As Italian eateries grow increasingly prevalent, it has become more challenging to find a sense of uniqueness in Italian fare – but at Avenue Italy in West Los Angeles, executive chef Nima Karimi keeps the culinary scene adventurous.
“I actually prefer our guests to not see our menu,” Karimi said. “I like to challenge the kitchen by keeping things open, and listening to any desire or request from people. If they feel like switching a menu item up or having something particular for their meal, we’ll listen.”
Karimi’s priorities lie in catering to his guests’ individual needs as well as pushing the abilities of his kitchen to its full potential.
“I want the customer to be part of the decision-making,” Karimi said. “My goal is also to continue to challenge the kitchen. It’s important that my staff has proper knowledge of Italian food. I trust them with my whole heart. Eventually I can see us turning into a no-menu restaurant.”
In such an open-ended environment, customers will likely find themselves in an unconventional situation as they are essentially free to assemble their own Italian meals based on their personal tastes.
Karimi explained some of the main components and highlights in the ingredients that Avenue Italy uses to give guests ideas about what and how to order.
“We’re known for our fish, which is always fresh and contain no hormones,” Karimi said. “We have grass-fed meat and organic chicken as well.”
A glance at the menu can also be telling of what the restaurant has to offer and may spark ideas in customers who are craving a particular dish.
The restaurant offers entrees that are comprised of a variety of meats and seafoods, ranging from traditional beef meat sauce (spaghetti bolognese) to Manila clams (linguine mare blue) to wild shrimp (linguine pesto con gamberetti).
Although the menu items are set at standard prices, Avenue Italy boasts an affordable happy hour from 4 pm to 7 pm Mondays through Fridays.
In terms of how the regular menu items are treated, the happy hour specials follow suit and are viewed open-mindedly, allowing customers to switch up ingredients and make it their own.
“Happy hour meals usually don’t go over $9 a portion,” Karimi said. “We try to give them very decent portions as well.”
A handful of both domestic and Italian wines are also made available during happy hour.
The rest of the menu offers various appetizers, salads, soups, pizzas, and risotto, among the pastas and entrees.
With the emphasis laid on accommodating to the guests, Avenue Italy maintains loyalty with several of its customers.
“The West L.A. location has been open about three and a half months,” Karimi said. “But we have regulars.”
Karimi’s dedication to Italian cuisine is crystal-clear telling by the passion and enthusiasm with which he describes the fare.
“I’ve always had a passion for Italian food because it’s so pure,” Karimi said. “That’s not say that it’s easy to make, but it’s so simple, yet so flavorful.”
Karimi further described his relationship with the culinary arts, revealing what keeps him motivated. As a man of multiple talents – as he has an educational background as an X-ray technician – Karimi explained what inspires him in the kitchen.
“Food is about love,” Karimi said. “The moment you put the pan on over the fire, your heart starts to beat and you picture the result, which has to be colorful, flavorful, and fresh.”
Avenue Italy is located at 11301 W. Olympic Blvd., West Los Angeles.
For more information, call 310.312.6233 or visit avenueitaly.com.
