June 2000
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.
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. "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 soufflés; 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 LA 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.
