Bites: December 4, 2008
By Richard Foss
POLITICS AND PIZZA
When Barack Obama was an undergrad at Occidental College, his favorite hangout was reportedly Casa Bianca Pizzeria in Eagle Rock. This is no huge surprise, since it’s just about every Oxy student’s favorite hangout. Owner Ellie Martorana doesn’t remember Barack, but now that he’s kinda famous she’d consider a break with tradition and actually make a reservation for him. This is quite a concession, since Hawaiian-born Obama likes pineapple on his pizza, which Martorana can’t abide … .
AND MORE COLLEGIATE NEWS
USC’s Hospitality Department has opened a restaurant in the Radisson Hotel across the street from the school. This isn’t the usual student food, unless you were the one eating truffle-honey glazed salmon or sake-braised short ribs between classes. The place is called McKay’s after the famed USC football coach, so no prize for guessing what’s going to be on the tube behind the bar on Monday nights … .
BENEFITS, BUBBLES & BEERS
Restaurateurs and winemakers are a generous bunch, which makes sense – that’s why they call it hospitality. The latest example of their largess is the benefit afternoon for Meals on Wheels at Café del Rey on December 6th from 3 to 5 p.m. The staff from Learn About Wine will pour over 40 wines, beers, and sparklers while the Maple Drive Jazz Trio lays down some music. The price is $35, and you can do a good deed while having a good time – check the site at LearnAboutWine.com for more details. I attended one of Learn About Wine’s classes last week and learned all sorts of things about Syrah, as well as having a splendid time.
Speaking of tastings, Bottle Rock of Culver City has the perfect plan for those who prefer to savor slowly: a tasting over two consecutive days. They’re pouring more than 60 wines on both December 6 and 7, and offering tickets at $25 for one day, $35 for two. I haven’t called yet to see if they have a weekly or monthly rate. If you want to, or just want to reserve for either or both days, the number is (310) 836-9463 … .
COMFORT FOOD & FINE WINE
Many wine dinners around town feature fantastically elaborate dishes that nobody considers home cooking – delightful experiences, but not really that instructive about how to match wines with food from your own kitchen. Il Tiramisu’s event next week is a little closer to the way most of us actually dine. The menu includes spinach and beef lasagna and a New York steak. OK, there’s also swordfish with white wine, raisins, pinenuts, and tomatoes and a strawberry mascarpone cake, but I bet you could make those if you tried. The very appealing menu is paired with Italian wines from Lasorda Cellars. In Sherman Oaks, December 17. Call (818) 986-2640 for reservations … .
CORRECTION Two weeks ago I said chef Brendan Collins will open a second restaurant at the Palihouse Hotel in Hollywood. Actually, a new Palihouse will open early next year, and Collins will be exec chef for both restaurants. Sorry for the error.
–R.F.
Published: 12/04/2008
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