646821 Sun Aug 23 08:46:36 -0700 2009 64 2 Los Angeles Area 0 4969842 Want to take my friend out for Italian. Very "specific" tastes. We always go to the same restaurants that she loves (like Giorgios, Locanda Veneta, Il Moro, Il Pasteo, Toscana, Valentino) -We need to try something new. Help!! She loves to start with a "pasta simplece" (ie. marinara) and then goes on to her next course of veal scalopine piccata or veal milanese. Pretty basic faire. Does All'Angelo and/or Angelini Osteria have a menu where she could find something? Any suggestions of restaurants between Santa Monica and West Hollywood? She also enjoys "people watching" as she is a visitor from out of state!!! Sun Aug 23 08:46:37 -0700 2009 26816 handlertaper 1 4969870 Mateo's on Westwood is an old school Italian restaurant. Large menu and celebs seem to go there a lot - Sunday night tradition. They will also cook to order for your friend. Sun Aug 23 09:00:05 -0700 2009 4969842 177468 Baron 2 4976320 Mateo's is years past it prime. Tue Aug 25 11:01:55 -0700 2009 4969870 324143 BSW6490 3 4981639 oh my god do NOT take them to Matteo's! things get weird in there... Wed Aug 26 22:46:06 -0700 2009 4976320 13238 estnyboer 1 4970011 La Locanda Portofino on Montana might fit the bill. I think it's ridiculously overpriced, but I did have an excellent veal milanese there recently, and you often can see someone famous dining. Sun Aug 23 10:15:15 -0700 2009 4969842 18466 a_and_w 1 4970077 For "basic" Italian, one ridiculously overlooked restaurant is Marino in West Hollywood. The food is always outstanding and they do simple pastas and usually have several types of veal scallopine on the menu. (And they will almost certainly do something off the menu if you so request.) I have not been to Marino since the elder Mario passed away, so I do not know if the food has changed at all. I believe son Mario took over the day-to-day operation (the other son, Sal, owns Il Grano). The Marino menu can be found here through menupages: http://losangeles.menupages.com/restaurants/marino-restaurant/ -- but the actual daily menu is usually far more sophisticated and has a lot of incredible dishes. They do some of the best Italian fish dishes around and, if they have branzino, do yourself a favor and try it. (Marino also has a wonderful antipasti display.) Sun Aug 23 10:35:54 -0700 2009 4969842 10568 Jwsel 2 5023027 I'll second that about Marino's. Great Neopolitan food. A bit heavy but AWESOME experience eating there every time I go... Fri Sep 11 14:03:20 -0700 2009 4970077 184853 jrupertt 3 5023264 I haven't been to Marino's in a while, but it has always been great. An overlooked gem. They have one of the best stuffed veal chops in town. Fri Sep 11 15:55:08 -0700 2009 5023027 60617 rednyellow 1 4970468 Sapori in Marina del Rey... Il Grano in WLA... Sun Aug 23 13:35:58 -0700 2009 4969842 10811 Das Ubergeek 1 4970474 Personally, I'd stick with Giorgio's. However, if you must find something "new" go to his son's place - E. Baldi in Beverly Hills. The menus are about 70% the same but his son a quite a few innovative and tradiational dishes that aren't on the old man's menu, making up that 30%. She would probably enjoy Madeo as well. Sun Aug 23 13:37:52 -0700 2009 4969842 11732 Ciao Bob 2 4970484 Madeo without a doubt. Both for the food and the people-watching. Sun Aug 23 13:42:48 -0700 2009 4970474 14520 Cucinamore 1 4970498 Vincenti doesn't seem to be on your list. Possibly the best, and certainly the most professional Italian in L.A. And very used to cravings for old-fashioned dishes, although it's not what they do best. She would certainly enjoy Bottega Louie downtown. Not the most polished Italian food, although not bad at all; great people-watching, and a menu that seems directly in line with your description of her tastes. Sun Aug 23 13:51:33 -0700 2009 4969842 10702 condiment 2 4971406 fwiw, i did not have such a terrific experience there last thursday. here's the review: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/646320 Sun