Casa Modena

This restaurant has the best anything truffles! The only time I was at Casa Modena was when my brother Gary treated Sandi and me two years ago. Sandi and I talked about going back but somehow never found the time. Since they were part of the ongoing dineLA, I decided to go back. I was able to recruit Cindy and Zohreh to come along without difficulty. I was so excited I could hardly contain myself once we got seated. Galasi, the wife of Umberto, the owner, was very gracious. Later on, an Italian-looking fellow with tattoos came along and was talking to Galasi. I guessed it was Umberto. I called his name, and sure enough, it was him. I just wanted to tell him what I already told Galasi: his truffles and the rest of his food were not only delicious but "eccellente."

Cindy and I decided on the Crostini con Burrata e Tartufo, toasted bread with burrata cheese and freshly sliced truffle for our antipasti. We talked Zohreh into ordering the Truffle French Fries so we could both partake in it. She was game, and she did order the fries. I clapped my hands as soon as the crostini landed in front of me. They had a ton of truffles, unlike some places where they get too stingy and charge a ton for it. The fries were just as delicious. 

Ordering the Tagliatelle Al Tartufo was a no-brainer for our Primi. This dish is out of this world. There was so much truffle that every bite had some. I told Zohreh and Cindy that I decided this to be my last meal, not last night, but when the time came. Someone will have to bring me this dish when I'm in hospice. 

For our secondi, Cindy ordered the Scaloppine di Pollo al Limone, chicken with lemon sauce, served with mashed potatoes. Zohreh and I picked the Branzino Filet con Tartufo. Of course, more truffles on our Sea Bass and a mixed green salad, and by the way, I could hardly see the fish with the amount of truffles on top. I could eat fish every day if it was served this way.

We had a choice of Panna Cotta or Salamino Al Chioccolato. We all got the Panna Cotta; I have had it before and thought it was excellent.

It's unfortunate and sad that Casa Modena is far from where I live. Lucky Gary visits more often than I do since he works in Santa Monica. Casa Modena is located at 11701 Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles. 

Thank you, Galasi and Chef Umberto, for another memorable meal. Grazie Mille!

El Burrito Jr.

 I've only had their tacos many years ago and I remember enjoying them on Taco Tuesdays.

The other day, I was craving for a good Breakfast Burrito. I tired Carl's Jr.'s recently but was disappointed. So there I was at an El Burrito Jr. on Pacific Coast Hwy. waiting for it to open at 9:00 a.m. I don't know why places that offer anything breakfast opens late. I ordered a Chorizo Breakfast Burrito. It came with large chips and salsa. I couldn't wait to get home.

When I took it out the bag, it looked like a regular burrito, nothing special. 

I then cut it in half in case I could only eat half since there were plenty of chips and salsa. I fell in love with this burrito. It had lots of chorizo, chunks of potatoes, cheese, and of course eggs. It was enough for 2 breakfasts. I wouldn't mind having this for dinner as well, instead of coffee, I would pair it with some champagne!

I guess this would be my go-to breakfast till I find something better.

Chart House

Our friend, Sugar, invited us to dinner. yesterday. It was a beautiful, warm October afternoon. We got there early, so we were lucky as far as service was because the restaurant was full by the time we left. We loved the ambiance, as always.

I brought a bottle of red wine. When our server asked us about cocktails, Sugar and Zohreh got excited and ordered a martini. I was not planning to have a cocktail, but I didn't want to be a party pooper, so  I went ahead and ordered a filthy vodka martini. Zohreh and I had some bread so as not to have the martini on an empty stomach. 

We unanimously ordered the Shrimp, Avocado, and Mango Stack. We happily justified this pick as healthy, not that any of us cared, but it had a total of 440 calories, a lot less than Calamari.

Zohreh picked the Alaskan Black Cod with bok choy, shitake mushrooms in a coconut-ginger broth, and furikake for dinner. Sugar and I had a piece of her fish, and it was absolutely flaky and delicious. I would order that next time. 

Sugar and I opted for the Filet Mignon, which was cooked to perfection, along with some creamy mashed potatoes. Sugar also ordered the Sizzling Mushrooms to share. That is always a must, as it is just the best!

We shared the Key Lime pie for dessert. It was a nice finale to our most enjoyable meal.

Mother Nature treated us to a magnificent sunset by the time we finished. Thank you, Sugar, for a fun evening.