IL
PASTAIO - Family Dinners & Drago Love
Giacomino
Drago learned to cook in the kitchen of his mother in
Sicily as a small boy, and came to America to join his elder brother
Celestino Drago who had opened his first restaurant in Beverly
Hills and was experiencing success. It was not long before Giacomino
opened his own restaurant Il Pastaio. That was
twenty years ago, and this venue continues to be tremendously
popular with locals and tourists alike.
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Il
Pastaio's Eggplant appetizer
Il
Pastaio has been on Canon Drive for twenty years and
has become a favorite of families dining together, couples having
a private evening out, and tourists who have heard or read on
line of the authentic and delicious plates coming out of their
kitchen. Giacomino Drago, and sister Carolena Drago run a fast
moving, exciting venue, where the bar is full of waiting diners,
and the servers perform with swiftness and skill. From lunch until
late evening Il Pastaio is jammed. I lived in Beverly Hills for
fifteen years and never saw this dining room anything but full.
The outdoor patio offers a comfortable spot for families with
small children to enjoy a pleasant meal together, as well as enjoy
while people watching.
Il Pastaio's Mezzelune Ravioli
The
appetizers including eggplant rolls with goat cheese and sun dried
tomatoes with bell pepper sauce are beyond outstanding, as are
the arancini, breaded rice cones with mozzarella cheese, peas
and pomodoro sauce. Their Mezzelune ravioli stuffed with shrimp
and scallops covered with lobster sauce and diced zucchini is
my favorite dish on earth, and I've told Celestino that if I'm
going to the electric chair and get a last request it will be
Mezzelune ravioli. The entrees are many and all fabulous, and
I especially enjoy the Tagliata di Bue steak with arugula and
Worcestershire vinaigrette. The Specialty pasta dishes are what
this family is known for, and the black and white pasta is always
a pleasure with any entree.
Il Pastaio's Pana Coto Dessert
Wines
at Il Pastaio are clearly purchased with their
wonderful Italian recipes in mind, and come from all areas of
Italy, as well as Europe and some great California wines, and
they serve some wicked cocktails as well. Coffee and cappuccino
are a perfect finish with dessert, and it will take you right
back to your last visit to Italy. Desserts are familiar, but I
do love their panna cotto.
Il
Pastaio Ristorante
400 N. Canon Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Phone 310-205-5444
www.giacominodrago.com/
Bonnie
Carroll
http://www.lifebitesnews.com