Trattoria Amici Brings Classic Italian Cuisine to The Americana at Brand

GLENDALE, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
Guests can savor a rich menu of classic Italian cuisine and fresh contemporary
fare at Trattoria Amici which just opened at The Americana at Brand. With its
rustic wood and beamed ceiling, brick floor and large exhibition kitchen, the
spacious restaurant is designed to convey the warm, welcoming feel of trattorias
found in villages throughout Italy. Trattoria Amici`s unique design makes it
equally suited for intimate dining and large gatherings alike, while communal
tables add to the casual atmosphere.

"Trattoria Amici is a great local restaurant, exactly what we envisioned for its
premier location on The Green. With its warm ambience and well-known chef
overseeing the extensive menu, it will be an appealing dining destination for
residents and guests from throughout the region," said Todd M. Russell,
Executive Vice President, Leasing, for Caruso Affiliated.

Executive Chef Piero Topputo, who began his career in Los Angeles at Toscana in
Brentwood, has created a menu that offers traditional, home-style favorites, as
well as dishes with a contemporary flair. He attended culinary school in Gravina
and worked at many local restaurants in the Tuscany region before coming to Los
Angeles in 1991.

A focus for the chef is creating dishes using locally grown and seasonal items
to ensure diverse, fresh menu selections. An Italian tapas menu is designed with
tempting pairings from the restaurant`s extensive wine menu, which includes more
than twenty by-the-glass selections. Guests will also be able to observe the
creative process through the glass-enclosed exhibition kitchen showcasing the
talented chef and his remarkable staff.

Rich materials and earthy tones in the interior`s design are offset by modern
architectural elements. A contemporary lighting scheme and colorful abstract art
add a playful touch to the restaurant`s rustic character, reflecting the blend
of old and new that is the essence of Trattoria Amici.

"Our restaurant features a relaxed atmosphere, with a communal dining table in
the bar, and casual dining throughout, perfect for couples or families," noted
Tancredi De Luca, creator of Trattoria Amici. "Selecting The Americana at Brand
for our latest restaurant was an easy decision - it is a beautiful environment
that draws people of all ages and interests from throughout Southern
California."

Trattoria Amici at The Americana at Brand is not De Luca`s only restaurant; he
also helms Amici Brentwood, which opened in 2004. De Luca`s relationship with
his executive chef extends back more than a decade, while both were at Toscana.

The addition of Trattoria Amici completes The Americana at Brand`s exceptional
restaurant collection, which features 20 dining options to satisfy every
culinary desire. More information about The Americana at Brand, including events
and store hours, may be obtained by contacting The Americana at Brand Concierge
at (818) 637-8982 or visiting online www.americanaatbrand.com.

Casey & Sayre, Inc.
Karen Diehl, (310) 473-8090
Ashley Greer, (310) 473-8090

Copyright Business Wire 2009