Honestly, I thought Tony Messina at UNI in Boston was the one and only creator of Mediterranean Asian Fusion Dining experience that blew my mind.
Until I went to Orsa and Winston which is specifically Italian and Japanese inspired. Is it worth driving to this one Michelin Star restaurant in Downtown Los Angeles? You bet!
"You’ve already made my heart pitter patter when I learn that Orsa and Winston
are named after their dogs."
The restaurant is quite small and unassuming, but the food is anything but.
A five-course tasting menu, which changes daily depending upon what fresh produce the farmers have harvested. Of course, they pepper the five courses with more courses so plan on 10 or so. You will not leave hungry.
In terms of safety, temperatures were taken and masks are required. Tables were spread apart. I learned that they indeed removed some.
Chef and owner, Josef Centeno, has another restaurant. 'Bar Ama' also downtown. And after eating at Orsa and Winston I can’t wait to experience it.
On this particular night our journey begins with a gorgeous toro crudo, always a favorite of mine and quickly moves into a fresh and flavorful salad.
Our party of four loving the cherry tomatoes coupled with red and green grapes which just explode in your mouth.
Honestly, I could just talk about the tomatoes; they were unlike any I’ve ever tasted. I kid you not. Then came the more filling courses, the abalone, and scallops with satsuki rice…to die for.
Next came the duck: another favorite of mine but so hard to get right.
Now for the utterly mind-blowing: a hand torn squid ink pasta comes out, compliments of the chef, and I almost dropped to my knees…Hearty yet delicate, salty yet fresh…words fail.
If I could recommend one constant course and I know I would get this every time I came to Orsa and Winston…this is the one! Chef Centeno is playing my tune and I am ever the audience. A palate cleansing tart with fresh berries. We were in heaven and all of us can’t come back fast enough.
xk
"MAKE A REZ"
