Bella Vista

After reading Thrillist’s notice on the newly Brazilian pizzeria joint, Bella Vista offering a special all-you-can-eat pizza at $9.99 for the month of May yesterday morning ($15/person after May), I knew I was going there for lunch. I wished I had waited a week…I don’t think Bella Vista was prepared for the turn out, and the owner’s mother died on Mother’s Day. Awful. Really. My condolences go out to him and his family.

So the way it’s set up is that you grab a table, and the waiter comes to each table with a new pizza. They have over 25 different kinds of pizzas! The problem is that by the time the waiter came to our table, there was no pizza left for the Hungry Hippo. Needless to say, Belle Vista is not a good choice if you have an hour for lunch. Within 20 minutes, I had one slice, the 4 Cheese (mozzarella, catupiry, provolone, and parmesan). It was pretty good, and I liked that the crust is extra thin.

My colleague Rous suggested we ditch the AYCE offer and order our own pizzas, and that was his wisest suggestion ever. We ordered the Calabreza (calabreza smocked sausage, mozzarella, and onions) and the Portuguesa (ham, green peas, egg, black olives, fresh onion and mozzarella).

Rous really liked the Portuguesa. I thought it was ok. The Calabreza was definitely better than the Portuguesa.
We also ordered the Carne Seca (dry beef, mozzarella, leeks, and black olives) and the Picanha (mozzarella, onions, green olives, and top sirloin cap).

The Carne Seca was terribly salty. I couldn’t handle another slice. The Picanha would have been better had they distributed the toppings more evenly…I was disappointed that the crusts weren’t as thin as the AYCE pizzas. The waiter said it was because the pizzas had more toppings…but then when he let us try the Florentine (tuna fish, mushroom, mozzarella, green olives, and onions), its crust was pretty thin as well…

I wasn’t a fan of the Florentine. I hate canned mushrooms. Our waiter let also gave us a slice of the Romeu e Julieta (mozzarella and guava pasta), one of their dessert pizzas. I surprisingly enjoyed it.

Sadly my favorite slice was the 4 cheese. I know it was an off day for Bella Vista and will definitely give them another try—most likely on a non-working day, and when I have a long run the following day…Oh, they have a small parking lot but you easily find parking on the streets.

Address: 10826 Venice Blvd, Culver City, CA
Phone#: 310.558.2374
Share

Oaks Gourmet

I have a new crush, and it’s the Oaks Gourmet.

I worked up a big appetite after helping out at LA Youth Network for Big Sunday, I figured the Oaks Gourmet was the perfect place to fill up. It’s located in the Beachwood Canyon area. They have a tiny, tiny parking lot. I picked the Oaks Gourmet because their burger is popular. The Oaks Gourmet sells fancy food and wine. I wanted to buy everything in the store. Instead I focused on my mission: the Dry Aged Burger, the only kind of burger they offer. You order at the counter and then grab a seat inside or outside.

It comes with Taleggio cheese, red onion, tomato, arugula, Forest bacon and smoked jalapeño-pineapple compote on a brioche bun. It was delicious! I really liked the jalapeño-pineapple compote; it wasn’t spicy. This is my 2nd favorite burger in Los Angeles, right behind 25 Degrees (Father’s Office’s burger is in its own league), and it doesn't come cheap...$11.50 or with French fries. Cole slaw is your only option. It's not bad--not heavy on the Mayo.

To wash the burger down I grabbed a 3D Pomegranate tea. I wanted to feel the pomegranate tea in my tummy…I wonder if that’s going to be new food marketing trend? First it was “organic,” then it was “gourmet,” and now it’s 3D?

I have to come back and try their other sandwiches and pizzas. I bought Maw ‘n Paw Kettlekorn as gift for friend. How cute is that? Oh, must go back for bacon cheddar popcorn…

Come and have a 3D organic, gourmet burger! You won’t regret it!

By the way LA Youth Network house homeless teens and is always looking for volunteers, from tutoring to playing games. Please help ‘em out if you can, thanks!

Address: 1915 N. Bronson, LA, CA 90068
Phone#: (323) 871-8894
Share

The 3rd Stop: Birthday Part 5

The next day my boss took me out to the 3rd Stop for my birthday. I like the 3rd Stop...but I was hoping to go to an unmarked territory. 3rd Stop is the ideal bar/finger food restaurant that you go to after work where you can watch sports or chill outside. Boss likes their beer list, but I hate beer and always go for their sangria.

I started off with the spicy tuna tartar with wontons. I know, it was a weird choice, but it satisfied my fish craving. I do think if a restaurant can't make an edible spicy tuna tartar, then they should shut down.



I shared my mushroom & pepperoni pizza with my boss' daughter's fiance. My boss and his family are vegetarians. I am so happy that a meat eater is joining the family because now I don't feel the pressure to eat my entire meal.




As you can see, their pizza crusts are fairly thin (not as thin as Osteria La Buca though). I enjoyed the pizza and the company.

