It may be shocking to believe, but there are seasons in Los Angeles, and even though the temperatures still linger in the high 60s, restaurants have filled their menus with braises and root vegetables and all that hearty fare we expect at this time of the year. One such spot is Osteria Drago, which has taken up residence in the former Il Sole space on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood. Fun fact: Il Sole was where Victoria and Jonathan of The Amazing Race took J-Unit and I to dinner i order to clear their names after the infamous Shovegate of 2005. They paid for dinner, and all was forgiven. What can I say? I’m an easy mark.
Nevertheless, I was recently invited to a media-comped meal yet again at Osteria Drago, but this time I can assure you the intentions were far more noble. After the jump, check out some pics of the food, and prepare yourself to be very, very hungry.
First up: Barbabietole con Burrata. I can tell you that this dish involves baby beets, pistachios, and white balsamic, but quite frankly all you really need to know is that it involves burrata and therefore can do no wrong.
Yellow corn-filled agnolotti with zucchini flowers. I loved this dish, mostly because I love anything that’s corn-filled. Full disclosure: this dinner occurred in late September (I know, I know), and so I’m not totally sure if a corn-based item will still be on the menu. But it doesn’t hurt to ask (unless, of course, they slap you).
The hues get darker, and the food gets richer — in a good way. This is pappardelle with roasted pheasant, and morel mushrooms. A true MOREL-ITY TALE (yuk yuk yuk).
Branzino, baby. Roasted branzino, sautéed mushrooms, and potato. With a crispy skin and tender meat, this fish was cooked perfectly.
Costine di Manzo. No, this has nothing to do with Caroline Manzo. This dish is red wine braised beef short ribs (braised for hours and hours and hours), Cannellini beans, and Swiss chard. The beef was great, but I have to say, the bean stole the show.
And a little tasty something for dessert. Greek yogurt panna cotta with fresh cherry red wine compote on the left; Nutella bread pudding, hazelnut cream foam on the right. A delightful way to finish up a meal.
All in all, a delicious meal, and no disrespect to Il Sole, but a definite culinary improvement.
Osteria Drago
8741 W Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 657-1182
http://www.osteriadrago.com