LAGO SPOTLIGHTS
CUISINE OF NORTHERN ITALY'S LAKE COMO

When Lago opened in April 1991, the upscale Italian restaurant quickly established a reputation as having perhaps the only menu in Los Angeles to focus on the cuisine of Bellagio on Lake Como in Northern Italy.  Today, celebrating its 18th anniversary, Lago maintains that unique identity and attracts an eclectic crowd of foodies, celebrities, locals and travelers.  With its warm, inviting interior, expansive windows and a sidewalk patio overlooking Santa Monica's colorful Third Street Promenade, the restaurant is consistently lauded for imaginative Italian cuisine spotlighting seasonal flavors and the freshest local ingredients.  Chef Roberto Maggioni possesses an exceptional resume and the vast international culinary experience of a chef twice his age.  His passion for cooking, his knowledge of regional Italian gastronomic traditions, and his familiarity with the newest cooking methods originating from Spain elevate Lago to new culinary heights.  Co-owner West Hooker, who was born in Milan and has lived and worked in Bellagio, presides over the popular restaurant with General Manager Megan Sheehy, who has been with Lago since 1996. 

Plaudits from the press include this comment from one critic:  "Lago is a warm and welcome respite.  As exotic as it is delicious, the food is among the city's very best."  Another described Lago as "Casually classy... the authenticity of the place is clearly one of its assets."  The Los Angeles Times insists that the Antipasto Bar "… is one of our favorites," and the Hollywood Reporter refers to Lago as a "chic, authentic Italian bistro."  Metromix raves, "With the warmth of an old Italian inn and the cool factor of a Santa Monica hot spot, you'll never even know you're on the Third Street Promenade.  Lago has a loyal base of regulars because the customers are treated like kings, and the bustling restaurant is run with astounding ease."  Frommer's promises, "There’s no better place to people-watch than at the outdoor patio," and Gourmet Magazine advises, "Italy meets the Pacific -- authentic cuisine of Milano, Como and Stresa served up in the most California of settings.  Don't miss the Ossobuco alla Milanese."

Lago is dedicated to providing the ultimate dining experience with exceptional selections coupled with meticulous, friendly service.  Chef Maggioni offers the most flavorful ingredients available in conjunction with traditional and innovative recipes, and menus feature produce and other foods from the Santa Monica Farmers' Market (right outside Lago's front door).  Every Wednesday and Saturday, Chef Maggioni seeks the freshest, organic, most flavorsome selections available from Windsor Farms, Harry's Berries, Weiser Farms, Garcia Farms, Coleman Farms, JJ Loned Daughter Ranch, and Lilly's Eggs, while Scarborough Farms delivers fresh organic goods on non-market days.  All pastas, focaccia bread, desserts and gelato are made fresh daily at the restaurant.  The wine list, featuring nearly 400 selections from Italy and California including verticals, half bottles and large format bottles, has received an "Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator magazine every year since 1995, and Luigi Veronelli's The Best Italian Restaurants applauded its "vast and intelligent selection." 

"Our menus are rooted in the authentic, quality cuisine of Lombardy and evolve from it to create a balanced selection of dishes that take full advantage of the best flavors of the season, the best specialties of Lake Como and the availability in Los Angeles of spices, fruits and vegetables not grown in Italy," says Hooker.

The menu also includes special soups, distinctive salad and antipasti selections, both classic and unusual pasta and risotto dishes, designer pizzas, exceptional meat, fowl and fish selections, and tempting desserts including Lago's signature tiramisú.