Aug 23 20:16:18 -0700 2009 4970498 11935 westsidegal 1 4970556 I'd do Angelini. They have stuff like that on the menu, to me it's the greatest "simple" Italian in L.A. The menu is online so you can have her check it to see. Also very good for people watching and the occasional celeb; one time when I was there, John Mayer was waiting for a table. Someone above recommended Il Grano; while it's a great restaurant and Sal really knows his fish, I'm not sure I'd go there for the sort of old school Italian your friend wants. Sun Aug 23 14:24:12 -0700 2009 4969842 101107 Robert Thornton 2 4989155 Angelini, for this Italian living here, is the finest Italian food I've had in the city and I love the vibe of the place. Sat Aug 29 16:30:20 -0700 2009 4970556 64429 PaliBruin 3 4989188 Thanks for suggesting Angelini. I checked out the menu and it looks like my kind of place. I plan to give it a try the first chance I get. Sat Aug 29 16:51:27 -0700 2009 4989155 177468 Baron 1 4970627 Drago Centro as well as All' Angelo would both be good choices given your parameters and prior eating history. Sun Aug 23 14:59:51 -0700 2009 4969842 11583 ipsedixit 1 4970654 I don't see how you can top Valentino, but Vincenti can be very good (I have also had less than stellar meals there though). For old school Italian, I generally prefer Dan Tana's in West Hollywood. Amazing marinara, interesting atmosphere, and good food in general. Sun Aug 23 15:10:36 -0700 2009 4969842 83139 tnilsson 2 4970735 I'm glad you said it tnilsson. About Vincenti, I mean. I was totally not impressed. The food was ok but heavy on the hype and a bit of attitude. My dover sole was overcooked and dry and tiny. Vincenti cant hold a candle to Valentino. I also like Drago in Santa Monica. Sun Aug 23 15:54:02 -0700 2009 4970654 177468 Baron 3 4981650 Seriously about Drago? I finally got around to going there (it's walking distance) and it was seriously mediocre. Our review, essentially, was that it was a fine place for a snack and drink at the bar. Wed Aug 26 22:53:46 -0700 2009 4970735 13238 estnyboer 4 4983585 Sorry to hear Drago in SM might be going downhill. I have not been there for a couple of years. Too bad. I've also enjoyed Locanda Veneta on 3rd in West Hollywood. Thu Aug 27 13:39:26 -0700 2009 4981650 177468 Baron 2 4970742 Thanks for the suggestions. My friend does like going to Dan Tana's but even with reservations, we have had to wait over an hour at times for a table and they kind of know us by know!! Vincenti is excellent as well and we have been there. I love their duck special. Madeo is a great suggestion and I haven't been there in years and she has never been. I willg about also look into Marino's which I know nothing about!! I like Il Grano but I don't think it is up her alley. Too innovative!! Sun Aug 23 15:58:12 -0700 2009 4970654 26816 handlertaper 3 4970920 Your friend and Peppone sound like a match made in expensive, old style, white linen service, Italian food Heaven. http://www.peppone.com/restaurant.htm Sun Aug 23 17:16:44 -0700 2009 4970742 108169 Servorg 4 4970932 Second Peppone. Sun Aug 23 17:21:22 -0700 2009 4970920 11933 J.L. 5 4971389 Another good suggestion! I haven't been there since I was a teenager in the late 70's! Sun Aug 23 20:08:17 -0700 2009 4970932 26816 handlertaper 3 4973192 One hour at Tana's with ressies????? I find it hard to beleive. For years I go with a friend, prime time, no ressies. My friend slips the guy a 20. Never had to wait more than 20. Am feeling guilty about dispacing those with ressies. But not that guilty. Mon Aug 24 11:44:09 -0700 2009 4970742 11732 Ciao Bob 4 4974245 Greasing the 'D helps at many place. We should start a list of places in L.A. where the baksheesh works (and where it doesn't). Mon Aug 24 17:18:48 -0700 2009 4973192 11933 J.L. 5 4974885 It works at just about every self-respecting Chinese restaurant. Mon Aug 24 22:48:51 -0700 2009 4974245 11583 ipsedixit 6 4974901 Claro que si... Mon Aug 24 23:03:49 -0700 2009 4974885 11933 J.L. 6 5025824 does not work