Friday, April 16, 2010

Osteria Mamma

During the workweek, meals for me are usually simple, light and not very interesting. So, you can imagine how much I was looking forward to a "school night" dinner at Osteria Mamma with Weezermonkey! We ordered a good deal of food and laughed. A lot.

Osteria Mamma Polipolata
Polipolata ($9.25): octopus salad with celery and potatoes. The octopus was so tender. Remarkable! We also had a great gorgonzola arugula salad with brown pear ($8.95).

Osteria Mamma Tagliatelle bolognese
Tagliatelle bolognese ($15.25): loved the springy pasta and the rich sauce. I was a lucky duck and got to take the leftovers home.

Osteria Mamma Ravioli with spinach and ricotta
Spinach and ricotta cheese ravioli in butter and sage ($13.95): appreciated the handmade dough, but the flavors were too subtle. Definitely a lighter way to enjoy their pasta, though.

Osteria Mamma Custard Cream Tart
Custard Cream Tart (can't remember the price): A smart choice for anyone who wants a rich, yet not overly sweet, dessert. We split one and it was plenty (it is misspelled as Custer on the menu, which gives it an inadvertent military flair).

I've always wanted an Italian grandmother, but such a relationship is not easy to come by. Instead, I will look to Osteria Mamma whenever I'm dumbstruck with handmade pasta cravings. Their menu also offers pizzas, which might be something to try when I've exhausted myself of their noodles (could this ever happen?).

Osteria Mamma
5732 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90004
323-284-7060

11 comments:

weezermonkey said...

I am crying over "inadvertent military flair." I had the best time! Let's do this at least once a month! :)

Peggy said...

the pasta looks fantastic and rustic!

Marie said...

Weezermonkey: Yes, let's! I have always wanted to be part of a supper club. :P

Peggy: Thanks! It was delicious without being overly rich and heavy.

bagnatic said...

that food looks so good! i still haven't made my way out there yet :( i'm so uncool.

Esi said...

I hope I can make it in time to use my Blackboard Eats code. Everything sounds great!!

Marie said...

Bagnatic: Hope you try it soon! And you are SO cool, lady. :)

Esi: It's a great deal, isn't it? Make sure to snag a reservation ahead of time!

Diana said...

Next time you MUST order the squid ink linguine. Gaaah! Still thinking about it...

SinoSoul said...

So clever of a new restaurant to sign up with BBE ASAP. Didja ever visit La Buca? Any comparo between the 2?

Marie said...

Diana: I have had very little squid ink in life, but not because I've avoided it really. Will try the linguine next time!

SinSoul: I never made it to La Buca, so can't compare the two!

gourmetpigs said...

I'm finally gonna go tonight! :)
No BBE, but they are on restaurant.com though they kinda charge way more than other restaurants, so gotta wait for the 80% off sale!

Marie said...

Gourmetpigs: Yay! Hope you liked it. If you can believe it, I haven't gone back to feast on their pasta and octopus salad since this visit!