Chef Roberto Maggioni, born in Milan, was inspired by his mother, Cristina -- a baker by trade -- to embrace the career of a professional chef.  He credits her for instilling in him a contagious excitement for applying new cooking methods to traditional recipes.  After attending culinary school in Milan, Maggioni worked at the most renowned restaurants of the area's metropolis, including Michelin-starred Aimo e Nadia and Cracco Peck as well as at Savini, Hotel Principe e Savoia, and Milano Moda Catering (with renowned chef Ernst Knam).  With this enviable experience, Maggioni next traveled through Europe to broaden his culinary experience, taking posts at La Pergola in London, Il Giardino in Mallorca, Spain, and several notable restaurants in France.  In Spain, he developed an abiding interest in Chef Ferran Adria’s molecular gastronomy and the exploration of new sensory experiences at the dinner table.  A move to Southern California brought him to Lago, initially as sous chef and now as chef as he continues offering new textures, shapes and flavors and sharing his expertise in sous vide and immersion cooking methods.

Lago's comfortable, warm atmosphere evokes the charm of an Italian locanda (inn or trattoria) del lago (of the lake).  Its popular sidewalk patio fronts the restaurant’s exterior, providing a lively view of the passing Promenade scene.  An always-changing array of menu choices is offered, including an Antipasto Bar at lunch with 12 rotating items.  A "Tasting Menu" varies weekly with choices based upon the availability of the best seasonal ingredients.  Guests at Lago enjoy a true "Lake Como experience" featuring dishes, particularly on the dinner menu, not often found at Italian restaurants in this country.

A broad menu of after-dinner drinks is available, including Lago's authentic Italian GROLLA, made of espresso, grappa, brandy, sambuca, lemon peel and sugar.  After being flamed tableside, this concoction is shared by friends from a hand-carved wooden bowl imported from Italy with one drinking spout for each person.  According to Italian custom, as the “friendship cup” is passed from person to person, each relationship it touches grows stronger.

Lago's distinctive Artisanal Cocktail Menu makes use of freshly squeezed and just-picked ingredients from the Santa Monica Farmers' Market and top-shelf organic liquors.  These marvelously tasty mixed drinks include Lago's famous MOJITO (Mint, Lime, Papagayo Rum and Sugar Cane) and MARKET MARGARITA (Oro Blanco Grapefruit, Tangelo, Lime, 4 Copas Tequila) as well as an array of martini-style choices including Lago's signature Caprese (Cherry Tomato, Basil, Crop Tomato Vodka, Balsamic). 

Happy hour prices for beverages and food are available throughout the restaurant and bar from 4 to 7 pm Monday thru Friday; in the bar only from 4 to 7 pm Saturdays and Sundays; and Tuesday extended all evening until closing in the bar only.

The charm of Lago's ambiance complements its fine cuisine and spirits.  Shades of amber, burgundy, saffron and green contrast with vivid white tablecloths, and the walls are decorated with brightly colored china, paintings and artifacts depicting scenes of Bellagio. The dining area is surrounded almost completely by tall windows and is always beautifully lit, daytime or evening. 

Lago's services are available for private parties inside the restaurant or off-premises catering.  The restaurant is open daily for lunch, Saturday/Sunday brunch, and dinner. 

Valet parking is provided from 6 p.m. nightly; ample Santa Monica city structure parking is available at all times.  Reservations are suggested.  All major credit cards are accepted.  Lago opens daily at 11:30 AM and is located at 231 Arizona Avenue on the Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica.  For reservations, call (310) 451-3525.  www.LagoSantaMonica.com

8/10/09

Click HERE to see more photos from our "Taste of Santa Monica" booth!
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Locanda del Lago is located in Santa Monica, California, on the northwest corner of Arizona Avenue and the Third Street Promenade, two blocks east of Ocean Avenue, one block south of Wilshire Blvd., four blocks west of Lincoln Blvd. and one block north of Santa Monica Blvd.

Exit from the Santa Monica (10) Freeway at 4th Street, turn right onto Lincoln, turn left at Arizona.

Valet parking is available for dinner seven days a week.  Convenient parking in Santa Monica city parking structures is available at all times.  Structure entrances are located on Second Street and Fourth Street south of Wilshire Blvd.

Click HERE to get directions from MapQuest!