Councilwoman Park Presents Certificate of Appreciation to Vittorio’s

Frank Langen, owner of Canyon Square, Councilwoman Traci Park, Vittorio’s Manager José Calderón, and Park’s Field Deputy Arus Grigoryan

By Laurel Busby

News & Information Editor

Vittorio’s at Canyon Square was awarded a Park’s Pick by City Councilwoman Traci Park in an informal ceremony on Oct. 17.

Park, who typically presents the honor to one business in her district each week, chose the restaurant after learning how it had both burned down in the Palisades Fire and returned with its new iteration in Canyon Square in late August.

“To see what you all have been through these last ten months, obviously has been heartbreaking, not just for the Pacific Palisades, but for the entire city,” Park told Vittorio’s manager José Calderón, who has worked at the restaurant for 10 years. “How you all have stuck together and come through for each other and continue to lead and inspire, this shows other businesses that they can do it too…. Thank you for … all of your years of being an anchor and an institution in our local community, but especially now as you're here leading the recovery on the ground in the Palisades.”

The Park’s Pick is designed to showcase and support local businesses across the district, according to Park’s field deputy Arus Grigoryan. Other Palisades businesses that have received the honor include Palisades Garden Café, Chipotle, and Ruby Nails & Spa.

During her presentation, Park presented a certificate “on behalf of the City of Los Angeles and Council District 11” to the restaurant. She mentioned that one of her goals is to make the city a better partner for local businesses. The award is one aspect of her effort to build better relationships with the business community.

Calderón later shared how honored the employees and owners were to receive the recognition. Vanessa Pellegrini Henriques, who co-owns the restaurant with her mother Mercedes Pellegrini and sister Sabrina Pellegrini Kalaydjian, also shared her gratitude for both the honor and Park’s visit.

“I love that she took time out of her super crazy busy schedule to come and present the award,” Henriques said. It’s “just such a wonderful feeling to be recognized for all the hard work that we put through to … get back to our community.”

Resident Julie Hendricks chats with Councilwoman Park outside Vittorio’s.