Craig K.
Yelp
THANK YOU YELP for allowing me to Experience One of THE BEST LASAGNA BOLOGNESE I've EVER had in my LIFE !!!
I AM a 1/2 Italian East Coast Transplant & also worked in the Event / Catering World for over 25 yrs. This Dish is EXACTLY what I was hoping for, ( & expected ), when visiting Rome for the 1st time last year...BUT Did Not Get!
However, TODAY I drove 50 min South from my W. Hollywood Apt & unexpectedly found what I wanted in this small unassuming store front restaurant....keep this saying in mind, " Contempt Prior to Investigation ".
I was in the South Bay area to pick up a Chair I bought On-Line. I decided to consult YELP & try out a Local Place with Great Reviews & Delicious Food. I arrived shortly after the 11:30 opening time thinking I'd be the 1st Customer. I was actually pleasantly surprised that there was already a short line to order, as well as people already seated at the few tables that are available.
I really enjoyed hearing Arlene (Wife/Owner) Enthusiastically & Pleasantly going through different menu items with Customers. When I stepped up I shared how I found them & already knew what I wanted for my first sampling. I also shared my appreciation for how Marco, (Hubby/Chef/Owner), had handled the Low Rated Ridiculous & Bogus YELP reviews, ( that were clearly a Bot or just some dim sad hater ). I literally LOL 'ed when I was reading Marco's Response....Marco's Reply is What Confirmed my FINAL Decision to choose Fatto a Mano!
Because I was a Single, I didn't want to take up the valuable table space & Arlene quoted a 30 minute return pick up. When I returned I was Greeted Warmly as if I was a Family Member Returning Home by BOTH Arlene & Marco! ...& was introduced to the Hard Working Fresh Pasta Maker. We started discussing all things Italian, The Reviews, where I live & I even heard about an Incredible Bucket List Adventure Trip they experienced Jet Skiing from Long Beach to Catalina ...AND BACK AGAIN !!!! ...& yes, I was given a tasty bit of Doctored Up Ice Cream to enjoy while we were chatting away.
My Lasagna was Packed & Ready. I was offered an additional small side of Fresh Parmesan, (which I strongly suggest you accept). As I was Thanking them & about to leave.....( WAIT FOR IT ), Arlene asked if I would mind tasting a bite of Lasagna while it was Hot & Oven Fresh !!!! I LOVED THIS...especially because I was DYING to try it! She Opened Up the Container & literally grabbed a Fork & THEY WERE BOTH GENUINELY wanting to know what I thought....& kept saying "BE HONEST". ....I shared my Rome Story with them & happily told them, " THAT BITE was EXACTLY what I was Hoping I'd Experience when I was in Rome " - The Flavors, The Fresh Pasta, The Meat, Sauce & Cheese together made me let out a Yummy Low Guttural Satisfied Groan...of " Sooooo Goooooood!!!!"
I left, found a quiet spot to park & had ALMOST forgot to take pics, but managed to snap these 2 pics before Inhaling this Amazing Lasagna. ONE LAST NOTE, that little Crispy Bit on Top was Outstanding! Not sure if that's always present- but will be sure to ask if possible to repeat!
I will 100% be making a return Pilgrimage back the Most Unassuming Little Strip Mall Storefront Surprising Restaurant that serves up Fresh Tasty Delicious Wonderful Unforgettable Pasta that is made with Love, Passion, Humility by the Sweet, Gifted, Friendly, Talented, Thoughtful Team of Fatto a Mano.