Jodi Jackson’s Hollywood

“Chi mangia bene, vive bene.” He who eats well, lives well.

When you think of your childhood, you think of that one Italian restaurant you would go to for special weeknight dinner, for me it was Sorrentino’s on La Cienega in the Pico district, in Los Angeles. My grandfather would take us every Wednesday, and I would have the scampi. I loved my shrimp back then! Well, those kinds of comfort food memories are ingrained in our psyche and our muscle memory. So, when I started eating the wonderful food at Johnny Russo’s Italian Kitchen, I was brought back to a time of love and comfort every Wednesday growing up. These kinds of memories are really what makes life so special, and they have a certain place in our heart. If you want those amazing memories coming back to life in real time, then you must give Johhny Russo’s Italian Kitchen a try.

You really feel like home here. The staff was so fantastic, with Alicia Dietronico guiding me through my Italian feast, I was really made to feel like I was basking in all of the glory of a good home cooked Italian meal. Alicia was born in Banning and has worked for Johhny 25 years off and on. She had the most fun voice, a perfect Jennifer Tilly rendition, with all of the high notes and nuances. She was equally beautiful and helped me understand all of the little fun facts about Johhny and his terrific restaurant.

Here’s What I Tried:

Cocktails:

Traditional Martini, the perfect cocktail, 2 olives, just the right amount and olive juice and vermouth, this one hit a home run.

Mamba Martini, Stoli Vodka muddled blackberries lemon juice and simple syrup. This cocktail is very drinkable; it is thirst quenching and delicious.

Orange Blood Elderflower Martini the northern salt, blood orange, gin, Florentine, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and moaning lavender. A stunning cocktail, served in a proper martini glass.

Appetizers:

Sampler Basket, a tasty combination of their mac n cheese bites, chicken nuggets, mozzarella sticks and potato wedges, served with marinara sauce. You really get a little bit of everything, share this one with your friends.

Calamari, an Italian basket of lightly breaded squid fried to a golden brown, served with choice of tartar sauce or cocktail sauce. Nice large rings and no tentacles, it’s really delightful.

Soup and Salad:

Antipasto Salad, on a bed of crisp salad greens topped with fresh mushrooms, green peppers, onions, black olives, ripe tomatoes and shredded mozzarella cheese, served with salami rolls, dill pickles, pepperoncini and choice of your favorite dressing. It has a little bit of everything; I love this salad with their homemade ranch dressing.

Caprese Salad, sliced fresh Mozzarella with fresh sliced tomato and balsamic vinegar. A nice way to start my illustrious meal.

Italian Wedding Soup, (a house specialty!) homemade, with only the freshest ingredients available, served with your choice of a homemade roll or garlic toast. They out did any wedding soup  before with this one, it is just that good.

16 Bean Soup with brisket, such a marvelous soup, nice home cooked flavor and the brisket was fall of the bone tender.

Pot Roast, fresh beef slow roasted to perfection, served with sauteed mixed vegetables-so tender it will fall off your fork! Well, this dish is one my grandmother used to make, and Russo’s version did not disappoint.

Chicken Piccata, boneless, tender white chicken breast sautéed in a creamy lemon sauce, prepared with white wine, basil, fresh mushrooms, and capers, served over a bed of rigatoni pasta. The flavor of this dish is what I crave, and the mushrooms add the right amount of texture, just the best.

Pasta:

Linguine with Clam Sauce, bed of linguine pasta served with white clam sauce. This is a dish I remember my mom making in my childhood and I love it just the same.

Fettucine Alfredo, creamy sauce, just the best of the best. If I was stranded on a deserted island this would be my comfort food.

Specialty Pasta:

Baked Ziti, tender ziti pasta with Ricotta cheese and marinara sauce covered with Mozzarella cheese and baked to perfection. Served in a casserole, it will make you wish for your Italian Nonna to come walking in the door.

Potato Gnocchi with tomato marinara sauce, with mushroom and garlic. This is a great rendition of this world-famous unique pasta; you can change sauces if you like another one better.

Entrees:

Ribeye Dinner, 12 oz. rib eye steak, well marbled to ensure excellent taste and tenderness, grilled to your specifications.  With sautéed vegetables. Wow what a steak, cooked medium rare and grilled with love, it is another of my have-to-have menu items.

Halibut Dinner, A flaky and delicious, delicate fish carefully grilled to perfection, with sautéed vegetables. This would be the menu item to order for the fish lover.

Eggplant Parmesan, breaded eggplant with marinara sauce, Mozzarella cheese, and shredded Parmesan cheese, served with a side of pasta. A true Italian staple, done right – it will blow your hair back, mine is till blowing!

Chicken Parmesan, breaded, boneless white chicken breast baked with marinara sauce, Mozzarella cheese, and shredded Parmesan cheese, served with a side of pasta. Who doesn’t love chicken parm? And the pasta is other worldly.

Shrimp Scampi, with jumbo succulent shrimp sautéed in a lemon butter wine sauce, served over a bed of linguine. The shrimps are plum and super flavorful, one of my go-to menu items for sure.

Side Order:

2 Meatballs, 2 huge meatballs in a rich marinara sauce, baked to perfection.

Pizza:

All Meat Lovers, Pepperoni, Canadian bacon, and sausage. The combination of meats is wonderful, and very filling. Their crust is what you are really coming here for.

Michael’s BBQ Chicken, BBQ sauce, grilled chicken, tomatoes, green peppers, and melted cheese. I just love the sauce, and the rest of the toppers are fresh and inviting.

Mom and son, Mona and David were sitting across from me, their pizza came steaming hot and they told me how much they love coming here for their wonderful pizza, they were right!!

House Specialty Grinders:

Hot Beef Dip, tender roast beef with mustard on an oven-toasted French roll, served with a side of Au Jus and a pickle. All oven-roasted grinders are served on a French roll with potato chips and a side of pasta salad. This is a very hearty sandwich, I would say try this for lunch, it is filling and just right.

Dessert:

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cheesecake. Crunchy, tasty, everything you would want in a cheesecake. A great way to end my meal.

Spumoni ice Cream, another memory from my childhood, just spectacular.

Johnny lost his father when he was 14. There were 5 children, his mother had to become the bread winner and work. She did have some great family recipes. His older sister Florinda was a really bad cook, so in survival mode Johnny took over those duties. He says, “When you cooked, you didn’t have to do dishes and you always got more food, so it was a win-win for sure.”  Whatever you try here at Johnny Russo’s you will be in for a treat. They give you huge portions, the prices are so good, and everything is made from scratch.

