Osteria Mozza in LA...

I had THE Best Meal, and am even proclaiming it as the SFFoodMaven Favorite Meal of 2008 at Osteria Mozza in LA. This is what I was talking about in my previous post about 'Italian as the new French' as one of the latest Food Trends and I'm excited for you to read about my experience here.

This past December, I traveled down to LA on an impromptu trip with my girlfriend. We stayed at the London which was awesome. I had stayed there many times, many years ago when it was the Belage and was completely amazed at the transformation. The rooms were spacious and gorgeous and the bathroom was an absolute spa dream! Not to mention that The London is a perfect location nestled between Sunset and Hollywood Boulevards and we absolutely loved it there!
But what was even more Memorable of course was what I ate while I was there... The concierge scored us a rezzie at Osteria Mozza, a Restaurant by three Veritable Virtuosos of the Food World - Mario Batali, Joe Bastianich and Nancy Silverton of La Brea Bakery.

The Meal literally blew me away and it was my idea of the Perfect Trifecta of any Memorable Dining Experience that I so often look for - Great Food, Great Atmosphere/Decor and Great Service.

From the moment that I walked in I felt the warmth of the decor, a classic yet contemporary space, which enveloped me as if to welcome me within its embrace, and at the same time, I felt a frisson of excitement by the energy buzzing in the room. I had been wanting to eat here for quite some time and thus far it was living up to my expectations even though I haven't even tried the Food yet! Perhaps it was just me and the fact that I live for and obsess over all things Food, but I was absolutely beside myself and the Food did not disappoint...

Here is the Breakdown...
Bear with me on some of the photos as it was a bit dark in there and I hate using a flash when it comes to Food..



We were given an Amuse of Creamy Ricotta on Toasted Crostini topped with an Olive Tapenade and Basil Chiffonade. The simplicity of it tickled our Palates and was a sound start to our Meal...



Osteria Mozza is known for its Mozzarella Bar, so naturally we opted to start with the Mozzarella Tasting, which offered 3 kinds of Mozzarella from the Bar - Burrata, Fior di Latte & Bufala Mozzarella. All three were Rich, Creamy and Light versions of Mozzarella that were nothing short of Dreamy. The Fior di Latte being our favorite of all, because it was just Divine...

Ever since first trying Agnolotti pasta at Quince long ago, I have been a devotee. Agnolotti is very similar to a Ravioli or Tortellini, but it is made with one thin sheet of Pasta which is essentially folded over and made into tiny little pockets filled with Meat or Cheese. So whenever I see it on a Pasta or Secondi Menu, I always have to order it. Perbacco here in San Francisco usually has a couple versions of it, one made with Roasted Veal and Savoy Cabbage and the other with Roasted Rabbit and a Truffled Sugo D'Arrosto. Can you say YUM?




But Osteria Mozza's Agnolotti, Burro e Salvia filled with Veal, Chicken, Capiccola and Pancetta far transcended any other Agnolotti that I have ever had! They were Silken, Little Pockets of Heaven in a Sage Butter Sauce. I mean, I had one of those SFFoodMaven 'Moments' while eating it, where my eyes rolled back and I just didn't want the Dish to ever end! It was THE BEST thing that I have consumed, devoured and indulged in all year! And I STILL salivate at the just the thought of it. This is the kind of Moment that I LIVE for...
Exquisite.
Ambrosial.
Divine.
Transcendent.
The socks are not just off, they're gone!
Outta the Park!
See Ya!
Believe me, I am still recovering... And the only remedy, may be to go back for more.
Gimme a moment to get myself together...
*sigh*



Grilled Quail wrapped in Pancetta with sage & honey...




I had the Crisp Duck al Mattone with Pear Mostarda & Brussels sprouts which was pretty amazing! It was served on a huge cutting board so it felt like it was a hedonistic sacrifice fit for a goddess... Yes that would be me... The Skin was Beautifully Crisp yet the Meat was unbelievably Tender and Juicy, so much so that the Meat just fell off the Bone...



For Dessert we had the Bombolini, very Light, Round Fritters served with Vanilla Gelato and a Mountain Huckleberry Compote, which I thought were Unique and Happy Ending to a Truly Memorable Meal...