Osteria Mozza (Los Angeles)

Ricotta cheese, tampenade and basil on a crostini - complements of the chef

Thankfully, this is as decadent as it gets for me; a late-night supper with my three girlfriends at Osteria Mozza. A few appetizers, salad, pasta and dessert came out to just over 40 bucks. Not bad for a Michelin-approved hot spot.

For each of our birthdays we have a tradition of getting dolled up and having a fancy dinner at a restaurant of the lucky girl's choice. Though somehow this year we forgot we had aged and before we knew it December had arrived without a celebration on record. So what to do? Pummel ourselves further into debt with a whirlwind round of high-dining? Naw. We decided on the most practical thing; choose one place and go dutch.

Butter Lettuce with hazelnuts, bacon, gorgonzola dolce & concord grapes $14

Our reservation was on a Friday night at 9:45 pm. It was either that or at 6 pm when two of us would still be in rush-hour traffic (The other would be in naptime). Once we arrived it took another 15 minutes for a table to open up. Even at 10:30 pm the place was still packed as our humble waiter kept scurrying to each party, apologizing for every minor delay. These past few months I've seen bustling LA eateries transform into post-apocalyptic backdrops. Osteria Mozza is a testament that if you cater to the right crowd you'll be just fine.

(Above) The gorgonzola was mild and sinfully creamy. Along with the crisp hazelnuts and lettuce, it was a nice way to start off our meal.

Burrata with bacon & grilled asparagus $15

A friend of mine says that burrata is the poor man's mozarella. If that's the case, I'll take it any day.

Garganelli with ragú Bolognese $18

This pasta is similar to penne, only a little bigger and thinner. In this town, it's a treat to come across homemade pasta -- kinda like finding a quarter in the backseat of your car. The bolognese sauce was good but I've had better in New York. If anyone can point me to the best bolognese in LA, please let me know.

Maccheroni alla Chitarra with guanciale, tomato & spicy pickled peppers $17

Fresh Ricotta & Egg Raviolo with browned butter $18

If you like things on the slightly heavy, get this. It won't disappoint.

Rosemary Olive Oil Cakes
with olive oil gelato & rosemary brittle $11

Good things come in dainty packages.

Osteria Mozza

6602 Melrose Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90038

(323) 297-0100

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In Other News...

For one month two California teachers decided to eat off just a dollar a day, just for the heck of it.

Read how they did it.

(hint: lots of oatmeal)