Drago Ristorante Archives - Local Food Eater

What are the World’s Most Popular Cuisines?

April 28, 2023 Comments Off

(Gerry Furth-Sides) The most popular cuisines in the world according to a recent study may surprise you as much as they did me. The findings are reported by pickyeaterblog.com which did a variety of research.

Survey says: Italian and Japanese cuisines are the most popular worldwide. Why? As of 2023, each has been tagged more than 20 million times on Instagram. Italian at the top of the list was expected. Japanese cuisine being a little more esoteric (and expensive) was more surprising at number two.

The editorial staff gave the reasoning of “Italian cuisine offering various dishes to explore, from simple tomato spaghetti sauce to complex risotto flavors. And let us remember the wine!” For LocalFoodEater.com Italian wine stories, please see: //localfoodeater.com/tag/italian-wines/

Alex Lunardon, proud owner of Antonio’s Pizzeria in Sherman Oaks

For one of our favorite Italian eateries, please see //localfoodeater.com/antonios-pizzeria-celebrates-60-continuous-years-sherman-oaks/ We have also done the lion’s share of articles on Italian cuisine (//localfoodeater.com/tag/italian. Many of the articles feature the Drago brothers //localfoodeater.com/safe-at-our-elegant-al-fresco-ethnic-italian-naturally-dining-choices/

The Drago brothers and all their restaurant , a LocalFoodEater.com favorite

The study by pickyeaterblog.com found that Italian cuisine is the most popular worldwide. Pizza was also the dominant meal.

Cheesy, gooey, delicious Pizza! The number one world’s favorite dish at Antonio’s Pizzeria in Sherman Oaks

We were a little surprised and very pleased that Japanese cuisine was the second most popular. it is such a novel, original, refined and diverse cuisine. //localfoodeater.com/cuisines/japanese/ and //localfoodeater.com/chef-daniel-sons-new-dtla-katzu-sando-take-out and for the collection, please see //localfoodeater.com/tag/kura-sushi/

Japanese cuisine, number two in the world

To determine the most popular cuisines, meal types, and availability of cuisines, and restaurants, The Picky Eater analyzed Instagram hashtags. This makes the Japanese choice more understandable since it is so photogenic and esoteric. For our LocalFoodEater.com articles, please see: //localfoodeater.com/cuisines/japanese/

Add the more popular casual concepts to the popularity of Japanese cuisine at the #2 world favorite. Her the sando

Next, they examined the 50 most visited cities according to the Govisity list, compiling a list of 65 cuisines worldwide. Next, for each city, they counted the number of restaurants serving these 65 cuisines using data from Foursquare’s API. Finally, they analyzed 82,995 restaurants in those cities that may have the capacity to offer multiple cuisines.

Pizza is the dominant meal. It surpasses barbecue in second place and brunch in third.

Pizza the most popular dish n the world 2023

BBQ, the number two most popular dish in the world

Brunch the number three favorite food items at American Breakfast Club in Hollywood

Brunch, the third most popular meal in the world 2023 at Momed in Atwater

Chinese restaurants are the most common, representing an average of over 9.5% of all restaurants in the top visited cities, followed by Italian restaurants at more than 8.5% and Indian restaurants at 8%. We love Chef Tony Dim Sum in Pasadena.

Chinese restaurants the most popular in the world, here Chef Tony Dim Sum in Pasadena

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Most Popular Cuisines Around the World

On the other hand, fresh, seasonal, and intricate preparation methods, low in fat and high in nutrients – Japanese cuisine, too, has gained popularity with sushi and ramen dishes all across the globe.

Although Japanese food is the second most popular, according to The Picky Eaters, the nation ranks 11th per its population of over 125 million. The second most populated nation with about 1.4 billion people – India – has the third most popular cuisine in the world with more than 12 million tags on Instagram.

From hearty, aromatic curries and vegetarian dishes from the north to the spicy seafood dishes of the south, Indian food is loved and enjoyed by billions worldwide.

Refined Saag Paneer at Delhi Belly in Alhambra. Indian food the third most popular in the world

As we explore the flavors of East Asia, Korean cuisine – known for its spicy and fermented flavors, such as kimchi and gochujang – is reportedly tagged almost 10 million times on Instagram, making it the fourth most sought-after cuisines worldwide, followed by Mexican and Thai food.

