With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
DineLA: Allegria - Malibu
()
Sitting besides Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, Allegria is a cozy and warm fine Italian restaurant. As part of DineLA Week, we visited to try the prix-fixe menu. LAist has been offering you some great coverage of Restaurant Week: to join in the party, you can find a listing of participating restaurants at DineLA.com. Participating restaurants typically offer a three-course lunch for $22 and dinner for $34.
()
To start us off, Allegria had excellent bread and a tomato tapenade. Of the two types of bread, one is crunchier and had dried tomatoes. The other was softer. Both went very well with the tomato tapenade. The ingredients of the tapenade were top secret, but I am guessing the ingredients were tomato, garlic, olives and olive oil. We were then presented with a set menu and picked the Insalata Allegria below.
Support for LAist comes from
The Insalata Allegria has watercress, baby arugula, Belgian endive, hearts of palm, roasted pinenuts, and avocados with ceasar salad dressing. This was very natural and didn't have too much dressing.
()
()
Up next was the Antipasto Misto, which included three types of italian salami, fresh mozzarella, sliced tomato (incredibly fresh and tasty) and marinated peperocinis, olives, and my favorite, baby artichokes.
()
We then had the Spaghetti Amatriciana in Bianco, which has thin spaghetti pasta with crispy pancetta, and onions in a light spicy, white wine sauce with pecorino cheese. This was my favorite dish of the night. And I must admit, it was helped greatly by the amount of finely chopped fatty meats. The flavor was rich, buttery, smooth, and a bit on the heavier side.
()
Support for LAist comes from
The second entree was the Maltagliati Alla Bolognese. This consisted of fresh homemade egg and spinach pasta with beef ragout sauce and light parmesan cheese. The ground meat had great flavor and melted in my mouth. It paired so well with the wide spinach pasta. Great texture.
()
For dessert, the Tortino Alle Nocciole was an almond flavored tart with hazelnut mousse served with zabaglione sauce. This was a great collection of flavors and layers of textures. The mousse had great hazelnut flavor and was wonderfully complimented by the zabaglione sauce, which tasted slightly alcoholic, and also by the hard, crunchy tart it was sitting on.
Now, the Tiramisu. Instead of a soft and crunchy layered tiramisu, this tasted more like a cheesecake with its richly creamy texture and reminded me of a creme brulee, as it was served in a round dish.
()
The atmosphere was warm, cozy, and romantic. There was a small and beautifully lit garden in the back, which you could see through the windows. The service was impeccable, both by our waitress Quinn and by the rest of the staff. The restaurant is about 15 miles out from West LA and takes a wonderfully relaxing and picturesque drive to get to. Definitely a nice date place. DineLA week lasts from January 27 to February 1 and from February 3 to February 8, 2008. More info at DineLA.com.
Allegria
22821 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA, 90265
(310) 456-3132
Support for LAist comes from
Photos by Kevin Cheng for LAist.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight.
Best of LAist