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Today is: Thursday, November 21, 2024 |
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Trastevere Restaurant Review
Trastevere Ristorante excels at bringing the traditions and elegance of fine Italian
dining to the Hollywood and Highlands at the Kodak Theatre. Whe Chef Youcef Kone’s delectable Northern Italian cuisine ranges from delightful treats, such as
Ravioli
Al Funghi Porcini, to reliable favorites, such as risotto di frutti di mare,
a rich
risotto with clams, mussels, shrimp and calamari. An outstanding and
extensive
wine list complements every dish on the menu. The classic setting is
full of old
world charm, as is the gracious host Mariana Pieta. With a
combination
of
fantastic service, great food, and warm atmosphere, it’s
no surprise
Trastevere continues to be a local favorite.
Trastevere Ristoranti has an very charming outdoor patio with an incredible view of Hollwyood, with its classic ambiance it creates a light, airy Mediterranean feel that is perfect for al fresco dining. In this cloistered hideaway, Hollywood generally mild microclimate can be fully enjoyed throughout most of the year. Inside, the warm
and welcoming atmosphere invites guests to repose, and linger in satisfaction
after enjoying a wonderful meal.
Outside Patio Area
On the evening of our visit, my guests and I decided to sit inside the restaurant, and began our experience at their marvelous bar, in front of the restaurant. The bar is
very charming and casual, where you can easily make friends, their drinks menu
is absolutely incredible, including one of my favorites the Caipirinha, a
Brazilian drink that resembles our famous Mojito.
Mojito
Long Island Ice Tea
Whisky Sour
Pinot Grigio
We began our meal with a few chilled glasses of a crisp Pinto Grigio, Campo Grande, imported from Italy. This was the first of many insightful suggestions made by our
most capable server, Juan, and it proved to also be the perfect accompaniment
to several appetizers we had such as: Calamari Fritti, a delicious portion of fried calamari seved with lemon and marinara sauce, simply yammo!, and next we had
the amazing Antipasto del Contadino; a grilled marinated eggplants, zucchini an
dbell peppers, fresh mozzarella, tomato, black olives and prosciutto, a great
plate with excellent combinations of vegetables to share with 4 or more
people, one of the best choices you can make.
Calamari Fritti
Antipasto del Contadino
There were a variety of choices from the Specials of the Day, and we could not pass without trying their Insalata Imperiale, a radicchio and Romaine lettuce topped with sauteed shrimps and parmesan in a homemade Caesar dressing. One of the best salads we tried, and again, big enough to be shared by 4 people.
Insalata Imperiale
Half and Half
Pizza
I can’t say how wonderful their pizzas were, we had a taste of 1 pizza that we
order with 2 flavors: half was with the Proscuitto e Funghi, with tomato sauce and mushrooms, and the other half was with Pepperoni, with tomato sauce, mozzarella
and pepperoni, this is what I call the best authentic Italian pizza, we loved it – my guests were delighted by this amazing pizza, which by itself, is a full meal.
Ravioli ai Funghi Porcini
Next to arrive was a marvelously fresh, Ravioli ai Funghi Porcini, filled with roctta cheese and poricini mushrooms in a tomato and cream sauce, I loved the special brandy cream sauce with mushrooms. I can assure you that this was one of the very finest pastas that I have ever tasted; it was light and delicate, but perfectly al dente. The sauce was a total knockout with a soft creamy richness, augmented by the wonderfully rustic overtones of the porcini mushrooms.
Risotto alla Pescatora with Arborio Rice
We also tasted the Risotto alla Pescatora with Arborio rice and
mussells,
clams, shrimps, and calamari in a suculent tomato salsa.
Gnocchi di Patate al Pomodoro
The chef sent us a sample of the homemade Gnocchi di Patate al Pomodoro, this
was one of the best Gnocchi dishes we have ever tasted, simply the best!
Trota Farcita, a Butterly Trout Stuffed with Shrimp, Crab Meat
This proved to be only the beginning, however, as Juan returned with the special fish of the night, a Trota Farcita, a butterly trout stuffed with shrimp, crab meat, bread in a garlic and sundried tomato sauce. The fish had been cooked just to the point of
lightly flaking and, as it soaked in the luxuriant sauce, the elegant aromas of
saffron and garlic began to waft across the table. It turned out to be one
of the most delightfully inventive dishes of the entire meal.
Grilled T-bone Steak in a Red Wine, Tomato, Bell Peppers Reduction Sauce
Not to be outdone, the Chef immediately topped himself with an exquisite Fiorentina di Manzo al Vino Rosso, a delicious grilled T-bone steak in a red wine, tomato,
red bell peppers reduction sauce; it was an entrée of refined, consummate
elegance, and was tender beyond compare.
Chef Youcef Kone
Our Server Juan
Head Chef, Youcef Kone is a talented import from Africa, his gracious, modest demeanor is exceeded only by his gifted ability to prepare tantalizing, epicurean fare.
Dessert Platter
Although we resisted slightly, Juan, finally convinced us that we could not leave without sampling their special selection of desserts; These incredible desserts were dense, creamy mousse-like melange of chocolaty heaven. The special sauce
added to the intense richness, and was the perfect compliment to the great
food, wine and starlit sky that we had already enjoyed.
While Trastevere Ristoranti is a favorite of locals, and has already been discovered by a number of film and television personalities; discriminating diners from all surrounding areas also deserve to be let in on the secret as well. Without a doubt, this is the
perfect time to take an unhurried drive to Hollywood, and re-discover
this 'jewel' of a restaurant for yourself!
Manager Mariana Pieta
Special thanks for their fabulous manager and host Mariana Pieta, who made us feel like at home, she was incredible friendly, courteous, we could not have asked
for a better hostess. Mariana we will never forget you and we
certainly will be back for more.
Thank you for the amazing time we had!
For map and location click Here!
For more information please visit their website at www.trastevereristorante.com
Article By: Mary Adams
Photos By: Chris Marx
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