Introducing Wife and the Somm – A Love Letter to Food, Wine & Warm Hospitality in Los Angeles
Glassell Park’s Wife and the Somm is a love letter to food, wine, and warm hospitality
Tucked away in the vibrant neighborhood of Glassell Park, Wife and the Somm is more than just an intimate dining destination: it is a love letter to food, wine, and warm hospitality, brought to life by Owners and Restaurateurs Christy and Chris Lucchese.
Their journey from the world of film to the realm of culinary excellence is a testament to their shared passion for bringing people together over exceptional dining experiences.
Seamlessly blending seasonal, farm fresh, ingredient-driven cuisine with a thoughtfully curated and ever-evolving wine selection, Wife and the Somm is a hidden gem where guests can savor not just a meal, but a true celebration of flavor, craftsmanship, and connection.
With an inviting atmosphere and an unwavering commitment to exceptional service, Christy and Chris have created a space where food and wine lovers alike can gather, explore, and indulge in an unforgettable culinary experience!
Christy Lucchese, the Wife, and Chris Lucchese, the Sommelier, met in 2009 while working in the film industry, quickly bonding over homemade dinners and a shared love for travel.
Chris, from a big Italian family in Pennsylvania, and Christy, whose Southern California roots trace back to the late 1800s, connected deeply through their appreciation for hospitality and dreamed of creating a space where guests could relax, feel at home, and indulge in an intimate, unforgettable experience.
That dream took shape in 2017 when they founded Home Somm, a boutique catering company dedicated to pairing thoughtfully crafted seasonal dishes with exceptional wines. As their reputation grew across California, so did their desire for a permanent home, and when they discovered a hidden, ivy-covered gem in Glassell Park, complete with a backyard of century-old grapevines, they knew they had found the perfect spot.
On April 1, 2021, that vision became reality when they opened Wife and the Somm, offering a warm, inviting space where guests can savor a farm fresh seasonally inspired menu and explore a fun, innovative, carefully curated, ever-evolving wine list, with a strong focus on low-intervention wines and small producers from around the world and great value.
Chris Lucchese
Chris Lucchese’s path to becoming a wine expert was as unconventional as it was inspiring. A passionate enthusiast of geography, history, and trivia, his curiosity for wine ignited in 2012 after watching Somm.
With encouragement from Christy, he pursued formal education, earning certifications from the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET), where he is currently working toward the prestigious Level IV Diploma, just one step below the esteemed Master of Wine title.
Chris’s determination to break into the wine industry drove him to seek every opportunity to gain experience. Having worked in kitchens during his college years in Pittsburgh, he set his sights on transitioning into a wine-focused role in a restaurant.
His persistence paid off when he secured a position as the Assistant Sommelier at Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak im Glendale, where he thrived while also contributing at Chef Mina’s Cal Mare in Beverly Hills.
These roles allowed him to develop a deep appreciation for elevated dining experiences and hospitality. Chris saw an opportunity to redefine food and wine pairing through Home Somm, where he and Christy introduced diners to unique yet accessible wines, thoughtfully paired with fresh farmers’ market ingredients.
Their innovative approach cultivated a loyal following and deepened their expertise in food, wine, and sustainable sourcing.
Committed to continuous learning, Chris studied French wine at the Wine Scholar Guild, completed two semesters in UC Davis’s renowned Viticulture and Enology Program, and explored the Art of Sake through WSET.
Now, at Wife and the Somm, he shares his passion not just through his selections but through storytelling—guiding guests on an immersive journey of discovery with every sip.
Chef Frank Saporito
Wife and the Somm has become a hidden gem for food and wine connoisseurs, offering a dining experience that seamlessly blends craftsmanship, farm fresh seasonality, and brightness. Chris and Christy’s partnership with Chef Frank Saporito is the perfect blend of their visionary leadership and his visionary approach to food, creating a dynamic synergy that elevates every dish.
In 2022, the restaurant welcomed Saporito as Sous Chef, and in 2024, he was promoted to Chef de Cuisine.
A classically trained French chef with nearly two decades of experience, Saporito immediately connected with Chris and Christy over their shared vision of ingredient-driven cuisine, a hyper-seasonal approach, and the artful balance of acidity. He embraced their commitment to an ever-evolving seasonal menu, allowing Chris to seamlessly pair the perfect wines with each dish.
A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park and CIA Greystone in St. Helena, Saporito honed his skills in acclaimed kitchens across Virginia, Maryland, Texas, Connecticut, Washington D.C., and Southern California, including Tin Roof Bistro in Manhattan Beach, Shore Raw Bar & Grill, and The Grove Wine Bar in Austin.
His deep dedication to sustainability, shaped by work with Chesapeake Bay oyster restoration and direct collaborations with farmers and fishermen, infuses every dish with purpose and precision.
Now at the helm, he continues to push creative boundaries, celebrating California’s local bounty while redefining what it means to dine at one of Los Angeles’ most intimate and exceptional destinations.
This season’s Wife and the Somm Dinner Menu is a masterful blend of elegance and approachability, designed to highlight the finest seasonal ingredients at the peak of their flavors. This farm-fresh menu evolves and changes all throughout the year, ensuring each dish captures the essence of its components.
