The Eats...

This is one of LA's hidden gems located on little Santa Monica. We've been here several times but not for quite a while. Open since 1972, when I first dined here, Carmine's is an intimate, authentic Italian dining experience. When you enter the homey little restaurant, you are instantly transported to a time of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis, Jr. And why not? They were all huge fans of Carmine Competelli's. Now at the helm, Carmine Jr., does an impeccable job of following in his father's footsteps. Start off with a smooth glass of Franciscian Chardonnay ($14) or a cocktail from the full bar. Enjoy the warm bread basket that sports homemade crispy, crunchy garlic toast and fresh Italian bread. The Maestro's Minestrone ($7.95) is full of fresh vegetables in a rich broth. The Carmine's Chopped Salad ($13.95) is my favorite starter. This salad is huge and can be shared! Romaine lettuce, salami, roasted peppers, garbanzo beans, olives, onions, and mozzarella are all tossed with Carmine's special dressing. The Tomato & Onion Salad ($12.95) made with beefsteak tomatoes, diced with red onion and vinaigrette is fantastic too! Angel Hair Aglio Olio ($17.95) is my favorite pasta on the menu as I love, love, love garlic. Rest assured, there is plenty of it. Add some freshly grated parmesan, and if you're like me, you'll be in heaven! Linguini and Clams ($19.95) is another great dish and is served with tons of fresh clams and either red or white sauce. Chicken ($20.95) or Veal ($29.95) are served Piccata (with lemon and butter), Parmigana (with meat sauce and mozzarella), Marsala (with wine and mushrooms), Florentine (with spinach prosciutto), Milanese (pan fried in olive oil) or Saltinbocca (with prosciutto, mozzarella, and mushrooms). The Veal Picatta is excellent! For a place that's stood the test of time for over 40 years, Carmine's has definitely earned a medal in my book! Carmine's Restaurant & Bar 10463 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles (310) 441-4706 Hours: Lunch Tues-Fri 11:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. Dinner: Monday-Thursday 5:30 p.m.- 10:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday:  5:30 p.m.- 11:00 p.m.

Recommended Dishes: Carmine's Chopped Salad, Tomato & Onion Salad, Angel Hair Aglio Olio, Linguini & Clams, Veal Picatta.

So here's another place right in my neightborhood (almost) that I've only just discovered! In business since 1969, Cricca's makes one of the best sub sandwiches in Los Angeles, give or take Bay Cities. All bread (soft or crusty) is baked fresh daily and boy you can tell. Meats are Boar's Head and sandwiches come with plenty of it. Sandwiches include cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayo and Italian dressing. You can ask for them loaded with all of the above plus onions, mustard and pepperoncinis for no extra cost. Most sandwiches are $6.95 for a regular and $8.95 for a large. The Roast Beef and Swiss loaded is my personal favorite. I add pickles and cucumber for a nominal charge. Special subs include White Albacore Tuna, Sicilian Cold Cuts (Capicola, Mortadella & Pepperoni) Smoked Turkey Breast, Roast Beef, Salami & Turkey, and American Cold Cuts (Turkey Roast Beef & Pastrami). These are $7.95 and $9.95 respectively. Super Subs range from $8.95-$12.95 and include such yummy delights as The Al Capone ($11.95) with pastrami, provolone, lettuce, tomato, mayo & mustard and The Godfather ($11.95) with turkey, roast beef, capicola, ham, salami, papperoni & swiss. I don't know which to have on Saturday when we take them to the beach! Hot subs include classics such as chicken parmesan with melted provolone and marinara ($6.95/$8.95) and meatball with melted cheese ($6.95/$8.95). Try the meatballs as a side. They're $1.50 each and are delicious! I topped them with some parmesan and made a whole other meal! I think you could eat at Cricca's for about a year and never order the same thing twice. I love this place! Cricca's Italian Delicatessen 4876 Topanga Canyon Blvd. Woodland Hills (818) 340-0515. Hours: Tues-Fri 10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. Sat: 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Sun: 11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Closed Monday

Recommended:Submarine Sandwiches, meatballs, Italian groceries.

