La Reina Plaza, 14622 Ventura Blvd. And Other Various Locations - Check Our Website Sherman Oaks, California 91403 Phone: (818) 501.7400

There are not a lot of restaurants that offer their recipes to their customers. But then, there are not a lot of restaurants like Pomodoro. Pomodoro comes to us from Northern California with a reputation for serving exceptionally good food, unabashedly authentic, at unexpectedly low prices, in a strikingly pleasant setting. The recipes are found on the restaurant's web site (www.pastapomodoro.com), which also offers a history of pasta, for those who might be curious. ("Where did pasta come from? Popular legend has it that Marco Polo introduced pasta to Italy following his exploration of the Far East in the late 13th century; however, we can trace pasta back as far as the fourth century BC, where an Etruscan tomb showed a group of natives making what appears to be pasta. The Chinese were making a noodle-like food as early as 3000 BC Greek mythology suggests that the Greek god Vulcan invented a device that made strings of dough -- the first spaghetti!") The recipes are extensive – and reading them is a reminder of the unutterable and profound simplicity of Italian food – a simplicity that makes this a cuisine that's always satisfying. The list of recipes is long: pizzoccheri della Valtellina, chicken cacciatora, mafaldine ai frutti di mare, spaghetti con arugula, ravioli gorgonzola, salmone con cruda, risotto con salsiccia, linguine vongole, bruschetta, gnocchi, risotto pescatore, spaghetti and meatballs, penne melanzane – there's even a section that explains how to mix Torani syrup with club soda to make a classic Italian soft drink. If you wanted to open an Italian restaurant, the list of recipes offered here would be a good place to begin. But then, you wouldn't get Pomodoro, a restaurant where the design suggests the bill will be a great dealer higher than it turns out to be. Pomodoro is part of a chain, and I know that gives a lot of folks the willies. But in this case, being part of a chain has simply increased the buying power – and its the customer who benefits with every bite. In a town of many Italian restaurants, it does much to stand out from the crowd. Enjoy your meal!  Merrill Shindler

Pomodoro

Contemporary Italian restaurant, Pomodoro has various locations in the Los Angeles area: Burbank, Sherman Oaks, Woodland Hills, West Hollywood and Manhattan Beach. The owner founder, Adriano Paganini has created his restaurants using stark and minimalist Italian designs reflecting the style of his native Milan home.

The design suggests that the bill will be a great deal higher yet, surprisingly enough, the entrees range from Insalata di Spinaci ($7.25) to Ravioli di Magro ($8.50) and Penne Portobello ($8.50) to Salmone Cannellini ($12.75). The food is outstanding yet as Adriano's credentials include cooking for Queen of England, President Regan and Luciano Pavarotti, we shouldn't be surprised! His menu is based on core elements: simple, healthy and fresh.Recently Pomodoro introduced gluten free pasta and multi grain pasta (from Barilla's new range) as alternative choices.

Adriano was born in Milan and has studied and worked in Italy, France, London and New York. Pomodoro has multiple locations in Southern California, Northern California and Arizona (Phoenix area).

Pomodoro also offers: To Go, Delivery and full Catering Services. All restaurant addresses are listed on www.pastapomodoro.com. Pomodoro offers beer and wine in all restaurants.Pomodoro, Burbank has new and full bar. Valet service is available for Sherman Oaks and Burbank.Appetizers range from $2.50 – $6.50.All major credit cards accepted.

Visit Pasta Pomodoro at these Southern California Locations:

Aliso Viejo      

26611 Aliso Creek Road    

92656 

(949) 831-1400

Burbank Town Center

201 East Magnolia Boulevard 91501 

(818) 559-1300

Corona

510 Hidden Valley Parkway            92879 

(951) 808-1700

Huntington Beach  

7811 Edinger Avenue, Suite 110 92647      

(714) 897-8062

Irvine-Oak Creek      

5789 Alton Parkway 92618 

(949) 654-1100

Laguna Beach  

234 Forest Avenue 92651 

(949) 497-8222

Manhattan Beach  

401 Manhattan Beach Boulevard 90266 

(310) 545-5401

Newport Coast Shopping Center

21133 Newport Coast Drive 92657    

(949) 759-1303

The Village at Orange

2214 North Tustin Street 92865 

(714) 998-3333

Sherman Oaks 

14622 Ventura Boulevard 91403 

(818) 501-7400

West Hollywood 7100 Santa Monica Blvd. # 150 90046

(323) 969-8000

Woodland Hills

21600 Victory Boulevard 91367 

(818) 340-2400