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