Asian fried chicken represents Korean cuisine, number 10 most popular in the world

Most Popular Meal Type Around the World

Italian cuisine, with its simple yet flavorful dishes, is famous for pizzas, which are reported to be the most popular meal mentioned on Instagram.

America’s cuisine blends Native American, European, African, and Asian influences. This has blessed us with a unique culinary landscape where dishes like fried chicken, mac and cheese, and barbecue are served alongside tacos, pad Thai, and sushi-the fourth most popular meal as of 2023.

Barbecue is one of America’s most iconic dishes and can be traced back to the Caribbean’s indigenous peoples. European colonists then adopted this practice and brought it to the southern parts of the United States.

As of 2023, over 30 million Instagram tags related to barbecue have been recorded under the world’s most popular meal types.

Now, in the South, barbecues are a way of life; – it brings people together for social gatherings and celebrations. A symbol of hospitality, barbecuing has become a norm in American cuisine.

As the world becomes more health-conscious, fresh, high-quality ingredients in Italian dishes like pasta, risotto, and seafood have won over people’s taste buds. Seafood also is among the top five most tagged meal types on Instagram.

With the fast-moving world, American breakfast culture slowly faded away, paving an avenue for brunch – a British meal that gained immense popularity across the states. As of 2023, brunch is the third most popular meal, with more than 35 million tags on Instagram.

Most Common Restaurants Found in the Top Most Visited Cities

Chinese restaurants are the most common eateries found across the most visited cities in the world. It is easy to see why Chinese cuisine is sought after by many worldwide; – the unique flavors coupled with several healthy options, Chinese food has something for everyone. It ranks seventh among the most popular cuisines in the world.

Italian cuisine is the most popular worldwide, with over 8.5% of restaurants serving Italian food in the most visited cities.

Most Available Cuisine and Percentage of Restaurant Per City

Chinese food is easily accessible in bustling cities worldwide like Singapore, Shanghai, Taipei, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, and more – making it easy for people to try different dishes with bold flavors and a wide range of ingredients.

On the other hand, with more than 8 percent of Mexican restaurants in Los Angeles, Mexican cuisine has captured Angelenos’ hearts and taste buds. Mexican cuisine has become an integral part of LA’s food scene, and it is not hard to see why – the proximity to Mexico.

Mexican food comes with a vibrant blend of indigenous and Spanish culinary traditions, resulting in a unique flavor profile that is both bold and comforting.

Over time, traditional recipes have adapted modern takes and are emerging in different parts of the world. One great example of such influence would be the growing popularity of chai tea, turmeric latte, and chicken tikka masala – a fusion of Indian and British cuisine.

Similarly, Indian expatriates have boosted their food and culture’s popularity in faraway places like Dubai, where traditional Indian cooking was introduced before any other.

Ethnic Surprises at Masters of Taste 2022

April 5, 2022 Comments Off

French Macaron was the star at the etoilefilantepatisserie booth (www.etoilefilantepatisserie.com) Radiant Vicky Escalante specializes in character Macarons.

(Gerry Furth-Sides) If Italian and soul food and Thai were insanely popular at the 2022 sold out Masters of Taste 2022 it is no surprise. The news is all the surprising twists of why for these ethnic and regional favorites.

A Masters of Taste directory map of the 100+ savory and sweet Culinary Masters plus vendor booths

Over 100 savory Culinary Masters and restaurants, plus unique sweets prepared by L.A.’s top Sweet Masters. Top Beverage Masters featuring signature handcrafted cocktail tastings from over 25 spirit brands and bars, along with select wineries, local craft breweries, cold-pressed juices, cold brew coffee, live entertainment. ease see www.MastersofTasteLA.com for details and tickets.

100% of the proceeds from Masters of Taste 2022 will directly benefit Union Station Homeless Services.

