An Urban Press Oyster Night chat with Chef Emidio Tidu

I'm a fanatical, obsessive,  devoted lover of the queen of mollusks -- Oysters! So when I heard that the Urban Press Winery and Restaurant in Burbank, California offered a special Wednesday Night Oyster feed, I grabbed my friend Curtis Caddell and headed there from my home in Topanga.

Urban Press is located in the heart of downtown Burbank on San Fernando Road. Its low-key facade belies the elegant spaces inside available for fine dining, wine tastings, professionally crafted drinks, eclectic live music, private parties and good company. In addition, Urban Press offers a surprising blend of the many pleasures of a Sonoma wine tasting table and an Italian trattoria. The restaurant's official word is that "You will feel like you have been transported to a bustling tasting room in Italy."

The artist behind the restaurant's culinary choices, which have transformed Urban Press from American Cool to Roman Familiarity, is chef Emidio Tidu. From basically wine and pizzas Urban Press has evolved a full menu of delectables such chef Tidu's Lamb shanks, Mediterranean Branzino, Spinach Gnocchi and other handmade pasta dishes.  In addition, every night he's likely to come up with a few surprises. When I was there his delicious Butternut Squash creation kicked off our meal.  As if that weren't enough, in honor of owners Giovanni D’Andrea and Guylaine Bouchard's French-Canadian heritage, there is also a sprinkling of French entrees.

The restaurant features a selection of its own of the wines. From owner Giovanni's wine aficionado beginnings making wine out of his Las Feliz garage more than thirty years ago, his interests and talents evolved. He started out with a small vineyard and limited production to producing the premium red, white and rose vintages that feature the famous fruit of Sonoma county.

The wine tasting room and restaurant is also noted for being the place to celebrate. Besides having spaces that are available for private parties and events, they put together their own happenings including Wednesday Night Jazz, Weekend Live Music, Sunday Brunch and Happy Hour from 3pm to 6pm Wednesday to Friday.

During my recent Wednesday Night Oyster Feast and Jazz visit I spoke with Chef Emidio Tidu about his food, the wines and Oyster Night.  Listen to my podcast here and for more information check out their website and my facebook posts at #travelscope and #josephrosendo.