Rate-A-Restaurant #382: Posto Giusto (Eagle Rock)

Restaurant: Posto Giusto

Location: 1948 Colorado Blvd. (Eagle Rock)

Type of restaurant: Italian

We stipulated: For a family dinner, we wanted to try something new, and we had heard good things about this new casual Italian joint in Eagle Rock.

They stipulated: "Posto Giusto is a counter service Italian restaurant in the heart of Eagle Rock. We expanded with a fast casual setting from our long time neighborhood restaurant, Blair's, in Silverlake. We opened in the summer of 2017 and so excited to bring great food to the neighborhood.

We make our pastas daily. We take pride in our food down to our stoneware dishes, which we make at our pottery studio in Atwater Village. It is so important for us to support small and local businesses because this brings direct progress to our community. Order at the counter and find a seat. Small plates are the game here, so order several dishes and share."

What we ordered: Meatballs and polenta ($9), fried calamari ($12), bruschetta w/tomato ($6), charred cauliflower ($9), Tonnarelli Puttanesca ($12), Gnocchetti w/ pork sausage ($13)

High point:  Loved the peppers with the calamari, which gave it a nice spice. Tasty cauliflower.

Overall impression: Upscale casual Italian spot is a nice addition to the Eagle Rock eating scene. The small dishes allow you to try and enjoy several things on the menu.

Will we return:  Probably — we haven't yet, but I wouldn't mind giving it another try.

Rate-A-Restaurant #315: Deluca's Italian Deli

Restaurant: Deluca's Italian Deli

Location: 781 Americana Way (Glendale's Americana at Brand)

Type of restaurant: Italian Deli



We stipulated: We were at the Americana on a Friday night for an event at the Barnes & Noble, and it was getting late -- too late to find a sit-down restaurant, but time to get something quick.

They stipulated: "Deluca’s Italian Deli serves up flavorful, authentic sandwiches, antipasti and bakery treats in a fresh, modern setting. Enjoy Italy’s finest imported meats and cheeses as well as local artisanal specialties, all priced for everyday eating."



What we ordered: PANINO CAPRESE (Fresh imported Mozzarella, sliced tomato, roasted bell peppers and basil on a toasted baguette; $7.50), rigatoni from the deli case ($7.50)



High point:  The one sandwich was good enough for both Maria and I (we weren't that hungry), while Evan and Nathan could share the pasta.

Low point: They gave us the wrong sandwich first -- mozzarella with prosciutto. It was Friday, so we were supposed to be no-meat for Lent, and realized Deluca's error when we took a bite! But thankfully they made us a new sandwich and let us keep the wrong one (and bring home).



Overall impression: While the market items (imported from Italy) are as pricey as you might expect, I was impressed with how economical our meal was -- rare for an upscale deli like this. I like that Deluca's is around, and is probably a nice resource for people living at the Americana. Given the Americana's turnover rate -- many of the shopping center's inaugural restaurants (including the ones funded with Rick Caruso seed money) are now gone -- I wonder how long Deluca's has left in its life. But for now, I'm glad we tried it.

Will we return: Perhaps, if we're at the Americana and again looking for a quick bite to eat.

Rate-A-Restaurant #314: Eataly (New York)

Restaurant: Eataly



Location: 200 Fifth Avenue (New York)

Type of restaurant: Italian



We stipulated: I was in New York for some meetings, and met my pal Paul for dinner. I'd walked around Eataly before but had never been able to eat there. I wanted to finally get the full Eataly experience.

They stipulated: Eataly is an original “marketplace” model inviting consumers to be active participants in an innovative food and beverage experience where they shop, taste and savor high quality traditional Italian food products and beverages along with local produce and artisanal products; a multifunctional marketplace that includes a premier retail center for Italian delicacies and wine, a culinary educational center, and a diverse slate of seven boutique eateries. Each restaurant offers authentic Italian dishes with an emphasis on a particular type of food group.

We wound up eating at Manzo: Manzo literally translates to "beef" and is Eataly’s more formal dining experience that celebrates meat from the United States. Manzo offers both modern Italian preparations as well as traditional Piemontese beef dishes. Our chef works like a true Italian butcher to use every part of the animal, tongue and cheek.



What we ordered: Vesuvio with broccoli rabe and sweet Italian sausage ragu ($26); Pappardelle with braised pork and radicchio ($24); brussels sprouts ($10); Veal Sweetbreads with Sea Scallops, Fava Beans & Pancetta Vinaigrette ($21)



High point:  I enjoyed my vesuvio pasta; the sausage and pesto mixed nicely and the pasta had a slight crunch.

Low point: We weren't sure what to make of the veal sweetbreads appetizer; it was small and probably something we wouldn't order again.



Overall impression: Eataly can be a bit overwhelming at first, and the initial restaurant we checked out had a long wait for a table -- which is why we wound up at Manzo. I enjoyed the experience, but didn't really need to do something quite so fancy.



Will we return: Looking forward to trying different restaurant counters.

