Not
long ago, I took a drive to Los Feliz area in Los Angeles to check out the
Griffith Park Zoo and the Greek Theatre. Later in the evening, my guests,
photographer Bill Jones and local TV personality Valerie MacConnell, decided to
try out some Italian food. We visited Louise's Trattoria, located at 4500 Los
Feliz Blvd., in an old, quaint neighborhood surrounded by large, old,
architecturally interesting mansions.
Manager Anthony Ko greeted
us. As I understand it, Louise's Trattoria is approaching a decade in the area
and has quite a following, partly because of their special dinner and
entertainment package. It is a dinner and concert combined. Patrons dine and
then they are shuttled in a limo bus to the Greek Theatre just up the hill for
entertainment by some of the largest names in music.
My guests and I started with
the 14-vegetable Minestrone Soup, which had a twist: It was topped with shaved
Grana Padano cheese, served with a Garlic Crustini. Oh yes, and the Crab
Cakes-they are splendid. They are made with sweet blue crabs and tender shrimp
seasoned with fresh herbs and spices, then pan seared. They are a delight when
served with Mango Aioli and Avocado Relish.
My guest Bill Jones, who says
he is somewhat of a meat and potatoes guy, decided to order the Fettuccini with
Shrimp and Scallops. It was everything you'd expect in a fettuccini dish and
lightly spiced, according to Chef Gilberto Chavez.
Pete Allman with Chef Gilberto Chavez
Other dishes that come more
highly spiced would be the Pappardetti with Italian Sausage, served with plum
tomatoes, topped with fresh garlic herbs and red pepper. The dish is finished
with a light, cream tomato sauce.
For myself, I enjoyed the
Blackened Salmon. It is hand-rubbed, pan seared, then blackened to perfection.
This entrée is topped with a Balsamic reduction, served with fresh vegetable
julienne.
Louise's Trattoria truly
serves Italian California cuisine with a light flair. They also serve 10-inch,
thin-crust pizzas, and the entrees are moderately priced. Their servers are
friendly and very knowledgeable about the menu items, as well as the local
history.
So sit back, perhaps have a
glass of Vino with your dinner, and get ready to enjoy a concert at the Greek
Theatre.
For reservations, call (323)
667-0777, and visit www.louises.com for more information. Just tell them that
Pete Allman sent you. CSN rates it a 9 for Louise's Trattoria.
Photo
by Bill Jones
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My book of poetry
entitled "Messages" was inspired by my dear friends C.J. Cansler along
with Victoria Boone and Beryl Warren.
The group of poems
along with some beautiful photographs are to inspire the reader.
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