Who ever said it has to be Valentine’s Day for you to surprise your peor-es-nada o tu honey de turno con una buena y romántica cena? While current economic woes have pushed many of us to a high state of frugality that may prevent us from having romantic escapades as often as we would like, we have to remind our selves that we don’t have to spend a whole lot of moola for a great, romantic and unforgettable meal sin que nos cueste un ojo de la cara… after all, el que busca encuentra. While nothing screams cliché romantic dinner more than Italian food under the stars, sometimes cliché and old-school is the way to go. If you wanna surprise your date (or simply treat yourself) to a top notch dinner in a kick ass joint con estilo, head over to “Pace” and get ready to reenact the love scene from “The Lady and the Tramp”.
Romantic escapade
Whether you messed up and are trying to make-up por la metida de pata or you simply want to surprise your honey, you will not regret going to “Pace”… its location and overall setting make it the perfect romantic escapade, especially in the late evening.
Even though “Pace” is tucked away in between hills at Laurel Canyon Blvd., finding this joint is easier than expected, plus the drive to and from can be pretty chill and enjoyable since you get to see lots of green from the hills in contrast with the whole city as a background… quite breathtaking.
Just like most restaurants in the L.A. area, parking can be a pain in the gut, así que para ahorrarte disgustos, just go for the valet parking- it’s not as expensive as in other Downtown/ Hollywood joints.
“Pace” is one of those places that looks cozy and inviting even before you step inside. Once you’re in, it’s even more pleasant. It is cozy indeed; it also has a chill vibe and an inevitable warm and intimate environment.
If it’s available and the weather permits, try to get a table on their patio where you’ll enjoy a great view of the City of Angels and a candlelit dinner under the stars.
Grub time!
Even though “Pace” is dubbed as an Italian restaurant, the food served at this joint is more “California-meets-Italian” food since the portions are not as gigantic and the food is not as heavy.
You’ll find a wide selection of pastas, salads and hand-tossed pizza… no te dejes engañar por la simpleza del 
menu, “Pace” is not your typical Italian food restaurant, absolutely all their ingredients are fresh and organic.
It’s always good to start your meal with a salad, especially if it’s going to be filled with lots of carbs. The beet salad is a great option, but if you would like to start with something a little more filling, the “Cedar-plank Salmon” is the way to go… even if you’re not mad about fish.
The latter dish consists of cedar wood grilled salmon, crispy risotto cakes and boiled spinach, all immersed in a special sauce.
Now, if you don’t care about calories, carbs, and all that stuff, check out their home-made lasagna and their hand-tossed pizza.
The lasagna is simply delicious. The portions are just right and the flavor and the texture are rich and tasty. You’ll find layers upon layers of Italian delicacy.
While the other dishes served at “Pace” are delish, lo que se lleva el premio a mejor platillo es la pizza… not only are all the ingredients fresh and organic, but it’s hand-tossed and baked in a special oven. Don’t expect any Domino’s-style pizza at this joint… la pizza de “Pace” it’s in a league on its own.
It doesn’t matter if you keep things simple and just go for the cheese pizza “Peace Pie”- with fresh tomatoes, tomato sace, mozzarella and oregano; or if you go for something more flavorful like “Mamma g’s”- with homemade pork sausage, tomato sauce and caramelized fennel, which by the way, it’s outstanding, nothing beats the “BBQ Chicken & Jalapeño Pizza”.
Overall, the food at “Pace” is good, but what really makes this place so attractive and inviting is its location, the ambiance and ultimately the service.
