A new Italian restaurant, Vicini Ristorante and Wine Bar commemorated its opening on August 16th, featuring a menu of authentic Italian family recipes by local Chef Lucio Bedon, who has worked at prominent restaurants between Los Angeles and Italy for two decades. Bedon’s father worked as a fisherman, and many dishes are inspired by the chef’s family and childhood – including fresh Mediterranean sardines cured by Bedon according to a family recipe.

The menu, which aims to “read like a love letter to Veneto” – highlights include Bigoli in Salsa, a thick bigoli pasta, three months cured Chioggia sardines, and toast breadcrumbs; Risotto Nero Con Sepia, blank ink risotto with grilled cuttlefish; Carpaccio di Manzo, beef carpaccio with warm parmesan fonduta and truffle oil; and Moeche Fritte, soft shell crab with creamy white polenta.