Authentic Italian Food at Century City's Obica
By Michael Hepworth
Obica Italian Restaurant in Century City smacks with authenticity and I believe it wishes to be known as a Mozzarella destination. Of course the famous cheese is an important part of the mix, but with chef Simone Santpietro running the show, there is a lot more to stimulate the palate.
The Milan chef has been in America about six years and simply loves it here in Los Angeles. Since the restaurant is located right in a shopping mall, it is a perfect spot for a touch of pasta, or a light bite before or after shopping. There are wide array of pasta dishes including a few of them that are gluten free. Additionally, the risottos are quite noteworthy. Go for the Risotto Gamberie Asparagi ($20), Shrimp with asparagus or the lovely Prosecco Risotto that only a chef from Milan could come up with.
Specialty cocktails are now becoming an important part of any restaurant’s resume these days and they have seven to choose from including my favorite, the Ginger Basil Martini ($14) with vodka, St.Germain, ginger, basil, lemon and simple syrup. Another one that looks interesting is the Chocolate Martini with vodka, Godiva Chocolate Liqueur and Crème de Cacao.
There are even Italian beers like Menabrea Brionda ($6) a lager beer and the Menabrea Ambrata which is more of an amber beer with a touch of bitterness. The Moretti ($5) is a Pilsner that goes perfectly with Italian food. When it comes to the food, all of the Italian favorites are available here starting out with the tasting of the 3 Mozzarella di Bufala ($24) which are the Classica, Affumicata and of course Burrata. Coming from the plains of Campania, these farms milk their own cows which produces a cheese that is extremely milky and distinctive.
What is interesting about this place is that each day of the week, they feature a different Italian classic. Starting at Monday, there are the daily features: Cannelloni Lasagnetta, Orechiete, Gnocchi, Ravioli, Risotto and on Sunday Taglierini. Out of those I tried the Risotto with Shrimp, light to the touch and a flavorful delight indeed. All the products here come from organic and local farmers and you can tell by the quality.
I also tried the Swordfish which is wild caught in the Pacific and served in small slices with Cherry tomatoes, Capers, Black olives, fresh Oregano and Pane Carasau, as opposed to the traditional big slab. aSince I only tasted a small section of the expansive menu, I look forward to sampling some more of the interesting Obica dishes on my next visit. Even though you cannot call the food here edgy or different, what they do have is very fresh, authentic and well prepared cuisine.
www.obicala.com
Obica Italian Restaurant in Century City smacks with authenticity and I believe it wishes to be known as a Mozzarella destination. Of course the famous cheese is an important part of the mix, but with chef Simone Santpietro running the show, there is a lot more to stimulate the palate.
The Milan chef has been in America about six years and simply loves it here in Los Angeles. Since the restaurant is located right in a shopping mall, it is a perfect spot for a touch of pasta, or a light bite before or after shopping. There are wide array of pasta dishes including a few of them that are gluten free. Additionally, the risottos are quite noteworthy. Go for the Risotto Gamberie Asparagi ($20), Shrimp with asparagus or the lovely Prosecco Risotto that only a chef from Milan could come up with.
Specialty cocktails are now becoming an important part of any restaurant’s resume these days and they have seven to choose from including my favorite, the Ginger Basil Martini ($14) with vodka, St.Germain, ginger, basil, lemon and simple syrup. Another one that looks interesting is the Chocolate Martini with vodka, Godiva Chocolate Liqueur and Crème de Cacao.
There are even Italian beers like Menabrea Brionda ($6) a lager beer and the Menabrea Ambrata which is more of an amber beer with a touch of bitterness. The Moretti ($5) is a Pilsner that goes perfectly with Italian food. When it comes to the food, all of the Italian favorites are available here starting out with the tasting of the 3 Mozzarella di Bufala ($24) which are the Classica, Affumicata and of course Burrata. Coming from the plains of Campania, these farms milk their own cows which produces a cheese that is extremely milky and distinctive.
What is interesting about this place is that each day of the week, they feature a different Italian classic. Starting at Monday, there are the daily features: Cannelloni Lasagnetta, Orechiete, Gnocchi, Ravioli, Risotto and on Sunday Taglierini. Out of those I tried the Risotto with Shrimp, light to the touch and a flavorful delight indeed. All the products here come from organic and local farmers and you can tell by the quality.
I also tried the Swordfish which is wild caught in the Pacific and served in small slices with Cherry tomatoes, Capers, Black olives, fresh Oregano and Pane Carasau, as opposed to the traditional big slab. aSince I only tasted a small section of the expansive menu, I look forward to sampling some more of the interesting Obica dishes on my next visit. Even though you cannot call the food here edgy or different, what they do have is very fresh, authentic and well prepared cuisine.
www.obicala.com
