Dinner at Mother Wolf
Entrance to Mother Wolf located in the historic Citizen’s News Building
If you read Ageless Style Directory with any regularity, it is likely that you realize that Harriet and I love trying new restaurants. And when you live in Southern California, there are a plethora to try. But I must admit, that I have been dying to eat at Mother Wolf. Evan Funke, the famous LA chef, opened Mother Wolf in early 2022. Getting a reservation has been tricky; they take reservations seven days in advance. But I was online at 9:00 sharp and was lucky enough to get the exact time I wanted. Eating at Mother Wolf is definitely worth the effort to get a reservation.
Before I even begin talking about the meal at Mother Wolf, I thought you might want to know about this famous LA Chef, Evan Funke. He is a two time James Beard nominated chef who is renowned for his Italian fare, most specifically his handmade pastas. He worked at Spago for six years, then journeyed to Bologna to learn the art of pasta making. If you are familiar with Felix in Venice, that is an Evan Funke establishment. Mother Wolf was his next restaurant and it is just as extraordinary.
And before we even begin discussing our fantastic meal, I thought it would be fun to show some of the interior shots. Designed by the Martin Brudnizky Design Studio, the space invokes timeless Italian style with high celings, plaster relief and a warm claret color scheme. The bar is stunning and if you are unable to get a reservation, you may be able to eat at the bar if you arrive early. That was the strategy Harriet used when she dined here earlier in the year.
Now on to the meal.
Cocktails to Begin…
Although Mother Wolf has an extensive wine list (more on that later) we began with classics: a Dirty Martini and an Old Fashion.
Pizza Bianca
Mother Wolf is known for pasta, but the pizzas are also a favorite. Begin with the Pizza Bianca; it is a smaller size and is a perfect starter.
Fiori di Zucca
Better known as squash blossoms, these are made with ricotta and parmigiano reggiano, and are crunchy and delicious.
Puntarella
Although not on the menu, puntarelle is a vegetable in the chicory family. It was served with shaved parmesan. Yummy!
Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe & Spaghetti all’Arrabbiata
Since Chef Evan Funke is known for handmade pasta, we of course had to try two of our favorite dishes. Believe me, this pasta does not disappoint. It is absolutely fantastic, probably the best pasta I have had.
Although we would have loved to try a dessert, we tried so many different dishes that there wasn’t room. We finished with lattes which were frothy and a perfect ending.
A couple of notes. First, the waitstaff couldn’t be more friendly and accommodating. Although this restaurant is extremely popular and there are certainly famous people dining, there is no pretension. Everyone could not have been more lovely.
My second point is about the wine list. The sommelier is incredibly knowledgeable and charming. His Italian wine recommendations that evening were perfect. My only comment is that the glasses were a bit pricey. But nonetheless it was an absolutely incredible dinner and a wonderful evening.
Mother Wolf
1545 Wilcox Ave. Los Angeles (323) 410-6060
Salute!
XO
Wendy