Bar Toscana, Brentwood – Los Angeles

Kit Marshal — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 08:59:25 +0000

Bar Toscana

It is about time that Toscana, the Northern Italian restaurant frequented by a celebrity clientele in Brentwood, ventured into something new. Finally, after more than twenty years, they opened an adjunct next door called Bar Toscana its decor gleaming with a multitude of glossy surfaces combined with a stark modern sleekness.

The menu is made up of various stuzzichini (small plates priced between $7-$16) such as eggplant caviar, tomato jam and artichoke spread served with toast; baked polenta croutons with gorgonzola fondue and shaved black truffles; or prosciutto with shaved fennel and vanilla infused olive oil. Pair the aforementioned with vino off the Italian-centric list (there are a only a few California selections as befits a truly Italian restaurant), or opt for an old favorite as Negroni or Bellini or some new interpretations of certain classics ($12-$16).Bar Toscana

11633 San Vicente Blvd.
Brentwood
Tel. 310-820-2448

It is about time that Toscana, the Northern Italian restaurant frequented by a celebrity clientele in Brentwood, ventured into something new. They have been a pricey icon on San Vicente Boulevard serving very good Italian cooking; I happened to be a regular for many years when living in the neighborhood, going back to the time Agostino Sciandri first opened it with some partners, before he ventured off to open Ago in West Hollywood years later. A Warning: You had better be on friendly terms with the waiters if you want things to go smoothly! After more than twenty years, the owners have recently opened an adjunct next door in the same medical building, called Bar Toscana, its decor gleaming with a multitude of glossy surfaces combined with an overall stark, although streamlined look.

The menu is made up of various stuzzichini (small plates) $7-$16. The wine list is mainly Italian with only a few California selections as befits a truly Italian restaurant, to begin, opt for an old favorite cocktail such as the Negroni or Bellini or switch gears and try some new interpretations of the classics $12-$16.

S T U Z Z I C H I N I

Insalata di Zucca

roasted pumpkin salad with grilled Chanterelle mushrooms, frisée and goat cheese. 7

Zuppa di Carciofi

baby artichoke soup with parmigiano crisps. 7

Stuzzichino Toscana

eggplant caviar, tomato jam and artichoke spread served with crispy Italian bread toast. 8

Polentine

baked polenta croutons with Gorgonzola fondue and shaved black truffle. 10

Aragosta Carasau

lobster with tomato, ginger and basil, served with onion purée and Sardinian music paper. 14

Crudo del Giorno

thinly sliced seared ahi tuna with capers, pesto, green peppers and tomato confit. 12

Tartare di Piemontese

finely chopped prime Piedmontese beef filet with red onion, capers, topped with a quail egg, olive bread and balsamic reduction. 16

Vitello Tonnato

thinly sliced roasted veal with a caper sauce, topped with red peppers and homemade chips. 12

Prosciutto di Parma

sliced prosciutto served with a salad of shaved fennel and vanilla infused olive oil. 11

Selezione di salami

selection of Italian salami with giardiniera and Italian mustards. 11

Formaggi

a selection of Italian cheese with homemade jams and breads. 11

QUALCOSA DI DOLCE

Affogato

espresso poured over homemade vanilla gelato. 7

Gelato

a trio of homemade gelato. 7

Crostata di Pere

tart made with glazed pears served with pear sorbet. 7

Bonet Piemontese

chocolate custard cake with amaretti and a caramel sauce. 7

Stelline

a delicious assortment of home made Italian cookies. 5

Restaurant-Dining Critiques » Brentwood in Los Angeles

Bar Toscana, Brentwood – Los Angeles