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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:
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.
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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?
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