About Johnny Russo’s

Johnny Russo’s has been part of the past for over 38 years Johnny was raised in the Italian food industry following in the footsteps of his mother’s grandparents who were from Palermo, Sicily. 1987 he moved to the pass area with his wife Jane and their three sons Joe, Johnny, and Michael. Presently his oldest son Joe his wife Teresa and his four grandchildren reside in Surprise, Arizona. His love for community is shown by his involvement with local churches, Banning and Beaumont school districts, San Gregorio Pass Rotary Banning in Beaumont, Chamber of Commerce, The Planning Commission, Special Needs Programs, Youth Sports Teams, Carol’s Kitchen, and Table of Plenty. The food is primarily Southern Italian with numerous pasta sauces, grinders, pizza, steak, and seafood. Enjoy lunch or dinner for a taste of Italy.

They pride themselves on unique cuisine owned and operated by John and Jane Russo. Russo’s serves homemade Sicilian-style food. “Be a guest in our home when you come to Russo’s you are not merely a paying customer, but a guest in our home. You are a guest that we are going to feed and make very happy. The only difference between this home and a real Italian home is when you say you are stuffed we will actually stop feeding you.You will find dishes here that have been in our family for generations.”

Johnny had another restaurant back in the 2005, it was opened for 12 years, called Lil Russo’s. He really prefers to have one main place and works hard to keep it servicing his community. He should know what makes a restaurant successful he’s has been doing it at this location for the last 39 years. Johhny was a successful food salesman in the Italian food industry in the greater Los Angeles area before coming to Banning. Johnny takes pride is being at his restaurant most days. He adores his customers. He is truly a family man, but he says, “I kiss more women in one day, then most men kiss in a year.” He greets all his female customers that way, including me. He is a sweet man, full of things to say about his adoring family, and the historic Johnny Russo’s Italian Kitchen. His wife Jane does some of the bookkeeping and payroll, you can tell that she is his rock, and that he really loves her. Jane and Johnny have had 45 years of bliss. He has around 25-27 employees and is a great boss. Alicia told me so. Johnny is really committed; he is in the kitchen every day at 6:00 am making his bread and pizza dough. …There is also something that Johnny offers that’s called Russo rewards you get great benefits all you have to do is sign up you receive valuable coupons in the mail, you receive birthday, anniversary, holiday and special events coupons. You can accumulate points for every dollar that you spend. It’s just a no brainer to go ahead and join.

(I always have wine with my meal, but the cocktails were so delightful I really forget to order any. Now in hindsight I have looked at their wine list, and they do have some remarkable choices, and all are very affordable, next time I will give their wine list a whirl.)

Johnny Russo’s

1335 W Ramsey St., Banning, CA. 92220

(951) 849-9131

Mon–Sat

Pickup: 11:00am–8:30pm

Delivery: 11:00am–8:30pm

Sun

Pickup: 4:00pm–8:30pm

https://russositaliankitchen.net/

I have been coming to this wonderful restaurant for close to 10 years, since its opening. I had a dear friend who lived around the corner, so it was always our go to place. The food is fresh and always good. It is very healthy, especially if you’re a lover of fine Mediterranean fare. They serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, happy hour, they do cater and facilitate special events.

Here’s what I tried:

Breakfast:

The Works Burrito, with 3 scrambled eggs, topped with cheddar, cheese, bacon, black beans, brown rice, and tater tots, topped with house spicy pomegranate sauce. This is really everything you would want from one meaty size burrito. It is a huge burrito and very filling.

Hummus and Lavash, a delicious blend of chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and middle eastern spices. The humus is very creamy, with a nice delicate flavor of the chickpeas, you cannot go wrong with this menu item.

Asian Salad, with Romaine hearts, red and white cabbage, carrots, red bell peppers, noodles, mandarin oranges and toasted honey peanuts with house made sesame dressing. It is a very healthy scrumptious salad. It will make you very happy.

Pasta, Penne Pasta, with turkey marinara. Penne pasta served with house-made turkey marinara sauce, topped with parmesan cheese and basil. This would be my go-to dish, the sauce is so robust and heart, with the turkey marinara it is just spectacular.

Drinks:

The Perfect Latte, it is served in a huge cup and has the right amount of frothed milk.

Matcha Latte, this is a sweet drink, but it hits the spot.

Sparkling Wine, this for sure was a highlight. It’s I very light and drinkable, makes me want to have a glass with every lunch.

Desserts:

Cheesecake, creamy smooth, with a nice, sweet vanilla flavor.

Chocolate Chip Cookie, the softest most delectable cookie ever.

Carrot Cake, the perfect cream cheese frosting, a wonderful rendition of this dessert staple.

The atmosphere is very bright from all of the ambient light, it is on a corner lot, so you get to see all of the action from the big glass windows. There is also a nice wrap around patio on one side of the building, and another one near the parking lot. You can park for an hour free as well. It’s got some very fun décor that makes you feel like you are in a marketplace and not just a café. It is very friendly, you can also do your work here, they have great WIFI access. It can also be a place to come to watch your favorite sports teams, with 2 huge flat screen tv’s. Recently the Metro Rail opened up its La Cienega and Wilshire station, during their opening party Continental Kitchen served delicious complimentary chicken, vegetables and rice. When I saw owners Reg and Anna that day, they suggested that I come in and do a review, boy was I glad I did.  I am so sure that they will be getting lots of new business from the subway being right across the street.

Continental Kitchen is where wonderful Mediterranean food and approachable dining meets the renowned energy of Beverly Hills. A local neighborhood favorite, serving up satisfying, well-executed meals in a relaxed yet lively atmosphere. Located on Wilshire Blvd., this place gives their customers generous portions, and very friendly service. When you step inside the vibe feels warm and welcoming, the Madadian family will take really good care of you. The aroma of thoughtful flavorful cuisine, and the kind of environment that suits a causal meal with friends, a family outing, a first date, or a quick stop fir a cup of joe.

A small sidebar, when I realized that Anna and Reg’s last name is Madadian, I asked if they were any relation to Andy Madaian, singer known as Andy. Often dubbed the “Prince of Persian Pop,” Iranian-Armenian American singer-songwriter is a global icon with a career spanning over four decades. They said yes to my amazement. I was Shani Rigsbee, Andy’s wife and did represent her as well as him in some shows.  I went to New York for a media trip a while back with Shani. They both were lovely clients and am so happy to say that I was their publicist.

Continental Kitchen

8300 Wilshire Blvd.

Beverly Hills, Ca 90211

323-433-4131

https://continentalkitchen.com/

Alicia Keys’ hit Broadway musical Hell’s Kitchen runs at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre through June 21, 2026. The semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story set in 1990s New York features new music and greatest hits from Keys and is currently making its Los Angeles debut.

Hell’s Kitchen is a coming-of-age Broadway musical loosely inspired by Alicia Keys’ youth. It follows 17-year-old Ali as she navigates New York City, defies her overprotective mother, and discovers the power of love and music under the mentorship of an inspiring piano teacher.

