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R2 LA: Osteria Vera

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I had not been to a R2 in LA for a while. 2025 was that kind of year. But things are settling back to normal after a marriage, a death, a birth, a trip to france, and a huge talk in Brazil. 2026 is off to a fabulous start.

We wined and dined at Osteria Vera coordinated by Jay (always a consummate host).

The food was outstanding.

As was the company.

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After lunch (which was by no means rushed), Donnie and David and I busted loose in LA (starting right across the street at Baltaire for a Corpse Reviver #2.

Then it was off to the Rooftop in Beverly Hills to watch the sun go down. It did. Spectacularly,


.

Relax? Who us?

Little tiny Hollywood.

Finally we hit Tail of the Pup for a secret tiki or two.

And then it was off to school for family dinner. Escuela was loud enough to be a middle school even without all of the Rivers’.

Just damn fun. We resolved to bring along the wives next go round (if they wanna come).

Bare and the Paparazzi

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No food for this guy

Bergen has its first Michelin star restaurant, called Bare.  We finagled our way in and had an incredible 14 course meal.  Always go to fancy pants dinners with really fun friends.  We laughed as much as we ate.

Course 1 (this was a pre-dinner bar treat)

 

The paparazzi have arrived

 

Course 2 (also in the bar)

 

Course 3 came in a beautiful dish. Each was different.

 

Course 4 was lil tacos (still in the bar)

Finally, we moved into the dining room.  BTW, a hint about having a meal like this. say YES to all possibilities (like the caviar course and the wine pairing option).  Always YES.

Starting the meal

 

Cider and a fist

 

Course 5 (sea urchin) with the cider

 

Our first wine (blanc de blanc) with the caviar

 

The incredible caviar course (number 6). very creamy.

 

Were we happy?

 

Course 7 wine: sauvignon blanc

 

Course 7 was calamari (which I usually don’t eat)

 

More paparazzi

The bread arrives

 

Now the paparazzi are out of control!

 

Wine for the crab

 

Course 8: alaskan crab with barley

 

Wine from Santa Barbara 

 

Course 9: king crab and parsnip

 

wine

You will like the wine!

 

Wine

 

Course 10: lamb and mushroom

 

wine from Italy

 

Course 11: reindeer

 

sweet wine

 

Course 12 into the sweets (with blue cheese topping). Wow.

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Course 13, a tart little number

 

wine (a “white amarone”)

 

Course 14 finished the evening

 

grappa in the bar (coffee for some)

 

the empties