The Crudo e Nudo Owner is Opening a Cal-Italian-Inspired Drinking Destination in Santa Monica

While studying the art of pasta making in Italy, chef and restaurant owner Brian Bornemann fell in love with the historic bars he wandered in and out of. Set to open Oct. 21, Bar Fortuna is his homage to those treasured memories. Credit: Photo Credit Catherine Dzilenski Fittingly located down the street from his critically acclaimed sustainable seafood restaurant, Crudo e Nudo, Bornemann is giving back to his native Ocean Park neighborhood with a casual and community-driven space for friends and family to gather in the moody and stylish Italian atmosphere. Centered around a long white marble bar, Bar Fortuna welcomes patrons to sip on a Negroni (of which there are five variations), a spritz or a specialty cocktail from bar director Noah Castellanos. Wine director JD Plotnick curated a bottle list from emerging talents and generational staples from California and Italy, with the aim to make wine accessible. Plotnick wants wine to be accessible, creating a space where some