Batali's Hollywood Stumble

[Food Network Fan]

Batali's Hollywood Stumble

The star chef's much-anticipated L.A. outpost makes a splash, but our columnist finds it uneven
By RAYMOND SOKOLOV
August 11, 2007; Page P1

Los Angeles

Molto Mario Batali has gone Hollywood. Big time. In collaboration with the celebrated local baker Nancy Silverton, the burly, New York-based, Croc-shod redhead's four-week-old Osteria Mozza is the hit of the moment here in La La Land. Actually, it's the bicoastal pair's second hit, since the windfall bonanza of Pizzeria Mozza next door. That prequel to the more elaborate Osteria has been keeping valet parkers busy day and night since late last year, while foodwise Angelenos waited for the main attraction to open on a drab crossroads across from an oil-change stop and near to the tattoos and kitsch of Hollywood Boulevard.
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Wow it really stinks to be him right now.

[BerryBaby]

I still love him! Every one of the network chefs will have a downturn at some point. Look at the ones that are no longer there. It happens but he'll come back just fine.

[Food Network Fan]

I usually watched Malto Mario even if I didn't like what he was preparing. It was a good show. He is entertaining.