Pasadena's Union Team Breathes New Life Into Bucato in Culver City

It’s a big day for the folks behind Union in Pasadena, as it seems Bruce Kalman, Marie Petulla, and wine director George Pitsironis will be taking over the shuttered Bucato in Culver City.

The LA Times first reported the story earlier today, though firm details are likely a ways off. The restaurant hopes to land sometime in early 2017, and — given the pedigree of the three — there's a strong possibility that Italian food will be involved (though no guarantees on that).

"We are really excited to be doing this project, and it's obviously a super exciting space for us," says Marie Petulla. "And it's also another opportunity to be working with George Pitsironis, the great winemaker, friend, and wine director for Union."

Petulla and Pitsironis are stars in their own right, having spent years turning Union into quite possibly Pasadena’s best overall restaurant, and one of the finest neighborhood gems anywhere in the city. Petulla also opened Knead & Co. inside Grand Central Market with chef Kalman in January, after spending years at places like Xen Lounge and Firefly in Studio City.

Union

George Pitsironis

It’s nice to see the former Bucato come back to life too, as the forlorn patio has been a sore spot for the Helms Bakery Complex ever since Evan Funke departed and the restaurant went under. Expect more news on this over the summer, with a hopeful winter arrival to come.