Resident mixologist at Brentwood’s popular Bar Toscana William Perbellini has declared July the official Toscana month of the Bellini.
Perbellini designed four drinks, available at both Toscana and Bar Toscana, showcasing his “garden to glass” mixology philosophy and undoubtedly inspired by his bartending career at the famed Hotel Cipriani in Venice, Italy.
With Happy Hour – or Happyritivo – everyday form 5 to 7:30 p.m. teeming with Italian cocktails and stuzzichini (small plates), patrons can sip this summer Bellinis for $10, or $13 during regular hours.
As always, Toscana and Bar Toscana wines and cocktails are made to compliment the restaurant’s seasonal specials and extensive lunch, dinner and bar menus.
From now until July 31, guests may sample the Fiorella Bellini with white peach puree, Franciacorta Brut and St. Germaine; the Elisabetta Bellini made with Bitter Campari, fresh raspberry puree, Franciacorta Brut and Briottet Creme de Framboise; the Claudia Bellini with fresh strawberry puree, Franciacorta Brut and Luxardo Cherry Sangue Morlacco; and the Emily Bellini with pomegranate juice, Franciacorta Brut, raspberry and peach-infused Gran Marnier and dehydrated blood orange.
As the younger and cooler next-door sister of the famed celebrity haunt Toscana, Bar Toscana has proven its worth as an upscale, Milano-inspired lounge after plucking bar manager Perbellini from Italy in 2010.
Before that, however, Perbellini had a whole second life after gradating from culinary high school as “gourmet bartender” in 2002. After four years at the prestigious Hotel Cipriani, he was scouted by legendary designer Valentino and hired as the fashion mogul’s butler for his properties and private yacht.
Thanks to Perbellini, Bar Toscana’s handcrafted cocktails and Italian-focused wines are not so much originals as they are riffing off Italian traditions. Drinks often add basil, oranges and lemons flavors and garnishes or feature thyme and rosemary herbs. And it’s hard to not notice that Perbellini is a fan of black grapes.
Because to Bar Toscana, presentation is as important as taste. The array of flavors, smells and images complete the intimate cocktail bar milieu.
During Happy Hour, the $13 stuzzichinis including chicken parmagiana sliders with arugula salad; yellow heirloom tomato gazpacho and grilled shrimp; homemade beef meatballs in marinara sauce; and salmon tartare with pretzel bread. And signature cocktails for $10 feature the Aperol Spritz, Mezcal Mule and House Old Fashioned.
But the menu offers much more for a little more in price. Sure, there are classics like bruschetta, breaded veal, prosciutto with melon and burrata salad, but Bar Toscana allows guests to experiments with and challenge Italian cuisine expectations. Start with Spiendini Di Pesce, an oven-baked gratineed shrimp and calamari skewer. Make your way toward the Formaggi of Italian cheeses served with homemade jams and sweet bread.
Classici Di Toscana offers all worthy combinations within their antipasti, salads, pizza, fish and meat. Try the Tartufo Nero E Burrata, a burrata cheese and winter black truffle pizza. Advance to the homemade Risotto Paesana, made of aborio rice, sausage and mixed vegetables and proceed to either a roasted rack of New Zealand lamb or grilled Mediterranean sea bass filet.
Finish off your meal strong with their mouth-watering Qualcosa Di Dolce: Tahitian vanilla panna cotta served with caramel topping and baci di dama cookies is a fan favorite; homemade butter-almond cookies with vanilla gelato, Belgian chocolate and caramel; or an assorted, fresh berry plate, garnished with saba vinaigrette reduction.
Bar Toscana is located at 11633 San Vicente Boulevard, open nightly from 5:30 to 11 p.m. Toscana, next door, is open daily for dinner and lunch, opening at 11:30 a.m.
For more information visit bartoscana.com or call 310.826.0028.
