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TANINO DRAGO...IT'S IN THE GENES!
The Italian Restaurant scene in Los Angeles is amazing. This year I took a visiting friend from Rome to the Beverly Hills Hotel for a ceremony and trade show, where Celestino Drago was named Chef of the Year and a bevy of Italian products were on display. My friend was amazed that there were so many Italian restaurants here, so many Italian products being imported, and so many Americans who love Italian food.
"ciao" italianoby Bonnie CarrollTANINO DRAGO...IT'S IN THE GENES! The Italian Restaurant scene in Los Angeles is amazing. This year I took a visiting friend from Rome to the Beverly Hills Hotel for a ceremony and trade show, where Celestino Drago was named Chef of the Year and a bevy of Italian products were on display. My friend was amazed that there were so many Italian restaurants here, so many Italian products being imported, and so many Americans who love Italian food.
Recently I visited a restaurant that has become a great favorite. TANINO RISTORANTE AND BAR in Westwood is not only a beautiful Italianate Renaissance venue to enjoy outstanding food, but the chef/owner Tanino Drago is young, fun and extremely talented. Tanino's father made all his own wine, cheese and olive from scratch and baked fresh bread every other day.
According to Tanino, he never considered any other profession but being a chef. "It just never occurred to me," he said. Tanino's four brothers also pursued careers in the restaurant business. In 1991 after graduating from the culinary academy, Tanino joined his family in Los Angeles and worked with Celestino Drago who owned Drago in Santa Monica. With the support of his siblings he now is the owner/chef of Tanino's with his brother and business co-owner Calogero acting as general manager. Tanino's delivers exquisite and elegant Italian cuisine that both comforts and surprises. |
Everything at Tannin's is wonderful, but some of my personal dining favorites at Tannin include Souffle de zucchini- miniature zucchini souffles; Cozze gratinate-baked mussels; Insalata ai frutti de mare-combination of seafood marinated with lemon, garlic, peppers & olive oil; Cannelloni de vegetali o carne-vegetable or beef cannelloni; Cotoletta di vitello con salsa di funghi-Rack of veal with a mushroom sauce and for dessert . . .Tiramisu-Ladyfingers soaked in espresso with mascarpone cream. Bene!! For reservations call 310-208-2184.
IL BUCO, 107 N. Robertson in Beverly Hills, offers a taste of the true Italian Trattoria and Pizzeria. Charming indoor and outside seating offers a view of neighborhood activity while enjoying a menu of traditional Italian favorites. Il Buco is owned by Giacomino Drago, brother of Tannino Drago. Menu items range from 5.25 for soup to 19.50 for main course items. For information call 310-657-6028.
IL PASTAIO, 400 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills is a delightful cafe style restaurante that features a variety of antipasti, insalate, zuppe, paste, risotti and a creative selection of secondi piatti and a daily selection of homemade desserts and ice creams. The restaurant offers a Chef's tasting menu at $42.00 (dinner only) which includes soup, salad, pasta, ravioli, risotto, main courses, dessert (2 guest minimum). Il Pastaio is also owned and operated by Giacomino Drago.Drago in Santa Monica is owned by Celestino Drago, who also owns Celestino on Beverly Boulevard in Beverly Hills, as well as an another Il Pastaio in Pasadena, California.
ARNOLDI'S IN SANTA BARBARA - The authentic Italian restaurante and bar, complete with red and white table clothes, on Cota Street. They offer a delicious menu of authentic homemade family recipes, and a Bacci field in the back yard attracts real Italians, who play their favorite boyhood game on Sunday afternoons. For information and reservations 805-962-5394.
MORE L.A. DRAGO ITALIAN FAVORITES |
