Rod Dyer of Pane e Vino has been the owner for seventeen years. This Italian is not only the father of Pane e Vino, but he is also an amazing graphic designer. Rod has been in Los Angeles doing graphic design since the sixties. He has done a lot of work for many record companies. Capitol Records being one that he has placed proudly under his belt of experience. His resume includes the album cover for Bob Marley and the Wailers’ first album in the United States titled. Besides his skill in graphic design, Rod has always wanted an Italian restaurant. He is truly a warm hospitable guy that infuses the restaurant with his love for food and people.Rod is the king of his palace and he does what he wants with a confidence and graciousness that follow him throughout the restaurant. Rod is seventy-one years old and he is feeling and looking like a rock star with heart. He has a presence that grows on you. Tonight, Rod is serving everyone a very rare individual.
The restaurant was previously redesigned and made into the magic that it is today. It is established yet it is just a teenager. An open kitchen with a pizza oven makes the place cozy. There is an outside patio, which is great for parties, summer lunches, and dining. The mirrors are strategically placed behind the booths. You can see everything. You get a great meal at Pane e Vino and a lot of fun. “Every day is a holiday”, says Rod. The reason he started this restaurant was so that he would never have to wash dishes again.
This is truly a place that you can hang out with the boys. I’m surrounded by four of Rod’s good friends and these ole’ guys are in good shape. They eat right and laugh a lot. Among them is filmmaker, Paul Aratow. He opened the Chez Panisse with Alice Waters. The boys are getting excited and fired up over sarcastic joking.
Rod loves Balthazur. He just broke out a bottle of South African wine. There is an old saying in Italy that states, “As long as you drink well, it will never damage you.” The food is amazing and warm…it is true to heart. There are some organic vegetables and the roasted garlic was perfect! If one were to order a bottle of red wine, Brunello di Montalcino is recommended. The producer, price, and vintage are all based on the integrity of the vineyard.
Pane e Vino, meaning, bread and wine, is filling up for late lunch. People in West Hollywood get up early. The restaurant and its owner are grateful to have very loyal patrons from all over Los Angeles. To top off this wonderful meal with the boys I enjoy a macchiatto espresso with flourless, chocolate cake. This has been my most dramatic illogical restaurant review this far. There is no better time to break bread and drink wine than with the guys. I can see why Rod is a great, warm human being.
