There's a tiny little Italian restaurant on San Vicente Blvd in Brentwood that you've got to try if you get the chance. I got that chance again, after not having been there for several years. It's better than ever. Warm and inviting, friendly waiters, a great menu and moderate prices. What more could one ask for?
After spending a wonderful day in Los Angeles, visiting everyone who is really important to us, we finished the day at Osteria Latini with my mom. The menu includes most of the usual suspects, but much, much more. As soon as you sit down a wonderful basket of bread arrives at your table. Three different types of bread, and two spreads as a topping. One topping is hummus, the other is olive tappenade. They have a wonderful wine list, including the option of bringing your own bottle, but we went right to the food. I started with the raw artichoke, hearts of palm salad and shaved parmesean cheese salad in a lemon vinegrette. It's one of my favorite salads, but I have yet to see it on a menu in the San Diego area. My entree was duck ravioli in an orange cream sauce. It was superb. My mom began with the tuna tartare, a very generous portion served with crispy chips to hold the tuna. She followed this with an eggplant dish similar to eggplant parmesean. She loves it, and orders it often at Osteria Latini. Ron went for the fish soup, similar to boullabaise. It was a tomato based soup, loaded with crab, shrimp, cod, mussels and other fish. Delicious. Finally, whether you order dessert or not (we did not), the waiter brings you a little shot of a lemony champagne drink that just completes the meal.
Entrees are in the mid $20's, starters are $8-$15, depending. The only negative about Osteria Latini is the difficulty with parking. Yes, they do have valet parking for $4.50, but since we've moved to Carlsbad we hate to pay for valet parking. It's worth it, though. You'll have trouble finding better Italian food at any price. Don't go there, however, if you're expecting breaded veal parmesean or fried mozzarella. The food at this restaurant mixes some standard Italian fare with more contemporary creative food. I think you will love it, as I do.
No comments:
Post a Comment