01/09/18
Mussels and Clams at Bestia in Los Angeles, CA. I love mussels and clams, but it’s hard to get excited about the typical version you see at most restaurants - white wine sauce, butter, garlic, along with a few herbs and mussels or clams (one or the other) - not too original or flavorful. It’s like ordering beef and broccoli at a Chinese joint - Boorriinngg with a capital B! Bestia’s version however, is Bigtime, as it combines both mussels and clams with a spicy homemade ‘nduja sausage, fennel seed, and a wonderfully seasoned tomato-based broth with a trace of lemon, white wine, and parsley. The mussels and clams were super fresh and plentiful, and I loved the spicy kick from both the sausage and the broth. The broth is amazing, and what makes this dish special is the way it seamlessly melds with the different textures found in the mussels, clams, and sausage. Bestia is a bustling, highly acclaimed Italian restaurant close to downtown LA with friendly and knowledgeable service. Hard to get into unless you book far in advance, but they take walk-ins in the bar area and you can enjoy a drink on their patio while you wait. I also loved their lobster crostini, pan roasted gizzards, and lamb ragu.