Get ready!!! Because the World Cup 2018 is soon approaching! I recently teamed up with The FoodBall Network to host a few of their FoodBall: Street Edition. In these episodes, we explore the food and culture of the countries that made it to the World Cup. England without a doubt made it to the World Cup and is being represented by London's Pub and Grill in Artesia, California. I was basically able to sample the most popular dishes from England, and even learned a thing or two about how there is a very prominent Indian population. The Indian food and culture is now so interwoven that people recognise Indian food as a main food you will now find in England.
Harissa, Los Angeles
I love trying ethic food, particularly so when it involves dishes that are totally new to me. I recently had the opportunity to try Harissa, a Tunisian restaurant that also happens to be Kosher. Call me stupid, but to be perfectly honest, I had to look up where Tunisia was on the map. Hey, I bet I'm not the only one out there that didn't know that. Did you?
Sushi Sazanami, Sherman Oaks
If you're looking for a place for truly fresh sushi with exotic menu items, Sushi Sazanami is the place for that. I had the pleasure of dining there and enjoyed trying food I've never had before. As a foodie, I want to be an adventurous eater and try as many different foods from around the world. So far, the weirdest foods I've eaten is snake (but it was in a sausage so it doesn't totally count), sheeps brain, and beef tongue off the top of my head. And today, I try some more!
Panini Kabob Grill, Santa Monica
Panini Kabob Grill is a healthy mediterranean restaurant with over 14 locations across SoCal. I went here one day on a whim and LOVED it. I happened to visit the one in Beverly HIlls and loved that I can have an affordable meal, even when everything else around me costs me an arm and a leg. But I truly enjoyed my meal and have been a fan ever since. And anyone I've introduced this place to has also become a fan.. Read on and you'll know why...
Oak, Laguna Beach
Sometimes you go to places just for the food. And sometimes you go just for the ambiance. Well, at Oak Laguna, you go for both. For today's foodecall, I made the trek to Oak in Laguna Beach. Oak is an ocean view restaurant that boasts both an incredible ambiance and food that will leave you wanting more. I can honestly say that everything was delicious and I wholeheartedly recommend this place.
Modo Mio, Pacific Palisades
Ms. Foodecall is back at it again! This time coming from Modo Mio in Pacific Palisades. Modo Mio in Pacific Palisades has that rustic quality that you notice as soon as you step inside. I was greeted by owner, George Zaoui, and we had a conversation about coming to America and putting into action the love of Italian cooking in the form of Modo Mio. Check out my video and read on to get a glimpse of my experience.
I'm sure you want to know more about the food. Modo Mio features a Northern Italian cuisine, primarily known for lesser use of sauces and lighter, healthier style of cooking.
We started off with appetizers, like the salmon wrapped asparagus.
What I like about Modo Mio is the salad options. The one I went with is the insalata tricolore, which means 3 color salad. The insalata tricolore is made with raddichio, arugula, and belgian endive which are all three very different vibrant colors. I love salads so this was a great choice.
Insalata Tricolore
Below is my favorite ravioli, Ravioli Del Pollo, filled with smoked chicken and turkey. LOVED IT!!
If you want a vegetarian option, I would go with the Lasagna Verdure. It's so hearty you'll never miss the meat!
Lasagna Verdure
You can't go wrong with the fish of the day. This one was marinated in a delicious sauce, topped with peas and sundried tomatoes for the win, with a side of herbed potatoes and veggies. Very light and perfectly balanced.
I don't know a lot about wine but George sure did, and he gave me lessons on what to look for when selecting and drinking wine. Visit the Modo Mio website to get a list of their wines which are also very reasonably priced, IMO.
I know, I can be really cheesy at times but food like this just instantaneously puts a smile on my face and will have me grinning from ear to ear. I loved my experience at Modo Mio and I'm so very grateful that I get to wake up and do what I love. Thank you Modo Mio!!
Habana, Irvine
Can I just say that this was probably one of the most fantabulous dining experiences I've had in a while. I am soo grateful to have been invited to the first buffet brunch at Habana's in the Irvine Spectrum. The attention to detail in the entire place made it feel like I truly was in Cuba sipping on a nice fresh ice cold coconut. To make you truly feel like you've been transported to a different country is no easy feat!
I would recommend this place for any weekend outing, whether it be with family, friends, date, GNO, GDO, birthday celebrations. You name it. I've heard that their actual menu outside of the brunch buffet is also to die for. I will be going back for sure, you can count on that.
All I can say is this place is a must! Show up in your nicest attire. Have a coconut with rum. Eat everything. Dance to the live music. Have fun and Enjoy!!
Modo Mio, Sherman Oaks
Modo Mio in Sherman Oaks is the 2nd location of owner George Zaoui who purchased the first Modo mio in Pacific Palisades 3 years ago. I had the pleasure of having dinner here and captured the entire experience.
Day or night, Modo Mio makes it easy to sit out on the patio, catch some sun and people watch. At night time, they turn on the tea lights which give it such a homey and romantic ambiance.
I asked George what their specialty drink was and he said the Tiramisu drink of course. The bartender, having worked in that same spot for over 20 years, served up a delicious drink with all the right flavors to complement my dinner.
I've got to get the carpaccio everywhere I go. I was very pleased with theirs. The meat was fresh and the touch of arugula and parmesan was perfect. This is a very light and adventurous appetizer, do try it!
What you see below is the Ravioli Dello Chef. It is filled with ricotta and spinach in a pink sauce...deeelish. My 2nd favorite dish of the night.
I'm not a gnocchi expert, so I can't comment on the consistency of it, but I can say that the sauce was good and we enjoyed it all around.
The lasagna di carne is made with wide strips of pasta layered with ground beef, pork and herbed ricotta. Hearty and cheesy :)
Risotto Porcini
My favorite dish of the night was the Cioppino Adriatico - clams, mussels, shrimp, calamari & salmon in a light tomato broth. Delicious, tasty, gluten free, low carb, just perfect for me.
The tiramisu is house made using a family recipe. You can really taste the homemade quality to it.
Loved my dinner, and a big big thank you to Modo Mio for the lovely dinner!
Xoxo,
Nellie Christine