Thoughtfully divided into five categories
Fromagerie & Charcuterie, From the Sea, From the Garden, From the Pasture, and From the Kitchen
the offerings celebrate vibrant flavors and meticulous craftsmanship. The Fromagerie & Charcuterie selection takes diners on a journey through artisanal cheeses and expertly cured meats, from Spain’s nutty Santa Marta Black Garlic Manchego to the truffle-kissed Caciotta of Tuscany.
Fromagerie & Charcuterie
Prosciutto Toscano, Capocollo, and Wagyu Bresaola bring a refined depth, while the house-made Duck Liver Pâté adds a touch of indulgence.
From the Sea
From the Sea showcases highlights like the delicately torched Hokkaido Scallop with guava sweet soy and yuzu kosho, and the Sumac-Rubbed Branzino with it perfectly crispy skin, finished off with charred lemon sumac aioli to not overpower the fish.
The Ahi Tuna Tartare, featuring salsify prepared two ways – braised and fried, balances umami richness with green goddess espuma, while the Grilled Cuttlefish with Iberico Lomo and squid ink sofrito delivers bold, intricate flavors.
From the Garden
Seasonality shines brightest From the Garden, where dishes like Kenter Canyon Farms Chicory Salad with candied maple walnuts and Maple Miso Delicata Squash with coconut crème fraîche and crispy sage celebrate peak produce.
The Long Beach Mushrooms sautéed with ginger butter and lemon offer a pure umami experience.
From the Pasture
From the Pasture features hearty yet refined selections such as Cocoa-Rubbed Beeler’s Duroc Pork Belly with kohlrabi slaw and chicharrón, and Black Hawk Farms Wagyu Flank Steak with caramelized persimmon and green peppercorn sauce. The Roasted Mary’s Duck Breast, complemented by Bing Cherry emulsion and salsa Macha, delivers complexity in every bite.
From the Kitchen
Lastly, From the Kitchen offers ever-evolving creations like the Fresh Pasta of the Day and Fish of the Day, showcasing Chef Saporito’s dedication to innovation and quality. Every plate at Wife and the Somm is a tribute to craftsmanship, sustainability, and culinary passion, ensuring a dining experience where the ingredients take center stage.
Christy Lucchese’s Desserts
Christy Lucchese’s passion for Desserts is deeply rooted in her family’s traditions, where no meal was complete without something sweet. Growing up, she was surrounded by a love for confections passed down through generations. Among her most cherished recipes is the famous Chocolate Soufflé with Velvet Sauce, a dish symbolizing her family’s shared love for baking.
When Wife and the Somm officially opened, the focus was primarily on the savory menu, but it quickly became evident that a dessert selection was in demand. With their first chef declining to take on the task, Christy stepped in, introducing a thoughtfully curated selection of sweets inspired by her family’s traditions.
Now, baking for the restaurant has become her creative sanctuary, a time to refine flavors, immerse herself in the process, and embrace the joy of sharing.
One of her standout creations is the Basque Cheesecake, the perfect marriage of three distinct textures: luscious cake, a creamy center, and a caramelized shell that beautifully offsets the sweetness.
While she never set out to be a pastry chef, Christy’s Desserts at Wife and the Somm speak for themselves, capturing the essence of home and the simple pleasure of a well-made confection.
At Wife and the Somm, the culinary experience extends far beyond the Seasonal Dinner Menu, offering an array of immersive dining opportunities that elevate every visit into a true gastronomic journey.
For wine enthusiasts, Wife and the Somm, Wine Tastings provide an expertly curated exploration of exceptional vintages, thoughtfully paired with seasonal dishes, perfect for groups of six or more.
Guests seeking a more curated dining experience can indulge in Three to Five-Course Tasting Menus, available any evening, offering a bespoke progression of flavors tailored to both intimate dinners and larger celebrations.
For the ultimate epicurean adventure, the Somm Table Experience—available every Thursday through Saturday with just 12 hours’ notice, features an exclusive Six-Course Seasonal Tasting Menu, guided by both the sommelier and chef.
Limited to just 2 to 6 guests, this chef and sommelier table-style experience is a feast for the senses, complete with a special Amuse Bouche, Mignardise, and unparalleled Wine Pairings. Whether enjoying a casual tasting or an immersive multi-course affair, Wife and the Somm transforms dining into an unforgettable celebration of food, wine, and hospitality.
Wife and the Somm offers a truly special and unique opportunity for guests to not only enjoy their carefully curated wine selection in-house but also to Take Home Any Bottle from their ever-evolving wine list for Retail Purchase.
With a deep passion for discovering exceptional wines, Sommelier Chris Lucchese has thoughtfully curated a collection that highlights low-intervention wines and small producers from around the world and great value.
This rare offering allows guests to bring a piece of their dining experience home, whether to savor a favorite selection again or to share a new discovery with friends and family.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply seeking a cozy, memorable meal, Wife and the Somm promises a culinary adventure like no other. With its intimate setting, exceptional service, and innovative approach to farm fresh seasonal cuisine, this neighborhood gem is a must-visit in Los Angeles.
Wife and the Somm is open for Dinner every Wednesday and Thursday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, every Friday and Saturday from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and every Sunday from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Wife and the Somm is also open for Brunch every Sunday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. For more information about Wife and the Somm or to make reservations, please call 323.739.0058 directly or visit www.WifeandtheSomm.com.
