Bucato, Culver City

Bucato is one of those L.A. restaurants that is on everyone’s tongue and despite how delicious the food is, the first thing I usually hear about this cozy Culver City spot is “did you know there is a strict no photography policy?” That is not what I would want to be known for as a restaurant, but you cannot deny the fact that Bucato has taken a staunch stance against photos – unless that is, you smile kindly and your server is sweet enough to say “I’ll pretend you’re not doing that.” Kinda defeats the whole purpose, doesn’t it? I digress, on to the meal, all shot with my iPhone.

When there is much hype behind a new restaurant you want everything you eat to taste like it was delivered from the heavens. That was not entirely the case at Bucato, and it’s probably unfair to expect that, but my dinner had some major moments in addition to serving up two of my favorite dishes this year – that’s saying a lot! The menu is broken down into 6 different elements: Pane, Spuntini, Pasta Fatta A Mano, Fattoria, Mare and Campo. The show stoppers were without question the Figs with burrata, basil mostco cotto and the Squash Blossoms with sheep’s milk ricotta and mint. Ironically it was someone’s Instagram photo of the fig dish that got me to Bucato and it tasted even better than it looked, if you can believe that. Perfectly ripened figs paired with my favorite kind of cheese, this was so delicious that I could have ate a few more bowls of this and been happy. Everyone I have sent to Bucato since my meal have been given strict instructions to order this dish. Being that they offer a seasonal menu (love that) you better go now before figs can no longer be found and you’ll have to cry into your glass of wine. Also worthy of your tears are the gently fried squash blossoms. Growing up Mexicana, squash blossoms made their way on to my plate regularly, especially since we were growing them in the backyard! It is such a pleasure to see them on menus and being executed with such mastery, especially these, which offered the most perfect crunch while squirting soft cheese into my mouth. It would be criminal not to order these at Bucato.

Also on our table for dinner were the Heirloom Tomatoes Panzella, stracciatella, and the Batard with goat’s milk butter ash salt. The Heirloom Tomatoes were solid, packed with that perfect summer flavor and vibrant with each bite. The Batard was the major miss at the meal, for both myself and my date, so much that we both had a bite and abandoned the plate. The bread was chewy, reminiscent of the fatal error of microwaving bread – seemed really out of place among the other incredible dishes we were noshing on. Having heard so much about Bucato’s hand cut pasta, I was prepared to have my socks knocked off but unfortunately that was not the case. Our Tortelloni Romagnoli with San Marzano, butter and parmigiano was delicate, but lacked the flavor we both assumed would come from the three flavors accompanying it. The pasta itself called for appreciation, but the flavor palate was surprisingly dull. A bummer to say the least. Thankfully things were about to be elevated once again when the meats began to arrive at our table.

Our dinner came to an end with the Lamb T-Bone, Confit Duck Leg with chanterelles, roasted corn wild huckleberries and Porchetta Truck. Yes, we ordered all 3! The sun had already set so I couldn’t quite capture the Porchetta Truck like I had hope but rest assured it was tasty. The lamb stole the savory show for me, being incredibly tender and moist. I barely had to chew my lamb because it melted in my mouth, one of the best feelings while eating no doubt. My date and I were both in agreement that the duck had a perfect skin, crunchy with each bite, and the meat was as tender as we had hoped. The only complaint was that for $21, there could be a little more on the plate. Desserts were ordered and enjoyed, but it was far too dark to capture their beauty. If you have room for sweets – I mean, c’mon – I suggest you go with the donuts, which arrive hot in a paper bag. It’s a perfect end to what should be a great meal.

Bucato, 3280 Helms Ave, Culver City, CA. 90034

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