Matthew Kenney To Open SESTINA LA In Culver City

CULVER CITY, CA — Chef and entrepreneur Matthew Kenney will open a second location for pasta and wine bar SESTINA LA in Culver City this November, offering both outdoor patio dining and home kits for delicious meals.

You might know Kenney's plant-based lifestyle concepts on the Westside, including local mainstays Plant Food + Wine, Folia, Make Out, New Deli, Ladurée, Double Zero and Oleada Cucina.

This new location follows the first SESTINA in New York City with similar items and vibe.

"SESTINA embodies the trendy yet approachable locale with elegant, comfort cuisine, creative small plates and desserts, and a sustainable wine program," according to a news release from the group. "The spacious interior features an open-kitchen, and extensive patio seating."

It also features a glass-enclosed pasta “bar” and has a wood-burning oven, which becomes an interactive experience where diners can watch chefs create their masterpieces.

The MKC team designed the space to feel comfortable and features neutral tones, a clean environment with white brick walls and beautiful details.

“SESTINA offers a healthy, plant-based adaptation of universally-loved Italian classics, using authentic techniques and recipes that remain true to the cuisine, and impeccably-sourced ingredients” Matthew Kenney, CEO of MKC, said in a news release. “Honoring traditional styles while constantly experimenting with new dishes – is what makes it unique, not just in the plant-based market, but the restaurant industry as a whole.”

People can also enjoy SESTINA’s Marketplace and meal kit program, which helps people cook at home.

"The online marketplace offers ready-to-cook kits inclusive of all the ingredients you need to make your favorite SESTINA dishes at home," the group said. "You can also order bottled craft cocktails to go with your meal."

While the dine-in menu features several well-known pasta dishes, there will be many additional, formative takes on classics.

Here are some incredible menu items to expect:

• CAPRESE. TOMATO. MOZZARELLA. BASIL. BALSAMIC. OLIVE OIL.
• GNOCCHI. BROWN BUTTER. WALNUT. SAGE. PUMPKIN SEED PARMESAN
• CASARECCE. WILD MUSHROOM CREMA. BLACK TRUFFLE
• RIGATONI BOLOGNESE RAGU. MOZZARELLA. MACADAMIA. PARMESAN
• ZEPPOLE HAZELNUT. CHOCOLATE GANACHE

The group's beverage program highlights biodynamic and organic Italian wines.

“This is a huge year of growth for the plant-based market, especially given the current health crisis. People are realizing that they need to take care of themselves more than ever, in a way that is sustainable and enjoyable.,” Kenney said. “We continue to see a real shift in the restaurant industry, which has been something I’ve been working toward for a very long time.”

The group has other things in store for the next year, with several new MKC locations slated to debut in new cities this fall and winter.

Double Zero Pizza plans to expand into additional locations over the next several months in Baltimore, Brooklyn and Boston.

Other restaurants slated to open include: Avivar, an all-day restaurant at the One & Only Palmilla in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, AYRE at the Amrit Ocean Resort on Singer Island, Florida, Hungry Angelina in Dumbo and SUTRA, a raw concept on the top floor of the ALO Yoga building in NYC.

Kenney has written 12 cookbooks and a best-selling memoir. He is a culinary educator and CEO of Matthew Kenney Cuisine, a multifaceted company specializing in plant-based living throughout several unique markets. He was named one of America’s Best New Chefs by Food and Wine Magazine and was twice nominated as a Rising Star Chef in America by the James Beard Foundation.

Sestina is located at 9725 Culver Blvd., Culver City. Visit the website to learn more.

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