THE FORMER FOOD EDITOR FOR THE LA DAILY NEWS (50 YEARS) REPORTS WEEKLY ON FOOD & WINE FROM HIS RETIREMENT HOME IN COSTA RICA. HE AND HIS WIFE LILLIAN, OPERATE THE LIPSON INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED WINE STUDIES AND OFFER OPINIONS ON FINE DINING AND WINE RECOMMENDATIONS.
Diego Ortoli - Owner and Executive Chef of Portofino Cucina Italiana
“I was born and raised in Naples, Italy, a city of fresh ingredients, hidden restaurants and delicious dishes. While the food culture of Naples is in my blood, I discovered my true passion for Italian cuisine when I started working in restaurants in America. For several years I shared my passion by running a small Italian restaurant in West LA, but the real showcase for my expertise and simple but elegant vision of Italian wines and food came when I opened Portofino Cucina Italiana in Downtown LA.” Portofino Cucina Italiana, features real Italian cuisine – with ingredients flown in straight from Italy, and rare Italians wines not found in the U.S. Portofino blends tradition and simplicity to make you feel at home the second you walk through our door. The restaurant also includes vegetarian options as well as a gluten-free menu.
We’re doing a fabulous wine dinner at Portofino Cucina Italiana and Joel and I would love to get Diego on your show prior to the 13th to talk about his restaurant and our upcoming event. We have ingredients that are being flown in from Italy to make our wine dinner even more special! Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Puglia, buffalo mozzarella from Napoli, and Sea Bass from Orbetello – just a few of the ingredients flown in from Italy for Portofino Cucina Italiana! This intimate family-owned eatery in downtown LA, started two years ago by Naples-born Executive Chef Diego Ortoli, features rare Italian wines, a gluten-free menu, and authentic Italian recipes. On Wednesday, March 13th, Ortoli presents a 4-course Italian gourmet dinner with wine pairings, starting with a reception at 6:30 PM. A vegetarian menu will also be available that evening.www.portofinodtla.com