NJ in LA

Gjelina, Venice

Gjelina had long been on my list of places to eat; it’s one of those restaurants in L.A. that you hear everyone talk about and rarely are bad words spoken. When a NY friend was in town, and might I add one of the most interesting men I’ve ever met, I decided this would be the perfect date spot for us. We pulled up for lunch on a beautiful Sunday afternoon and to my surprise, our wait was only about 20 mins, though the restaurant was definitely poppin with a full lunch crowd. We took a seat, handed the menus and my date said the most beautiful words – “please get whatever you’d like, and if I may, I’d like to order us some wine.”

With these magic words spoken and me being in control of our entire lunch, I wanted to take the opportunity to order a variety of dishes, all which made for one of the most stellar lunches of 2013. It didn’t hurt that I also had such great company. From the small plates option on the menu, I selected the Grilled Peaches, Burrata, Arugula, Raddichio, Prosciutto. Captivating in presentation and delicious with each bite, rarely anything makes me happier than thin slices of cured pork paired with fruit. The burrata was creamy and delicious, making this a great start to a moan-worthy meal. Out next was the Little Gems, Concord Grape, Crispy Prosciutto, Blue Cheese Salad. Little Gems are some of my favorite lettuce leaves, with the feeling of soft blankets on the tongue, but still bringing an essential crunch. Again, another combination of fruit prosciutto, both crispy and bursting with flavor.

It was now time to warm up and get a little cozy, and the Braised Pork Meatballs with tomato, parmesan and grilled bread really hit the spot. I passed on most of the bread, though tasty, as we had a pizza on its way, but the meatballs were a welcomed savory addition to the table. Following was a warm plate of Ricotta Gnocchi, prepared with cherry tomato pomodoro, parmesan and green olive oil. The delicate pieces of gnocchi had my hands in the emoji praying position if you know what I mean, each piece practically melting in our mouths. Stepping away from our pork heaven, we ordered a pizza with not one element of meat – a rare move on my part – but once you know that it was drizzled with truffle oil, I need not say more. Hot from the oven, with an exquisitely charred crust, our Mushroom, Fontina, Goat Cheese Truffle Oil Pizza invigorated our senses with its impeccable fragrance. Thin crust pizza is my absolute favorite, and when each bite offers a diverse selection of flavor notes, I have no choice to completely surrender myself to the pizza gods. The only thing that could make my dining experience any better would be a bewitching dessert, and the universe must have listened, because when a bowl of Passion Fruit Panna Cotta presented itself, I nearly fell out of my seat, the consistency flavor was that incredible. Hands down one of the best desserts (& meals) I had all year, and one that I have not stopped dreaming about.

Gjelina, 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

The post Gjelina, Venice appeared first on NJ in LA.

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