Address: 8636 W 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90048
Phone#: (310) 273-3605
Share

MICHELANGELO PIZZERIA RISTORANTE

I took my friend, Chrissy to Michelangelo Pizzeria Ristorante last Friday to celebrate his birthday. It was my first time dining there since their move from Silverlake Blvd. The move was good for them; it’s more spacious and the heated outdoor patio is the place to be. They’re in the process of getting their liquor license, so for now it’s still BYOB –the main reason why I picked Michelangelo… but you must buy the water, which is kind of tacky…

I didn’t make any reservations, but we didn’t have any problems getting a table. Since Chrissy is vegetarian, we shared the burrata salad for our appetizer and the funghi pizza and the mushroom risotto for our entrees. His friend Amanda ordered the chicken.

The burrata salad was the winning dish of the evening.

The pizza crust was thin, crispy, and non-oily –just the way I like my crust, but there was a strange taste with the paste/tomato sauce...slightly on the sour side?

The mushroom risotto tasted much better than the pizza but my boss’ mushroom risotto is far more superior than Michelangelo’s. Amanda seemed to enjoy her chicken.

Maybe you need to order a meat dish here?

After Chrissy picked the chocolate cake for dessert, the entire staff came out singing “Happy Birthday” to him. It was sweet of them to do that; it’s just too bad the dessert wasn’t sweet. Their chocolate cake lacked love.


I think I’ll take him to Andiamo next time where it’s BYOB and the food tastes better.


Address: 2742 Rowena Ave Los Angeles, CA 90039
Phone#: (323) 660-4843
Rating: 2.5 out of 5

CARUSO'S PIZZA

Feeling adventurous after my hike on the Agoura Hills, I made a pit stop in Sylmar to have din din with my friend Chrissy and Julian. It's not often that I trek to the 805 area, so why not kill 3 birds with one stone: 1) hike 2) see my friends 3) eat and review. I don't know what I was thinking, but I should have just skipped Sylmar...

Julian suggested Caruso's Pizza, which I soon found out that Sylmar only offers surburbia & Mexican food. When I say "surburbia," I am talking non-gourmet, highly fatty watty food. There are two dining areas and one bar area at Caruso's.

We went for a large half pepperoni & sausage and half tomato & mushroom, and a Caesar salad.
Their salad portions are gi-normous! One is good enough for three people, seriously.

The salad wasn't drenched with dressing. It's an average Caesar salad until I found...

...a black, short stiff hair in my salad? Julian claimed that it's part of the salad...when the salad is not fresh it turns black...something like that and then my reaction was, "They're serving us unfresh heart romaines?" Julian said it was fresh but seemed to dig himself into a bigger hole. I made him eat it and he did. Soon after we finished the salad, our pizza arrived.

Caruso's loves to add on A LOT of cheese, and with all that meat, it was one greasy pizza! It's about the same as Domino, Pizza Hut, etc.

Our waitress was nice and fast. Our total was $48 including tip, 2 coffees and 1 tea. I will stick to Mexican food if I find myself stuck in Sylmar again...

Address: 13737 Foothill Blvd Sylmar, CA 91342
Phone#: (818) 367-7766
Rating: 2 out of 5

MULBERRY STREET PIZZERIA

The hippo wasn’t lucky scoring on Lucky Fish’s $1 Anniversary sale… and crossed the street to Mulberry Street Pizzeria (MSP), hoping that the pizza might taste better dining-in than delivery just to find out that it’s equally bad.
Mulberry Street Pizzeria is a highly praised pizzeria joint, but me think it is the location that is fooling them to believing that MSP is the best pizza in La La Land. Speaking of the location, I guess that’s why they charge a 1-topping slice $4! I honestly wouldn’t mind paying $4, but it better put a smile on my face. The pepperonis are the cheap, thin ones.
Vito’s slice of mushrooms puts MSP to shame.
On a positive note, the slices are thin and non-greasy.
Not to contradict myself, but if you are in the 90201 area and on a budget, MSP is a good option—compare to the other dining options…The décor is a typical pizzeria joint; walls decorated with headshots.

The hippo knows now to avoid MSP.

Address: 347 N Canon Dr Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Phone#: (310) 247-8998
Rating: 2 out of 5





Share

VERRAZANO

Pinks and I had lunch at Verrazano there last week and we were disappointed. The crust was alright but nothing to rave about. We shared slices of mushrooms, sausages and Pinks wanted his own slice of pepperonis, which was a good call because the pepperoni was the best out of the three.



They should have sautéed the mushrooms to add more flavor; I was so spoiled by Vito's. I don't know what was going on with their sausages...maybe we should have ordered a slice of basil, mozzarella and tomato? But then that would have cost us $4 ($2.50 slice of cheese + $0.50 per topping)?

