A dinner inspired by classic Italian films

This sounds fun: a special dinner next Monday with a menu inspired by classic Italian films. Sponsored by the Italian Cultural Institute of Los Angeles, the dinner will be prepared by chef Simone Santopietro at Obika Mozzarella Bar and Ristorante in Century City. The cost is $60 per person. Wine pairings are $20 per person extra.

The six-course menu includes tomato or lardo bruschetta inspired by the 1953 Vittorio de Sica film “Pane, amore e fantasia (Bread, Love and Dreams),” mozzarella in carrozza inspired by the 1948 De Sica film “Ladri di biciclette (The Bicycle Thieves)” and fish soup inspired by the 1948 Luchino Visconti film “La terra trema (The Earth Trembles).”

Just reading the menu inspires me to take a look at some of these Italian films I’ve missed. How can I not have seen the 1954 picture “Un americano a Roma (An American in Rome)”?

For reservations, call (310) 556-2452 or email centurycity@obikala.com.

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