Mama D’s Italian Kitchen (Review #2) - Newport Beach

September 20, 2008 · Filed Under OC Food Reviews · 1 Comment

Plain and simple there is no better service in Newport Beach than at Mama D’s Italian Kitchen. Ever since that fateful day when the Spaghetti Factory was packed and we discovered Mama D’s, it has been on the top of our list as the best restaurant in all of Orange County. After gleefully reading that Kat from the Orange County Register’s food blog Gluttonista went there for her birthday after a recommendation from me, I knew we needed to go there soon as well. Unfortunately we hadn’t made our way there for quite some time, but I’m glad we took the time to go there last night!

Everything was just as great as I remember it. The bread was absolutely mouthwatering, especially with the olive oil garlic mix that they serve it with, I could dip every piece of bread I eat for the rest of my life into that delicious mixture. We ordered a Caesar Salad ($7.99) that is made with homemade dressing, which they lightly toss with romaine, croutons and fresh parm. Mrs. DanGarion went with her normal order of their pillow perfect ravioli in marinara sauce ($10.99), which includes 6 large homemade raviolis sitting atop a slightly sweet marinara sauce. I usually order something with their pink sauce, but I went more traditional today by ordering spaghetti with meat sauce ($10.99) along with one of their humongous 3 inch meatballs ($2.99)! The meat sauce is much like the marinara but with just enough meat to make me happy. The meatball was moist throughout and had a very mild taste. To top it all off they give you free cookies to finish your meal.

It was a perfect meal to wrap up what was a very busy week, and I’m glad that we were able to go there. It’s always a pleasure revisiting one of your favorite restaurants when you feel as though you have been cheating on them! Service was exceptional as always as our waiter Ruben dedicatedly visited our table a number of times and made sure everything was good throughout our meal.

: Mama D's Caesar Salad

: Mama D's Bread and Oil

: Mama D's Bread

: Mama D's Ravioli

: Mama D's Spaghetti

: Mama D's Meatball

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Mama D’s Italy Kitchen
3012 Newport Blvd
Newport Beach, CA 92663
(949) 675-6262

Tags: 5 Star, Favorites, Italian, Newport Beach

Susiecakes - Newport Beach

May 6, 2008 · Filed Under OC Food News · Comment

This is less of a review and more of just a call out to Susiecakes in Newport Beach. Yesterday I read an article about the explosion of cupcakeries in Orange County on Food Frenzy over at the OC Register. Unfortunately Dolcissimo, the mentioned establishment is closed on Mondays, we had to go elsewhere to get my sweet tooth fix. My wife had to get something at Ulta, so I suggested we head over to the Westcliff Shopping center since Susiecakes was located just across the street. I ordered a Red Velvet cupcake that was absolutely delicious. So I just wanted to mention them here since I thoroughly enjoyed my dessert last night.

SusieCakes
2043 Westcliff Dr.,
Newport Beach, CA, 92659
(949) 646-6881

Tags: Dessert, Newport Beach, Sweets

Mama D’s Italy Kitchen - Newport Beach

March 27, 2008 · Filed Under OC Food Reviews · Comment

The service at Mama D’s is exceptional. Luke (our waiter) made sure we were taken care of every second of our visit. From bread, to refills, to a free taste of their ravioli, and even some free cookies to take with us after our meal. I’ve never been treated as well as they treated us at Mama D’s. The food was good and everything was fresh. My fiancee had the Baked Ziti, and I have the Baked Stuffed Eggplant. Everything was good tasting. The bread was very tasty and they serve it along with a garlic, olive oil mixture..

If you are looking for good food and the most pleasant experience possible when going out to dinner, this is it!

Update 12/2006.
This place is still just as great and as amazing as it was when we first went there. Their service is a cut above and their food is delicious.

Update 01/13/07
We were here for my birthday with a group of 12. Service was exceptional as always. Food was delicious and when our meal was over they sang me happy birthday and gave me a card signed by the entire wait and cook staff that was personalized to me, and including a free appetizer on our next visit. They treat you like you are family and just like family I’m going to keep visiting them!

Rating:

Mama D’s Italy Kitchen
3012 Newport Blvd
Newport Beach, CA 92663
(949) 675-6262

Tags: Italian, Newport Beach, Pizza

Villa Nova - Newport Beach

March 18, 2008 · Filed Under OC Food Reviews · Comment

I went here for the first time last night and I was very impressed. After reading some of the reviews I was ready to get ripped off with overpriced plates of average Italian food. But when I opened up the menu and saw the pasta dish prices starting at $12.95 it made me wonder what exactly those that complained about the price were smoking and if I could have a toke off of it (highest prices were in the low 30’s but most everything was 13-30 range). Granted it’s buck or two more expensive then Olive Garden, but I’m not being served by 16 year olds that don’t know the difference from a Merlot to a Port if the bottle hit them on the head. The wait staff was terrific and the one issue we had with our order when it was brought to our table was fixed quickly (someone ordered a side of spaghetti but got mashed potatoes instead).

And then there is the view! Most people pay a premium for a view like the one you get here. This is the place you take your first date, then when you ask her to marry, and then on your anniversary, it’s that beautiful.

Is it the best food in Orange County? No. Is it the best deal in Orange County? No. But if you add it all up, this is a 4+ star establishment that everyone needs visit at least once, if not more.

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