As a food lover and avid restaurant-goer, I was excited to finally dine at Felix Trattoria on Abbot Kinney in Venice, California. From the moment I walked through the doors, I knew I was in for a special culinary experience.
Chef Funke's passion for handmade pasta is evident in every dish he creates, and his nearly two decades of experience truly shine through. I was lucky enough to try a variety of pasta dishes during my visit, and each one was a true work of art.
“Felix is Latin for “happy” or “lucky,” Felix is inspired by the deeply rooted culinary traditions of regional Italy and enriched with ingredients grown by California’s greatest family farms.”As described by their website words are not enough to explain the tantalizing dishes, you can taste the years of experience it takes to create these well-crafted dishes. Chef Evan Funke is deemed a culinary storyteller, a custodian of Italian tradition, and a master of the old-world techniques of handmade pasta.
The Duck Truffle pasta was an experience that will make you search for a lifetime before finding another duck dish this succulent and savory. If you were watching this dinner from a highlight clip, then Prawns appetizer was another special moment during the night. It was equivalent to being five minutes into the first quarter, Steff hits a corner three-pointer, and from that moment on everyone knows what kinda night it was going to be.
But the food isn't the only reason to visit Felix Trattoria. The restaurant is part of the esteemed Gusto 54 Restaurant Group, led by CEO Janet Zuccarini. Janet has built an impressive portfolio of award-winning restaurants across North America, and Felix Trattoria is just one of the many successful concepts in her portfolio. It's no surprise that Felix was recognized as Esquire's "#1 Best New Restaurant in America," Eater LA's "Restaurant of the Year," and a finalist for the James Beard "Best New Restaurant 2018" award.
As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Janet is a true trailblazer. She has been honored with numerous awards for her accomplishments as a restaurateur, including Canada's 100 Best American Express Business Leadership Award and the Foodservice & Hospitality Pinnacle Award for "Independent Restaurateur of the Year." In addition to her successful career, Janet is also a Resident Judge on Top Chef Canada and the first Canadian woman to become an AVPN (Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana) certified Pizzaiola.
But beyond the accolades and impressive resumes, what really stands out at Felix Trattoria is the warm, welcoming atmosphere. From the moment I walked through the doors, I felt like an honored guest at the table. The staff was friendly and attentive, and the ambiance was cozy and inviting. It's clear that at Felix, hospitality is just as important as their food.
In short, if you're a food lover in search of a truly special dining experience, Felix Trattoria is a must-visit. From the culinary mastery of Chef Evan Funke to the warm, welcoming atmosphere, this restaurant is sure to exceed all of your expectations. So, don't miss the chance to dine at Felix Trattoria and experience the magic for yourself.