Robert DeNiro's Fungus

Recently, I ate at Robert DeNiro's restaurant to...eat at Robert DeNiro's restaurant. 

The mid-century modern design at Ago didn't veer too far into Palm Springs territory. Avoiding splashy colors, they used a New York Bistro color line, with dark greys, mahogany and navy. The result was airy yet crisp. But it's my dish that I need to talk about. Never had I seen so many truffle shavings on one plate. Not even in the Piedmont region of Italy during truffle season. When there, servers taunted me with visions of just-picked local truffles, only to find tiny black specks on my pizza slice. As with most dishes with less-than-desirable amounts of truffle, you get that heavenly aroma, but can't find the taste. Then there's Ago, with generous potions to made up for all that "Look at the stupid American in Italy" brouhaha.

While many return from celeb-owned restaurants with bragging rights related to star sightings, it was all overshadowed by the great food. And in my case, it was overshadowed by fungus. 

Mozza Love



Mario Batali



In celebration of Valentine's Day, I'm giving some love to what I have no doubt is one of THE hardest date spots to get into in Los Angeles - tonight and every night. Osteria Mozza!

Thanks to celeb chef Mario Batali, this hotspot (shared by Pizzeria Mozza next door) is filled with two things that make the place impossible to get into - great food and celebrities. You have to book months in advance, but it's worth it.

Psst - they just opened up on Open Table to make our lives easier...or stop their phones from ringing. 

After all, how often do you get to say that you ate barracuda?



Barracuda. More than just a Heart song.

You with me?

Speaking of barracudas, L.A. mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (ew.) was seated next to us. While his table chatted politely, he spoke into his phone the whole time, holding the device sideways against his mouth. Naturally, I opened up my phone and imitated him. But unlike him, I was actually speaking to my gorgeous tablemates. Why couldn't we be seated next to William H. Macy and Felicity Huffman, who were so adorable on their little date?  

Back to the food. Sigh. These photos should say it all. If you'd like to take your sweetie to Mozza next Valentine's Day, book a table. Like, now.  

quail

Whether pretending to be uber-romantic for 24 hours on this high-pressure day and overpaying on the fixe prixe menu, or home with a tub of Chunky Monkey and Netflix - have a great night!