Hell’s Kitchen is a jukebox musical built on the music and lyrics of Alicia Keys, with a semi-autobiographical plot about her upbringing in Manhattan in the 1990s.The musical, with a book by Kristoffer Diaz, initially ran at The Public Theater in October 2023,^[3][4] having its Broadway debut at the Shubert Theatre on April 20, 2024, followed by a cast recording on June 7, 2024.

The original Off-Broadway and Broadway productions received positive reviews by theatre critics, considering the musical among the best examples of the jukebox musical, while Maleah Joi Moon, Shoshana Bean, and Kecia Lewis were praised for their acting and vocal performances. The productions received nominations and won at the Lucille Lortel Awards, Drama Desk Awards, Drama League Awards, and Grammy Awards. At the 77th Tony  the Broadway production garnered 13 nominations, winning Best Leading Actress and Best Featured Actress.

Development:

In 2011, Alicia Keys was involved as one of the producers and music composer of the Broadway play Stick Fly by Lydia R. Diamond.^[8] Although it was critically acclaimed, the play closed due to financial failures in the box office at the Cort Theatre after 24 preview performances and 92 regular performances.^[9] In a 2023 interview for Ebony, Keys explained that she was inspired by its “story about a Black family in Martha’s Vineyard” and that at that time “there was less diversity in so many ways, particularly in film and television, and definitely in theater”.

Production history:

Keys, Greif, Blackstone and Brown at the show’s one-year celebration in 2025.

Off-Broadway (2023):

Keys began developing the play in 2011, and that year Diaz was attached to the project. In 2018, Greif was appointed as the musical’s director. By February 2023, the main roles were cast, and casting call for remaining roles was released on February 6 and auditions were held on February 17, 2023, at Actors’ Equity New York Audition Center.

In June 2023, Keys announced she had written her first jukebox musical, Hell’s Kitchen, inspired by her own life and career in New York City. According to Keys, the musical is a “love story between a mother and a daughter”, and in an interview on Good Morning America, she stated that the play describes “the experience of growing up in New York City, really chasing a dream, trying to find who you are, discovering your identity, and really following your heart, ultimately”.^[18] Tickets went on sale in August 2023. The production was originally set to run from October 24 to December 10, 2023, but on September 12, a two-week extension to December 23 was announced. In October 2023, another two-week extension to January 7 was announced. The play featured some of Keys’ best-known songs, as well as new music written by Keys specifically for the play. The musical began previews on October 24, 2023, at The Public Theater with an opening night of November 19.

Broadway (2024–2026):

On December 4, 2023, Keys announced that the production would transfer to the Shubert Theatre on Broadway. The show began previews on March 28, 2024, with an opening night scheduled for April 20, 2024. Casting was announced on February 7, 2024. Further casting was announced on February 26, 2024, with Rema Webb joining the cast as Crystal, Nyseli Vega as Millie, and Takia “Tiki” Hopson joining the ensemble. The rest of the cast was the same as the Public’s run, with production and design workers transferring as well.^[26] On March 22, 2024, Keys performed the song “Kaleidoscope” with the musical’s lead actress Maleah Joi Moon and the cast on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The production closed on February 22, 2026 after 23 previews and 767 regular performances.

North American Tour (2025):

A touring production of the musical began at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, Ohio on October 10, 2025. It is scheduled to tour 30 cities in its first year. Tennis player, Serena Williams joined the producing team for the national tour.^[29]

South Korea production (2026):

In April 2026, South Korea‘s musical and performance production company S&Co annunced that the musical would premiere at the GS Art Center in Gangnam District of Seoul on July 24, 2026, with last show on November 8, 2026.^[30][31]

The Story:

Set in the 1990s in Manhattan Plaza (an artist-subsidized building in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood), the plot centers on a vibrant, rebellious 17-year-old girl named Ali. Her world revolves around a few core dynamics:

Mother & Daughter: Ali lives with her fiercely protective, overworked single mother, Jersey. Jersey struggles to allow Ali independence—partly due to her own past—causing a rift between them.

First Love: Ali falls for Knuck, an older man and local street/bucket drummer. Jersey heavily opposes this relationship, seeing echoes of her own disastrous past with an unreliable musician.

The Power of Piano: Seeking an outlet for her teenage angst and rage, Ali meets Miss Liza Jane, an older neighbor and no-nonsense piano teacher. Through Miss Liza Jane, Ali learns how to channel her emotions into playing the piano.

Community & Growing Up: Ali witnesses’ racial injustice in the city firsthand when Knuck and his friends are harassed by police. She must navigate family trauma, loss, and the sudden re-emergence of her estranged father.

Through heartbreak and reconciliation, Ali ultimately finds her identity, pursues her musical dreams, and reaches a fragile understanding with her mother. The story is set to a score of Alicia Keys’ greatest hits like “If I Ain’t Got You” and “Empire State of Mind,” alongside entirely new tracks.

Behind the Show:

Creator: 16-time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys.

Book: Pulitzer Prize finalist Kristoffer Diaz.

Director: Four-time Tony Award nominee Michael Greif.

Choreography: Tony Award nominee Camille A. Brown

Also we were so lucky because Alicia came to the curtain call, amazing!

May 26 – June 21, 2026

Hollywood Pantages Theatre

6233 Hollywood Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90028

Tuesdays–Thursdays at 7:30 PM, Fridays at 8:00 PM, Saturdays at 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM, and Sundays at 1:00 PM and 6:30 PM2 hours and 35 minutes (includes one intermission)

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The San Francisco Symphony’s Măcelaru Conducts Dvořák’s New World performance on Saturday, May 23, 2026, featured Romanian conductor Cristian Măcelaru, the world premiere of Tyler Taylor’s Embers, Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with pianist Simon Trpčeski, and concluded with Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9.

Overview:

Just how American is the New World Symphony? Although many listeners swear that they hear snatches of such classic folk tunes as “Turkey in the Straw,” “Three Blind Mice,” and “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” Dvořák later claimed that the Ninth’s title was meant only to describe “impressions and greetings from the New World.” Kicking things off with a commissioned premiere by Tyler Taylor—the 2024 winner of the Emerging Black Composers Project—Romanian conductor Cristian Măcelaru leads the San Francisco Symphony in a rousing and profound program that also boasts Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto, No. 1, spotlighting Macedonian pianist Simon Trpčeski. The piano tumbles recklessly, sings ardently, mimics, mocks, and pounds until the meter-juggling finale drives home the happy ending.

Concert Extras:

Saturday and Sunday: An Inside Music Talk with composer Tyler Taylor, winner of the 2024 Emerging Black Composers Project, in conversation with Benjamin Pesetsky, was presented on stage one hour before the concerts.

