And you thought doing it behind the bleachers was lame.
Wipe the lasagna tre formaggi con ragu Bolognese off your chin. Leonardo DiCaprio is in the corner of this Italian gem, and he’s totally staring at you.
And you thought doing it behind the bleachers was lame.
Owner Joe Reynolds transformed a strip-mall Romanian restaurant into a cross between an old-school Hollywood haunt and a gussied-up basement rec room with a basic Italian menu and some sort of entertainment (comedy, dramedy, live music) six nights a week.
It had you at poolside. But the recently revamped indoor-outdoor trattoria at the Avalon Hotel has chef Mirko Paderno to get you, too.
When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that’s Pizzeria Mozza. When the world seems to shine like you’ve had too much wine, that’s Osteria Mozza, featuring Nancy Silverton’s Mozzarella Bar; the first come, first served Amaro Bar; and a handsome room of the best tables in town.
Even if you make a reservation at the Italian institution, you’ll have to wait. But time flies thanks to the charming old-school waiters and over-the-top clientele who put on a real good show.
A lo-fi, indoor-outdoor Italian spot for fresh fettuccine, grilled lamb chops, and garlicky tomato bruschetta. Special chewy almond cookies end the meal.
Chop, chop! To the salad. Jean Leon original? Leon turkey? Leon tuna? Leon grilled chicken? Salami or not? Okay, now that’s settled. Down to business.
Northern Italian food with Sicilian flair, romantic ambiance, and a stellar wine list. Not to mention a Michelin star.
Mangia morning, noon, or night. Italian pastries and strong coffee to start your day. Meatball sandwiches and Napoletana-style pizzas for break. Wine and stiff Manhattans when the sun goes down.
Photo: Courtesy of Bottega Louie