Dominick's

The original Dominick's restaurant and bar, established in 1948, was a favored watering hole for Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack. Only friends of friends were able to drink and dine in this exclusive Hollywood hideout. Now in the hands of Warner Ebbink, and Brandon Boudet, who also own the 101 Coffee Shop, Dominick's returns to that original feel.Ebbink and Boudet completed an extensive renovation in 2004, once again returning to white tiled floors, dark-wood accents, and red booths, but with a modern twist, infusing the open space with a marble bar, and Thonet chairs. Outside, the brick patio is surrounded by a working herb garden tastefully set among fruit trees. In the center, a family style table and brick fireplace complement the foliage for a breezy New York rooftop feel.The decor is but only one aspect of this New York neighborhood-inspired restaurant. Speakeasy tunes and lounge standards gracefully transport everyone to a time when the Rat Pack would sit and sip martinis in swanky booths and celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and Billy Wilder were as common a sight as a plate of spaghetti and meatballs.Set against this backdrop, is the idea that every night at Dominick's is like "Sunday dinner" at home. "Brandon and I both came from families where our grandparents would cook for 30 people each Sunday and we want Dominick's to embody that familiar home spirit," said Ebbink.Executive chef and co-owner Brandon Boudet's menu invokes memories of simple Italian cuisine from the hearth of Little Italy. Updated traditional Italian dishes which promote sharing and sampling make things more inviting: whitefish picatta; veal parmesan; wood-grilled artichoke; and gnocchi with pecorino, tomato, and basil. Consistent nightly specials like Osso Buco on Tuesday's are showcased on the blackboard that hangs over the intimate bar. Desserts include peaches stuffed with amaretto cookies and ricotta fritters with a chocolate hazelnut sauce.Dominck's full bar with an eclectic Italian and California wine list is the final touch at this preserved hideaway destined to become a home away from home for young Angelenos. Dominick's also has year round covered patio dining, which is available for private events including Christmas parties, wedding receptions, etc...