I've been eating at Emelio's for years. I began eating there when Emilio opened the La Scala Presto Trattoria branches for La Scala owner Jean Leone. After all of the La Scala Presto branches were opened Emilio became the manager and host of the Encino La Scala Presto. He was a very affable and attentive host, and he and head chef Juan had a wonderful menu of Northern Italian dishes. Emilio eventually bought the restaurant from Mr. Leone and re-named it Emilio's Presto Trattoria. About three years ago Emilio decided to retire. He sold the restaurant, and in my opinion a slow deterioration of the service and the quality of the food began. The last two or three times I've been to Emelio's I've come away with the opinion that the deterioration is now almost complete. If you feel you must go to Emilio's avoid going on any evening when there is a Laker's game on T.V. The host and the wait people are very ardent Lakers fans and the service and food quality suffers most while they try to catch-up on the game score and replays. Another point, I believe the new owner has modified many of the recipes. He mentioned to me that the meatballs no longer have pork in them. Why would anyone reformulate a successful meatball recipe by removing the pork?
Cons: Deterioration almost complete
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