One of the most anticipated openings at the newly revamped Westfield Century City Mall is Oscar Farinetti’s EATALY LA, which will officially open its doors to the public on Fri. Nov. 3. at 6 p.m.
The store is Farinetti’s fifth U.S. location based on his philosophy “Eat. Shop. Learn,” and has hired 600 employees to man the 60,000 square-foot space.
Last week, EATALY provided a media preview of its two-story space with a two-hour walking, eating and drinking tour. As promised, EATALY is indeed an experience for the senses.
Farinetti was on hand to talk about his philosophy, saying EATALY exists because the Italian cuisine “was born in the home. This is the culture we want to show the world.”
He also spoke of how California has some of the best local, sustainable produce and this is the first EATALY store that also sells local milk, wine, vegetables and olive oil and partners with local businesses. “We’re mixing Californian and Italian excellence,” he said.
Also taking part in the tour were celebrity chefs Mario Batali and Lidia Bastianich.
After pouring coffee for attendees, Batali spoke about the theme for EATALY LA, which is “water.” He said, “Water is an amazing and essential resource. We’re taking all the water that is perceived as non-potable and run it through the sinks in our kitchens and our bathrooms, and we treat it and clean it and reuse it.” Batali said it would save 33 percent of the water the store uses every day.
Located on the second floor of the mall, the downstairs entrance features a Coffee shop, a gelato and canoli bar and the La Scuola cooking school, where you can take classes and learn traditional recipes, using both Italian and local ingredients. “What’s unique about our schools is ultimately the student eats the meal,” Bastianich said. “We have an appetizer, pasta, dessert, good wine, and we match the wine to the meal. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon with friends or family.”
Up the winding staircase, the space appears to go on forever with clearly delineated sections based on regional areas of Italy, offering up everything from locally sourced fish, meats and cheeses, breads, pizzas and pastas, salads, yogurts and drinks, as well as chocolates, desserts, olive oils and condiments, along with a massive wine section and a homeware section.
There are indoor areas to grab a quick bite to eat and a large outdoor patio to dine al fresco. Among the highlights were the traditional Neapolitan pizza baked in 900 degree wood burning ovens, Pizza all Pala, a Roman-style pizza named after the wooden “pala”, or paddle, on which it is served, and Panigacci, flat breads originated from Liguria.
But as Batali noted, EATALY is all about helping you shop for the best ingredients to take home and cook yourself. The retail section of the store features fresh market produce that includes mozzarella made in-house, charcuterie and cheese, fresh pasta, fish, meat and a bakery.
“We sell you food to take to your house, we’ll give you recipes if you’re so inclined,” Batali said, “but what’s really important is the products that we get and bring to you, both from Italy and locally, and how we present them to you.”
Batali warned that the store would be crowded initially when it opens but “find your spot,” he said. “Just like movie openings, after that second weekend it will settle, and give you time to get wherever you’ve got to go.”
