We’re out in Southern California and have a couple of days to take in as many of the sights (read: restaurants) as we can. Since we are not familiar with the L.A. food scene, our thoughtful besties who live out here went out of their way to formulate a customized eating agenda for us (thank you so much — we love you guys!) First stop: Gjelina. I had heard great things about this place, but did not fully comprehend the awesomeness that is Gjelina until I experienced it firsthand. The entire meal was filled with incredibly fresh ingredients, mostly vegetables with a sprinkling of steamed mussels, dungeness crab, and kick a$$ pork meatballs. I have to admit, the veggies were pretty fantastic, from the celery root soup and roasted fennel to that beautiful thing that they call mushroom toast. It’s like an explosion of earthy, buttery goodness in your mouth. I’m not even a big fan of mushrooms, but this toast was sensational! (Note to self: must learn how to replicate at home). The meal was finished off with a luxurious butterscotch pot de creme with salted caramel and a scoop of olive oil ice cream. I am officially in love with Gjelina!
Gjelina: 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA
Anchovy & Burrata Toasts, pepperonata, capers & sherry
Celery Root & Parsnip Soup, green olive oil & chive
Mushroom Toast, white wine, creme fraiche, grilled bread & thyme
Roasted Fennel, blood orange, chili & fennel pollen
Pomodoro Pizza, confit tomato, oregano & green olive oil
Fettuccine, Dungeness crab, tomato confit, creme fraiche, chili & basil
PEI Mussels, chorizo, tomato confit & grilled bread
Braised Pork Meatballs, tomato, red wine, parmesan & grilled bread
Grilled Broccolini, garlic, chili & vinegar
Butterscotch pot de creme with salted caramel & creme fraiche and olive oil ice cream
Outdoor dining