BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANTS

Ok….so….I love Los Angeles! And as you know, the Westside to be specific. One of the things that I love most about the Westside are all the delicious restaurants to choose from. Although I do eat various types of foods, I ALWAYS crave Italian thus constantly eating at Italian restaurants.

Naturally, I think my father is the BEST chef in the United States. And although his menu caters to Americans (chicken parmigiana, spaghetti with meatballs etc) it’s his secret authentic Italian menu that makes my mouth water. That menu only comes out when there is a client that truly knows what Italian food is about. The regular menu is for those who think that that inexplicably-famous-Italian-chain-that-shall-not-be-mentioned (yuck!) is authentic Italian. His restaurant is on the border of Long Beach and Paramount, for more info. www.cafecorleonerestaurant.com You will find me there every weekend!

Now, back to the Westside! As the daughter of a well-known chef many have asked me what are the best Italian restaurants in Los Angeles. After giving them the little spiel that I just gave y’all about my father I tell them that without a doubt, the best restaurant is Madeo in Beverly Hills, closely followed by the also amazing Ago in West Hollywood.

I am constantly trying new Italian restaurants, but none has surpassed those restaurants. Dining there is an “experience” that cannot be missed. I had my wedding rehearsal at Madeo and just celebrated this past New Year’s there as well. Another reason I love going is because I have become very good friends with the family. You will fall in love with the dad, Alfio, who makes everyone feel special at his restaurant. And if you are looking for the best espresso in town, you will find it here.

I am also VERY lucky to live in a charming neighborhood with two great little Italian café’s: Bella Roma and Dolce both on Robertson Blvd. I know the owners of all 4 of these restaurants and love them dearly. They are all great people (with thick Italian accents) that are passionate about the art of Italian food.

The owner of Ago, Agostino Sciandri owns several restaurants in the United States, many of them in the Los Angeles area. Check out Caffe Roma in Beverly Hills since the ambiance is very nice and there is dancing on the weekends. It’s also great for private parties.

Now, there are MANY great Italian joints in Los Angeles (take that New York!) but I cannot mention them all. But wherever you live, especially if you live in Italy or Los Angeles – I would love to hear what restaurant you think deserves mentioning. I promise that if I come to your town, I will check it out! That is, if the airfare to go to Italy goes down!!!!!!!!

Ciao……a presto!

Oh, and don’t forget to contact www.DiscoverItaly.net for all your travel needs to Bella Italia!

THIGH FACTOR: ITALY VS. USA

Ok, so I just came off a PAINFUL and I mean VERY PAINFUL 2-week detox diet. For two weeks straight I could only eat fruits and veggies. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE fruits and veggies…. as a SIDE DISH but NOT as the main and only dish. Let me put it this way: I love to eat. Actually, I LOOOOOVE to eat.

My father is a well-known chef and growing-up in Sicily I was spoiled with all of my zia’s delectable meals. Eating is a sacred act to me, seriously. I look forward to every meal and enjoy every last bite.

So needless to say, when I would wake up and realize that what I had to look forward to for breakfast was kiwis, oranges, and apples I nearly lost my marbles. Then for lunch soup, and for dinner salad….aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!

I don’t consider myself a hard-core carnivore, but boy was I craving cows, pigs, chickens….even my neighbor’s cat was looking pretty attractive to me. And let’s not even talk about my detailed-and-strange dreams of pasta. So here is my question: WHY DO WE HAVE TO GO TROUGH THIS????????????????

Yes, I know the obvious. I do it because my thighs are starting to have their own personalities and it’s scaring me. But why am I gaining weight when I almost always eat healthy food? AND WHY IS MY ENTIRE FAMILY IN ITALY SO THIN???????

Ok so here are the usually theories: THEIR food is fresh - not processed, OURS is HIGHLY processed, THEY walk everywhere, WE drive two blocks away (remember the movie- LA Story?), THEY have overall healthier lifestyles, OUR healthy lifestyle includes sitting countless hours in front of the TV (something I never do!).

But I also know that weight is more of a mental issue than anything else. In one of my favorite books called, You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay she explains how one gains weight because they are unhappy with some aspect of their life or for protection, or insecurities. I believe this to be 100% true. Recently, a client of mine disclosed that ever since she started my Healing Program called “Get the Life You Deserve” (for more info please go to www.ConnieCosta.com) she lost 15-20 pounds just by learning to love herself more. WOW!

So- is my family back in Sicily just eating fresher products, walking more….or simply….happier? They really do seem genuinely happy. Is it because life is “simpler” in Sicily? Any theories/ideas/comments on any of these topics are greatly appreciated.

Oh…and of course…check out the Discover Italy Blog which provides helpful travel tips to those wanting to visit my BELLA ITALIA: http://discoveritalytours.blogspot.com

Or simply visit: www.DiscoverItaly.net

Ciao….a presto!

Concetta

TO LIVE IN SICILY OR NOT? THAT IS THE QUESTION!

I have been contemplating for a while now whether I would be able to move back to Sicily or not. Sure, I visit relatively often and everytime I go I cling on to my aunt Rosalia’s furniture for dear life because I do not want to return, but the reality is – all is great when you are on vacation –but living there is an entirely different animal –right?

Don’t get me wrong, I love Los Angeles. I live on the Westside and as my husband “nicely” puts it, I am very “Hollywood” thus fit right in. I love shopping at the Beverly Center, having a nice dinner at Madeo or drinking a delicious espresso at Caffe Roma in Beverly Hills.

When I think of all the superficial things I would leave behind I do get sad: Santa Monica, Hollywood Hills, The Grove, 3rd St., Robertson Blvd., and most of all….my Beverly Hills! What can I say? I am who I am and I make no excuses for it!

But on a deeper level, my main issue is that my husband’s family and my parents and sister are here in Los Angeles. Not to mention my dear friends.

But when I think of the quality of life I would live there, versus the one I live here I almost instantly become convinced that Sicily is the place to be.

One of the main reasons I would love to live there is because of the delicious and healthy food. All the fresh products, the freshly baked bread and all the different choices! I am the type of girl that cooks a fresh, homemade meal every day for my family so Sicily would be my paradise.

The pace of life is also very appealing. Here in LA it’s “go, go, go!” but in Sicily they take the time to truly enjoy life. I love the idea of simply relaxing and enjoying my family. Watching the sunset on the beautiful beaches of Aspra while sipping on homemade wine and freshly made arancine. Taking family walks around la piazza with nothing to do but, “walk”.

No, I am not complaining about my life here – I LOVE IT! But a part of me belongs in Sicily; and I must be true to that part of my - self.

Oh...and...as usual...if you are planning a trip to Italy please visit: www.DiscoverItaly.net
or follow the blog on http://honeymoonsinitaly.blogspot.com/