It's vegetarian because, well, it's made of vegetarians.
Last weekend a few of us had the chance to go back to Riva in Santa Monica, a place I told you guys about before. Again, this place did not disappoint.
(more info after the jump)
Restaurant Riva of Santa Monica on an easy Sunday evening.
Since we had visiting out of town relatives last weekend, the bitchy boyfriend and I wanted to visit one of our favoritest restaurants in the greater Los Angeles area: Riva. Let me share some of the highlights of what we had that evening.
Riva's appetizer consisting of hachiya persimmons, speck ham, wild arugula and topped with aged balsamic ($12)
We started the night with the persimmon and ham appetizer you see above. Although it’s very, very simple the fruitiness of the persimmon contrasted with the salty ham making for a very complex, yet appetizing dish.
Riva's Pizza Molto Miale - sausage, bacon, meatballs, pancetta, caramelized onion and tomato. ($18)
This time around we ordered the carnivorous delight you see above, the pizza molto miale. The crust was still very light and it mercifully offset the strong, salty flavors of the meats. Truly amazing.
If you decide to get this, exercise caution. There are enough farm animals on this delicious pizza to get PETA to throw a bucket of paint on you for ordering it.
Riva's Caramelized Pear Dessert ($9)
OMG, I’m soooo bad at remember names, even when it comes to stunning desserts! The one above is as rich as it is spectacular!! Since I can’t recall its moniker, let me at least describe what you’re seeing.
The main portion consists of alternating levels of flan and pear. Next to it is a pomegranate sorbet garnished with a crisped pear. And, finally the swipe is even more caramel and pears, but this time sprinkled with sweet pomegranate seeds. I’m not even sure where I would be able to find this confection elsewhere!
At this point, we were thinking how else could we possibly enhance this already delectable dessert? Oh, I know!!
Abbazia di Novacella Praepositus Moscato Rosa 2007
Our graceful (and HOT!!) host Max poured generous servings of the absolutely luxurious Praepositus Moscato Rosa, pictured above. We couldn’t believe it, but our already heavenly desserts transcended to culinary ecstasy with the aid of this bewitching elixir!! Absolutely FABULOUS!!
Ok, I know I’m biased when it comes to this place. I hear ‘ya. But, I hope you somehow viewed my pix and are able to take my word for it when I say that they’re doing amazing works of culinary arts at this establishment. If you’re in the Santa Monica area, you gotta check it out!
Riva
312 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA
(310) 451-7482
Blog: http://rivarestaurant.wordpress.com
Filed under: Restaurants | Tagged: review, California, santa, monica, riva, restauarant
Check out Riva’s new blog and stay in touch!!
http://rivarestaurant.wordpress.com/
On Thursday night I dined at Riva with two girlfriends. The food was delicious although our waiter was very dissapointing! We oredred two appetizers and two pizzas which were both delicious. The waiter asked if we would like dessert and upon telling him that we were too full he said “I knew it! You eat like birds, come back next time when you are hungry!” I was in shock! I am in the restuarant business and never have I been to a restaurant where the waiter has made me feel badly about what I have ordered. Your resturant is beautiful and the food is great. I was so saddened that one server could ruin our whole experience Dining should be about hospitality not how big the check is! I just wanted to bring this to your attencion because I know that I would want it brought to mine! Sincerely, Maire
Tried Riva tonight and loved it. Looking forward to going back! Had the John Dory and beet salad – both delicious. Friendly staff and great service
[...] we’re waiting for the new Santa Monica eatery get its website up and running, Riva at least has it’s blog going! Check it out [...]
Let me start by saying that Fraiche is one of my absolute favorite restaurants right now. And I have been waiting for Riva to open for MONTHS becuase I live within walking distance!
Unfortunately, Riva is more like Fraiche’s “special” little brother than a special place. Not sure if my expectations were too high or if they are still trying to figure themselves out, but I am not planning to return for awhile.
Don’t get me wrong, the food was good. Just not great. And while the service was fantastic, between the high standards that Fraiche sets and prices they charge, the food should be excellent. And except for the pizza, the portions were surprisingly small. $37 for a shellfish bouillabaisse that hardly had any seafood in it (1 small chuck of lobster, 2 small clams, 2 small mussels, and 2 pieces of octapus), was lacking flavor and didn’t have enough broth…really??? Come on! That’s almost insulting.
For now, keep going to Fraiche for your mouthgasms and hope RIva finds its way.