Anybody in business for 44 years deserves a round of applause and Ottavio's is no exception! The Belvedere family in Camarillo opened its doors in 1969 and has been serving up home-style Italian food ever since. This warm, welcoming eatery is not to be missed if you are in the area. We were visiting with Carly's in-laws-to-be (4 days from now) and everyone was hungry. We all piled in the car and ended up at Ottavio's. I'm glad we did. Start off with the warm, soft herbed bread that literally melts in your mouth. The tin of olive oil is on the table for your use, along with butter, and fresly grated parmesan. Try the Tortellini Brodo ($5.75) a veal-stuffed pasta simmered in chicken broth to start. It's fragrant and filling. If you order an entree, you can get it with your meal!  Minestrone ($4.95) is also fantastic! Pizzas are beautiful, crispy, and golden brown. They come in Small ($9.15), Medium ($10.35), and Large ($13.50). Toppings are $1.40 each. Special Pizzas, such as Shrimp Pompodoro are slighty higher in price. Pasta is really tasty and servings are huge. You'll definitely have lunch for tomorrow! Lasagna Neapolitan served with meat sauce ($12) to which we added meatballs ($2) was out of this world! The meatballs were some of the best I've had, and I know my meatballs. Manicotti Marinara ($12.50), crepes filled with ricotta cheese, baked with marinara sauce, and glazed with mozzarella cheese was enjoyed by the bride to be with not a drop left on the plate. It may only be days before the wedding, but nothing, nothing stops us from eating a good meal! Ottavio's Ristorante Italiano 1620 Ventura Boulevard Camarillo (805) 482-3810 Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. Friday-Saturday 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.

Recommended Dishes: Pizza, Tortellini Brodo, Lasagne, Meatballs, Manicotti.

If you can brave the crowds (even with a reservation) you'll be happy you did. C&O both the Trattoria in Venice and Cucina in the Marina are two of my favorite Italian restaurants. Start with the famous buttery garlic knots, and just know, you won't be able to stop. And here's the good news; you don't have to! They just keep bringing them, and bringing them. These little knots are addicting! They are garlicky, buttery, and salty. And. You. Can't. Stop! But try. Have a glass of wine, or two. The house wine is based on the honor system, so keep track of how many glasses you have and report back to your server at the end of the night. Be honest! Our server, Melanie was fantastic. She had so many tables, yet was gracious, friendly, and efficient to each one. We love her! She was extremely knowledgable about the menu and I learned she is a cheese-lover just like me! We'll be sure to ask for you next time Melanie! We started with a lovely glass of J. Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay ($10) that was both smooth and buttery. This went perfectly with our Baked Stuffed Mushrooms ($8/$12) and homemade Minestrone soup ($5). For dinner we enjoyed the Spaghetti and Meatballs ($16) made with the chef's own marinara sauce and two enormous meatballs. Topped with freshly grated Parmesan, this was some of the finest spaghetti and meatballs I've enjoyed! We also had the Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo ($16). We ordered sauce on the side and this dish was perfect with tons of chicken! In between courses we sang That's Amore with the rest of the packed house and clinked glasses with the friendly waitstaff. Other dishes we love here include Slow Roasted Boneless Beef Short Ribs ($18), Linguini with Clams ($16) and Papparadelle with Boneless Beef Short Ribs ($16). Come hungry, leave stuffed, people watch, and enjoy those garlic knots-they're killer! C&O Trattoria 31 Washington Blvd. Venice (310) 823-9491 Hours: Daily 11:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Friday-Saturday: open until 11:00 p.m.

Recommended Dishes: Spaghetti and Meatballs, Chicken Fettuccini, anything with short ribs, linguini and clams, garlic knots.

Enter this charming little restaurant right on Sunset in the Palisades and don't be surprised to see much of the staff from Tra di Noi in Malibu coming up to greet you. Start off with a glass of wine and some crispy Calamari Fritti ($11) rings with spicy marinara sauce. The Zuppa Del Giorno ($6) the night we came in, was hearty minestrone filled with vegetables in a savory broth. Insalate Classica ($9), is Ritrovo's version of the classic caesar salad. Crispy romaine hearts and shaved parmesan are topped with creamy, zesty caesar dressing. Ask for extra dressing to dip the pita-like bread, and don't miss the yummy tapenade either! Pizzas are baked in a 1000 degree oven and range from Buratta (price varies) with tomato, basil, and sea salt) in traditional Neopolitan style to New York Pepperoni and Sausage (price varies). For a rich, decadent treat try the Spaghetti Carbonara ($15) with crispy bacon and parmesan cheese in a light cream sauce. This dish is over the top! Orchiette ($16) is one of the house specialties. This little ear-shaped pasta packs quite a punch and is served a few different ways. Be sure to ask your server for the special. Salmon ($21) is a beautifully grilled Scottish fillet done picatta style, served with broccoli and fragrant roasted potatoes. Finally, Cioppino-seafood stew, ($20) is filled with clams, mussels, calamari, shrimp, fresh fish, and scallops. Crostini is served on the side. Our meal was delightful. Service is excellent, and we enjoyed seeing our friends from Tra di Noi too! IL Piccolo Ritrovo 15415 W. Sunset Blvd. Pacific Palisades. (310) 454-2243. Hours: M-Fri: 5pm-10pm, Sat-Sun: 12pm-10pm.

Recommended Dishes: Calamari, Insalate Classica, Pizza, Spaghetti Carbonara, Salmon, Cioppino, Orchiette.