Today we’d like to introduce you to Claudio Blotta.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I came to California in 1981 from Buenos Aires, Argentina, where I was born and raised, the grandson of Italian immigrants. I began work in the restaurant business as a busboy but advanced to the position of server and captain at popular restaurants in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills.
One such restaurant was Campanile where I worked under the auspices of Manfred Krankel (Sine Qua Non Wine) and Nancy Silverton (Mozza), advancing to managing partner. It was there I met my future partner and wife Adria Tennor. After Campanile, I opened the Four Seasons Aviara property in San Diego, the La Brea Bakery Cafe in Downtown Disney, and La Terza Restaurant with chef Gino Angelini.
In 2007, we began working on barbrix, a wine bar and restaurant in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles with my now wife and partner, Adria Blotta and Chef Don Dickman, and in May of 2009, barbrix opened its doors. Since then, we have opened four other restaurants: Cooks County, All’Acqua in Atwater Village, Market Provisions in WeHo and Côté Est in Highland Park.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Because the building had not formerly been zoned for a restaurant, and because of some feuding between factions of the city, we had a particularly difficult time getting our permits to build approved. The problems, which had to do with parking issues, were largely resolved with the help and trust of our neighbor – the folks at Baller Hardware across the street. Without their willingness to help, we would not have been able to open.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with barbrix restaurant & winebar – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
barbrix is a restaurant and wine bar, the name is a blending of the word “bar” which we all know, and “brix” which is the unit of measuring sugar in liquid and the name of the device used by winemakers to know when to pick their grapes.
Tucked in the crest of the Silver Lake Hills, barbrix is a cozy hideaway serving globally inspired small plates. Cozy and sleek, and set in a 1940s bungalow, it has a “home away from home” feel with polished wood floors and tables, a comfortable square bar with seating on all sides, and a quiet outdoor patio with a spectacular urban-chic view of the Silver Lake hills.
We specialize in creating a high-end atmosphere with a neighbor vibe and price point. Our global and eclectic wine list is accessibly priced and stocked with interesting and diverse selections. Our also global menu, offers revolving seasonal fare, while still managing to stock neighborhood favorites and accommodate all palates and dietary needs.
We are most proud of our long-standing, close relationships with our customers, many of whom have become long-term friends. We pride ourselves and our staff on how we manage to take mishaps and mistakes and handle them in such a way, that the guests end up becoming long-time loyal customers and usually friends.
The restaurant is built in a structure that used to be a home, and we strive to (and succeeded we think!) in creating a space that feels like you’re going to a friend’s house for an intimate home dinner.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
The restaurants are always evolving. We do wine dinners once a month and weekly specials in all four of our places. We don’t have one big change planned, just many, many, many little ones!
Contact Info:
- Address: 2442 Hyperion Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027
- Website: www.barbrix.com
- Phone: 323-662-2442
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @barbrixwinebar
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barbrix.winebar/
- Twitter: @barbrix
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/barbrix-restaurant-and-wine-bar-los-angeles
- Other: GrubHub: https://www.grubhub.com/restaurant/barbrix-wine-bar-2442-hyperion-ave-los-angeles/1013284?classicAffiliateId=%2Fr%2Fw%2F100601%2Frestaurant%2F1013284
Image Credit:
Lisa Franchot, Adria Blotta
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