If you must, Happy Hour is the way to go: Monday - Friday 4-6pm, Buy 1 pie, get 2nd 1/2 off, $5 off $25 order, 1 Free Vanilla Gelato with any pie. I think this offer is dine-in or take-out only...good for office parties?

Address: 612 N La Brea Ave Los Angeles, CA 90036
Phone#: (323) 933-1744
Rating: 2 out of 5

BERRI'S PIZZA CAFE

My friend and I came here for lunch last week, and we weren't expecting Berri's Pizza Cafe to be completely empty...needless to say, we had great service. The complimentary garlic bread rolls with basil pesto dipping sauce were addicting. The Caesar salad was good. Thanks to Heather for recommending the goat cheese and portobello pizza! It was heaven!


The crust was great--here's a close up shot:
We got the 10" (4 slices) for $14 (I think...). My friend wished the pizza came with tomato sauce. I don't have a preference; I just want it to be good.

I'm definitely coming back here again (most likely for lunch...) and I will be sure to leave room for dessert.

P.S. I am told that their service is a different story in the evening...

Address: 8410 W 3rd St Los Angeles, CA 90048
Phone#: (323) 852-0642
Rating: 4.5 out of 5




Share

VITO'S PIZZA

Dear Vito's,

Thanks for not being cheap. You impressed me when I ordered a slice of mushroom pizza. I was expecting regular white mushrooms, but WOW, you showered me with practically every mushroom...

Your meat special pizza was really good too --lots of flavor in your sausages.

My friend Chrissy enjoyed his slices -

Best of all, you're easy on my wallet --$10 for 2 slices, bottle of water & tip.

Sincerely,
The Hippo

p.s. Your pizzas are only tasty dine-in only. You need to work on making sure delivered pizzas are just as good as dining in.

Address: 846 N La Cienega Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90069

Phone#: (310) 652-6859

Rating: 4 out of 5

Share

FUEGO BISTRO & PIZZERIA

Fuego Bistro & Pizzeria was not on my "Places to Eat" list....think Pomodoro, a slightly better version of the Olive Garden.

I met up with a few people for dinner last Thursday; they picked FB&P because it's walking distance from the Marriott Park City, and the food is reasonably priced.

We started off with an artichoke side dish (ok, greasy) and pizza. The pizza was mediocre -Digiorno Pizza is better.

I shared the Chicken Pasta Fresca with my colleague; it was ok --nothing to rave about.
I tried my friend's Baked Rigatoni with Meatballs, and ditto, it's quite boring.
Another person in our group tried the Pasta Frittata and um...let's just say he barely touched it. They wanted to make the hippo sleep.

Nonetheless, Fuego Bistro & Pizzeria is good for big groups (space is like a warehouse -high ceilings) and inexpensive (I think we (party of 6) spent $130 not including tip).

Address: 2001 Sidewinder Dr Park City, UT 84068
Phone#: (435) 645-8646
Rating: 3 out of 5

Share

LITTLE PARLOR PIZZERIA

Q: How to cheer up an unemployed friend?
A: Take him/ her out to dinner (food is the best gift --well after money)

And that's what I did to start the Pre-New Year's Eve celebration. I figured pizza was in my budget, so my unemployed friend Chrissy and I ventured to Pasadena to Little Parlor Pizzeria. I read on Zagat that the owner owns Cobras & Matadors and Church & State.

LPP is a cute pizzeria joint with floor & wall tiles. The front door gets a little stuck...so just pull really hard (or maybe I'm just weak...).

We waited a long time for our food but then I realized that they decided to bring the food all at once even though we requested our soup and appetizer to be brought out first...we ate:

The soup of the day: Carrot Ginger soup
I enjoyed the crème de fraiche with the soup, but then once we bypassed it, the soup suddenly tasted like dish washing soap...the waitress suggested that it must be the ginger but then again I've had carrot ginger soup before and don't recall it tasting soapy...hmm...

Burrata Cheese

I love their burrata cheese! It was surprisingly sweet! I just wished they gave us more bread; I guess that's what the pizza crust was for...

Wood pizza


Close up on how thin the slice is:
Their pizza is like Pizzeria Mozza --bubbly on the outer edge, but minus the grease! I probably would have enjoyed their pizza more had I ordered a different pizza (minus the charred parts) as the Woods pizza lacked flavor. I wished they distributed the rosemary evenly as opposed to clumps of it...

Pot de Creme

Our waitress suggested the pot de creme for our dessert, which was thicker than a mousse but still light. It was ok...I should have tried their tiramisu instead.

We had 2 glasses of white wine (waiter's recommendation --not bad) and the total came out to $62 (w/out tips). Ok it was more than what I wanted to spend but we just had to drink ($18 total).

Service was ok. I wished they didn't remove our water when we came back in for dessert.

Overall I do like their thin crust pizza (it's simple) and will come back to try their Old School and Finnochiona pizzas.

Address: 66 Mission Street South Pasadena, CA 91030
Phone#: (626) 799-0711
Rating: 3 out of 5