Dinner at Campanile
Posted on Oct 20, 2009 under Archives | No Comment
Campanile restaurant
Last weekend I visited Mark Peel’s Campanile restaurant for two reasons, to review it for an upcoming iphone application I am working on and for a birthday celebration for my friend Mario (and me, we share the same birthday). Opened in 1989 in a building from the early 20th century designed for Charlie Chaplin, Peel’s Campanile is reminiscent of a Mediterranean village.
Divided into three sections, the front section is an open patio with a tiled fountain and glass atrium ceiling, the middle section has stone walls, a bell tower and gothic arches with seating looking into the open kitchen, and a romantic backroom for more intimate dining. Here is what we sampled on our visit:
Lobster salad
We started with a lovely amuse lobster salad from the chef. Big chunks of lobster so everyone was happy.
Braised Short Rib
I had the braised short rib with horseradish sauce. Huge and delicious.
Halibut with braised fennel
Mario and John had the grilled Alaskan halibut with braised fennel, tomato confit and spinach. I had a few bites, also very yummy with a lovely sauce.
Mashed potatoes with shallot creme fraiche
For sides we shared the mashed potatoes with shallot creme fraiche and the braised leeks with feta cheese.
Leeks and feta
For dessert we shared the flourless chocolate cake (my fave) and a delicious apple and strawberry crisp.
strawberry apple crisp
flourless chocolate cake
Mario and John at Campanile
the Italian and French inspired menu changes often, and everything on it is delicious and homey, so anytime is a great time to dine at Campanile. Also, they have a fantastic brunch.
This Monday, a special book signing and dinner is being held at the restaurant. Chef Mark Peel’s new book, “Classic Family Dinners” will be sold and signed by Peel, with a great dinner menu of grilled squid, potato and asparagus salad, leeks vinaigrette, or Waldorf salad for appetizer (diners can choose one option), giant ravioli with spinach, ricotta and egg yolk, cornmeal crusted pan fried trout, or pot pie (again, one choice), and chocolate pudding, apple cobbler or roasted figs with vanilla ice cream for dessert. The cost is only $39, a great deal, and reservations are a must.
Campanile is located at 624 South La Brea, call 323.938.1447 for reservations. Signing event starts at 6pm.