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 oil on
their farm in Sicily, and he learned much from his mother who made pasta
from scratch and baked fresh bread every other day.
According to Tanino, he never considered any other profession but being
a chef. ÒIt 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.
MORE L.A. DRAGO ITALIAN FAVORITES
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. | 