Masters of Taste 2022 directly benefits Union Station Homeless Services

Bigger-than-Life, 786 degrees‘s Master Pizzaiolo Ali Haider Ali, greeted Masters of Taste 2022 visitors right inside the gate. He worked the Rose Bowl Stadium as it would be his own small kitchen. But when I asked him about his VPN insignia on his chef coat and if he knew American founder, Peppe Miele, he paid attention. His respect and the significance for the history, integrity and authenticity of pizza is what has made his pies so popular. Margherita Napolitana D.O.C., the pizza that earned him the Vera Pizza Napolitana certification, the mozzarella di Buffalo is imported form the Campania region of Italy.

Master Pizzaiolo, Ali Haider, **786 degrees,** with his VPN sleeve badge at Masters of Taste 2022

Master Pizzaiolo, Ali Haider of 786 Degrees Pizza in Pasadena and Sun Valley, is considered the “thinking man’s creator of pizza. He is also spiritual and explains that the number “786” has beautiful meaning in some cultures of, “May God Shower blessings upon you.”

Ali’s pizza awards are numerous. They include an 8 time national and world championships under his belt. And 786 has received as best restaurant. accolades from almost every food publication to Forbes Magazine

How could it not be a best bite? Ali even sources his authentic exotic spices internationally. Here, the thin crust crunch and chew of a Classic Pistachio Pesto – Bianca (Vegetarian 🌱!)Pistachio Pesto, buttery creamy Cheese, Fontina, Fresh Mozzarella, Napoli sea salt, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, seasoned with Oregano, Thyme & Rosemary.

Bianca (Vegetarian) pizza with homemade pistachio pesto from 786 Degrees at Masters of Taste 2022

Egypt 🇪🇬 Smoked Mozzarella, Egyptian garlic yogurt sauce, Lamb and Beef Mixed KOFTA, Roasted onions, Egyptian herbs, spices, olive oil & Himalayan salt. With halal meat.

from 786 Degrees’s Egypt 🇪🇬 Smoked Mozzarella at Masters of Taste 2022

Italian cuisine always reigned in Southern California. Celestino Drago and his brothers who are from Sicily only strengthened this belief with their excellent, consistent Southern Italian cuisine and hospitality to match.

The Drago brothers, legendary Celestino at left and Celestino owner, Calogero top right, “at work” making it play at **Masters of Taste 2022.** Note the Parmigano Reggiano “bowl!”

The people already won us over for the sold out Masters of Taste 2022 even before we got onto the field of the iconic Pasadena Rose Bowl. Everyone was just so happy to to be out together with people. The vendor participant were no exception. Drago’s Executive Catering Chef, lively Fredy Esobar, here with Taste & Company owner-chef, Cynthia Mamukari.

Drago’s Executive Catering Chef, lFredy Esobar, with Taste & Company owner-chef, Cynthia Mamukari at Masters of Taste 2022

And coming back full circle to French cuisine, Chef Gabriel Capelli at historic The Raymond 1886 is Italian. But he served an unusual dish often found on French menus, Pigeonneau, or squab, on French menus. It takes a deft hand to pull off although the dish is prepared with young pigeons that have never flown. So it has a milder, and tenderer meat than an adult pigeon.

Italian Chef Gabriel Capelli at The Raymond 1886 served Pigeonneau, A French dish of Squab Leg with spinach puree and citrus gastrique at Masters of Taste 2022

The twist on regional southern food that has captured the hearts of Southern California diners at least is “hot & spicy” fried chicken. The all heart service of Gus’s world Famous Hot & Spicy Fried Chicken helps keep it at the top of the list.

**Gus’s World Famous Hot & Spicy Fried Chicken**‘s crew – after serving a steady stream of guests for four hours- with as much Southern charm as the food at Masters of **Taste 2022**

The smile says it all at Masters of Taste 2022 about why Georgia’s Soul Food has propelled itself into the mainstream in Southern California (Long Beach, Anaheim) the past few years. With a strong start as a catering company using treasured family recipes, the suburban locations have also attracter new customers.

I have never understood why the universally appealing flavors and friendliest people the world serving it, Thai, was considered exotic. Re-enforcing the popularity with an eye popping, inter-active performance dish is 2019 Michelin Bib Gourmand Chef Vanda Apasadu of Ayara Thai.

