You haven't tried real Bufala Mozzarella, until you've tried Obika. Shipped in 3 times a week from Italy's Campania region, Obika ensures your cheese is fresh, nutritious, and delicious no matter which of the 6 locations you're dining at – Los Angeles, New York, London, Roma, Milano or Tokyo.
The prized, certified DOP (Denomination of Protected Origin) cheese is made from water buffalo milk, yet has less water than cow's milk. It's also creamier, more delicate, lower in cholesterol, and higher in protein & calcium – so dig in!
The Grubdown:
- complimentary Happy Hour appetizer of Mozzarella di Bufala Campania DOP with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Proscuitto Crudo de San Daniele DOP
- ridiculously, obnoxiously amazing, creamy, tangy 'n sweet Straciatella di Burrata with Sicilian Vegetable Tomato "Caponata" Casserole ($15)
- could use more sauce, delicate, and fresh chopped Spinach Ravioli with Ricotta Cheese ($16)
I've got a sick love for Burrata cheese. I'm not sure if the affair started at Jar's Mozzarella Mondays or at one of my various Burrata excursions. But, the cream of the crop is definitely Obika, Century City. (Beverly Center coming soon!)
First of all, I love it when I happen to show up during "complimentary aperitivo Happy Hour." In case you'd like to experience it too, go between the hours of 3-6pm and order a cocktail to get your free cheese. The Classica Mozzarella has a subtle smokiness (not to be confused with their Affumicata "Smoked" Mozzarella) that you wouldn't normally taste from store-bought versions. The Sun-Dried Tomatoes are large 'n plump. And the Proscuitto is whiter than usual and tastes more like Turkey.
As for libations, I couldn't resist the Pimms Mojito ($10) which tastes like minty fresh, sweet lemonade and is chock full of blueberries & strawberries. My hand model ordered the Menabrea Amber Italian beer ($7) which has a malty sweet nose, and a bready burnt flavor.
If you're going to order one thing to eat, make sure it's the Burrata with Caponata. The whole time I was consuming it, I could not stop saying "amazing." I was literally having an outer body experience until my hand model slapped me on the wrist reminding me we were sharing. The Sicilian Caponata Casserole consists of smoky Eggplant, chopped Tomato, sweet Raisins, plump Capers, Shaved Almonds & Pine Nuts. (It's like a sweeter version of the French's Ratatouille.) The Burrata is fluffy, stringy, milky soft, and served atop Spinach, chopped Tomatoes & Pitted Black Olives. Scoop it all up with the flatbread for one truly "amazing" experience.
I also couldn't resist ordering the handmade Spinach Ravioli when I saw a waiter with it pass me by. While it's delicate & totally fresh, it could really use some more sauce and acidity. Bite Advice: chop up the fresh Sage leaves and eat them with each pasta bite to punch up the flavor.
Lucky for you Obika is participating in Dine LA restaurant week Oct 3-8 & Oct 10-15 with $16 Lunch & $26 Dinner. Otherwise you can follow @ObikaLA on Twitter for news & specials.
P.S. Obika's 2nd LA location is opening soon at the Beverly Center in November.
So biters, "There you are". Enjoy!
10250 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90067. 310-556-2452.
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