Program:
Cristian Măcelaru conducting

Tyler Taylor

Embers (2026)
San Francisco Symphony Commission and World Premiere
Commissioned as part of the Emerging Black Composers Project

Sergei Rachmaninoff

Piano Concerto No. 1 in F-sharp minor, Opus 1 (1891/1917)
Vivace
Andante
Allegro vivace

Simon Trpčeski piano

Intermission

Antonín Dvořák

Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Opus 95, From the New World (1893)
Adagio–Allegro molto
Largo
Scherzo: Molto vivace
Allegro con fuoco

Artists:

Cristian Măcelaru – Conductor

Simon Trpčeski – Piano

The piano was technically perfect, played by Simon Trpčeski with great volume and energetic passion. The audience was very appreciative and was rewarded with two encores. There were lots of audience members who knew these pieces very well and came to hear these various new renditions. Most people in the audience did not know his work, because he is a new composer, but they knew the main number. The opening piece was the premier by composer Simon Trpčeski, which was a $15,00.00 commission from the Symphony. He said he was very happy to receive the grant due to the fact that he needed a new car. He was an award recipient to a scholarship to the Virginia Academy of Music. I am an aficionado of the Antonín Dvořák piece.

Symphony No. 9, From the New World, and it was done to perfection. The orchestra was very tight. Part of the New World Symphony uses a white color, a tune, a phrase, a musical, a melody that was sometimes attributed to being from the folk tune “Going Home” when in fact ‘Going Home’ was written by one of Dvořák’s contemporaries, who made a popular tune out of it.

Davies Symphony Hall is iconic. The Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall is a 2,743-seat concert hall located at 201 Van Ness Avenue within San Francisco’s War Memorial and Performing Arts Center. Opened on September 16, 1980, it was built at a cost of $28 million to give the San Francisco Symphony a dedicated permanent home.

The Need for a Dedicated Home. For over half a century, the San Francisco Symphony (founded in 1911) was forced to share the neighboring War Memorial Opera House with the San Francisco Opera and the San Francisco Ballet. This arrangement caused severe scheduling conflicts and prevented the symphony from operating on a full-time, year-round basis.

Design and Construction, discussions for a second performing arts venue began in the 1960s, but the project ultimately required massive private fundraising. The hall is named for philanthropist Louise M. Davies, an oil heiress who contributed $5 million toward the construction.

Architects: The modern venue was designed by Pietro Belluschi in collaboration with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.

Building-within-a-Building: Designed to harmonize with the Beaux-Arts architecture of the surrounding Civic Center, the building was uniquely engineered with a massive, curved glass façade and an inner shell that insulates the auditorium from city noise and vibration.

Acoustic Renovations

When the hall first opened, its acoustics received mixed reviews because sound did not properly diffuse through the space. In 1992, the symphony underwent a successful $10 million acoustic renovation. Acoustician Larry Kirkegaard installed a massive acrylic acoustic canopy suspended above the stage and reshaped the side walls, drastically improving the hall’s warmth and resonance.

Notable Features & Milestones

The Organ: Davies Hall houses one of the largest concert hall organs in North America. Manufactured by the Fratelli Ruffatti firm in Italy, the massive instrument features nearly 8,000 pipes and was installed in 1984.

The MTT Era: The hall’s legacy is heavily intertwined with conductor Michael Tilson Thomas, who served as the orchestra’s Music Director from 1995 to 2020, ushering in a golden age of American and contemporary music performances.

What a great concert, truly the best of the best, worth every minute.

Davies Symphony Hall

201 Van Ness Ave.

San Francisco, CA.

94102

(415) 864-6000

https://www.sfsymphony.org/

Photo credit by William C. Turner

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This is such an amazing find in San Francisco. Tucked away in the Tenderloin district, truly a one-of-a-kind experience. When you enter this corner venue you realize that you are in a very special place. The first floor is an upscale bar, then when you walk downstairs you enter a space that is classy and elegant. It’s one part speak easy, one part jazz club, but all parts fabulous. Operations manager Jason took such great care of me. I was able to order food and drinks, and enjoy a night of terrific live jazz!

Here’s What I Had:

Martini, Titos Vodka, splash of olive juice, splash of vermouth. A perfect traditional martini, just the right amount of everything, really perfect.

Cheese Plate, smoked gouda, brie, goat cheese, aged cheddar, honey comb, tomato jam, apple and pear mostarda, and seeded flat bread. A really exquisite array of wonderful cheese, and the jam and mustarda really sets the whole experience to a divine level, loved this starter.

Elote, roasted corn, Cotija cheese, and Tajin. This is a huge plate, if you’re looking for a great accompaniment to any of their entrees – then this is the dish for you.

Double Smash Burger – two 4oz. chuck and brisket all-beef patties, caramelized onions, American cheese, Black Cat Sauce on a brioche bun with fries. The burger was cooked juicy and rare, and the fries were super crispy and light, a wonderful burger with all the bells and whistles.

The entertainment was so great as well. With jazz vocalist and pianist Dawn Clement performing a special project titled “Dear, Ms. Dearie”, alongside an elite rhythm section consisting of drummer Jeff Hamilton, bassist John Clayton, and guitarist Steve Kovalcheck. I was surprised at how well she did compared to the original Blossom Dearie recordings. The music was just so terrific, and Dawn looks very much like comedian Amy Schumer, I am sure she has been told this before.

At The Black Cat creation is always on full tilt! Downstairs on the Black Cat stage guests bear witness to musical combustion. This intimate, inclusive venue is the site of genius incubation, where artists come and settle in for residencies allowing them to stretch out in an environment that fosters freedom, expansion and creativity.

Its an intimate room, with a small but very state of the art stage, evocative of the clubs of the 1950’s. It has a very cozy, sexy vibe. Truly a very swanky jazz lounge and cocktail bar. This new American bistro with 2 levels of seating and live music,  is really something to experience.

To support and expand on these artistic and career fueling experiences we have formed the 501c3 nonprofit, Black Cat Jazz Incubator. Through the Jazz Incubator we continue our deep commitment to the Tenderloin and broaden the scope and community impact of our all-important artist residency programs!

When in San Francisco saunter into the Black Cat for a night of very lively and fun jazz artists, you will find a new spot in this very happening city.

Black Cat

400 Eddy St.

San Francisco, CA 94109

(415) 358-1999

blackcatsf.com

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I have done quite a few tastings here and the food is always fantastic as well as the ambience and the family. Laura and Richard are just the best. They treat you with utter kindness and make sure you have the best time. They’ve been in business for a long time and they really make you feel like your part of their family. The waitstaff has a way of seeming that they know you even though it could be the first time you are in Sotta Mare. Walking into Sotto Mare you immediately feel comfortable, like you are going to your Italian Nonna’s for Friday seafood dinner.

