Sadaf Restaurant, Encino

Sadaf Restaurant, Encino

No matter where I go or what I do, of course Persian food will always have a place in my heart. I say that Indian or Sri Lankan might be my top favorite cuisines, but that is only because it is new to me and I've had Persian food all my life. But if you took it away from me, I would miss it like crazy. It's only that its so prevalent in my life that I sometimes take it for granted.

Pink's Hot Dogs, Hollywood

Pink's is surely among the most popular hot dog joints in America and a true legend since 1939. I visited Pink's on behalf of the FoodBall Network to try their polish sausages for a segment we call FoodBall: Street Edition. In this segment, we explore the food of a nation that will be in the world cup, in this case it was Poland. 

London's Pub and Grill, Artesia

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

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.

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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. 

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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

Insalata Tricolore

Below is my favorite ravioli, Ravioli Del Pollo, filled with smoked chicken and turkey. LOVED IT!!

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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

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. 

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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.

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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!! 

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