at fraiche Sat Sep 12 23:32:21 -0700 2009 4974885 11935 westsidegal 4 4983718 We thought we had rezzies, but they didn't have them. But we only had to wait a half hour on a Friday night for a table for 3. And didn't have to tip the maitre d', think his name was Marco. But, being three relatively young (39-ish) attractive women does help!!! Thu Aug 27 14:13:54 -0700 2009 4973192 90755 Phurstluv 5 5025050 if you mean dan tana;s, the steaks are awesome but i would not go there for red sauce italian. Sat Sep 12 14:19:02 -0700 2009 4983718 10866 kevin 4 5023406 Dan Tana's is really mediocre Italian food. At best (very good steak and lamb chops though). People watching? Well, one of the best. I could tell you stories (like how Phil Spector licked a woman's face after she replied to his "Do you think I did it?" question with an "I don't know." Yeah, licked her face. Or another time when my friend picked up on this girl at the bar, and she joined us at the booth and her boyfriend came in and attacked him. Oh, and many more stories. Dan Tana's - fun, but It ain't about the food. Madeo's is a safe bet and it's very good. As someone said, good people watching too. Vicenti, Angelini, Drago, IlGrano. La Botte (gotta a Michelin star). Matteo's isn't bad, but Peppone? Seriously? I haven't been there for years but wouldn't consider it anywhere near the top ten in the city. Fri Sep 11 16:57:31 -0700 2009 4973192 137061 foodiemahoodie 5 5023450 The OP, having already set the level of the bar with the mention of il Moro as one of the places that his/her friend loved, opened the door completely for the Peppone recommendation... ;-D> Fri Sep 11 17:27:05 -0700 2009 5023406 108169 Servorg 5 5023559 I have to say, being from a Southern Italian 'hood and grew up on NY italian all my life, Dan Tana's was just fine, and a great Caesar to boot. Seems you go for the scene, anyway, which is a trip, but I don't know what you're comparing the food too. Most Italian in this city is not true Southern Italian, it's Cal-Italian, or a hybrid of a region of Northern Italian. Fri Sep 11 18:33:44 -0700 2009 5023406 90755 Phurstluv 6 5023794 Hi 1st. I grew up in Jersey surrounded by Italians and their food. I am constantly looking for the flavors that remind me of back home. What are your favorates locally? I had a great meal at Locanda Veneta on 3rd not too long ago. Fri Sep 11 20:36:41 -0700 2009 5023559 177468 Baron 7 5025585 Never been there, my DH always steered us away from the Promenade since he used to work in the 'hood. Good to know tho. As I said above, I was duly impressed with Dan Tana's. Had never been there before, but heard all the (negative) hype. And we went with girlfriends on a busy Friday night, were treated royally by the head waiter, Vladmir, himself. It was a blast! I was impressed by the food, and that's sayin' something, it was fresh, hot and delicious. And it wasn't the martini's talkin'!! You should really try it, the scene is a trip. It's tiny, so make ressies. But the bar made me feel like I was back in Brooklyn or New Haven and never left home, it was awesome! I will have to think for a spell to get back to you on other Italian recs, but I gotta say, when I moved here 15+ years ago, I'm still sorely disappointed by the lack of Italian restaurants like I (and you) grew up with. Just thought there would be more here (since there's so many transplants) but have basically let down my expectations since I seem to strike out. looking for that authentic experience that I was spoiled with all over New Haven, New York & Boston. One place I'm still meaning to try is the Mateo's (Hoboken)? I think that's the name, it's got the Hoboken in the title. Forgive me for not googling it for you right now, I'm about to sit down to my birthday dinner w/family, Tex Mex takeout (cuz I ain't cookin'!!) and some champagne. Like I said, I will get back to you, this is one of my passions, to find decent East coast Italian out here!!! Sat Sep 12 19:45:51 -0700 2009 5023794 90755 Phurstluv 8 5026334 Locanca