Pizza and cupcakes may seem like an odd pairing- unless you’re a 6 year old- but not in Los Angeles, where both are always on the hot list. Sprinkles founder Candace Nelson has amassed a cupcake empire with 24 stores but wanted a new creative challenge. So after meeting Italian-bred pizza master Daniele Uditi at a party at actor Chris O’Donnell’s house, she partnered with O’Donnell and his wife, Caroline, and opened Pizzana in Brentwood. Nelson remains executive pastry chef of Sprinkles, and also heads the dessert program at Pizzana- with creations like the Neapolitan Ice Cream Terrine. The quintet’s bright, intimate Brentwood eatery makes slow dough- which rises and proofs over two days- for its neo-Neapolitan pies, such as Uditi’s cacio e pepe and Messicana twists on tradition.
As if you would need more incentive to visit, the 45-seat restaurant has a wine and beer list crafted by Amanda Crawford. But the real draw are Uditi’s incredibly authentic pies that Angelenos can’t get enough of- and has L.A. Times food critic Jonathan Gold claiming to be among the best in the world. Though Uditi is deeply rooted in the Neapolitan tradition, he felt it was important to understand the American palate. The menu at Pizzana focuses primarily on a long list of pizzas, such as the Corbarina: cherry tomatoes, squash blossoms, burrata and gremolata. It’s largely pizza, yet they also offer an extensive list of antipasti, salads and, of course, a dessert menu worth saving room for. But there’s not a cupcake in sight. Be prepared for a wait, as reservations are nearly non existent and they don’t do take-out. Hopefully there’s a pizza oven/ATM in the works. www.pizzana.com
Tags: Brentwood, Culinary, Los Angeles, Pizzana, Restaurants, Sprinkles Cupcakes
