#31 - Michael's

I'll admit, I didn't know about the Santa Monica institution that is Michael's restaurant. The night I made a last minute reservation and told friends and colleagues about it, everyone else seemed to know that they'd recently gotten a new chef and changed the menu up. So who knows what it was like before, but I'm really into their current menu (February 2018) I want to try out their happy hour too, specifically their daily $1.79 cocktail from 5:30-6:00pm only.

The restaurant itself is quite a surprise. I had already been told they have a nice courtyard, but that is an understatement. The whole restaurant completely opens up to this giant, plant and tree filled outdoor space, with a few steps down.

Burrata with tangerine, marinated cauliflower, and sour plum

Black lentil with cabbage, sunchoke, and curry leaf

Cavetelli with braised shiitake, english peas, and parmigiano-reggiano

Sea bass with bonito-rosemary agile, spiced carrots, and turnip

#9 - Mozzaplex

I probably haven't been to Osteria Mozza since 2012. I think what originally brought me was something I saw on Food Network, which I used to watch religiously when I had cable. Now, not so much.

Anyway, it was delicious and I actually think about the food and ambiance of Mozza quite a lot. Not sure why I haven't made it back in so long, but I'm probably due a visit.

Not to miss:

Anything from the mozzarella bar

Ricotta & Egg Raviolo

Pappardelle

Bambolini

Also, I swear when I went before, they also served pizza in the Osteria Mozza? But maybe I've also been to Pizzeria Mozza on separate occasions. I can't remember what I got, but trust me when I say you can't go wrong.