VITELLO’S STILL GOING STRONG SERVING SPEAKEASY CRAFTED COCKTAILS IN THE BACK

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VITELLO’S STILL GOING STRONG IN STUDIO CITY SPEAKEASY SERVING CRAFT COCKTAILS IN THE BACK

Studio City (Perfect Meal Today) 2/5/20–Vitello’s in Studio City has been around about fifty five years and is still going strong despite some bumpy moments in its long history. It is basically an Italian restaurant with a very hip separate speakeasy  The Rendition Room, for members and open to the public by reservations and an upstairs intimate supper club Feinstein’s at Vitello’s that can seat up to 115 guests.

The theater upstairs looks like a really cool venue to see performers in an intimate setting as they perfect their shows for upcoming Broadway appearances. The week night we were there the showroom was dark but they were getting ready for a three night stand featuring the world famous musical impersonators The Edward Twins.

Michael Feinstein also pops in on a regular basis so check the website for upcoming shows which also include comedy and the whole gamut of entertainment. I wish we could have spent more time in the speakeasy which is also known as The Rendition Room. The whole place is done out in Roaring Twenties style, and the room was created in 2016 and of course they feature craft cocktails of any description and small bites to go along with the libations. They also have Prohibit Nights that include wine tastings and food and this classy looking place is a must see next time you are in the area.

There are sixteen craft cocktails on the drinks menu, and after chatting with the bartender I went for the Rendition Old Fashioned with Basil Hayden Bourbon, black walnut bitters, orange oil, luxardo cherry and rendition mist. My guest being an Aretha Franklin fan, went for Respect, gin, blood orange, peach and lemon all topped with champagne. The wine list is small but very well thought out and all are available by the glass and the bottle. Looking back at the offerings after the event and I noticed they offer House Infused Spirits that you can turn into a craft cocktail of your choice. That would include vodka infused with strawberry, gin infused with blackberry and tequila infused with coffee, vanilla, spices and demerara. These special cocktails are priced at  $14 and the regular house craft cocktails are $16.

The downstairs restaurant is a lively place with a piano player working most nights and an extensive menu features mainly classic Italian dishes but a whole lot more. I was told in advance that I had to try the meatless meat balls so of course we did. The plate comes in with three quite large meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce and parmesan cheese for $14, and is perfect for sharing to kick start the meal. Calamari & Shrimp ($17) was done perfectly and the Lasagna ($19) was nice and meaty and was layered with béchamel and ricotta. Being a big linguini fan I was delighted to have the Vitello’s version, with baby clams, shrimp and mussels all in a delicious spicy tomato sauce. Plenty more on the menu but that will have to wait until next time.

Vitello’s—4349 Tujunga Avenue, Studio City, CA 91604

818-769-0905

Valet Parking $6

Feinsteinsatvitellos.com

www.therenditionroom.com

www.vitellosrestuarant.com