Tag Archives: Italian cuisine

Show 518, March 25, 2023: Balla Italian Soul at SAHARA with Partner Richard Camarota

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Richard Camarota of MC Hospitality

“A recent addition to SAHARA’s award-winning culinary lineup is Balla Italian Soul, a reimagined Italian restaurant concept from James Beard award-winning Chef Shawn McClain and partners Richard and Sarah Camarota of MC Hospitality. Balla’s regional, seasonal menu offers fresh and vibrant plates to Las Vegas locals and visitors alike.”

“Balla Italian Soul restaurant offers everything you know and love about Italian cuisine made bold and fresh in a vibrant setting that celebrates Italian culture and la dolce vita. Signature dishes include Balla’s selection of aperitivos, handmade pastas, Roman pizzas, an array of fresh seasonal vegetable dishes and salads, and rustic fire-roasted meats and fish, as well as a Euro-centric, eclectic wine list, unique cocktails and playful desserts featuring espresso liqueurs.”

“This Las Vegas Italian restaurant design boasts bold, contemporary Italian art to create stylized spaces for authentic gatherings for both intimate and sizeable social parties. Balla also features a live-action kitchen complete with a pasta-making window and a takeaway deli.”

Partner Richard Camarota joins us with a welcoming Balla Spritz in hand.

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Show 505, December 24, 2022: Chef Zach Scherer, Chef de Cuisine, Bello by Sandro Nardone & Bello Chef’s Table, Newport Beach Part One

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Zach Scherer of the Chefs Table at Bello by Sandro Nardone

The Chef’s Table at Bello by Sandro Nardone in Newport Beach is one of the most exclusive dining experiences in Orange County. “It’s a journey with their chefs for an unforgettable meal. At Bello Chef’s Table, the culinary team combines the classical Italian approach to cooking with modern creativity and technique to create a truly unique, intimate and interactive dining experience for up to 8 people, with a single dedicated chef.”

“The Chef’s Table offers the guest a sense of place, and a slice of what Modern Italian at Bello truly is through their chefs’ eyes. The menu is hand-crafted weekly and constantly featuring a variety of items from their larder and local farms. There are no choices or substitutions, just your chef host taking you on a one of a kind culinary journey which probably couldn’t happen anywhere else.”

“The Chef’s Table experience is available Thursday through Saturday nights with as minimum of 3 days notice. It $245 per guest (plus tax and gratuity) and includes a complimentary beverage pairing.”

“Chef de Cuisine Zach Scherer orchestrates Bello Chef’s Table in concert with Bello’s owner and Executive Chef, Sandro Nardone. Zach formerly ran special events at Big Canyon Country Club and was the Chef de Cuisine at the Playground.”

“Sandro Nardone is a native Italian whose family was in the restaurant business. He trained as a chef in Italy and learned modern Italian food techniques in several of Italy’s top restaurants.”

Chef Zach Scherer is our guest with caviar and truffles in hand.

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Show 505, December 24, 2022: Chef Zach Scherer, Chef de Cuisine, Bello by Sandro Nardone & Bello Chef’s Table, Newport Beach Part Two

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Zach Scherer of the Chefs Table at Bello by Sandro Nardone

The Chef’s Table at Bello by Sandro Nardone in Newport Beach is one of the most exclusive dining experiences in Orange County. “It’s a journey with their chefs for an unforgettable meal. At Bello Chef’s Table, the culinary team combines the classical Italian approach to cooking with modern creativity and technique to create a truly unique, intimate and interactive dining experience for up to 8 people, with a single dedicated chef.”

“The Chef’s Table offers the guest a sense of place, and a slice of what Modern Italian at Bello truly is through their chefs’ eyes. The menu is hand-crafted weekly and constantly featuring a variety of items from their larder and local farms. There are no choices or substitutions, just your chef host taking you on a one of a kind culinary journey which probably couldn’t happen anywhere else.”

“The Chef’s Table experience is available Thursday through Saturday nights with as minimum of 3 days notice. It $245 per guest (plus tax and gratuity) and includes a complimentary beverage pairing.”

“Chef de Cuisine Zach Scherer orchestrates Bello Chef’s Table in concert with Bello’s owner and Executive Chef, Sandro Nardone. Zach formerly ran special events at Big Canyon Country Club and was the Chef de Cuisine at the Playground.”

“Sandro Nardone is a native Italian whose family was in the restaurant business. He trained as a chef in Italy and learned modern Italian food techniques in several of Italy’s top restaurants.”

Chef Zach Scherer continues with us revealing all the details of the Bello Chef’s Table experience.

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Show 505, December 24, 2022: Chef Zach Scherer, Chef de Cuisine, Bello by Sandro Nardone & Bello Chef’s Table, Newport Beach Part Three

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Zach Scherer of the Chefs Table at Bello by Sandro Nardone

The Chef’s Table at Bello by Sandro Nardone in Newport Beach is one of the most exclusive dining experiences in Orange County. “It’s a journey with their chefs for an unforgettable meal. At Bello Chef’s Table, the culinary team combines the classical Italian approach to cooking with modern creativity and technique to create a truly unique, intimate and interactive dining experience for up to 8 people, with a single dedicated chef.”

