Bravo For Brunello!
Saturday, October 4, 2008 23:08
How to explain to loved ones that you’ve eaten at the same place three nights in a row?
Well…how about warm, familial service, a check that doesn’t hurt and food that is simply out of this world?
While others may wait a month for Mozza, why not just slide into a welcoming table at Brunello Trattoria tonight? Run by the ultimate foodie family, the Morra’s, Brunello is one of the few LA Italian spots that’s entirely a family affair. Sister is in the kitchen, Brother mans the register, Another Brother crafts the bread and pizza (and owns the place!), Nephew waits tables. To top it off, the Food Channel, not ESPN, broadcasts from the LCDs at the bar.
I am so addicted to this place and hope that one day soon you will be too. First, there are specials on the menu and off the menu. Knowing what to ask for is part of the fun. The special I had (two nights in a row, since I kept obsessing about it the next day) was a flat, thin, fresh fettucine with veal and fresh porcini in a chianti sautee. This dish will transform your understanding of pasta. Call ahead and ask for it! Be careful, it will so dominate your consciousness for days after that your life will no longer be your own.
My friend had Chicken Piccata, a standard Italian lexicon dish, but this one was so well crafted it was like discovering the flavors for the first time. It was delightful. There is subtlety to the cooking that is hard to find. Plus, the potatoes it comes with take to the sauce like ducks to water. Your dog parts will want to roll around in it.
On night number two, Visiting Mother tucked into Spaghetti with Capers and Artichokes–a celebration of summer flavors.
Night number three, Trusty Dining Companion had a magnificent Linguine with Shrimp and Mushrooms, which I generously finished. This dish was a testament to the scrumptious simplicity of the Italian noodle. We shared a Pizza Quattro Stagione which was so fantastically delicious it lasted about 2.5 milliseconds on the table. I should also say that the bread is fantastic too.
There’s a room in the back that will host a nice party of 20. The atmosphere is warm and friendly.
What makes Brunello so special is that food, service and atmosphere come together so harmoniously that you walk out feeling happy and content with the world.
Bring your Loved Ones.
Trattoria Brunello
6001 Washington Blvd,
(@La Cienega)
Culver City, CA 90232
310-280-3856
PS. Rumor has it one of the Morra brothers is about to start a new pizzeria.
By Secret Asian Man (see more of his posts). You can find more writing at his own website The Digestive Tract
moon says:
October 12th, 2008 at 7:41 am
Growing up in Culver City I remember a fantastic Italian restaurant in Mar Vista called Bruno’s. It was off Venice Blvd near Centinela. It sounds like this place. I’d be interested in how long they’ve been in business. Now I can’t wait to get over there to give it a try.
Secret Asian Man says:
October 12th, 2008 at 7:57 am
Hmmm. Brunello has been in business about 10 months or so. The family owns and has owned other restaurants in the region. I don’t know about the one you mentioned. It would be fun to find out.
We were there last night and had a fantastic meal. The carrot puree soup was fantastic. I had pappardelle with ground beef and peas that was mind blowing. It was delightful all around.
I hope you get a chance to enjoy it too.
SAM
moon says:
October 13th, 2008 at 7:05 am
Well, Sam, since you seem to haunt the place ask for me. It will be weeks before I get over the hill to W-LA.
tokyoastrogirl says:
October 14th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Ooooooo, I was wondering about this place. Thanks for the review- will have to check it out!!
Secret Asian Man says:
October 14th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Please do! Please mention the review too. They like knowing that forces are pulling for them.
Tokyo Astro Girl, I’ve enjoyed your contributions to Chowhound over the years.
Buono Appetito!
SAM