Sad news from Lou's...

I just heard some earth shattering news regarding one of my favorite local restaurants…..

I’ve been a fan of Lou Giovannetti’s and what he was trying to accomplish with his new restaurant, Lou’s on the Hill, from day one….actually, before day one.

A few years ago, Lou was a guest on The South Bay Show to talk about his New Year’s Eve gig in Hermosa Beach. After the show, we chatted for a while and he told Joe and I about his plans for a new restaurant here in the South Bay. He wanted to bring together his love of family, food and music in an elegant, yet comfortable, space – and while this isn’t a new concept in the restaurant business, what he was proposing had never been done successfully in the South Bay. (If you remember, Mike Quagletti attempted this with the Upper Manhattan Lounge several years ago. It was fabulous, but didn’t last long.)

Lou’s enthusiasm was infectious and I made him promise to keep us in the loop…..and he did. He came back on the show just prior to the opening of Lou’s and as he described all the work that went into this new venture and his plans for the future, I don’t know who was more excited; him, Joe or I.

Lou’s on the Hill was a success from the start. Like every new restaurant, of course, there were a few bumps along the way – but his vision was clear and he executed it beautifully. The South Bay now had a proper supper club and everyone I spoke to was truly excited about it.

My husband and I dined there on several occasions, always on nights when there was live music. Sometimes it was Lou out front with his version of the Great American Songbook, other times we made a point to catch Naughty Niki and other guests musicians. There were one or two late evenings we kicked back at the bar, enjoying the music while we sipped decadent cocktails. It was all so very classy.

I recently contacted the restaurant to make reservations for a large dinner party and it came as a shock to discover that Lou was gone. He is no longer the managing partner and going forward, will have nothing to do with the day to day operations. He will no longer be there to greet you at the door and tragically, he will no longer be performing at his namesake venue.

I don’t know the details and it certainly isn’t my story to tell – but apparently, the new management is keeping the name, Lou’s on the Hill. ?????? Really?

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/lous-on-the-hill-2/