“The Chef’s Table offers the guest a sense of place, and a slice of what Modern Italian at Bello truly is through their chefs’ eyes. The menu is hand-crafted weekly and constantly featuring a variety of items from their larder and local farms. There are no choices or substitutions, just your chef host taking you on a one of a kind culinary journey which probably couldn’t happen anywhere else.”

“The Chef’s Table experience is available Thursday through Saturday nights with as minimum of 3 days notice. It $245 per guest (plus tax and gratuity) and includes a complimentary beverage pairing.”

“Chef de Cuisine Zach Scherer orchestrates Bello Chef’s Table in concert with Bello’s owner and Executive Chef, Sandro Nardone. Zach formerly ran special events at Big Canyon Country Club and was the Chef de Cuisine at the Playground.”

“Sandro Nardone is a native Italian whose family was in the restaurant business. He trained as a chef in Italy and learned modern Italian food techniques in several of Italy’s top restaurants.”

Chef Zach Scherer continues with us revealing all the details of the Bello Chef’s Table experience and Bello by Sandro Nardone.

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Show 465, March 12, 2022: Executive Chef Matt Weinberg, Angelini Ristorante & Bar, Pacific Palisades Part One

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“The new Angelini Ristorante & Bar in the heart of Pacific Palisades Village builds on acclaimed Chef Gino Angelini’s storied history in Los Angeles. His eponymous Osteria on Beverly Bild. has been a staple for hungry Angelenos since its opening in 2001.” The Palisades Village establishment is a partnership between Chef Gino and Restaurateur Tancredi DeLuca (Amici Brentwood.)

“Known across the city for his pasta creations, Angelini offers anticipated favorites featuring Lasagna Verde ‘Nonna Elvira’; Tagliolini Limone; and Linguine with Santa Barbara Sea Urchin alongside soon-to-be new classics!” Lunch and Dinner served daily with patio and dining room seating.

“Helmed by Executive Chef Matt Weinberg (ex-Angelini Osteria), the Angelini Ristorante & Bar menu features classic interpretations of Italian favorites. Indulge in anticipated favorites like their Lasagna Verde ‘Nonna Elvira’; Tagliolini Limone; and Linguine with Santa Barbara Sea Urchin alongside soon-to-be new classics such as Spaghetti Nerano with zucchini, basil and parmigiano; and Gnocchi Pesto in basil stew. A selection of Italian staple Dolci rounds out the offerings, highlighted by Angelini’s famed Tiramisu.”

Chef Matt takes a break from his busy kitchen to join us.

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Show 465, March 12, 2022: Executive Chef Matt Weinberg, Angelini Ristorante & Bar, Pacific Palisades Part Two

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“The new Angelini Ristorante & Bar in the heart of Pacific Palisades Village builds on acclaimed Chef Gino Angelini’s storied history in Los Angeles. His eponymous Osteria on Beverly Bild. has been a staple for hungry Angelenos since its opening in 2001.” The Palisades Village establishment is a partnership between Chef Gino and Restaurateur Tancredi DeLuca (Amici Brentwood.)

“Known across the city for his pasta creations, Angelini offers anticipated favorites featuring Lasagna Verde ‘Nonna Elvira’; Tagliolini Limone; and Linguine with Santa Barbara Sea Urchin alongside soon-to-be new classics!” Lunch and Dinner served daily with patio and dining room seating.

“Helmed by Executive Chef Matt Weinberg (ex-Angelini Osteria), the Angelini Ristorante & Bar menu features classic interpretations of Italian favorites. Indulge in anticipated favorites like their Lasagna Verde ‘Nonna Elvira’; Tagliolini Limone; and Linguine with Santa Barbara Sea Urchin alongside soon-to-be new classics such as Spaghetti Nerano with zucchini, basil and parmigiano; and Gnocchi Pesto in basil stew. A selection of Italian staple Dolci rounds out the offerings, highlighted by Angelini’s famed Tiramisu.”

Chef Matt takes another break from his busy kitchen and continues as our guest.

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Show 463, February 26, 2022: Owner / Chef Enrico and Daniela Pozzuoli, Centro Storico Café Spaghetteria, Old Town Tustin

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Enrico Pozzuoli of Centro Tustin

Our always well-informed, regular OC correspondent Anne Marie Panoringan, “The Voice of OC’s” food columnist, had a piece entitled, “Restaurants That Are New to Me” as her last column for 2021. One of her discoveries was Centro Storico Café Spaghetteria in Tustin. The pastas are made fresh, daily in-house by Owner / Chef Enrico Pozzuoli. The gelato is imported from Italy. It’s both as full-service restaurant and limited-service café. Closed on Monday. The adjacent Centro Eatery (known for their pizzas from the wood-burning oven) is also under the ownership of the Pozzuoli Family. We’re simmering the San Marzano Tomatoes with Proprietors Chef Enrico and Daniela Pozzuoli.