Chef Vanda is the Host Chef of Masters of Taste 2022 and helped arrange an entire Thai Pavilion at the event. After working with Chef Tommy Tang, who is considered the father of Modern Thai cuisine after introducing it to Los Angeles and New York diners, I’m so pleased at this recognition.

How to Do the Best Home Italian Holiday Feast – Anytime

February 15, 2022 Comments Off

(Gerry Furth-Sides) Two of the most respected chefs who have created food for the most beloved restaurants in Los Angeles are sharing their homemade dishes to eat at home.

Chef Cynthia Mamukari, founder-owner-chef of Taste & Company developed a pasta kit.

Restaurateur & Executive Chef Celestino Drago helped develop plant-based lasagna noodles for Vegan Sunday Supper’s Six-Layer Lasagna. Drago also offers their own phenomenal pasta out of their commissary.

Chef Cynthia Mamukari, founder-owner-chef of Taste & Company was the executive chef at the famous Joe Allen’s Restaurant in Los Angeles, after being recruited to work in their flagship New York and London restaurants. She was also the opening chef at Orso, an equally popular and more casual eatery both in West Hollywood and in Manhattan.

Restaurateur & Executive Chef Celestino Drago and his family are beloved in Los Angeles and Pasadena for their restaurants, Drago Centro, IL Pastaio, Drago Bakery & Drago Restaurant Group).

**Taste and Company gourmet Pasta Kit** (Photo courtesy Taste and Company)

The Taste & Company kit is filled with the freshest pasta and turkey or vegetarian sauce for the most health-minded customers. It ensures that kids who are eating and making the pasta know what it is supposed to taste like when it is “done right.” And adults will appreciate this quality as well.

The kit has the most sophisticated, fresh ingredients still makes it fun to put together

Taste & Company‘s Chef Cynthia suggests her box specifically for: “When your family calls for a nice dinner of fresh semolina pasta and a homemade sauce. Easy to follow, explicit instructions are included to make the dish. It’s so easy, kids can prepare it

Just by adding wine or sparkling grape juice to the table , you have – presto- ” and would like, ” Italy in a box.” The

Taste & Company’s gourmet Pasta Kit serves 2, 4, 8 or 16 (Photo courtesy of **Taste & Company)**

Vegan Sunday Supper

Vegan Sunday Supper’s Six-Layer Lasagna (2-4 Servings $28.95 / 6-8 Servings $44.95) is a completely new take on the traditional sausage recipe made with sweet peppers and vegan cheeses, but there is a very special secret ingredient, Future Farms Sausage, which makes this Lasagna just as satisfying and delicious as a traditional meat Lasagna, without the meat! Vegan Sunday Supper also shares the love as 25% of all profits from Vegan Sunday Supper go directly toward benefitting and funding Support + Feed, a non-profit organization created during the pandemic by Maggie Baird (Actress, Voice Artist, Screenwriter), while fighting hunger and climate change one plant-based meal at a time.

Support + Feed’s focus is to have a footprint in cities across the country that are the most impacted by food insecurity and climate change. Support + Feed works tirelessly to nourish those in need by assisting local nonprofits with nourishing plant-based meals and informational resources on its nutritional benefits.

Vegan Sunday Supper’s new gourmet ready-to-bake 100% Plant-Based Six-Layer Lasagnas are now available for home delivery anywhere Nationwide, so celebrateValentine’s Day by visiting www.VeganSundaySupper.com now to help fight hunger and climate change one meal at a time.

**Vegan Sunday Supper Lasagna in its Box** (photo credit: Matt Villanueva)

Vegan Sunday Supper was created by Founder Richard Klein, a sought-after brand strategist, publisher, creative director and activist. After Klein transitioned to a plant-based diet 15 years ago, he found himself trying to recreate delicious vegan versions of the dishes he loved, including Lasagna.

Klein’s culinary dream team started with first-generation Italian American Chef Vincent Giovanni, the chef responsible for Laurel Hardware’s bona fide pizza program in West Hollywood.

