Bottega Louie (LV's LA)

Do you like great architecture? How about sugar?

Bottega Louie has gorgeous marble floors, whitewalls, gold trim, stunning high ceilings, a beautiful open air setting and plenty of sugar. The restaurant is stunning aesthetically and they have the most beautiful display of sugary confections, which include all manner of delicious things that make our jeans too tight.

I digress

 Bottega Louie is one of the best restaurants in downtown Los Angeles and has a great selection of Italian food and pastries. This loud, energetic and gorgeous space is a combination of restaurant, patisserie and gourmet marketplace.  The marketplace section of the restaurant reminds me of Dean and Deluca in New York and Williams Sonoma. 

At the front entrance is a rainbow display of decadent dessert’s and Macarons in every color of the rainbow. Every dessert you even think you want, I am sure they have it. Loud, energetic and lots of people watching make this a fun spot to indulge in Italian food and sweet treats. If you are looking for quiet and romantic, this is not the spot, but if you want LOUD, Lively and festive with good food, this is it. If you choose to dine during peak hours, expect crowds and long lines. 

Perusing all of the delicious possibilities

  

We started with the Modena salad  with butter lettuce, candied walnuts, goat cheese, shallots and balsamic vinaigrette. It was a delicious way to start the meal and the salad was fresh and had the perfect mix of savory and a hint of sweet crunch from the walnuts

 

 Our server brought this delicious piping hot bread and whipped butter. I could have eaten about five more of these loafs

 

 For the main course we had shrimp scampi with grilled giant tiger prawns, yukon gold mashed potatoes and white wine marinere sauce and to satisfy my carnivore craving, we also had short ribs that were prepared with landon ragu,white polenta, sage and ricotta. Both dishes were very tasty and flavorful

 

Such a beautiful space

Bottega Louie is bustling with people every time I go. So expect it to be very LOUD

with the open kitchen, people watching and Parisian vibe, you will never have a dull moment

 

 After a sumptuous meal. The desserts started calling

 

 I told the cakes, cookies and this fresh berry tart that I wasn't home

 

The desserts kept calling

I tried to say no

so tempting

really tempting

They have such an amazing display of packaged gift items. I always leave with a box of macarons or some other sweet treat

You can treat yourself or someone you love to something sweet:-)

 

The desserts kept calling, so I finally answered. We indulged in warm Beignets and coffee by candlelight. The Beignets were served with Nutella and a raspberry dipping sauce. Both of them were absolutely divine

 I can't think of a more perfect way to end a meal

 

Well, the only thing that tops coffee and beignets, is to buy a box of macarons to take home so you can munch on them later with coffee and a good book

 

Reservations are not taken at Bottega Louie, so unless you go during non peak hours, expect a long wait, but the sugar rush from dessert will make you forget how long you waited for your table:-)

Bottega Louie

700 South Grand Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90017

213-802-1470

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ugo Italian Cafe (LV's LA)

There is just something you gotta love about a great Italian Bistro. Pasta and great bread and great bread. Did I say they have great bread? Ugo's is one of those perfect spots for a pre-movie cocktail, mocktail, or a great cappucino. This is a restaurant where the libations are the star.  I started off with pizza and Arancini then indulged in Rigatoni and Tiramisu with Cappucino, but I kept lusting over the amazing drinks I saw on other peoples tables. And then I just had to have one. Have you ever seen something that just looked so amazing you had to have it? The drinks look and taste UH-MAZING! If you don't listen to anything else I say, listen to this: "Order the Pesca Con Vino" I promise you will leave smiling:-)

 

 I actually think I enjoyed my drinks and dessert more than the actual meal, but you will definitely find lots of satisfying Italian favorites such as the Rigatoni Alla Sorrentina, or Lasagna, delicious pizza and a delicious basket of freshly baked bread. This is a spot where I love to dine Al Fresco and it is a spot I love to take my son  for Gelato. We have a great time here when the weather is warm.

 

 This pizza with buffalo mozzarella was very tasty and although it was vegetarian, it was quite satisfying.

Aracini on a bed of Marinara Sauce, If you have never tired this dish, these are rice balls with mozzarella and salami that are deep fried.

This outdoor dining area is perfect for relaxing and enjoying a little bit of Italy in Los Angeles:-)

 The indoor dining area is lovely and quiet enough to actually have a conversation without having to yell. There is an adjacent wine bar, and a dessert display of  delectable treats including many amazing gelato flavors.

 Fresh bread and olive oil with aged balsamic vinegar. Delicious!

 There is nothing like a great cup of cappuccino

 The perfect sweet ending was Tiramisu in a chocolate cup. YUM!

Ugo's is a great neighborhood spot and if you love drinks that taste like dessert this is the place for you. I am not a big drinker, but I love cocktails that make me feel like I am having an indulgent dessert. The noteworthy drinks I recommend are: The Pesca Con Vino, which is peach gelato ice blended with Sauvignon White Wine, or the Champagne Gelato Cocktail that has rich creamy Vanilla Gelato a splash of Champagne and a raspberry garnish . Both drinks are swoon worthy:-) 

The vibe at Ugo's is casual and reservations are not required.   After enjoying your meal, you can linger over your drink, walk around the many shops in the area, or catch a movie. I must warn you that these delicious libations are not cheap. Try $13.00 to sip and smile. But sometimes you need a sweet treat:-)

Ugo's Italian Cafe

3863 Cardiff Ave

Culver City, CA

310-204-1222