John Fante: the almost-forgotten scribe of Los Angeles
Los Angeles still has bookstores. Not a lot of them, mind you, but they exist. On a recent visit home, I met a friend at The Last Bookstore in downtown L.A. (Yes, Los Angeles has a downtown, too) and spent some time browsing the shelves of new and used books about the city. I found some treasures—John Gregory Dunne’s Monster, Carey McWilliams’s Sou...
A Marina Mainstay Italian Restaurant Will Expand with a Splashy Cocktail Bar
The team at luxe Marina Italian restaurant Norcina is opening a moody artisanal bar with lime-washed walls and a huge oven in the middle of the space. Frankie’s will open later this year in early June at 3219 Pierce Street. Chef-owner Kaitlinn Bauman says she has always felt the need for an upscale, sexy cocktail bar in the area. Seating about 30,...
Sonoma Valley Women’s Club Plans to Beautify Italian Fountain and Garden in Sonoma Plaza
The Sonoma Valley Woman’s Club will be celebrating their 125th year in 2026. As a lead up to this very exciting anniversary the club’s foundation has reinstated the clubs first project, The Plaza Fund, now renamed the “Plaza Beautification Fund”. The project will start with the Italian Fountain and surrounding garden. Plans are well underway in...
Domenico’s Delicatessen and Cafe Coming to Pleasanton
According to a recently submitted alcohol license application, Danville-based concept Domenico’s Delicatessen and Cafe plans to debut a new outpost in Pleasanton. Coming to 201 Main Street, the eatery will land near establishments such as McKay’s Taphouse & Beer Garden, Noland’s Cake Shop, and Papa’s Dumpling. What Now San Francisco spoke briefly w...
Lauded SF Italian restaurant doubles down on new neighborhood
After a recent expansion into the Mission Bay neighborhood, the team behind Che Fico is doubling down on the burgeoning area and opening a new Italian restaurant just blocks from its Che Fico Pizzeria at Thrive City. Back Home Hospitality, helmed by chef David Nayfeld and Matt Brewer, announced it is bringing a new Tuscan restaurant, Via Aurelia...
Bacio di Latte Preparing for San Diego Debut
Beloved Italian gelato brand Bacio di Latte is bringing its signature scoops to San Diego for the first time with a new location coming to La Jolla at 8867 Villa La Jolla Dr. The company’s 15th location is expected to open at The Shops at La Jolla Village, according to documentation submitted to the San Diego Department of Environmental Health and...
San Francisco restaurant week newcomer Bettola serves up Italian cuisine
Despite concerns about tariffs and the economy, many restaurants in San Francisco were packed as the city celebrates restaurant week. The 10-day event is heading into its final weekend, and many restaurants say so far, it's been a huge success. In May of last year, an Italian restaurant and market opened on Clement, a street that's already lined wi...
Los Angeles-Based Italian-American Restaurant Chain Jon & Vinny’s Eyes San Diego With New Location In The Works Near Balboa Park
San Diego's dining scene might soon get a taste of Los Angeles flair as Jon & Vinny’s, the beloved Italian-American chain, appears poised to plant its first flag in America’s Finest City, just blocks from Balboa Park. Recently filed documents with the San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality signal the company's intent to expand bey...
Mar Vista’s New Cal-Ital Neighborhood Spot Pays Charming Homage to its Historic Roots
In 2023, Jeremy Adler bought Beethoven Market, a former Mar Vista grocery staple that served the community for 75 years. The market was less than a mile from his home, and Adler hoped to turn this prominent corner into a breezy day-to-night restaurant and community gathering place. That journey takes a successful turn as Adler and chef Michael Leon...
Los Angeles-Based Italian-American Restaurant Chain Jon & Vinny’s Eyes San Diego With New Location In The Works Near Balboa Park
San Diego's dining scene might soon get a taste of Los Angeles flair as Jon & Vinny’s, the beloved Italian-American chain, appears poised to plant its first flag in America’s Finest City, just blocks from Balboa Park. Recently filed documents with the San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality signal the company's intent to expand bey...
Pastiamo Bringing Fresh Italian Pasta To San Diego's Hillcrest
Pastiamo will soon bring fresh pasta to San Diego's Hillcrest community, expanding its footprint from its original North Pacific Beach site. The new location of Pastiamo joins the portfolio of owners Sara Pedrazzini and her husband, Christian Erbisti, who also operate Oltre Mare Italian Restaurant in Pacific Beach, further solidifying their presenc...
Bella Cucina Italian - Spring Food Feast
Craving a taste of Italy right here in Santa Clarita? Look no further than Bella Cucina Italian Restaurant, a local gem that serves up authentic Italian cuisine in a cozy and inviting setting. Known for their homemade pastas, rich sauces, and expertly crafted dishes, Bella Cucina offers a menu that blends traditional Italian favorites with unique c...