Italian Fest of San Gennaro Returns This Weekend

Jimmy Kimmel's and Adam Carolla's annual Italian Feast of San Gennaro, inspired by the long-running New York event, is back this weekend to once again celebrate Italian culture and food, and benefit various local charities.

The event begins on Thursday, Sept. 27 with the opening night fundraiser "Prima Notte 2012." The event, hosted by Kimmel and Carolla (with Mark DeCarlo as master of ceremonies), will feature big band music by Louis Prima Jr. and various comedians. The night will also pay tribute to "Italian Americans in sports," including former Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda and former NFL player Lou Cordileone.

Other events include a Procession of St. Gennaro on Hollywood Blvd. (beginning at noon on Saturday, September 29th and concluding with a Mass on the Main Stage presided by Monsignor Antonio Cacciapuoti) and other fund raisers like a "Gravy – Sauce" competition hosted by "The Meatballs of Comedy."

The Feast of San Gennaro takes place Sept. 28 to 30 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. behind the Jimmy Kimmel Live Theater at 1651 N. Highland Ave. General admission is $5; kids under 12 are free.

Rate-A-Restaurant #274: Maximiliano

Restaurant: Maximiliano

Location: 5930 York Ave. (Highland Park)

Type of restaurant: Italian



We stipulated: For Maria's birthday, I wanted to take her out to lunch, but we couldn't travel too far away from home (Blogger Kid needed to be picked up from school). As HUGE fans of The Oinkster in Eagle Rock, we've been dying to try chef Andre Guerrero's new Italian joint in Highland Park, Maximiliano, for some time.



They stipulated: "Kinda Old School Italian." From the website: "Chef Guerrero’s Maximiliano challenges assumptions about Italian American fare, satisfying cravings for quality while remaining affordable. Growing up down the street in Glassell Park, he fine tuned his skills at a number of well respected fine dining locations throughout Los Angeles. Returning to North East L.A. with the celebrated “Slow Fast Food” joint The Oinkster he changed the way Angelenos think about pastrami and pulled pork. He reminded us that a well made burger takes time and thought, and that there is no substitute for a hand scooped milkshake. With Maximiliano, Guerrero continues on his mission to elevate classic dining traditions by doing things the right way; with care, creativity and above all a respect for great food."



What we ordered: Pizza: Eggplant, roasted peppers, olive tapenade, burrata, basil ($12); Carbonara Pasta, bacon confit, poached egg ($12)



High point: We loved the crust on the pizza -- having a "red tiled Marsal pizza oven" in the restaurant really makes a difference. The selection of craft beers on tap is also a big draw.

Low point: Maria didn't like the olive tapenade on the pizza; I did -- the saltiness added a punch of flavor. But I'm not sure I like having the brunch menu double as a lunch menu during the week -- I would have liked to try some of the pastas available for dinner.



Overall impression: Highland Park is dramatically changing, with new restaurants popping up virtually every week. Maximiliano is head and shoulders above all of the others that have come to York. The prices are right, the restaurant looks amazing and the food is top-notch.

Chance we'll go back: Oh yes. We already love Highland Park for spots like Cafe de Leche, The York and Good Girl Dinette. Add Maximilano to that list.

Jimmy Kimmel's San Gennaro Festival, Held This Weekend, Turns 10

Ten years ago, talk show host Jimmy Kimmel decided to create an event that emulated the Italian-themed San Gennaro festivals he enjoyed as a kid in New York. The L.A. version of the San Gennaro Festival quickly grew -- and is now a major, annual event held outdoors in Hollywood, near Kimmel's ABC "Jimmy Kimmel Live" studio.

The 10th Annual Feast of San Gennaro Los Angeles kicks off tonight with the invite-only “Prima Notte 2011,” which will pay tribute to Italian American actors in Hollywood and Frank Mancuso Sr., former CEO of Paramount and MGM Studios.

After that, the festival is open all weekend to the public. Here are some more highlights, from the San Gennaro P.R.:

In honor of the Feast’s 10th Anniversary there will be special events going on throughout the weekend to raise funds for their various charities, including an attempt to break the Guinness World Record of Longest Marathon of Television Watching (the current record is 86 hours, 6 minutes and 41 seconds of continuous television watching), by watching 100 hours of Italian-themed films and television shows, a “Gravy – Sauce” competition hosted by The Meatballs of Comedy and on Sunday afternoon and many others.

Hopefully KROQ's Dave "the King of Mexico" Sanchez is participating in the TV Watching contest, and will finally gain the crown that he should have won in 2005 before being disqualified by Guinness.

Here are the details for this weekend's events:

Friday, September 23 - Sunday 25, 2011
11am - 11pm
1651 N. Highland Ave. (south of Hollywood Blvd).

$5 Admission - Kids under 12 free
info@feastofla.org
(818) 508-0082

Rate-A-Restaurant #219: Michelangelo

Restaurant: Michelangelo Ristorante

Location: 2742 Rowena Ave (Silver Lake)

Type of restaurant: Italian

We stipulated: After spending the morning at a Silver Lake event with friends and their two kids, we decided to head to lunch in the vicinity.



