Restaurant Review: North Italia....The crown jewel of the South Bay!

North Italia: The crown jewel of the South Bay.

You knew that you and your guest were in for an amazing afternoon upon your arrival when you bumped into an old friend and server from another establishment. Stevie Fuentes is a true (CSA), or customer service all-star, and new server at North Italia. So; moving right along, we have been met by a friendly and familiar face, and were promptly seated to begin our assent to the next dimension (food heaven)! On to the menu folks...and what a menu it is! The Sopranos and Corleone's would be impressed...honestly.

So my guest and I proceeded to have one thing from all of the major categories. (I know, I know-what gluttons!) From the Small Plates selection we ordered Braised Meatballs, Bruschetta, and Truffle Garlic Bread. All were out in no time, and super scrumptious. Next up was our pizza of choice; and our timing was very fortuitous according to our server, the gracious and lovely Amber Adams. She indicated if we chose the daily house pizza today, we would be indulging in a virtual work of art. She was spot on! It was the Spicy Calabrese and Tomato jam with garlic cream sauce and smoked mozzarella garnished with Ornella.

Mama Mia!

Did you hear me? I said............Mama Mia!

Next up was the grilled chicken sandwich with a small side salad that could have stood on its own! The chicken on the bread was plentiful and the salad was crisp and tasty. But since that wasn't a true salad
in and of itself; we had to order one under the Salad category, so we opted for the chopped chicken salad. And folks, let me tell you.....by far, the best chicken salad I have ever ordered. WOW! The vinaigrette alone was unique and made the salad jump right off of your tastebuds.

When we finally got to the main selection we were in a coma....

Even still, we ordered the chicken pesto which is by far one of the best meals I have ever seen or tasted anywhere in Southern California. Trust me folks......UN-real. There simply isn't words to describe that pesto other than go....order....it......now! The chicken pesto is going to be among the most visually appealing and appetite satisfying plate you'll ever have. To send all of this world class food down the hatch, we each ordered a glass of the red sangria, which was super tasty and chilled to perfection.

By this point our collective souls had passed on, and were in fact in the next dimension...

Upon our arrival into this nirvana of sorts, we finished the afternoon off with a round of salted caramel budino and dark chocolate tart. Both selections would have satisfied anyone's sweet cravings. Chef Sam Sleman made his rounds; checking on various patrons and exuding the type of class and presence that would be on par with the greats who come out of the kitchens of Commanders Palace, Emeralds, and other New Orleans landmarks to check on their patrons and loyal guests. Sleman is as humble as he is talented and will go very far in this business. He's the type you root for!

We left on a the same high note as we began, being served by yet another (CSA), or Customer Service All Star! Amber Adams deserves her props folks! She showered us with a servers skill set that is rare in
her profession. For she was attentive and timely; in possession of both finesses and a genuine personality. You cant make this stuff up....

The fresh food and high end servers alone would give North Italia a leg up. But the fact that they are in possession of a young; personable, and customer service oriented super star chef makes them a triple threat! That's why they hold the distinction in my opinion of being the new crown jewel of the South Bay. Go and see for yourselves-and peep out those reviews on Yelp! I am certainly not the only one who is excited about North Italia.

Red Beans & Ricely yours,

Robert Gagnier