Because people know that I love food, I frequently receive restaurant gift certificates. My brother-in-law doesn’t share my enthusiasm and I was both surprised and delighted to receive a Bestia gift card.
If you are not familiar with Bestia, it is one of the most difficult restaurants in LA to obtain a reservation. Reservations are typically booked months in advance. Recently it has gotten a bit easier because they are working with online reservation systems OpenTable.
My wife and I enjoy getting together with my cousins because we share similar interests in food and travel. In addition, it’s a great opportunity to get caught up with both sides of the family.
My cousin was disappointed that the grilled octopus and calamari was not on the menu that evening. I shared his disappointment and in fact, I had a flashback to a Greek restaurant where he introduced me to baby grilled octopus.
What’s Gone? Saffron Lobster Crostino, Marinated Local Sardines, Grilled Octopus and Calamari, Duck Leg Confit, Pasta Tagliatelle al Sugo di Maiale, Pici al Sugo di Agnello, Grilled Pork Steak
What’s New? Pasta Fusilli al Sugo di Manzo, Bombolotti alla Puttanesca, Grilled Aspen Ridge Skirt Steak
Ryan Ibsen, Bestia’s wine sommelier, didn’t introduce himself as their sommelier, but he offered to help us with our wine selection. Although I was “unfamiliar” with it, I selected the 2014 Dirty and Rowdy Familiar Blanc. I immediately noticed that it was very crisp and exhibited above average acidic level and determined that it would be best to pair this with food.
We took turns ordering plates and my wife surprised me by selecting the Smoked Chicken Liver Pate. This was whipped smooth and extremely creamy in consistency.
While Bestia isn’t known as a pizza restaurant, they bake their pies at high heat in wood burning ovens. We ordered the Alla’nduja which consisted of their housemade spicy ‘nduja sausage, San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, cabbage and fennel pollen. The crust was perfect, nicely charred with a slight burnt taste. It was soft and puffy at the ends and crispy thin in the center.
Lamb and mint are a natural pairing, but I’ve never experienced lamb meatballs. While this was tasty, it was a bit dry for my liking.
Since the octopus and calamari dish wasn’t available, I ordered the Mussels and Clams. This dish also featured ‘nduja sausage, fennel seed and their housemade grilled bread. The seafood white wine sauce was delicious and I enjoyed mopping it up with the grilled bread.
My cousins ordered the Grilled Whole Branzino. This European seabass was crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. It was easy to pick away at the fish using a dinner fork. When prepared, this fish is also known as Loup de Mer.
I think the inclusion of beef ragu was why my wife selected the Fusilli al Sugo di Manzo. The ragu sauce was thick and hearty and was combined with their housemade veal katsuobushi.
For dessert we split “Coffee and Donuts” and Crème fraîche Panna Cotta between the four of us. I really enjoyed the taste and the custard like consistency of the panna cotta.
If you plan on visiting Bestia, I strongly recommend that you use OpenTable. In fact, my wife quickly realized that many people cancel their reservations. As a result, she was able to score a 6pm reservation on a Friday evening.
- http://bestiala.com/
- 2121 7th Place, Los Angeles, Ca
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BestiaDTLA
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/bestiaDTLA