They stipulated: From their website: "Michelangelo Pizzeria Ristorante offers an enticing menu full of fresh home made pasta, thin crust pizzas and other Southern Italian dishes that are made right on the premises from fresh organic ingredients. Excellent cuts of meat are often used for house specialties including steaks and veal chops." (I love that qualifier -- "are often used." What, there are times you offer guests crappy cuts of meat?)



What we ordered: Penne Scampi ($16): Penne pasta with shrimp and artichoke hearts in a fresh tomato sauce; Di Verdure ($9) Mixed grilled vegetable panini with fresh mozzarella; Margherita pizza ($11) Mozzarella, basil and tomato sauce.



High point: Best part may have been the free hot bread with a great spicy oil. We also had the restaurant to ourselves -- great for us, especially for kids -- not so good for the owners.

Low point: $3 soda -- and no free refills! One of us asked for a second glass of Coke -- and they charged us another $3! Attention to detail was also a little off -- one of us made a big deal about asking for cheese on a sandwich, and yet it wasn't there when it arrived. Not a major problem, but strange given that we were the only people there.

Overall impression: Friendly staff, decent food but nothing too out of the ordinary.

Chance we'll go back: I wouldn't be opposed to it, but Michelangelo doesn't jump to mind as the first place I'd want to make an effort to eat at.

A Taste of Italy in Downtown L.A.

One of our favorite L.A. attractions, downtown's San Antonio Winery, celebrates its final "Food and Wine Festival" of the year with a Taste of Italy. Event takes place this Sunday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the winery (737 Lamar Street in downtown Los Angeles).

Here's the menu:

Piedmont: Foccacia al formaggio with grana cheese, smoked mozzarella, olives and herbs; Wine: Renzo Castella, Dolcetto d’Alba 2007

Veneto: Grilled radicchio salad with mushrooms, pancetta and balsamic roasted garlic dressing; Wine: Ruggeri, Prosecco Gold Label

Umbria: Antipasto of Umbrian smoked dried meats, mushrooms, cipolline, artichoke hearts and olives; Wine: Armaldo Caprai, Grecante 2007

Lombardia: La Michetta Milanesa, traditional Alpine mini sandwiches with salami, prosciutto cotto, Fontina and pepperoncini; Wine: La Montecchia, Godimondo Cabernet Franc, 2007

Liguria : Grilled seafood pescatore kebabs – sea bass, eggplant, tomatoes and bell peppers with Maddalena’s special basil lemon dipping sauce; Wine: Luzano Verdicchio de Castello di Jesi, 2008

Alto-Adige: Grilled polenta with Porcini mushrooms; Wine: La Boatina Pinot Grigio, 2008

Emiglia Romagna: Beef ragu a la Bolognese, parmeggiano cheese, pane rustico al aglio; Wine: San Antonio , Boutique Lambruscio

Toscana: Pizza Florentina with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, prosciutto, basil and olives; Wine: Fattoria di Petroio, Chianti Classico, 2007

Sardinia : Stefano’s naturally raised lamb kebabs with spicy rosemary-lemon olive sauce; Wine: San Felice , Il Grigio, Chianti Classico, 2007

Sicily : Chicken Marsala with sautéed mushrooms and Marsala wine sauce; Wine: Capanna, Rosso di Moltalcino, 2006

Tix are $50. More info here: (323) 330- 8771. The cost of the event is $50.00 per person.

Rate-A-Restaurant #211: Max Tribeca

Restaurant: Max Tribeca

Location: 181 Duane St. (New York)

Type of restaurant: Southern Italian

We stipulated: For our last night in New York, we didn't want to stray too far from our Battery City hotel. With no obvious choices there, we scoped out Tribeca. Maria was in the mood for Italian -- and Max popped up high on our search.

They stipulated: "Most pastas are already finished with cheese. Please inquire when ordering."



What we ordered: Spaghetti del Marinaio (homemade black spaghetti with shrimp in spicy tomato sauce; $14.95); Fettuccine al sugo Toscano (homemade fettuccine with Max's tomato meat sauce; $11.95); for Evan, Pollo Capriccioso (breaded chicken cutlet; $7.95)



High point: They definitely don't skimp on the sauce. Meanwhile, the seating was immediate, the service was quick, the environment was great and the food decent -- not the best Italian we've ever had, but it hit the spot.

Low point: Some attention to detail was missing, however; we asked for butter early on, but it never came. Also, the dessert selection was disappointing.



Overall impression: Time Out NY has called Max the best affordable Italian restaurant in New York, and I believe it. The prices are strong, and it's a great environment without being too upscale. We were happy to see a children's menu, and pleased with the service.



Chance we'll go back: If we were there, it'd be a great place to return again with Evan -- a nice adult restaurant that is still kid-friendly.

For a complete list of our more than 200 restaurant reviews, check out our companion Rate-A-Restaurant website.