Veneta is on 3rd in West Hollywood, not S.M. Last time I was there it was quite good. I've been to Taste of Hoboken on Westwood Blvd several times. Casual place decent food and fair prices. It's attached to the upscale Mateo's which I haven't been to for a while. I'd like to hear recent reviews of the places I've mentioned. I miss the family run places back in Jersey. You know, where the family takes a house and converts the front part to a restaurant. I can almost smell the garlic. Sun Sep 13 09:49:50 -0700 2009 5025585 177468 Baron 9 5026646 In my opinion, Locanda remains an excellent restaurant but definitely not home-like in style-Don't know of family run places around here like they have in New Jersey...mmm! Sun Sep 13 12:43:29 -0700 2009 5026334 26816 handlertaper 9 5032320 Got it, I was thinking of another place on the promenade. Will have to try Locanda one day. Like I said, you might want to try Dan Tana's it's really a trip. But you're right, finding a family run place like back home is difficult. Tue Sep 15 14:31:45 -0700 2009 5026334 90755 Phurstluv 10 5032341 Probably mixing it up with: http://www.lagosantamonica.com/ Tue Sep 15 14:38:31 -0700 2009 5032320 108169 Servorg 1 4973179 Sadly you can cross All'Angelo off the list -- they fell victim to the recession and are closed. Hoping that darling Stefano takes another crack at a place again soon. :-( Mon Aug 24 11:40:36 -0700 2009 4969842 105126 MelanieB 2 4973276 So sad about All"Angelo... And yes, with a 9:00PM reservation, we have waited until 10 and even 10:30...We have not been back since the last 1 hour and 30 minutes waiting time...but then again, we have never slipped the very nice gentleman a 20... Mon Aug 24 12:09:47 -0700 2009 4973179 26816 handlertaper 2 4982633 When I read a post on the board about All'Angelo's closing I called and spoke to Stefano - it was quite sad. He is so passionate about his food and his love of the restaurant. We talked for about 20 minutes and he went on and on about how he put his heart into the restaurant but got screwed by the recession, despite his change in the restaurant's format. The rumor that he'll go to Blue on Blue at the Avalon Hotel is not true, but he does plan on opening another place as soon as he can find the right chef and location. I forgot to ask him whether the meat slicer was for sale. Peppone probably could do what she has in mind, but so could Sal at Il Grano, if asked (you might bruise his ego, though). My choice would be Valentino, as the guests I've taken there who have asked for tablecloth fare have been thrilled, while the rest of us feast on other stuff (both on and off the menu). Thu Aug 27 09:08:03 -0700 2009 4973179 14405 TomSwift 3 4983167 I liked my meals (about three) at All'Angelo and I liked Stefano (the times I spoke to him) quite a bit as well. However, I have to say (as fashionable as it is these days) pinning his failure on the recession is, IMHO, a BIG cop out. And, a cop out that will prevent him from truly examining what went wrong and how to do things better next time. All'Angelo was often very, very empty -- long before the recession (or wwriter's strike for that matter) hit. The food was mostly good but not as good as nearby Angelini. Portions were way too small and prices too high for the neighborhood and for the cuisine. He can -- and should -- pick himself up, dust himself off and not look for forces beyond his control for his failure. Then we all will benefit and we may get another chance at enjoying his hospitality and his myriad skills. Thu Aug 27 11:42:00 -0700 2009 4982633 11732 Ciao Bob 4 4983431 The place was packed each time we went there, but I think you have a point. Thu Aug 27 12:48:57 -0700 2009 4983167 14405 TomSwift 1 4976323 Dan Tana's on Santa Monica just west of Doheny. Great old school Italian and always great for people watching. Request a table in the bar room. Tue Aug 25 11:03:04 -0700 2009 4969842 324143 BSW6490 1 4983181 Madeo...or maybe Via Veneto Thu Aug 27 11:44:04 -0700 2009 4969842 96054 nikky 1 