Nonna's
8570 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA
Phone: (310) 385-0445 Site: www.nonnasempanadas.com

Gourmet Empanadas (Spanish, Italian, Argentinian )   Prices: $2.95 to $21.95
Major Cards                  Reservations: ?
Street parking

Hours: Mon-Thurs: 8:00am-9:30pm / Sat 9-10 / Sun: 10:00am-9:00pm

          Drinks: Soft, espresso & other coffees

In an area where high quality is a standard, they go to great lengths to ensure the best meats, vegetables, etc. and this shows up in every bite you take of the delicious morsels to be sampled here.

Specials: Entrees: Empanadas, Tostinos, Sandwiches, pizza, salads, empacho

Drinks: One of the selling points for me was that they make espresso and capuccino on a Pasquini machine. I'm sure it's the restaurant version of what I have at home, but I had to try it and I wasn't disappointed. They also feature Sifon Argentinian Sparkling Water, sodas, Italian Sodas, juices, ice tea and iced Mate.

Desserts: A good list to choose from, from Tiramisu to Tres Leches.

Food Notes: The Empanadas are the distinguishing menu item, costing $2.95 per and with eleven variations including the breakfast treat, bacon and eggs. One of the other things that attracted my eye and plate was Nonna's Lomito Plate, a prime filet mignon sandwich with salad. This is where the the rubber, in terms of meat quality, hits the road, and it's tops. Meat gourmets should try it.

Ambience: Pretty limited storefront size, so dining inside can get cramped. But they set tables outside on the street to handle the overflow.

Service: Unfortunately, I came at a time when a shift in personnel took place and the service was affected. Once that was out of the way they were attentive and served with a lot of pride in what they put down for your dining pleasure.

Location and Parking: On the western edge of L.A., closely bordering Beverly Hills, the area is a mini restaurant row. Close by Mt. Sinai hospital and Towers, no doubt the clientele includes a few doctors and patients. Parking is mostly metered street parking. Side street parking is restricted.

                                                               ~ Jules Brenner, 7/11