After all Sotto Mare translates from Italian to English as “Under the Sea,” and there are plenty of seafood delicacies to try.

Here’s What I Tried:

Blue Cheese Wedge Salad, crisp iceberg lettuce wedge topped with blue cheese crumbles, creamy dressing, and fresh tomato wedges. This salad is so refreshing and delightful. It is very filling, because they give you a huge lettuce wedge. The dressing is creamy with a nice mild flavor. A must have to start your amazing meal.

Boston Clam Chowder, creamy clam chowder, with potatoes, celery, and onions. It’s also available in quart or pint sizes for take-home. Really the best clam chowder you are ever going to eat. Lots of clams, coupled with the delectable soup, it will keep you happy and warm, for sure a crowd pleaser.

Cold Cracked Dungeness Crab. The crab is so fresh, it is at the end of crab season here in San Francisco. The crab is hearty and exceptionally sweet, with a mild nutty flavor and tender buttery texture. Native to the pristine waters of the Pacific Northwest. It stands out for its highest to shell ration and incredible culinary versatility. For me I am always so excited to feast on fresh Dungeness crab from San Francisco.

Oysters On The Half Shell, a blend of East Coast and West Coast oysters that were so amazing and fresh. Lovely bright flavors of the sea, with silky creamy textures, just the best.

Fettuccine Alfredo, a super creamy pasta dish, it really hits all of the high notes, and delivers a wonderful cheesy flavor, I like to order this one every time.

Scallop Sauté, served with fresh seasonal vegetables. The scallops are large and delicious, served with a lemon garlic sauce, just to die for.

Boston Clam Chowder, creamy clam chowder, potatoes, celery, onions. Available in quart or pint sizes for take-home. Really the best clam chowder you are ever going to eat. Lots of clams coupled with the delectable soup, it will keep you happy and warm, for sure a crowd pleaser.

Sea Bass with vegetables, this is a huge piece of fish, with very plump capers, the light lemon garlic sauce is all you need to highlight this glorious menu item.

Wines:

Chardonnay, Bouchon, Healdsburg, The perfect wine with any of the seafood dishes. It has a nice creamy buttery texture and flavor; it is the perfect match for any of the garlic infused sauces.

Chardonnay Raymond R Collection St. Helena, this wine is really one of my favorites. I have been to the winery out in St. Helena; it is elegant fruit forward and went great with the cracked crab. I just love this wine.

First built in 1919 the building that Sotto Mare occupies was restored to its original plan and configuration between 2003 and 2007. A winery and cigar store during prohibition, it later became the Isle of Capri Italian family restaurant in 1956. The space became Montclair Italian family restaurant and in 1978 it was sold to legendary USF baseball coach Dante Benedetti after restoration was completed, Sotto Mare Osteria & Seafood Restaurant opened in March 17, 2007.

In 2014 the Azzolino family, Rich and his wife Laura and their children Vito and Rio purchased Sotto Mare. Rich brought with him a long history in San Francisco restaurants including stints at Caesar’s, Jovanello’s, Maye’s Oyster House, and the California Culinary Academy. Employed by Sotto Mare under previous ownership Ria had received her North Beach restaurant education. Well before the family took the place over, Rich and Laura were both born and raised in North Beach San Francisco Little Italy. With Sotto Mare they have created a place where friends neighbors and worldwide visitors can congregate to indulge in the freshest seafood, good wine, laughter, and great story . If the timing is right you might even hear an old story from Rich himself. Sotto Mari has been featured on television shows, in many magazines. Its formidable reputation has grown under the stewardship of the Azzolino family with a devoted following that little literally comes from all corners of the world. Sotto Mare is proudest of its local customer base and the host of lifelong friends who visit the restaurants daily.  The menu was created to be close to authentic Italian food as possible. Cooked like they do in Italy. Sotto Mare’s world famous “The Best Damn Crab Cioppino” is just that, the best.  But Rich is always testing new dishes. Asking customers about new dishes they might enjoy. Rich’s other passion is collecting vintage cars, occasionally you can find one of his cars parked in front of the restaurant. He is currently rebuilding a duplicate of his high school car a 1960 Impala. It definitely brings back good memories. When not operating Sotto Mare you can usually find Rich and Laura cruising the neighborhood in one of their classic cars.

The ambiance is also very entertaining, with tons of photos of valued customers, family, tournaments, trips, large fish mount on the walls, and everything in between. I just can’t say anything more, except for when you’re in the city by the bay you have got to cruise on into Sotto Mare, it’s a dining experience you will not forget.

Sotto Mare

552 Green St.

North Beach

San Francisco CA. 94113

415 398 3181

This is my second review, my first was equally fantastic. They just have the best Chinese cuisine anywhere in Southern California. What sets them apart is their high-quality ingredients, and authentic Chinese recipes. It also helps that they are frequented by many Hollywood Celebrities, too many to name. On any given night you will see some of your favorite entertainers, just sitting and eating like regular folks. It’s a place where you can feel extremely comfortable and taken care of, famous or not.

Here’s What I tried:

Cocktails:

Mango Martini, Tito’s vodka, mango juice, and a splash of lime. It is sweet and sour but it goes down smoothly.

Lychee -TINI, Tito’s Vodka martini, splash of lychee liqueur, garnished with fresh lychees. This is such a unique martini, just order this when you’re here.

Traditional Martini, with Tito’s Vodkas, a drop of olive juice and a drop of dry vermouth. I always order a traditional martini, and they make it with a great deal of love and detail, just great.

Sake Flight:

Kaze No Mori “Wind of the Woods.” It has a slight effervescence floral nuance, with nice herbal notes.

Akabu Samurai Junmai Ginjo, with rich nuances of apple, marzipan, and vanilla.

Den Nama Unpasteurized, with hints of nectarine, lemon curd, pine, and toasted cereal.

Appetizers:

Vegetable Cut Roll (6), with tofu, carrots, celery, rice vermicelli, and cilantro in rice wrap, served with spicy soy dip. These rolls are really great, healthy and light, an excellent starter.

Lettuce Cups with Minced Shrimp. A different take on a Chinese staple, because of the shrimp. I would order the shrimp in this every time.

Soup:

Wonton Soup, with homemade chicken wontons (3), fresh vegetables, chicken, and shrimp in a clear chicken broth. A very soothing soup, and a great way to start my wonderful meal.

Entrees:

Orange Chicken, with crispy chicken with orange peel served, and steamed broccoli. The chicken is spicy and pungent, with nice smooth orange flavor, with that perfect tangy-sweet glaze.

Royal Crispy Shrimp, garnished with crispy spinach. The Honey Glazed Walnut Shrimp is the sauteed version of this dish. The shrimp is super crispy and flavorful, if you love shrimp, like I do, you will love this dish.

