I recently discovered that Carnie Wilson has been quietly creating the desserts for Studio City’s Vitello’s for the past year in the role of executive pastry chef. Yes, that Carnie Wilson—the daughter of Beach Boy Brian Wilson and one-third of the band Wilson/Phillips. Carnie has been baking her Love Bites, which she describes as “every bite made with love,” for nearly a decade.

“When I got sober I needed something to do … baking was therapeutic,” recalls Carnie in a phone interview. “So I started bringing desserts to 12-step meetings, and people went bonkers.” With a laugh she says that if she goes "three or four days without baking, I go through withdrawls.”

Her sweet treats first appeared at the now departed Sweet Harts in Sherman Oaks but arrived at Vitello’s after owner Matt Epstein asked her if she’d be interested in “revamping the desserts” for his Tujunga Avenue restaurant. She eagerly accepted and then spent time with Matt, general manager Brad Roen, and the culinary team discussing and testing out recipes.  Carnie now visits Vitello’s at least once a week to check on the dessert production or to introduce new recipes as she is constantly creating. The day we spoke she was very excited about her latest creation fresh from her oven—a pumpkin spice cake mixed with M&M's.

The Love Bites menu can change weekly and usually features three to six selections. Her signature desserts include warm bread pudding, berry trifle, Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Pie, and variations on cheesecake (including the lemon heart bites below).  

“I just love working with the bakers and actually watching people eat dessert,” reflects Carnie. “It's such a joy.”

Warm chocolate chip bread pudding: look for pumpkin this holiday season.

Luscious lemon cheesecake 

Vitello's, 4349 Tujunga Avenue, Studio City, 818-769-0905