Food – Page 9

Via Veneto | Santa Monica

We did a 12 course tasting here and it was an incredible dining experience. Our server Francesco “Franco” was the best server, EVER. I love his sexy accent.

Our party of 12 started off with Prosecco, a platter of cheese, olives, grapes, and honey with black truffle.

Here’s the list of the rest of the dishes:

brazino in crosta di sale sea salt crusted seabass in lemon and olive oil
grilled scampi
new zealand langostino
26 oz bistecca prime grilled tuscan style porterhouse
black squid tagliolini with baby calamari and bottarga
uni spaghetti
ravioli lobster and zucchini in fresh tomato sauce
ravioli ricotta and asparagi in white asparagus sauce
ravioli di zuzza pumpkin in butter sage

for desserts:

tiramisu
profiteroles
nutella tart pie
panna cotta

The entire evening felt like we were dining in Italy! It was lovely, authentic, and so warm welcoming. From the food to the service. It blew me away. The ambiance of the restaurant was dark, intimate, romantic. It’s one of those restaurants you want to bring a special person to or come celebrate something good. Will definitely be back.

Pro-tip: Valet for $7.

lukshon | Culver City

Sasabune | Beverly Hills

I was treated an incredible lunch at Sasabune in Beverly Hills. I’ve never been to the other locations, however, this one is located in a random strip mall. The interior is simple yet modern. There are a number of seats at the bar and tables as well. Be sure to make a reservation.

Omakase starts at $65+ and up. | Yellow tail sashimi, seaweed salad , 10 pcs nigiri, oysters 3 ways, hand roll, miso, dessert |

Weekday specials:

Omakase Lunch set is $35. | Albacore sashimi salad, 7 pcs nigiri, hand roll, miso, dessert. Definitely a bang for the buck. |

Chirashi bowl $25 | Assorted sashimi, warm rice, miso, hand roll, dessert |

I would splurge when coming here and get the Omakase. You get to taste a variety of fish including shellfish. You won’t regret it.

My favorites were toro, uni, yellowtail, and the toro hand roll.The fish was so fresh and probably the best I’ve had. Each piece was well prepared and some were simple but was so flavorful. I love that they explained each dish and how to eat it.

I really enjoyed the lychee sorbet with fresh pineapple dessert. It was a perfect ending.

Service was outstanding.