XI’AN Beef Tenderloin with steak grade sliced beef, tossed in teriyaki sauce, over rice sticks and crispy spinach. The XI’AN Beef was bold and deeply flavorful, the meat is super tender, such a great dish.

Vegetables:

XI’AN String Beans, the beans are still partial cooked with nice garlic flavor, a great vegetable choice.

Protein Pleasure, with soybeans, and bean curd sheets, wok tossed with pickled mustard greens. A very interesting menu item, the soybean sheets have a wonderful texture, they are almost like wide flat noodles, but their flavor is highlighted by the beautiful sauce.

Rice and Noodles:

Pan-Fried Noodles, with semi-crisp noodles topped with sauteed shrimp and chicken with mixed vegetables. This is one of my go-to Chinese dishes. It is healthy and has some nice proteins in it, with the silky sauce over the noodles, it’s a true winner.

Power Zone Rice, with mixed vegetables with egg whites, tossed with brown and wild rice. A different take of fried rice, the brown rice pops in your mouth. If you’re looking for a healthy option, then this is your rice to order.

Dessert:

Individual Cake: Chocolate Flourless. It is light and fluffy with remarkable chocolate flavor, a great dessert item.

Mochi Ice Cream, so refreshing and delicious, this is for sure a nice way to end your dinner. This premium mochi ice cream is gluten free, soy free, nut free, and egg free.

Vicky Mense is the owner and operator, which she founded on December 26, 1996. Vicky is originally from Taiwan, has been a long-time fixture in the Beverly Hills business community, having served on the Chamber of Commerce and other local boards.  Mense is frequently associated with the restaurant’s longevity and its reputation as a “local’s favorite” for healthy, high-quality Chinese food. Located on Canon Drive, the restaurant is known for serving Chinese fusion cuisine and has been a staple in the Beverly Hills community for nearly 30 years. Cece Tsou helped my culinary journey and is noted as an integral part of the restaurant’s success since its opening. Jason was my server who has been at the restaurant for many years as well.

I can’t say enough about XI’AN, it is just the best Chinese food.  I just love any type of Asian cuisine, and XI’AN really fills a place in my heart and stomach. Next time you have a hankering for wonderful, authentic Chinese food, give it a try, you will be so happy you did!

XI’AN

362 N. Canon Dr.

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

(310) 275-3345

https://www.xianbeverlyhills.com/

If you love this musical like I do and have watched this amazing story either on film or on Broadway, you will just love the history and new adaptation of this beloved show.

Richard Rodgers lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, suggested by The Trapp Family Singers by Maria Augusta Trapp. Music Supervision and Additional Orchestrator Andy Einhorn choreography by Danny Mefford directed by Jack O’ Brien.

Cast Includes:

Mother Abbess……………………………………..CHRISTIANE NOLL

Maria Rainer, a Postulant at Nonnberg

Abbey ……………………………………………….CAYLEIGH CAPALDI

Sister Berthe, Mistress of Novices…………………………………………..LISA ROSETTA STRUM

Sister Margaretta, Mistress of Postulants…………………………………………………..TESS PRIMACK

Sister Sophia…………………………………………MEREDITH LUSTIG

Captain Georg von Trapp………………………………………………………….KEVIN EARLEY

Franz, the butler………………………………………….JOHN ADKISON F

Frau Schmidt, the housekeeper………………………………………JENNIFER MALENKE Liesl…………………………………………………… ARIANA FERCH

Friedrich…………………………….. TORBEN MULARSKI

Louisa ………………………………………..SKYLAR MATTHEWS

Kurt ………………………………………………………………..REECE BOYLE

Brigitta……………………………………………. HADDIE MAC

Marta………………………………………. BERKELEY WALUK

Gretl …………………………………………..BEVERLY BEESON

Rolf Gruber…………………………………………………IAN COURSEY

Elsa Schraeder………………………………………….KATE LOPREST Ursula…………………………………………….SYDNEY K. BORCHERS

Max Detweiler…………………………………..NICHOLAS RODRIGUEZ

Herr Zeller ………………………………DANIEL ROBERT SULLIVAN

Baron Elberfeld ……………………..MARK BRADLEY MILLER

Baroness Elberfeld ………………………….LISA ROSETTA STRUM

A New Postulant……………………………….SYDNEY K. BORCHERS

Admiral von Schreiber………………………….COREY GREENAN

CAYLEIGH CAPALDI (Maria Rainer) is honored to be making her Broadway National Tour debut bringing this iconic and vital story to life. Off-Broadway & West End: Titanique (Rose, Céline Dion). West End: Figaro (Sienna). Regional: Frozen (Elsa, US regional premiere), Putting it Together (The Younger Woman), Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins), Into the Woods (Cinderella), and Little Women (Jo March). TV/Film: “Law & Order: Organized Crime,” “Mrs. Fletcher.” As an influencer and creator, she has garnered over 300K followers and 100M views across socials. Recent honors graduate of Columbia University and Berklee College of Music, Londoner-turned-New Yorker, and fluent Mandarin speaker. Gratitude to M+D+N+G, Kimberly, her Stewart team, Dave, Telsey and Beanie for being one of my favorite things. @cayleigh.capaldi CayleighCapaldi.com

KEVIN EARLEY (Captain Georg von Trapp). Broadway: Old Friends, Les Misérables, Thoroughly Modern Millie and A Tale of Two Cities. Off-Broadway: Death in Death Takes a Holiday (Drama Desk Nom). Recent Regional: Pierre in Natasha Pierre and…, Dysart in Equus, Andrews in Titanic, Hart in 9 to 5, and Archibald in The Secret Garden. Awards: Joseph Jefferson Award, Drama Critics Circle Award and 4 Ovation Award noms. Albums: Death Takes a Holiday, A Tale of Two Cities, Secondhand Lions, and Ripper.

CHRISTIANE NOLL (Mother Abbess). Broadway/Tour: Dear Evan Hansen, Ragtime (Tony/ Drama Desk Nomination), Elf, Chaplin (Drama Desk Nomination), Urinetown, Mambo King’s, Ain’t Nothin But The Blues, Jekyll and Hyde, Grease, Miss Saigon, City of Angels. Television/ Film: “The Equalizer,” “FBI: Most Wanted,” “Ruth,” “Evil,” “Madame Secretary,” “L&O: SVU,” “The Good Fight,” “L&O: Organized Crime,” “The Bite,” The Sound of Music Live!, The King and I (Singing Anna). Other: Partnership, God of Carnage, Fun Home, Next to Normal, Follies, Encores! 1776, Closer Than Ever (Off Broadway Alliance Award). Symphony Soloist – 100 0rchestras worldwide. @christiane.noll

NICHOLAS RODRIGUEZ (Max Detweiler). Grammy nominee. Broadway: Company, Tarzan. Tour: The Sound of Music (Captain Georg von Trapp), The Eyes of the World (PBS). Off-Broadway: Toxic Avenger, Almost Heaven. Symphonic Soloist, including Carnegie Hall, Boston Pops, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, White House. Film: Sex and the City 2 (soundtrack). TV: One Life to Live (GLAAD Award), Madam Secretary, Tommy.

