A secret hideaway, tucked between Burbank and Toluca Lake, is CIAO CRISTINA, a unique family run Italian eatery featuring live jazz by fabulous vocalist, Laura Pursell, accompanied by gifted guitarist/composer/teacher, Ron Anthony every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 8-11pm. With Laura's delightful renditions of jazz standards and Ron's stunning solos, your heart and soul will be uplifted, leaving you feeling lighter and brighter. Laura sings with such depth, the meaning of the words come to life during her cool, smooth delivery. Effortlessly complemented by Ron's brilliant chord and line work, is Laura's terrific technique, beautiful phrasing, and soothing style.
Laura enjoys the relaxed vibe, the people, the intimate setting at Ciao Cristina. "The staff is tremendous and the food is incredible. It feels like you're home." People communicate with her all night long. One customer even brought a jazz book for her to sing from.
Ron loves the challenge of playing three nights a week with Laura because he gets to be the keyboards, bass, and drums. "Laura has great intonation, timing, and ears. She sings in tune so well that I can change keys and she intuitively follows."
Co-owners and husband/wife, Alan and Cristina, are honored to have performers with Laura's talent and Ron's stature, who attract steady customers. Many well regarded jazz artists drop in and play a song or two. They told me, "We hope to increase our jazz program. Opening a business in this time has been challenging but as our music base increases we'll be staying open later."
Ciao Cristina is the total package - from pure jazz music to authentic Italian food cooked by Cristina (raised and trained as an executive chef in Venice, Italy); to organic and natural products, homemade pasta and soups, Napoletana thin crust pizza with dough made fresh daily, handmade Italian Gelato; to an amazing bar offering 20 kinds of beer on tap from around the world, including Peroni's and Italian Pilsner; to a fabulous staff of bartenders and servers; and to Alan's endearing warmth and friendliness welcoming you to the comfy, cozy ambience that irresistibly exudes romance. It's a place where lovers come back again and again to renew their passion.
Neighborhood regulars, Curtis and Linda Stimpson, appreciate the amazing owners who deliver "the best food in the world." The lasagna is "as good as it gets, and the wonderfully romantic music is for grownups." Molly and Stan Hyman raved about the European style kitchen run by Cristina. "She's more than an incredible cook, she's a true chef." She gets to know her customers and makes sure their special requests are accommodated. Molly said, "I feel at home here. I'm so grateful they're here. I've spent enough time in Europe to know there's nothing there that's any better.
Server, Donna, works five nights a week and says "We're like a family. Everyone who works here really cares. They have big hearts. It's my home away from home."
Ciao Cristina is a dream come true for Alan and Cristina. They designed it so locals could gather for traditional Northern Italian cooking, at a fair price. As members of the Green Restaurant Association, they're dedicated to preserving the environment by adhering to strict guidelines (visit www.dinegreen.com). They use organic, natural products and produce their own Natura Mineral Water, eliminating the need for transportation and waste by reusing bottles. Scrumptious favorites include the Venetian Pastisso [lasagna], from a family recipe, which has been passed on from many generations, the Alaskan salmon with fennel, and their all natural chicken dishes. Alan told me, "Nothing can surpass the joy of getting compliments from customers time after time."
Ciao Cristina
4201 West Olive Ave.
Toluca Lake
818-563-CIAO (2426)
