Giannino

Silverlake isn't just all vintage eyewear and indie rock. Even the elder hipsters need a place to get some casual Italian food. That place is Giannino's (2630 Hyperion Ave.) You'll need reservations to get a table at this tiny, neighborhood Italian, located in a strip-mall off Hyperion. It's not fancy, but it's popular. The clientele is an eclectic mixture of gay couples, grey-haired retirees, extended families and "we-met-at-the-office" first dates. And they all seem to know each other. I thought we happened upon a private party, but we didn't...Everyone just happened to know each other and say hi. Giannino's is like that. It's friendly. Maybe a little too friendly.

And the food? Well, it's pretty good. I had a chicken breast sauteed in lemon with artichoke hearts and olives. Good stuff, my friends. But, it's the garlic bread which keeps me and the rest of the neighborhood coming back. Served on Italian bread toast, it's slightly burned, buttered up and piled on with tiny flakes of fresh garlic and herbs. It's so delicious. It's so simple. It's a house specialty, too. Everyone gets the garlic bread. Don't come here and not get the garlic bread. You will appear unfriendly. This is a friendly place. Also, don't come if you are trying to stay on your diet!