhibited
his private art collection in a
gallery adjacent to his home in
Pacific Palisades. When running
out of space he opened a second
museum in Brentwood in 1974:
The Getty Museum. Nowadays
the J. Paul Getty legacy (the J.
Paul Getty Trust including the
Getty Foundation and the Getty
Research Institute) embraces two
art imbued locations: The Getty
Villa and the Getty Center.

Designed by architect Richard
Meier, the Getty Center spans
over 750 acres land nestled
strategically in the Santa Monica
Mountains on an elevated hill.
Four exhibit pavilions
accommodate an impressive art
collection that runs the gamut
from European to American art,
from the middle ages to the
present, featuring also abstract
and contemporary art. Rubens,
Van Gogh, Monet and Rembrandt
to name but a few, embellish the
formidable walls of massive
museum halls. Nine buildings
showcasing amazing architecture
feature balconies and outdoor
patios where visitors can soak
up stunning panoramic views
illuminated by California's
glorious sunshine: A great spot
to survey the view over La La
Land is the East and South patio,
where the 405 Freeway, Santa
Monica, Downtown Los Angeles
and Catalina Island (on clear days)
stretch out ahead of the beholder.
While sauntering beautifully
designed in- and outdoor spaces
and gawking at hundreds of years
old artworks, architecture fans, art
devotees, and inspiration seekers
will find peace, alluring beauty and
divine afflatus, right here among
an open, harmonious and inviting
environment.

Come here for idyllic alfresco
dining. A special picnic area is
provided at the lower tram
station. Bring your family and
beloved ones. The Getty Museum
offers additionally occasional films,
events (live concerts for kids begin
in August), architecture tours (occur
several times daily) and live music
outdoors (Saturdays off the 405).
Dine at the full-service dining room
(resy recommended!), visit the
cafeteria-style dining establishment,
or grab a snack from one of the
outdoor cafes/carts scattered
throughout the museum's premises.
Visit the Getty Museum during the
week. On weekends this place get's
packed quick. It's recommended to
arrive early in the morning when the
museum opens its doors. For your
orientation pick up a map at the
entrance before starting your tour.
Museum attendants, wearing a blue
vest are knowledgeable and polite
and will help you if questions arise.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Grub Time Story @ Loteria Grill / Farmers Market

Mexico City native Jimmy Shaw
who admits that he has always loved
to cook is the father of this little
gastronomic gem whose authentic
Mexican fare brims over with
traditional flavors and an abundance
of aromas emanating through the
maze resembling paths and alleys of
L.A.'s original Farmers Market as
far as one's nose can discern.

Right in the heart of this little culinary
city with landmark status, sandwiched
between a Crêpe booth and a Beer &
Wine Bar, Loteria Grill is dishing up
distinctive fare to the swarming crowds,
feeding starving Grove shoppers,
catering to buzzing out-of-towners,
and pleasing Angelenos' taste buds with
freshly prepared, high-style street-side
grub that is based on family recipes that
generations have tested and perfected.


There is a mouth-watering reason why
this teeny weeny stand, equipped with a
unpretentious bar and those little iconic
Farmers Market green
round tables and
chairs, has a seemingly never ending
waiting line to order: In the thick of an
ever-present hustle and bustle, Mexican

food devotees munch away on cult-
favorite tacos with succulent fillings
such as zucchini succotash or shrimps
bathed in Morita or Tomatillo salsa. All
Tacos come in
freshly hand-made corn
tortillas
. Burritos and enchiladas are
stuffed with black beans, while the
traditional brown rice is cooked with a
subtle mint flavor. Each dish includes
one choice of a meaty stuffing. Fresh-
made Guacamole comes sumptuously
enriched with cilantro, onion and
tomatoes which make for an elaborate
interplay of sweet and bitter flavors.
Home-made Guisos
traditional
Mexican stews that are served
throughout Mexico
turn every
dish into a traditional Mexican specialty. 

Diners order at the counter and will
receive a number which will be called
out by the Maitre d' as soon as the food
is prepared. Staff is friendly and
knowledgeable. Stop by at Loteria to
grab a snack or a whole meal at an
affordable price and soak up the lively,
laid-back vibe that engulfs this culinary
Mecca. 

While on the whole simply decorated,
the hut's side walls feature Loteria's
signature folk art: rustic drawings depict
magic suggesting (tarot) cards in which
next to every image the respective Spanish
term is written in caps. Diners chow down
and get a
complimentary Spanish language
lesson alongside.

















 

Friday, June 29, 2012

A Summer's Tale @ The Hollywood Bowl

Snuggling up against a scenic backdrop
of the Hollywood Hills and Hollywood's
iconic white-letter sign to the northeast,
this hillside-carved, shell-shaped, musical
pilgrimage site and La La Lands signature
landmark has been host to the to the most
celebrated musical geniuses of all time
since its debut in 1922. Its instantly
recognizable bowl-like architecture with
a set of concentric arches, and an
audience area that seats nearly 18.000
music-enthusiasts and picnic-under-the
stars-devotees, the Hollywood Bowl is a
one-of-a-kind venue and the largest
modern amphitheater in the US.

As the glorious Californian sun slowly
makes its way down toward the lushly
green hillside, and the moon appears so
frail in the gradually darkening sky, the
magic of the Bowl sets in: a buzzing
scene kicks back while sipping red wine,
noshing cheese, nibbling fruits, and
snacking out of a picnic basket on
brought along munchies. This is when
the lights go up and the first tunes
resound. Bring your own bottle -- that's
the name of this game and a communal
picnic at the Bowl is a greatly cherished
ritual -- so pop the bottle and experience
how this buzz-loaded musical happening,
song-after-song, transforms into a truly
intoxicating, emotional and magical
summer night's tale.
Huge video screens on each side of the
stage offer a more close-up experience
getting the peeps close to the action,
while colossal speakers will make a
concert to a ultimate goose bumps
experience. Bring your own cushion or
rent one -- for comfy lounging all 
through the night.
Here, you surely won't hear the crickets
chirping away in the grass
: ever since its
debut --
in a natural state with a fleet of
makeshift wooden benches and a simple
awning over its stage -- 
an endless
coming and going of the creme de la
creme, rocking even louder with each
time, became common practice. The
Beach Boys
, Frank Sinatra, The Beatles,
Morrissey
, Van Morrison, Pink Floyd,
The Doors
, Kylie Minogue, Elton John,
Donna Summer, Stevie Wonder,
Luciano
Pavarotti, Radiohead, the Jazz legend John
Benson to name but a few, put on some
mind-blowing performances and made
the Hollywood Bowl legendary.

While throwing hundreds of glittering
shows each year, hosting billions of
locals and out-of-towners, and featuring
music legends, this popular venue -- which
is owned by the County of Los Angeles,

is the home of the Hollywood Bowl
Orchestra and the summer domicile of the
Los Angeles Philharmonic --
has undergone
many reconstruction
carried out by big
names of the architectural world: Lloyd
Wright, eldest son of Frank Lloyd Wright
and Frank Gehry shaped the Bowl's
structure in the past.

For a very special Hollywood Bowl
experience treat yourself to the box seats
at the garden or terrace levels. The Patina
Group -- the Bowl's restaurant -- will
prepare a meal that will be served right in
your box, near to the stage. A spectacular
firework show lures large Hollywood
crowds each year on the Fourth of July.

Jazz fans round out the summer lineup
during the Playboy Jazz Festival. 


Parking is a bitch! All parking lots at the
Bowl are stack parked and there is no early
exit. Be prepared to wait. Take the bus
instead that drops you off right at the
entrance. Or find a slot in the area and
walk from there.