Canto VI — Restaurant in Los Angeles

At long last, the wait is over! A wine bar offering innovative, seasonal cuisine and a thoughtfully-curated selection of wines has finally landed in the Valley - and we have Brian Kalliel to thank for it!! The food and ambience are wonderful. Guests are encouraged to consult with Brian and his staff for guidance in wine pairings with each course. The list is ever-changing with old-world by-the-glass selections that one would rarely see on any ordinary wine list. We started off with some of the most creative dishes I have tasted in LA. The whipped feta with lemon served with flatbread was just sublime, though my personal favorite was the fennel sausage on crostino with smoked mozzarella. I could have just stopped there and been happy, but we decided to venture on and share a few entrees. Wild shrimp flambeed on polenta, lamb chops with frites, guinea hen and bitter greens…Chef Hastings nails it! Generous servings with prices that are truly affordable. I would have expected to pay double anywhere else on the Westside. We ended with an affogato and a refreshing, lemon-lime granita with mint that was light but satisfyingly wonderful. I can’t wait to return and would suggest that everyone visit while there is still room as I know once the word gets out, this new Valley addition will be packed...

It was Wednesday evening wife for overtime decided to go out and get a cocktail and a meal for her I already ate what is the restaurant owners okay for now you get a free glass of wine when you walk through the door while I'm not a wine guy so I passed and ask for a Maker's Mark my wife is looking at menu I asked him if he had corn dogs and we laughed because I knew he didn't and that was it he left us never talked to us again didn't turn around 5 ft to take my wife's order I had to go look for somebody he never spoke to us again wife's food seemed to find when she got home she got sick and was sick the few days I just have the one cocktail I was fine but I don't they won't sabotage food but why does she get sick off that supposably finer food. Also when you arrive there's a glass of water with no icing at your table the water is there all day do you like me I never touched by water I got up and left and he replaced it cuz I was talking over it probably spray spitting over it while talking like I said will he change it out or since I never said she'll just leave it there for the next guy after I talked over my it for half an hour+he plays his own choice of music and food save your money you'll have a better meal...

Well - when a group of people put experience, commitment, heart and, of course, soul into a brilliant endeavour and then create what feels like a simple, rythmic experience, then those people need to be commended. The atmosphere is great from the get-go. The floorpan invites engagement. The systems are different just enough to let you know there is something unusual before you even sit down. The attention from the staff is personable, like family members, perfectly balanced with the ambiance. There's an ease of comfort that Brian and his staff work masterfully. The music is wonderful. The right mix of engagement and background. No spotlights that overly draw attention. It's part of a palette that lets you set your own dynamic. (It's a perfect date place by the way). The food is spectacular. The pace is European. New friends are often made and we bring friends here to share in the delight. All of this on Devonshire Blvd. In a place you'd least expect. And you leave with a sense that you're one of only a few who have the privilege to be here. Like a private club. :)

Well done Brian. And to everyone involved. A wonderful...