Eataly Westfield Century City

By Regina Bello

With over forty locations of the beloved specialty store/restaurant Eataly, you can most probably find one near you. I had the privilege to attend the five year birthday bash at Eataly LA, with ETG co-founder Kathy Leonardo. It is located at Westfield Century City and it is a wonderful place. If you are a foodie, and you have yet to go to an Eataly store/restaurant, be sure to do so.

*Aperol Spritz 1919 (Aperol, Ronco, Belvedere Prosecco, sparkling water, orange slice); photo by Kathy Leonardo; courtesy of ETG*

Eataly Westfield Century City

I was immediately drawn to beautifully presented glasses of Aperol Spritz 1919 (Aperol, Ronco, Belvedere Prosecco, sparkling water, orange slice). This was a perfect drink to kick off the night – a refreshing beginning. The cocktail featured a dry Prosecco, and the Aperol sweetened it ever so slightly.

I love Italian food, and was super impressed with the quality of the pasta. The Ravioli Alla Zucca (Calabro ricotta and butternut squash filled ravioli, butter, sage, 12-month parmigiana reggiano DOP) was so tasty. Another stand-out dish was the Risotto Al Nebbiolo (Carnaroli rice, Taleggio Fonduta, butter, red wine).

Ravioli Alla Zucca (Calabro ricotta and butternut squash filled ravioli, butter, sage, 12-month parmigiana reggiano DOP); *photo by Kathy Leonardo; courtesy of ETG*

Literally everywhere you turned there was a counter filled with savory or sweet delicacies. The diverse amount of cheeses and salami was astounding. I loved the Gamberi Fritti In Pastella (fried prawns), as well as the Carpaccio Di Pesce (white Fish, carpaccio, mint, lime, avocado)….both were delicate, yet so filled with flavor.

Ethica wines, Paulo Cressi; photo by Kathy Leonardo; courtesy of ETG

Wine/Spirits

Spirits were available as well as a broad selection of wine. I was tasting white wine, along with sparkling wines while Kathy is a red wine connoisseur. One gentleman representing Ethica Wines was pouring Ronco, Belvedere Prosecco. Since I started the night with Aperol, and Prosecco, I thought it was prudent to stay with it. Kathy said her favorite was the Amarone della Valpolicella Classico. Her words were – “Delish…It’s velvety, full bodied, offering notes of deep cherry and leather.”

*Dessert Counter; photo by Kathy Leonardo; courtesy of ETG*

Other prominent counters with delicious food options came from La Pescheria (seafood), Pizza Alla Pala, La Panterria (fresh bread), and of course the best… Cannoli and Bomboloni counter. There was a tower of stacked cannolis and plates full of an assortment of sweet delights. The desserts were also magnificent!

After we were thoroughly stuffed, we wandered the aisles and purchased all kinds of goodies to take home to create our own signature dishes.

If you live near an Eataly or happen to be visiting with one in the area…pop in, you can dine or pick up some delicacies to take home. And I highly recommend attending any birthday celebrations…they sure know how to throw a party. Visit the website to find an Eataly near you – https://www.eataly.com