4983729 All'Angelo is closed now. Has anyone tried Minestraio? Or Dominick's in WeHo? Il Cielo is very nice, has standard Italian fare in Beverly Hills, but may feel more like a date place.... Thu Aug 27 14:17:53 -0700 2009 4969842 90755 Phurstluv 1 4984875 No one has said anything about Osteria La Buca???????? This is one of my favorite Italian places since living in Italy!!!!!! Fri Aug 28 01:19:16 -0700 2009 4969842 40036 caitybirdie 2 4989149 Went to Maddeo. First of all, real waiters who were appropriately attentive and very professional. Food was traditional...We shared a margarita pizza to start and then meat balls and tricolore salad. Had Veal Scalopini Picatta for dinner-classic and good. The place was bustling. My picky friend was pleased. Not Giorgio's but very good and nice for a change. Sat Aug 29 16:24:18 -0700 2009 4984875 26816 handlertaper 3 4989204 Thanks for reporting back, handlertaper! I love Madeo and your comments about the service and professionalism are spot-on. People on CH love to knock G. Baldi but -- for me -- it is the most excititng combination of excellent Northern Italian food -- made and served by Italian people -- as well as LA watching to be had. Sat Aug 29 17:03:28 -0700 2009 4989149 11732 Ciao Bob 4 4989457 I still do want to check out Angelini!! Sat Aug 29 19:44:42 -0700 2009 4989204 26816 handlertaper 1 5023519 angelini osteria - agree with board also - la botte in santa monica. don't know why the board isn't crazy about it. they don't allow corkage/wine brought in... i don't think and so that might be a problem for some here. Fri Sep 11 18:04:52 -0700 2009 4969842 10366 Jerome 2 5023560 Loved La Botte, but they are pricey for what you get. Fri Sep 11 18:34:11 -0700 2009 5023519 90755 Phurstluv 3 5025058 does anyone know if the la botte deli closed already? Sat Sep 12 14:21:38 -0700 2009 5023560 10866 kevin 4 5025586 I think it is. Sat Sep 12 19:46:13 -0700 2009 5025058 90755 Phurstluv 1 5025108 Madeo Sat Sep 12 14:56:50 -0700 2009 4969842 92059 pinpei 2 5025150 anyone have a link to a menu of Madeo? Sat Sep 12 15:17:34 -0700 2009 5025108 10866 kevin 3 5025299 http://tinyurl.com/p6kmpl Sat Sep 12 16:34:12 -0700 2009 5025150 10811 Das Ubergeek 4 5026323 While the menus at these sites give some idea of what Madeo serves, they are not very accurate. I eat at Madeo frequently, and dishes that have been on the menu for decades aren't on these posted menus. I'm not talking about the specials, but regular everyday menu items. Sun Sep 13 09:45:56 -0700 2009 5025299 92059 pinpei 1 5025153 I took my Italian friend to Girasole on Larchmont and she swears its as good as her grandmother's! Sat Sep 12 15:19:04 -0700 2009 4969842 262959 veggieyummy 2 5025587 Oooo, gotta add that one to the list. Once one's swears it was like a grandmother's, I'm intrigued. Read that rec, Baron?? Sat Sep 12 19:47:03 -0700 2009 5025153 90755 Phurstluv 1 5033956 One of the best kept secrets of Italian food in Los Angeles is Colori Kitchen, on 8th Street near Grand. Look to the specials, but, better yet, call ahead of time, give them a reasonable budget and see what they cook for you as a chef's menu! Divine. Liuigi, the chef/owner, is brilliant with fish, but just as good with pasta and everything else. Reasonable, and, best of all, BYOB, so you can go get that good bottle of Italian at Wine Expo and literally transport yourself to Italy. Most Westsiders will not try it because they hate traipsing downtown, especially downtown at the margin. That's good for the rest of us who love food! Wed Sep 16 08:50:12 -0700 2009 4969842 61011 herculesmulligan 2 5033971 Colori not an unknown quantity on the LA board by any stretch of the imagination, but probably not what the OP and friend are looking for as best I can understand. http://search.chow.com/search?query=colori+kitchen&advanced=1&from_date=1+year+ago&type=Topic&sort_mode=relevance&from_date_select=1+year+ago&search_boardgroup_id=1&search_board_id=2&user_name=&post_title= Wed Sep 16 08:54:25 -0700 2009 5033956 108169 Servorg