Next, Klein and Giovanni turned to Los Angeles legend, Restaurateur & Executive Chef Celestino Drago (Drago Centro, IL Pastaio, Drago Bakery & Drago Restaurant Group), who became responsible for developing the finest and freshest plant-based lasagna noodles. Finally, to source the best vegan cheese, Celebrity Vegan Chef Angela Lowe (Angela Lowe Private Chef, Catering & Events, Premier Vegan Catering & Events), known for her innovative vegan cooking and her award-winning vegan cheeses.

The result is a 100% Plant-Based Lasagna with a new take on the traditional sausage recipe, with sweet peppers and vegan cheeses. The special secret ingredient, Pulled Oats was used to make the meatless, plant-based Lasagna just as satisfying as a traditional meat Lasagna. This Finnish innovation from Gold&Green Foods, is a tasty protein, made with just five simple plant-based ingredients: Oats, Yellow Peas, Fava Beans, gently pressed Rapeseed Oil and Salt. It absorbs flavors superbly and can be precisely spiced.

**Vegan Sunday Supper Lasagna being enjoyed** (photo credit: Matt Villanueva)

Drago Bakery Takeout

Owner and Executive Chef Celestino Drago’s special Takeout Menu at Drago Bakery in Culver City features is renowned freshly baked and freezable essentials for pick-up and home preparation. The kitchen already supplies a multitude of restaurants near and far, with the best pretzel buns on the planet (that were the hit at LA FARM).

Chef Drago and the Drago Bakery team will be offering the following Takeout Menu every Monday though Friday for pick-up from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm – Fresh Pasta Package ($55) which will include a choice of Lasagna Bolognese, Chicken and Mushroom Lasagna, or Vegetarian Lasagna that will serve up to 10 guests and be packaged cold. Main Proteinssuch as the Chicken Breast with Marsala and Mushrooms ($80), and a Beef Stew with Red Wine & Spices($95), will also be packed cold and serve up to 10 guests. Side Orders will feature 2-pound containers of Assorted Roasted Vegetables, Roasted Potatoes, and Brussels Sprouts with Ginger & Shallots ($18 each). Fresh Soupsinclude a choice of Minestrone, Pumpkin, and Lentil, packaged in 32-ounce deli-cups and offered cold or frozen ($12 each).

Drago Bakery offers Takeout Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; 3828 Willat Avenue, Culver City, CA 90232 with drop in’s or phone orders 310.280.6004; www.DragoBakery.com

Drago Ristorante Catering and Good Cheer Comes Home with Us!

May 13, 2020 Comments Off

Amada’s warm welcome and helpful hospitality begin on the phone at Drago Bakery and Catering, and are alone worth the trip!

San Simeon wine from San Antonio Winery DTLA on Italian placemats!

(Gerry Furth-Sides) “Half the fun is getting there” and, in the case of Drago Catering (3828 Willat Avenue, Culver City, CA 90232) tucked way inside of a Culver City maze of commercial streets (on the south side of Venice not in the cluster of commissaries under the freeway). Finding the Drago Bakery and Catering shop treasure it its own reward. Let’s talk about that reward first. The prepared food-to-go is scrumptious and perfect (casserole style) for take-out to make a meal into a feast. To the Lasagna Bolognese, all we added for a main course was farmers market asparagus topped with homemade mayo aioli. Carrot soup, ciabatta rolls and a beet salad started this Sunday spring meal. Apple Tart, in the shape of a rose, made a beautiful dessert on its own with a dollop of freshly whipped cream.

Decadent Lasagna Bolognese at first reheat from Drago Catering shares a plate with farmers market asparagus topped with homemade mayo aioli

Drago Bakery and Catering features a beautiful Apple Tart in the shape of a rose

Our lesson: After we remarked at the pan size of the lasagna we thought smaller than anticipated, and we were reminded it was sold by the pound, we are still eating soul-southing lasagna after a month!

The most pillowy, sumptuous lasagna at first reheat and after being frozen and reheated from Drago Bakery and Catering

We added an easy-to-make carrot soup to start the meal, along with a beet salad

Fresh out of the oven ciabatta rolls with butter (the pewter “item” at the botton of the tray is a butter knife with an elephant carved into it)

Drago Bakery will be offering Takeout Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; 3828 Willat Avenue, Culver City, CA 90232 with drop in’s or phone orders 310.280.6004; www.DragoBakery.com

Executive Chef Celestino Drago abundant Bakery Goods available include Breads featuring a Ciabatta Loaf (1 ½ lbs., $3.50), Pagnotta Sourdough (2 ½ lbs., $5), Rustic Baguette ($2.50), and Whole Wheat Harvest (2 lbs., $5).