ARIANA FERCH (Liesl). National Tour debut! Regional: Little Women (Beth), Mamma Mia (Ali), Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins). Recent graduate of Oklahoma City University with a BM in Musical Theatre and Vocal Performance. Immense gratitude to ATB Talent, Jack O’Brien, Chuck Koslowske, her glorious family, and her two sisters who taught her the joy of music. She dedicates this to her beloved papa Fred in heaven. @ari_ferch Jeremiah 31:3

IAN COURSEY (Rolf Gruber) is a Maryland native and a proud graduate of the University of Michigan Musical Theatre program. He was recently seen on the 1st National Tour of Dear Evan Hansen. He would like to think his family, his team at HCKR, John, Rolando, and Danmian. iancoursey.com

TORBEN MULARSKI (Friedrich) is thrilled to join the cast of The Sound of Music for his second national tour! Recently toured with A Christmas Story: The Musical (Ralphie Parker) and is excited to be back on the road. A 6th grader from Barrington, IL, Torben studies dance, theatre, and piano at The Cary-Grove Performing Arts Centre and loves playing football, basketball, and trombone. Many thanks to his family for generously supporting his dreams! Proudly represented by Gray Talent Group. IG: @torbenmularski

SKYLAR MATTHEWS (Louisa) is thrilled to join the SOM National Tour! Recently seen in the world premiere of Wonder the musical (Charlotte, ART), Annie (Pepper/Annie US, National Tour), and Fun Home (Small Alison, TheaterWorks, Hartford). TV/Film/VO highlights: Baby Girl (Feature Film), “FBI” (CBS), Scoot & Missy (Short Film), and “SoundTrekkers” Audio Series (YOTO).

KATE LOPREST (Elsa Schraeder). Broadway: First Date (Allison), Hairspray (Amber), Xanadu, Wonderland, Drowsy Chaperone. Tour: Wicked (Glinda, u/s Nessa), Little House on the Prairie (Nellie Oleson, 1st Nat’l). Regional: The Guthrie, Asolo Rep, Barrington Stage, Ogunquit Playhouse, Washington National and Dallas Opera Theatre and more. Select TV: ADA Heidi Russell on “Law & Order: SVU,” “FBI,” “Boardwalk Empire” (Corrine). For Juliette and Jam

For 65 years, “The Sound of Music” has been one of our “favorite things.” With its timeless story and irresistibly charming score, this Rodgers & Hammerstein classic isn’t just meant to be enjoyed – it’s meant to be shared. Now, a critically acclaimed North American tour brings the cherished musical to stages across the country to teach a new generation to sing. From May 5-24, the company will be performing at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre.

Directed by three-time Tony Award winner Jack O’Brien (“Hairspray”), this vibrant and romantic tale of Maria and the von Trapp family will captivate audiences with its universal themes of love, resilience and the power of music.

Featuring beloved songs like “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and “Edelweiss,” “The Sound of Music” is the iconic tale of a spirited nun who chooses not to live behind closed doors – and, by following her heart, learns to climb every mountain.

“The Sound of Music” features music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, suggested by The Trapp Family Singers by Maria Augusta Trapp. The 1965 Oscar-winning film recently celebrated its 60th anniversary and continues to be one of the most successful movie musicals of all time.

The 1965 Oscar-winning film recently celebrated its 60th anniversary and continues to be one of the most successful movie musicals of all time.

The Hollywood Pantages Theatre

6233 Hollywood Blvd.

Los Angeles, California 90028

For tickets and information, visit broadwayinhollywood.com/events/detail/sound-of-music.

https://www.broadwayinhollywood.com/events/detail/sound-of-music

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This is just a great find in this sleepy little town. But Banning has really grown leaps and bounds, it is the true gateway to the Coachella Valley. Many desert goers stop in this town to check it out and a have some fantastic fare at this new establishment. Its smack dap in the center of the Old Banning Town. Banning, California, historically known as “Stagecoach Town, USA” due to its1860s role as a Colorado Stage & Express Line stop, continues to celebrate this heritage despite previous debates over removing the tagline.

I was really surprised by the lovely interior and the overall vibe of this new truly great restaurant. Stephanie and her husband Clayton Robinsin have done a stellar job of providing good clean, healthy cuisine in this town, which has not seen the like of this great food ever. Restaurants are few and far between in Banning.

“Crafting Culinary Delights with a Local Touch”

Meet Stephanie Robinson, the heart and soul behind Farm 2 Fork Restaurant & Bakery. With a culinary philosophy deeply rooted in honoring the land and the seasons, Stephanie’s creations bring a symphony of flavors to your table. Her dedication to sourcing the finest local produce and transforming them into culinary masterpieces embodies the essence of our farm to table commitment. Join us on a gastronomic journey that reflects the passion and creativity of our talented chef.

Experience the Best of Local Agriculture

Discover their passion for fresh, locally sourced ingredients and artisanal baking. Their commitment to quality and sustainability drives our farm-to-table approach, ensuring every dish and pastry tells a story of our vibrant community. Join us in celebrating the flavors of the season.

Here’s what I Tried:

Blueberry Rosemary Lemonade, with fresh squeezed lemonade muddled with fresh blueberries and a house-made Rosemary syrup. The perfect presentation and great blueberry flavor, a nice drink to accompany my terrific lunch.

Cheese Melt and Tomato Bliss, with pairs garlic rosemary bread with melty cheese, served alongside creamy tomato basil soup. The cheese melt is wonderful, but the real star of this whole dish is this unique tomato soup.

Tangy Watermelon Bowl, a medley of watermelon and strawberries with raspberry vinaigrette, topped with feta and candied pecans. This is a delightful combination, with perfect crisp watermelon, just to die for.

Pineapple Medley Bowl, a vibrant medley of tangy pineapple and cucumber, with a basil salt drizzle. You would not think that this would be a good match, but it really works. The pineapple is sweet and the cucumber is a nice refreshing touch.

Berry Blossom Mixed Greens Salad, a perfect mix of fresh greens tossed with sweet berries, crisp green apples, feta cheese and candied pecans, finished with their house balsamic dressing. A perfect balance of sweet, tart, and crunchy in every bite. A really lovely salad with such great health conscience ingredients. It will make you so happy.

Chicken and Waffle Sliders, with crispy chicken bites between mini waffles with hot honey or syrup served with fresh fruit. The chicken is light and crispy, and the lovely waffle really brings it all together, a great slider.

