For Vol. 2 of The California Edit, we spotlight Jasmine Tommaso and Lorenzo Grassi—the Italian-born duo behind Spaghetti Western, a unique desert restaurant blending food, music, art, and community. Their journey is a story of serendipity and creative passion, rooted in Roman heritage and reimagined in California’s high desert. With personal ties to cinematic legends—Lorenzo grew up in the same Roman neighborhood as director Sergio Leone, while Jasmine’s father, Giovanni Tommaso, played bass on Ennio Morricone’s iconic Spaghetti Western soundtracks—their story is as layered as the landscape that now inspires them.
Origins: From Rome to the High Desert
Drawn by music and the promise of creative freedom, Jasmine and Lorenzo left Rome for California. “It was music for both of us. We decided to pursue our passion and it led us from Rome to Los Angeles,” Jasmine shares. “Even though we were both born and raised in Rome, we met in California. We didn’t move to the desert until 2016 and it opened our eyes to a new kind of landscape—wild, open, raw—it challenged us to bring our heritage here in a way that felt honest and alive.”
Lorenzo adds, “For both of us, it was about following the thread of adventure. California gave us space—literally and creatively—to dream bigger. It taught us to take the tradition we grew up with and reimagine it under a new lens.”
Jasmine is wearing Dart Jacket, Chels Turtleneck, and Reagan 360°.
Lorenzo is wearing Brynner Western Shirt, and Tellis Selvage.
A Living Story: Food, Music, and Community
Spaghetti Western is more than a restaurant—it’s a creative hub. Jasmine’s storytelling and hospitality, paired with Lorenzo’s passion for food and live music, create a space that feels both timeless and alive. “The desert strips everything down to its essence—there’s no hiding. That rawness inspires authenticity in everything we do. The light, the silence, the colors—they influence the mood of the food, the music, even the way we host,” Jasmine explains.
Lorenzo says, “We wanted to build a space where people could eat like Italians—slowly, joyfully, together—but with the relaxed, untamed energy of the desert.” Their signature dish, a California take on Amatriciana, and their art-filled “Saloon Salon” reflect a commitment to authenticity, connection, and craft. “We see Spaghetti Western as a table that keeps expanding, where families, friends, locals, artists, and travelers all sit side by side,” Jasmine adds.
Cinematic Legacy: Inspiration for Holiday ’25
This season, AG’s Holiday ’25 collection draws from the same cinematic legacy that inspires Jasmine and Lorenzo. “I love that ‘Spaghetti Western’ is both cinematic and symbolic—it represents this cultural mix between Italy and the American West,” Jasmine says. Set against the dramatic Alabama Hills—an iconic backdrop for Spaghetti Western films—the collection channels the sun-bleached energy and rugged elegance of the American frontier. Italian fabrics and Western details echo the fusion at the heart of Spaghetti Western, while modern silhouettes and layered staples pay tribute to the off-screen legends whose understated style shaped film history.
Timeless Craft, Modern Spirit
Just as Jasmine and Lorenzo blend Italian tradition with California’s frontier spirit, Holiday ’25 honors the makers behind the lens—those who shaped culture through quiet craftsmanship. “We keep the soul of Italian cooking—simplicity, quality ingredients, respect for tradition—but we let California’s produce and local flavors influence the rest,” Lorenzo shares. The collection remains anchored in denim, reimagined with texture and depth, embodying the same authenticity and timeless style that define both Spaghetti Western and AG.
Explore Western Details