Cris and I arrived at RAO’s LA last night with a special invite extended to tastemakers, bloggers and foodies. With only 20 people selected to get a taste of what’s been deemed a number one Italian go to in New York and Las Vegas with a new location being added in Los Angeles, it was now our time to see what it was all about. A 4-course menu was presented while a handsome  Italian whispered Red or White as he circled the table. It couldn’t be off to a better start (I request red if you wondering).

As we got settled in, we met a few cool people and we were able to get to know one another effortlessly. Perhaps the wine helped. I might add that sitting with people you didn’t know family style, talking about our day, was definitely refreshing.

When the dishes came rolling out, everyone’s eyes got big.

FIRST COURSE:

A fine selection of salads, which included a house salad with Endive, fennel , radicchio, red onion, Roma tomatoes with a vinaigrette dressing.

A seafood salad with calamari, crab, lobster, shrimp and a lemon citron eye.

Roasted red peppers with julienned, golden raisins, pine nuts, oil and garlic parsley.

SECOND COURSE:
Spaghetti marinara with San Marzano, tomato sauce and basil along with Rigatoni Bolognese and Rao’s Meatballs

THIRD COURSE:
Shrimp scampi, lemon chicken and eggplant Parmesan complimented with peas and prosciutto

FOURTH COURSE:
And we can’t forget desert of course which was a New York cheesecake and Cannoli.

Everything was nicely seasoned and presented exceptionally. The food was a sure reflection of the owners, Frankie Sr. & Jr, which Cris and I had the pleasure of meeting. They couldn’t have been any more welcoming and hospitable. It felt like we were at their house having a family dinner. Now that’s an element that every Italian restaurant should adopt! And just so you know, the meatballs were definitely a Heart Of Cool favorite! But don’t take our word for it; enjoy your own moment at Rao’s.

Signing off
TB
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