With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Robert Blake's Restaurant Booth Might End Up on eBay
Things have changed at Vitello's in Studio City, the restaurant beloved for its "red sauce" Italian dishes and its infamous role as the last supper spot for Bonnie Lee Bakley, the late wife of actor Robert Blake who was fatally shot around the corner in 2001.
There's a new menu, a new interior, and, as Studio City Patch explains, all this new means out with the old--including the seat that was Blake's regular spot for the many years he frequented the restaurant.
"We've considered putting it up on eBay," said Vitello's general manager Brad Rouen. "I'm all about letting the past go and moving forward."
We learned a bit about the "new" Vitello's from their PR rep, who explained that things are quite spectacularly different inside the restaurant:
Support for LAist comes from
What used to be a traditional Italian eatery, with brick walls, and no windows, is now a beautiful open-air dining room, complete with a live olive tree in the center. Also, featured is a brand new, white Italian marble bar with an all-new mixology program. [...]Finally, there is a new black & white bar that is made out of Italian-imported Carrera marble and slate.
While once upon a time Robert Blake had a spinach and pasta dish named for him on the menu, the food has gotten a makeover too:
For the first time ever, Vitello’s has an Italian Chef in the kitchen, and the menu has been completely redesigned by new Executive Chef Tonino Cardia. Long gone are the days of red sauce with melted cheese on top. Originally from Sicily, Chef Cardia has produced an authentic Italian menu with a few classic dishes, along with some new additions using fresh local ingredients, that has truly elevated the food offerings at Vitello’s.
One of our favorite Vitello's tales was the customer who saw Jesus in her manicotti, btw.
For those who caught Blake's recent (and bizarre) appearance on CNN's Piers Morgan, you might agree it's time to let go of the past (Blake sure seems to want to--at least when it comes to his relationship with Bakely.)
So who is going to bid on the booth, if it does go up for auction online?
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress.
Best of LAist