I did say I eat a lot of pasta 
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I am getting dinner with my mother tomorrow night in DTLA. She wants Italian. What’s the best option these days? We’d like to stay more central downtown, so no Arts District (therefore, sadly, no Bestia).
Factory Kitchen? (I have been, and enjoyed it)
Maccheroni Republic? (Never been)
Something else?
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Drago Centro
Rossoblu
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We like Rossoblu as the best DTLA Italian. Drago Centro is the nicest and most formal in a much better area, if you care about those things.
Factory Kitchen is just a few blocks from Bestia so maybe want to eliminate that from contention.
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Marino’s Tomato Wednesday
The Marinos cultivate 20+ varieties of tomatoes, and every Wednesday during harvest season, they present a tomato-focused menu, served alfresco next to their Melrose Ave. restaurant.
I planned to stick with the theme and have the tomato martini, but they ran out. No worries - the featured wine, chilled Pinot Nero Cembra, was very good. Hubs’ Blanton’s Old Fashioned had a stamped, crystal-clear ice cube, but drink was watery—a sacrilege. I think the mixed drinks are made next door in the restaurant and sit too long if server is busy.
Bruschetta - Heirloom Rainbow Mix, Garlic Rubbed Grilled Roan Mills Bread
A nice, bright, garlicky, tomatoey start.
Green Zebra Gazpacho
More Please! 
Squash Blossoms Stuffed w/Ricotta, Marjoram & Dried Black Cherokee Tomato
Really good dipped in the tasty dots of concentrated tomato purée.
Grilled NY Steak Diavolo w/San Marzano Tomatoes, Jimmy Nardello Peppers
Hubs was happy.
Grilled Albacore, Heirloom Rainbow Mix, Yellow Corn, Opal Basil
The octopus in squid ink mole was sold-out, so I went with the albacore. The current trend is to serve albacore as a raw or lightly seared preparation, but I’m liking this grilled albacore too—especially on the fresh tomato, corn relish, and a swirl of that concentrated tomato purée.
Early Girl Tomato Panna Cotta
Tied with gazpacho for favorite dish. 
Wasn’t sure about tomato panna cotta as a dessert. It’s excellent—sweet, creamy panna cotta and savory-sweet-acidic tomato jam. So good.
I like that the portions are small enough (and priced accordingly) to encourage ordering multiple dishes. I hope to make another Wednesday visit before the season ends - but earlier than 8pm, so nothing runs out. Service was old-school great.
Happy Tomato Eating! 
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wOw!!
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