My Celestino Drago is living the American Dream. An immigrant from Sicily, he arrived in Los Angeles many many years ago at the tender age of 19. And he spoke the very sweetest broken English with thick Italian accent that is exactly the same today. Despite this inauspicious debut, he brought with him a vision, determination, focus and talent that was unstoppable.
Today he oversees a family of restaurants that are devoted to inspired Italian cuisine. With each new venture, he ups the bar in terms of ambiance and food. I have been fortunate to know him for 27 years -- an impossible number when I think about it. And have eaten at every single establishment and been incredibly grateful for the experience. Recently I was treated to a perfect night at Drago Centro -- Celestino's gorgeous, grown up, sophisticated restaurant downtown on Flower Street and my palate was so titillated I had to write about it.
There was an airy fondue served with crunchy toasted bread and beautifully blanched baby vegetables and sweet apples. As if this wasn't heaven enough, he added a layer of shaved truffles that was intense. We ate charcuterie. A tagliatelle with creamy saffron and crab. A remarkable piece of halibut. And a tiramisu that was a transcendent layer of lady fingers layered with sweet marscapone, whipped cream, and topped with a dusting of cocoa with a stenciled D for Drago of course.
Complementing the food is Jaymee's gorgeous mixed drinks' menu. A true mixologist -- she's got the mojo when it comes to making concoctions from potions like violet liquer and rosemary, chamomile Grappa and grapefruit. Plus she's just super cute and fun to watch her teeny frame commandeer the bar and all that entails. If Iwere you I would spend my very next night out at Drago Centro and enjoy a meal that you will soon not forget.
Ciao Ciao,
Lisa
