Foodie Fridays: Vinoteca Farfalla

Abby and Shevin initially bonded over their mutual love of boba during their freshman year at USC and have since been dining together and enjoying all of LA's wonderful culinary offerings. They both love to travel, explore, and most importantly eat!

It seemed like a great idea for FoundTrack to introduce a food column. Let's face it, those of us who enjoy art, film, fashion, and music usually have a soft spot for great dining experiences as well. So now, these two young Angelenos will have the chance to share some of their favorite tasty spots in LA with all of you fun people through Foodie Fridays.

If you have any recommendations you think should be considered for the column, please send an email to foodiefridays at foundtrack dot com. Eat on!

(Your Foodie Fridays Host and Hostess, Shevin & Abby)

Vinoteca Farfalla
1968 Hillhurst Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 661-8070
Map

Sandwiched between the upscale Italian Trattoria Farfalla and the casual Brazilian eatery Tropicalia, restaurateur John Borghetti has combined the best of both worlds into his third creation, Vinoteca Farfalla. It fills a culinary void on the Hillhurst restaurant row in Los Feliz, providing an intimate, urbane wine and tapas bar at a price point only slightly above the more casual neighborhood spots like Home and the Alcove. It’s the kind of place where you and a friend can order a couple glasses of wine and some tapas to share without getting dirty looks from the waiter for not ordering entrees and dessert.


Vinoteca Farfalla is small by LA standards but uses its modest size to its advantage by creating a cozy ambience more common to New York or San Francisco. Candlelit tables are placed close together and even the bar usually fills up, but this adds to the energy of the venue without becoming too overwhelming.

An impressive selection of wines and beers is offered. Specials are listed on a charming chalkboard above the bar. What I (Shevin) enjoyed most was their approach to sangria. Unlike at other bars and restaurants where chunks of apple, orange and grapes are overly soggy from floating in pitchers for hours, pieces of fresh cut fruit are served over ice in glasses, with the waiter later pouring in the delicious sangria.


While you’ll find plenty of traditional Italian tapas like imported meats, fried calamari and caprese salad, Vinoteca differentiates itself from the pack by offering several dishes with northern Brazilian influences. We tried a delicious platter of appetizers that complimented our sangria. All of the vegetables, including artichoke hearts, onions, and bell peppers were cooked and marinated just right for my (Abby’s) liking. It also included various sampler empanadas, dipping sauces, and an assortment of Brazilian meats and cheeses. This platter is perfect for a group of friends. There is something for everyone and you get to taste a variety of Italian and Brazilian flavors. However, if you’re looking for a heavier meal, head next door to Tropicalia.


TIPS:

If you go on a Friday or Saturday night, make sure to call ahead for reservations: (323) 661-8070.

There is only one table for large parties so reserve early!

It’s also great for a first or second date spot, (intimate setting, good lighting, and most importantly it’s not a three-course commitment; wine and tapas will do).

The manager is from the northern, afro-Brazilian part of the country, which is famous for seafood gumbo. This is the dish they’ve mastered!


NEXT TIME on Foodie Fridays: Umami Burger in Miracle Mile...