Evening Out at Angelini Osteria, los angeles

During my busy season in school, it's a rare treat when I get to catch up with one of my BFFL over a nice dinner out on the town (trans.: Best Friend For Life - a term I just learned from one of my students). It's an even more special rarity when I can squeeze some time to write about it.

A little while back, MM and I celebrated life and friendship with a toast of sparkling white wine, compliments from the sommelier at Angelini Osteria.

For years, this Italian restaurant on Beverly Boulevard has been on my "Must Try List" and I was so thrilled when MM surprised me with a dinner reservation for the two of us.

With a clink of our glasses and smiles to our hosts for the evening, we relished in a night of indulgence, incredibly delicious food and engaging conversations.

We started with a basket of bread and a few complimentary appetizers from Chef Gino Angelini, including the above photographed sardine cooked with fresh herbs, tomatoes, and croutons. The fish reminded me of something that would have come out of my grandmother's kitchen, and I was able to relive some memories of my youth with each bite. Both MM and I loved the play of textures and flavors, from the charred skin of the sardine to the refreshing sweetness of the vinaigrette and tomatoes.

The excitement carried throughout the night, as each dish was artfully presented between us. With fork and knife in hand, we devoured plate after plate until we were happy and satiated.



There was something rustic, organic and comforting about our experience at Angelini - from the brick lined wall directly west of us, the deep mahogany colored wooden table at which we sat, to the savory dishes that warmed our souls. We consumed large grilled scallops with mushrooms, homemade pasta cooked with sausage and black truffles, and slow roasted pork belly with a creamy polenta.

We finished the night over silky smooth panna cotta, and gave thanks to a wonderful dinner to the Chef. His words rolled off his tongue like a sweet melody as he said "Ciao Bella" and kissed our cheeks hello and good-bye. Angelini easily became a new Italian favorite for me, and I knew that I'd be back again to say hello.

Angelini Osteria
street: 7313 Beverly Blvd | Los Angeles, CA | 90036
tel: 1.323.297.0070
lunch / tu-fri 12p - 2:30p
dinner / tu-sun 5:30p - 10:30p
call ahead for reservations
web: www.angeliniosteria.com