Arrivederci Drago

My friend Cindy and I decided to try Drago on Wilshire Blvd. in Santa Monica before they close for good at the end of January 2012. Celestino Drago decided not to renew his lease but will most likely open up sometime, somewhere?.. Not to worry, you can visit his other restaurants. (Just google Drago)

On the house, they served us 2 pieces of croquettes made with rice, peas and cheese then breaded and deep fried. They were delicious though I would have added more salt or used sharper cheese. Cindy ordered the Insalata di Barbabietole e Burrata. Burrata with beets, arugula, pistachio, fried shallots and white balsamic dressing. It was very good. I chose the Insalata Cesare which is the Caesar salad made w/baby romaine,anchovy dressing, shaved parmesan and crostini. Loved this salad, the anchovy dressing was wonderful.

For our entree, we had the Risotto alla Barbabietola; red beets, shaved candy striped beets and puffed risotto; beautiful, colorful and delicious. The other entree was the Tagliolini Bianci e Neri con Capesante; black and white tagliolini w/bay scallops. Wonderful dish cooked to perfection.

We were both full since we had their selection of breads prior to our meal. When the waiter came to ask if we wanted to see the dessert menu, I blurted out a "YES" before he could finish the question. We ordered 2 desserts to split in case one was not so good, we could equally share the misfortune. The Crostata al Coccolato was a chocolate tart with dates and brown sugar gelato. If you like chocolate tarts, you will like this dessert and enjoy the brown sugar gelato. The other dessert was the winner. The Mele Carmmelate. Apples(fresh slices and baked), cinnamon pastry cream and brown sugar gelato. The cinnamon pastry looked like a fried tofu since this was breaded and deep fried. It was light as cotton and when you cut it w/your fork, a brownish liquid oozes out. The liquid was made out of sugar, cinnamon, cream, butter and I believe they freeze this before they roll it on panko and deep fry it.

If you will be in the west side before the end of the month, (even if you are not from the area- we drove 25 miles) try to get a reservation; you'll be glad you did.