Cakes, such as this Apple Tart, simply need to be reheated at 350 in the oven

Cakes include a Cheesecake ($28), and a Chocolate Flourless Cake ($28). Lastly, a selection of Fresh Breakfast Pastries will include Plain Croissants ($2.25 each), Chocolate Croissants ($3.00 each), Almond Croissants ($3.75 each), Ham & Cheese Croissants ($3.75 each), and Coffee Muffins, Banana Muffins, Walnut Muffins, and Blueberry Muffins ($3 each).

The clue is the Drago Bakery & Catering truck outside

The door into Drago Bakery & Catering is the only street sign

Los Angeles times Magazine articles tells the story of Celestino Drago on the walls of Drago Bakery & Catering

Celestino Drago pastas and baked food line two walls of Drago Bakery & Catering (above and below). Tomato sauce and tomato paste are uniquely sweet

The Drago family of chefs has over 9 restaurants to their credit and now adds an upscale Italian restaurant and event site, Drago Ristorante. located inside the Petersen Automotive Museum.

Chef Celestino Drago

Pillars of the culinary community; there is scarcely a charity benefit without the Drago restaurants famous food and friendly faces of one or more of the four brothers: Tanino, Calogero, Celestino, and Giacomino.

The Drago brothers

Celestino Drago immigrated to Los Angeles from Sicily in the mid-1970s and has been famous since he launched Celestino in Beverly Hills, closed and re-created in Pasadena on famous Lake Street.

Drago Ristorante Catering Brings Authentic Sicilian to Events

March 17, 2020 Comments Off

(Gerry Furth-Sides) Our first take-home food of this year was the superb choice of Drago Catering. Sumptuous lasagna, silky-rich carrot soup and apple tart were delicious the first evening and for a month afterward.

The Drago family of chefs has over 9 restaurants to their credit and now adds an upscale Italian restaurant and event site, cal Drago Ristorante located inside the Petersen Automotive Museum. Public dining is available on the side patio. One of the last events before lockdown in LA was a party honoring the place. Thinned out rush hour traffic was already noticeable, and people fist-bumped, or at times with me got a welcome, spontaneous hug. It was a party to remember for the food, the friendly faces and the hospitality as usual with the Drago brothers. Because all else fades when these brothers are around.

Chef Celestino Drago, Southern Italian Restaurant Empire talent

The Drago family has owned and operated some of the most famous high-end Italian restaurants in Los Angeles, California, since the 1980s. They are widely known for their pasta dishes, with dry pasta now being available for sale; breads now baked in a commissary kitchen that supplies a multitude of restaurants near and far, with the best pretzel buns on the planet (that were the hit at LA FARM). They are also pillars of the culinary community; there is scarcely a charity benefit without the Drago restaurants famous food and friendly faces. The family includes four brothers: Tanino, Calogero, Celestino, and Giacomino.Celestino brought over three of his brothers from the family restaurant in Messina to launch the other branches of the business .

The Drago brothers

Calaguero Drago of Celesino Restaurant, Pasadena

Giacomino is co-owner of 11 Los Angeles restaurants—including Beverly Hills’ Il Pastaio and Via Alloro. Both restaurants. Both of these places “go against the grain. Via Alloro is in a space that was a revolving door for restaurant after restaurant before it came and settled in a decade ago. Il Pastaio on a quiet corner of Cañon sprang alive since it opened. Even during the recession where every other restaurant in the city was almost empty, the place was so packed all hours of the day, including the outdoor patio, you would think they were giving away food.

Celestino Drago immigrated to Los Angeles from Sicily in the mid-1970s, and held his first job with Osteria Romana Orsini on Pico Boulevard as a chef before leaving to launch Celestino. His seminal Italian restaurant in Beverly Hills closed but has been re-created in Pasadena under the same name, in a sprawling series of dining rooms, private party areas and patios on famous Lake Street.