THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Domenico Ristorante

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Domenico Ristorante Restaurant Review:

Domenico occupies a small space, but is rapidly asserting a major presence on this hip stretch of Silver Lake Boulevard. Owner Domenico Frasca, a Drago alum, has created a compelling neighborhood ristorante (chef Michael Young has departed the restaurant). The dining room is a white-washed boîte with high-backed banquettes, white chairs and a modern Italian-crafted Swarovski crystal chandelier. Just as many candlelit, linen-topped tables spill onto the front sidewalk patio as fit in the interior. Fried olives stuffed with provolone cheese arrive as an amuse-bouche, preceding a selection of starters that includes Maine scallops on a bed of sautéed escarole, bathed in a subtle, not overly heavy Parmigiano cream, drizzled with quality balsamic. Beef carpaccio is enhanced with boschetto cheese laced with black truffles, and a wild arugula salad with raw baby artichokes and Parmigiano-Reggiano is dressed with a lively lemon dressing. Pastas are generally first-rate, such as an al dente spaghetti carbonara topped with a quail egg, while risotto is studded with wild mushrooms and wild blueberries. Among main courses is a pair of petite lamb chops served with spicy Castelluccio lentils balanced with sweet peppers, whole branzino, and braised rabbit with black olive sauce. A tarte Tatin-like apple tart is filled with a fennel paste, accompanied by vanilla ice cream.