Articles & Reviews: Examiner.com Los Angeles article
August 30, 2010
by Mary McGrath
Culver City Restaurants–San Mateo's Osteria Coppa hits the ground running
 Monterey Bay Squid, Garbanzos, Jimmy Nardello Peppers and Chili Oil Photo: Mary McGrath |
The density of Culver City restaurants is daunting. When it seems like we can’t cram any more eateries into the downtown area, here comes another one. But thankfully, we have a bit of a reprieve, so I’d like to introduce you to another find, this one in the San Mateo area, just south of San Francisco.
Welcome to Osteria Coppa, dominating the runway in divine dining. Specializing in farm-to-table contemporary Italian cuisine, you’ll find a delightful array of innovative pastas, Neopolitan style pizza, and many other familiar items, all with a progressive twist to make them fine edible memories.
The vibe at this place is casual-chic. You’ll feel like you’re in the belly of foodie-ville, and for good reason.
At the helm is Executive Chef Chanan Kamen, who hails from San Francisco’s Quince, and his expertise in Italian cuisine help sets this restaurant apart from many Italian places I’ve visited. Paired with the business acumen of General Manager Dave Ostrom, you can see why this place is packed weeks after it’s initial launch.
Wow factor is high at this place. Go for the Full Belly Farms Watermelon, with Taggiasche Olives, and Sheep’s Milk Feta ($9.50) The sweet and salty tang on this one got me lapping at the plate like a hungry junkyard dog.
Pizzas are also a hit, with my favorites being the Artichoke, Parmesan Fonduta, with Fresh Oregano ($15)
Pasta memories were plentiful, with my favorite being their Ravioli of Tomatero Farm Summer Squash, with Corn and Opal Basil ($15). Also memorable was their side dish of Fried Artichokes with Aioli, clocking in at $7.
Desserts are plentiful, with my favorite being their Olive Oil Pistachio Cake with Fresh Strawberries ($7), along with their Chocolate Lava Cake with Bi Rite Creamery Roasted Banana Ice Cream for $8.
Thankfully, this place is not in Culver City, otherwise a few of the restaurant heavy hitters would be counting their empty seats as this restaurant basks in gastro glory.
San Mateo is carving out a nice dining niche with restaurants like these, and this one will give the San Francisco restaurant scene a run for it’s culinary dollar. More to come.
Osteria Coppa
139 South B Street
San Mateo, CA. 94401
www.osteriacoppa.com
