The Hollywoodpresscorps.com was delighted to find Bacaro LA Wine and Cicchetti bar, a gem of a restaurant in the downtown district of Los Angeles. Surrounded by college students and culture, this small, rustic hideaway offers an impressive assortment of wine, beer and delectable cicchetti.
The Italian word Cicchetti is another way of saying small snacks or side dishes, typically served in traditional “bàcari” (cicchetti bars or osterie) in Venice, Italy. More commonly known in the United States as “tapas” which is the Spanish version of the same craft of small plates.
Photo courtesy of Judy Hansen Pullos
The clientele was a mix of college students, business people and romantic diners. The fun decor and ambiance gives this restaurant a comfortable and thoughtful vibe. Wine and beer menus are chalked onto the black board walls, along with evening specials and featured menus. The ceiling is lighted by an eclectic wine bottle fixture that truly sets the tone for the dining experience.
The Kronfli brothers along with their amazing chef Lior Hillel have mastered unique flavors, colors and combinations for each of their small plate creations. The Hollywoodpresscorps.com tasted their complete seasonal special menu as well as a few additional other favorites recommended by General Manager Alex Kefalos.
Photo courtesy of Judy Hansen Pullos
The seasonal menu is highly recommended and consists of SEARED SCALLOPS carrot puree, crispy capers, white truffle olive oil $12; CRISPY SKIN SALMON calabrese pepper ragu, fennel salad, grilled sourdough $12; CHIPOTLE CHICKEN WINGS buttermilk batter, smoked pepper sauce, blue cheese dressing $9; and GOAT CHEESE SEMIFREDDO elderflower syrup, oatmeal crumble, macerated mixed berries $6.
Photo by J Hansen Pullos
In addition to these treats, we also had a sampling of the recommended white and red wine, as well as their famous baked chicken breast, mushroom pizza, and the unforgettable Noa’s buffalo cauliflower. But, it was all so delicious, we continued to order more! After a table-side visit from Chef de Cuisine, Matt Albright, we were convinced to try Tal’s Tower – skewered shrimp-stuffed mushrooms with green garlic oil on a baked baguette that was a visual delight as well as a culinary pleasure. And he sent us the Bacaro fries which were a fantastic twist on traditional garlic fries with a fried egg perfectly cooked and placed on top.
Photo courtesy of Judy Hansen Pullos
To top off out incredible evening we sampled two delicious desserts, HOMEMADE BREAD PUDDING with vanilla ice cream $5 and MALABI rosewater custard with shaved coconut, hibiscus flower, and ground pistachio $5.
They even feature a fun happy hour and other great deals throughout the week including wine down Wednesdays were each round of wine is $1 cheaper than the last, until the round is free!
This unique and sophisticated wine and cicchetti bar is a definite favorite of The Hollywoodpresscorps.com and we highly recommend it to anyone near the downtown Los Angeles area. We are looking forward to our next visit when we will taste the meatier selections from the menu, stay tuned!
