Bernie Madoff may have ripped you off royally Nancy Silverton, but you pulled yourself up by your bootstraps; so who's laughing now? Who's
laughing all the way to the bank? The founder of La Brea Bakery, (whose empire includes Pizzaria Mozza, Osteria Mozza, and the recently opened Chi Spacca) is one of my favorite all time chefs. With Mario Batali as a partner what can you expect but some delicious
hearty Italian fare. Tip number one is to make a reservation, and make it far in advance. This is a tough table to get, no matter what time. Rest assured, they don't rush you, so even if you eat at 6 or 7 you'll still get the total dining experience.
The cocktail and wine book is extensive and expensive but wine selection is phenomenal. We started with a glass of Etna Bianco ($18) and a beer. Did I mention La Brea Bakery? The bread here is served non-stop in thick slices and Nancy
didn't hide the recipe! The 7-grain is chewy and will definitely ruin your appetite. Whole wheat and sourdough aren't too shabby either. Don't be like me though; just say no! From the mozzarella bar, we both had Burrata with Bacon ($16). Marinated escarole,
and caramelized shallots top off the burrata and is served on grilled bread. Linguini With Clams ($21) and spicy Fresno chilies is cooked in a white wine reduction that is pretty darn tasty. I couldn't help myself from finishing the Grilled Beef
Tagliata ($33) with arugula, parmigiano and balsamic. Thin slices of steak were expertly cooked medium, and served with thinly shaved cheese and arugula which is quickly becoming a habit-forming choice for me. Sauteed Bloomsdale Spinach ($10) with
crisped garlic was my favorite dish. I wanted to lick the plate but my husband forcibly restrained me. I think I need to learn how to make crispy garlic so I can make this dish at home. For $10, I can buy lots of bags of spinach! My only disappointment
was dessert. I love Pizzaria Mozza's Butterscotch Budino. Osteria doesn't have any. I just couldn't bring myself to eat Rosemary Olive Oil Cakes ($11) or anything with pine nuts.Service is excellent and very friendly and Osteria is very low-key. Osteria
Mozza 6602 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles . (323) 297-0100.
Recommended Dishes: Mozarella Bar, Linguini With Clams, Grilled Beef Tagliata, Sauteed Bloomsdale Spinach.