Italians have a slang expression for all things sweet, "Cosu Aruci" (sounds like: cosaruchi).  So when it comes to treating myself to a delectable dessert, TiroVino Wine Bar is my sugar baby, intravenous food drip, home away from home!

This Sicilian owned restaurant with a Florentine chef keeps a very small kitchen (darn those LA lease properties!), cooking a little bit of everything Italian and creating the entire menu every day from fresh local farmers' market fare, inside the, just over 6 months old, Melrose location.  And the food is as welcoming and colorful as the company. -- Especially after dinner.

Spumone!

The flavor of the day and the password to delight.  What's that you ask? "Well…let me explain…no, no…let me sum up…"

A Semi-Freda completely home made creation, ice cream, actually, done by hand , one layer at a time and frozen very quickly.  But it doesn't stop there.  If you thought mere gelato was tempting, try spooning into the perfect trifecta of real pistachios, followed by sweet, fresh strawberries, finished with vanilla bean, all encased in a light, firm, but delicate cream.  Top that off with hard-candied, bird's nest tendrils of caramel, artfully framed by tiny raspberry coulis (dollops of strained fruity sauce) and finally topped with plenty of powdered sugar dusted all over, and presto -  Delizioso!  Squizito!

The perfect end to an evening.  But there is plenty on the menu for hungrier patrons without too much adventure into the unknown. Tagliatelle Bolognese, Papardelle with Wild Boar, authentic Arancini (rice balls filled with meat, peas and cheese) and Artichoke Lasagna will appeal to your senses, tastebuds and budget conscious wallet including the selection of wines and beers. My personal favorite is Nero D'Avola - made from Sicilian black grapes with hints of cherry, plum, raspberry, spice and smoke.  And yes, I've tried every one of these dishes.  And I keep coming back.

What?  There's more?  Yes, of course!  There is always more when you are Italian.  Offered here are classic Italian movies like Roman Holiday, La Strada and Cinema Paradiso, playing every night, all night long on the wall in the front room and reflected in the mirrors for your dining pleasure.  Cozy, intimate and simply simpatico for date nights, sumptuous feasts with friends or casual drinks at the bar with Sevi and Maurizio, TiroVino's chic owner/restauranteur.  They also serve lunch and brunch.

Ah! La Dolce Vita!

Spumone $8

TiroVino Wine Bar
7166 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046
323.933.1811
http://www.tirovinowinebar.com