From Anne Marie’s “Voice of OC” 12-30-21 column : “Spontaneously suggested for Sunday supper one evening, Old Town Tustin’s Storico situates its tables close together. While this does accommodate additional seating and encourage a boisterous atmosphere, it also isn’t quite COVID-compliant. Despite this, fresh Italian pastas by the half and whole order (the rape e salsiccia with anchovy, broccoli rape, sausage and heirloom tomatoes was a robust choice) provide an opportunity to appreciate a second dish — or perhaps gelato? Spirited beverages including the owner’s Pouzzoli Family wines are available, yet I leaned toward Storico’s specialty tea and coffee selections. 405 El Camino Real, Tustin. (714) 258-8817.”

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Show 418, March 27, 2021: Restaurateur Piero Selvaggio, Managing Partner, Drago Centro, Los Angeles

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Piero Salvaggio of Drago Centro

“For over forty years, Restaurateur Piero Selvaggio (Valentino and Valentino Restaurant Group) and Restaurateur / Chef Celestino Drago of the famed Drago Brothers have been close friends, colleagues, and competitors in the thriving Los Angeles dining scene. Now, their longstanding relationship has transcended to a proprietary level as Chef Celestino Drago officially welcomed Piero Selvaggio to Drago Centro in Downtown Los Angeles last year as new Managing Partner!”

“Originally from Sicily, both Piero and Celestino met over forty years ago in Los Angeles when Celestino first came to the states. Piero opened the renowned Valentino, the flagship restaurant in his Valentino Restaurant Group in Santa Monica in 1972. Valentino was widely regarded as one of the finest Italian restaurants in the U.S. and credited with introducing Angelenos to true Italian food, fresh ingredients and new products. Also, introducing a new wave of Italian Chefs that in time built world-wide reputations on the their own.”

“Piero went on to build a multimillion-dollar restaurant empire garnering numerous James Beard Foundation awards for its wine list and service, along with critical acclaim for its food, wine, and service by top national publications. In 2018, after forty-five plus years, he decided to retire and close Valentino to look for new challenges. After launching Louie’s by the Bay (with restaurateur Ron Salisbury) in Newport Beach, Piero met again with Celestino and started considering Drago Centro as the perfect venue for a new chapter.”

Now that Drago Centro has again reopened for inviting patio dining (along with inside seating at the allowable 25 per cent capacity) nightly (except Sunday) the always gracious Piero Selvaggio returns with the update.

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Show 412, February 13, 2021: Factory Place Hospitality Group with Matteo Ferdinandi and Chef Angelo Auriana, Los Angeles

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Matteo Ferdinandi and Angelo Auriana of the Factory Kitchen

Factory Place Hospitality Group, a restaurant group led by Restaurateur Matteo Ferdinandi, was founded in March of 2013. Executive Chef and Business Partner Angelo Auriana, joined Ferdinandi and his wife, Francine Diamond-Ferdinandi, in August 2013 shortly before the opening of The Factory Kitchen (Ligurian cuisine) in Downtown Los Angeles.

The L.A. collection of establishments also includes Brera Ristorante and sixth+mill pizzeria. The Factory Kitchen (serving dinner nightly from Tuesday through Saturday) and Brera Ristorante (serving Dinner nightly from Tuesday through Saturday) have reopened for patio dining. Brera reopens for lunch on February 16th. To-Go availability at both establishments continues.

Francine Diamond-Ferdinandi is the Beverage Director for both restaurants.

Matteo Ferdinandi is graciously at our service along with Chef Angelo.

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Show 409, January 23, 2021: Chef & Restaurateur James Trees of Al Solito Posto, Las Vegas

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James Trees of Ada's and Esthers Kitchen in Las VegasWe know Chef James Trees from Esther’s Kitchen in the Arts District of Las Vegas adjacent to Downtown. It’s Chef James’ interpretation of elegant Italian comfort food. “While Chef Trees is descended from Jewish Austrian wine merchants, growing up he spent a lot of time at his best friend Alfio’s house. “I love Italian food because of Alfio and his family,” says Trees. “That’s the food I grew up eating. My mom was always working and didn’t have time to make dinner, so whenever we were hungry we went to Alfio’s house. They’d be making lasagna or braciola, and pasta – there was always pasta. That’s my comfort food.””

Trees’ latest creation is the newly opened Al Solito Posto in Trivoli Village. Al Solito Posto which translates to “At the Usual Place” is an Italian Restaurant with a focus on the classics. The dinner only menu features house-made pasta, fresh ingredients and quality seafood, steaks and chops. Think a chef-driven minestrone, chicken piccata and cioppino.

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