Lunetta

Having dinner at Lunetta in Santa Monica was the perfect way start off my lightly scheduled DineLA week of dining

For decades, the weeks of DineLA have been one of my favorites to sample delicious menus from various restaurants in Los Angeles. When this year’s fall menu list was released, I immediately asked Amanda where she wanted to eat for dinner. After browsing the selection of restaurants, she  picked Lunetta. So, on a casual Wednesday in October, we made our way to our reservation.

After she told me the absolute best WTF gossip that is still fantastic and hilarious to think about, the amuse-bouche of CRISPY ZUCCHINI (gorgonzola dressing) arrived at our table. I also ordered the OAXACAN MAI TAI (parnubles rum, mezcal, orgeat, mandarine napoleon, lime), which was simply perfect.

I picked the FIRE ROASTED WILD SHRIMP (shaved green papaya, onion, cucumbers, carrots, chili lime vinaigrette, Thai basil, cilantro) as my choice of appetizer. It was actually pleasantly flavor filled, with the green papaya and the flavor from the chili lime vinaigrette taking center stage in my mouth.

As a main course, I ordered the SEAFOOD RISOTTO MILANESE (rock shrimp, bay scallops, red crab, squid, lobster reduction). It felt warm and cozy. Especially, with our conversation and glancing at the decorative gourds. I love a place with decorative gourds.

For dessert, I ordered the STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING (vanilla ice cream, candied pecan). This was dessert excellence. The scoop of ice cream melted with warm toffee pudding on my spoon. I actually couldn’t finish it – it was so decadently delicious and filling.

It was a lovely tasting menu to discover a new to me delicious restaurant in Santa Monica.

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