Fans of cooking competitions may recognize Antonia Lofaso from her numerous appearances on shows like Bravo’s Top Chef, Food Network’s Beachside Brawl, and CNBC’s Restaurant Startup. But long before TV fame, Lofaso started her culinary career waiting tables at her parent’s deli in Beverly Hills before graduating to fine-dining kitchens, notably Wolfgang Puck’s Spago. Today she runs three restaurants of her own across Los Angeles—Scopa Italian Roots (Venice), Dama (Fashion District), and Black Market Liquor Bar (Studio City).
During her appearance on the California Now Podcast, Lofaso spoke with host Soterios Johnson about moving from Long Island to L.A. as a young child, and her love for the city and state she considers home. “I definitely have my New York roots,” she shared, “but I am a California girl through and through.” Lofaso also took the California Questionnaire, answering questions about some of her Golden State favorites. Here’s what she had to say.
Where do you live? Venice, California.
Why there? Because I need to be as close as I can to the beach.
Who or what is your greatest California love? My greatest California love would probably be hiking.
What is the biggest misperception about Californians? That we're always tan.
What is the stereotype that most holds true? That everyone is gluten intolerant.
What is your favorite Golden State splurge? I would probably have to say Santa Barbara prawns.
Time for a road trip—where are you going? I'm going to Northern California. I was recently just up at Ruth Lake in the Eureka mountain area. That whole area is gorgeous.
If you could decree an official state culinary experience, what would it be? I would probably say eating on the beach.
What's your favorite way to play in California? Pickleball! It's the fastest growing sport in America.
Where would you go for the ultimate shopping spree in California? To quote my favorite movie ever, "Rodeo Drive, baby,” from Pretty Woman.
Best California song? It would have to be “California Dreaming.” It was in that movie with Bette Midler, Stella. I love Bette Midler more than anything on the planet. In the movie her daughter went to live in California, and she sang the song with her. It was a whole thing.
How would your California dream day unfold? I actually have them often. I would get up, probably hike over by the Pacific Palisades, come back down, make breakfast in my yard in Venice, take a walk over to the beach, spend the day at the beach, maybe watch the sunset, and then finish in Venice. They have these street tacos that open at 6 p.m. every single night. That would be the ultimate day for me.