Beef Slider Trio, a juicy slider with melty cheese, tangy pickles, and house-made sauce on toasted mini buns served with side of fruit, or Maysie’s slaw. The meat is tender and moist with nice flavor, another great slider.

BBQ Chicken Stack & Chips, slider with brioche bun filled with smoked, pulled chicken breast meat with Maysie’s BBQ Sauce and slaw. Served with a side of potato chips. The meat is sweet with the great texture, a delicious slider .

Dessert:

Cranberry Muffin, really a huge hearty muffin with a streusel type top. Delicious goodness.  Just the perfect muffin, with great nuanced flavors, but not too sweet. A great way to end my wonderful experience.

This is just a wonderful new place to get breakfast or lunch in this up-and-coming area. Banning has so much to offer, it is right in the middle of so many fun things to do and see. Banning is a city in Riverside County, it is situated in the San Gorgonio Pass, also known as Banning Pass. It is so close to Morongo and Palm Springs, so you can really come here when you’re going to any of the local cities and attractions. You too will feel comfortable here and enjoy all of the bounty that Farm 2 Fork Cafe Bakery has to offer.

Farm 2 Fork Cafe Bakery

42 W Ramsey St.

Banning, CA 92220

(951) 922-1100

https://www.farm2forkcafebakery.com

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The best Italian food by far comes from these amazing Drago Brothers. It is always the finest ingredients with the best authentic Italian recipes, that coupled with so much heart, what else could you ever want?

There was an event with the Mayor of Beverly Hills, Dr. Sharona Nazarian called “Spotlight with Sharona” in March of this year. It was a great stroll down Canon Drive in Beverly Hills, checking out some of the quintessential establishments on this highly respected part of Beverly Hills. Yes, it is the triangle, but Canon has some notable places to discover. The event goers visited Bacio Di Latte, Il Pastaio, Xi’an, and Spago. Each place met us with amazing nonalcoholic libations and wonderful samples. On that day when I visited Il Pastaio, Giacomino was making a great penne pasta and his lovely wife Alexandra. She asked me about the tastings I did in the past at their various Drago restaurants and offered me up some new tastings. I never tried the food at Via Alloro, so I was greatly honored to be asked to try a nice section of fare. I will also be doing another tasting with them soon at their restaurant in Sherman Oaks – Panzanella, I can’t wait for that one.

The Drago brothers (Celestino, Tanino, Calogero, and Giacomino) are renowned Sicilian-born restaurateurs who have shaped the Los Angeles Italian dining scene with a collection of 9 individual, high-quality restaurants known for authentic, Sicilian-influenced, cuisine. They offer a great deal of authenticity and charm to every experience. Just dropping their names alone will give you great street cred!! But really, enjoy their charm, but stay for their wonderful cuisine.

Here’s What I Had:

Cocktails:

Razzle Dazzle Martini with Absolut Citron Vodka, triple sec, fresh lemon, raspberry puree, and a sugar rim.

Traditional Martini with Titos and a splash of olive juice, a splash of vermouth – with 4 stuffed blue cheese olives.

Pomegranate Lychee Martini with Absolut Vodka, soho lychee, fresh pomegranate juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.

Each cocktail was done to perfection; traditional martini stemware is what I love.  They are rich in flavor, and all seemed to go down super easy.

Soup:

Farro E Funghi, spelt and mushroom soup. It is creamy and rich, and the spelt adds just the right amount of texture, truly amazing.

Salad:

Insalata di Bietole with red beets, curly endive salad with imported buffalo mozzarella, pistachio and aged balsamic. The freshness of the beets really completes the whole flavor profile and makes for one delicious starter.

Pasta:

Gnocchi al Nero di Seppie e Granchio, Squid ink gnocchi with fresh crab meat, Thai cherry tomato, and a brandy white wine sauce.  This is a unique pasta dish, and the fresh crab makes it over the top – with lovely, sweet goodness.

Pappardelle al Ragu D’ Anatra, with homemade pappardelle pasta with duck ragù and Reggiano cheese. These homemade thick gorgeous egg noodles bring on all of the flavor from the delectable ragu. A super scrumptious pasta.

Filetto di Baccala, with fresh black cod served with sweet, mashed potatoes, fresh pomegranate and madeira sauce. The cod is flaky and moist and is cooked to pure perfection.

Seafood Al Fredo Pasta, spaghetti with shrimp, scallops and calamari, in a gorgeous velvety alfredo sauce. This pasta was by far my favorite, it is so silky smooth, just what my Nonna used to make.

Bistecca Di Manzo Grilled 18 oz. Ribeye steak with asparagus and baked potato onion terrine. The meat was super tender and very flavorful, with great accompaniments.

Dessert:

Affogato al Tartufo di Cioccolato with chocolate truffle Ice Cream topped with whip cream and an espresso shot. The perfect decadent way to end my exquisite dinner.

Wine:

Jordan – Chardonnay, I just loved this wine with any of the seafood dishes, it blended so well.

Brunello di Montepulciano, a perfect accompaniment with the steaks, just rich and gorgeous.

The staff was so wonderful, from Armin Ansari to manager Rudy, with Oscar and Jeremy all tending to everything that would make my dining experience more joyful, they accomplished that and more. Armin had great knowledge about Italy and beyond, while Rudy was able to give lots of Beverly Hills tidbits, seeing that he had worked at many establishments for close to 20 years. My conversations were enlightening and made me feel welcome and super comfortable. The interior is warm and bright, and they play great 70’s and 80’s adult rock, and the wrap around patio is always lively and inviting.

I just can’t say enough about this wonderful Italian cuisine! When you are craving really delicious authentic Italian food just go to any of the Drago Brothers restaurants, they will all keep you super happy and satisfied.

Drago Restaurants & Locations (As of April 2026):

Il Pastaio: Located in Beverly Hills, this is arguably the most famous Drago restaurant, known for its busy, vibrant, and upscale atmosphere.

Via Alloro: A Beverly Hills restaurant opened by Giacomino and Tanino Drago, featuring authentic Sicilian food and a, large wrap-around patio.

Celestino Ristorante: Located in Pasadena and run by Calogero Drago, offering a, refined, yet casual, dining experience.

Drago Centro: Located in Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA), this venue, overseen by Celestino Drago, specializes in, inventive, fine-dining, Italian cuisine.

Piccolo Paradiso: A charming and popular, trattoria, in, Beverly Hills.

Tanino Ristorante:  in Westwood.

Il Segreto: in Bel Air.

Panzanella Ristorante: in Sherman Oaks.

Drago Bakery: Provides, baked goods, and breads, to the family restaurants.

Via Alloro

Village on Canon

301 N Canon Dr.

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

(310) 275-2900