I Heart Terroni

Courtesy of DailyCandy

I'm going to keep this brief because a) I didn't have my camera, so I have no images to share and b) I can't find a menu online so I'm pulling from the gut. However, I don't have to waste any time on fancy words or verbose beggings to visit this authentic Southern Italian haunt. That is because the food at Terroni speaks for itself.

Over 30 thin crust pizzas (which you have to cut yourself, because, dammit, it tastes better that way) and every kind of homemade pasta you can think of. Pappardelle that melts like butter, and bites of pizza with salty pancetta and sweet pears - oh man, I think I need to sit down.

I my opinion, this place far beats out Pizzeria Mozza, from the Eames inspired booth seating to the Italian documentary projected on the wall. This place screams "cool" but doesn't sacrifice one bit in the taste department. And, they know it too. With a motto like: "No reservations, No substitutions, No modifications," they know they have a good thing going and 'aint no one going to tell them any different.

Go. Go now. Go hungry.


Terroni
7605 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, 90036
(323) 954-0300
$$

Brown Baggin' It

Here are two great fine foods stores/delis that will leave you begging to trade your bagged lunch for anything on their menus.

LARCHMONT VILLAGE WINE, SPIRIT & CHEESE
Larchmont Village Wine Spirit & Cheese is by far one of the best sandwich shops/ gourmet markets in Los Angeles. There's one way in and one way out of this small shop and the menu's even smaller. However, any of the 5 sandwiches that the deli crafts are heaven in your mouth. Your choice of Ciabatta or French Baguette, each sandwich overflows with meat, cheese, baby greens, one of their homemade aiolis and oil and vinegar. Don't worry, there's a veggie sandwich with roasted peppers and avocado that isn't too shabby either. If you eat meat, go for the Turkey Sandwich on your first round - you can't go wrong.

While you're in line (which might be long, by the way), take a look at the walls stocked with specialty cheeses, condiments and crackers. They have about 10 different flavors of mustard! It's the little things...

LVWS&C
223 North Larchmont Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90004
(323) 856-8699
$



BAY CITIES
With a little more room to walk around, Bay Cities provides plenty of "pacing space" while you try to decide what to order. Between their sandwich menu and their hot and cold deli items, you better come hungry, and you better come back so you can try everything.

The Hot Pastrami Sandwich is a sandwich to write home about. Make sure you get "the works," which includes mayo, mustard, onions, pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, Italian dressing & mild or hot peppers. You also MUST TRY the meatballs - melt in your mouth meat, and a sauce that tastes like it's been simmering for hours. The flavor is unmatched. The Chicken and Eggplant Parmesans are also delish and worth a bite. If you make friends with the hot deli man (not "hot" as in good looking, unless you're into 40 something Italians) he'll be sure to give you a sample of whatever's best that day. One thing to note: Bay Cities is most popular during the 12:30-2pm workday lunch hour. Hit them up earlier or later, or email/fax your order an hour and fifteen ahead and you should be good to go.

Bay Cities is also a large specialty market with Italian pastas, sauces, cookies and canned goods. So, if you do have to wait for your lunch, you won't be bored. You might just end up spending more than you originally planned!

Bon Apetit!

Bay Cities
1517 Lincoln Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 395-8279
$

Something Old and Something New

When you're craving Italian food, here are a couple fantastic options. One is old, one is new, both are worth a return visit.


Dominick's Restaurant used to be favorite of Frank Sinatra, and now enjoys frequent visits from Jack Bauer himself, Kiefer Sutherland. But it really isn't about the eye candy (although it doesn't hurt). The menu features classic Italian American fare such as fried rice balls and Veal Parmesan. Must haves include the Spaghetti and Meatballs, Grilled Artichoke, Hanger Steak and Gelato Trio (I lucked out with Coffee, Mint Chip and Brown Sugar - it changes every night).

But the thing that makes Dominick's unique and user-friendly is their Sunday Supper. For $15, enjoy a 3 Course Menu and for an extra $10 share a bottle of their very own white or red wine. The portions are plenty big and the atmosphere is quite romantic. On a nice night, request the patio, complete with fire place and terracotta galore. You'll swear you died and went to Italy.

Dominick's Restaurant
8715 Beverly Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90048
(310) 652-6335
$$-$$$




There's nothing like gourmet pizza to make you feel a little less guilty for eating bread and cheese. Thanks to chefs and co-owners Mario Batali (the red-head from the Food Network) and Nancy Silverton, formerly of Campanile, pizza has never tasted so good. Pizzeria Mozza, located on Melrose and Highland, and serving hot pies until midnight, is so good you could almost convince yourself to go twice in one week. Heck, with over 15 pizzas to choose from, you wouldn't even have to be a repeat offender.

But let's start at the beginning, shall we? The restaurant takes reservations, but if you're feeling risky, just drop in as it's first-come-first-serve at the counter. I prefer this view as you get an upfront seat at the brick oven, viewing the pizzas in all stages of creation (not to mention giving you a chance to window shop before you buy). Prior to the main course, I recommend partaking in one of the starters. Nancy's Chopped Salad is wonderful, and any of the bruschettas will leave you ready for more. If you're overwhelmed with the pizza options, you can't go wrong with either the Funghi misti, fontina, taleggio & thyme or the Prosciutto di Parma, rucola & mozzarella. I beg you, save room for dessert. And if you don't have room, make it. One of the best desserts I've ever had was at Mozza. Of course, I can't remember the name of the dish, but it included two scoops of caramel gelato, marshmallow fluff (for lack of a better term) and caramelized salted peanuts.

A moment of silence, please.

Thank g-d for Italians. Stay tuned for Osteria Mozza, coming soon, complete with its very own mozzarella bar.


Pizzeria Mozza
641 North Highland Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 2970-0101
$$-$$$