Mamma Mia from NY...

Few things are more wonderfully simple, yet fantastically romantic, as a lovely pizza and bottle of wine with the one you fancy. So the question begs, "Just where can you get New York pizza in LA?". Well, I think I have just the answer. I offer you, Mamma Mia Pizzeria.

New York style pizza that makes one want to dance their self silly through the streets of Italy. Perhaps that was a slight exaggeration, but I think you get the delicious point. With two locations, one on the Sunset Strip the other in Sherman Oaks, getting a taste of New York is just a stone's throw away. With the freshest ingredients, home made dough and more specialty pizza's than you can shake a stick at, it's no surprise to see Mamma Mia's packed at nearly any hour. Also, well worth a look are their pastas, salads and sandwiches. Personal favorites are the Chicken Picata with linguine in a white wine sauce, the Gnocci in delicious marinara and the Pannino Della Casa, their House Special Sandwich with Grilled Chicken, avocado and provolone cheese.

A frequent fan of their delivery, I do try to pop in every once in a while for a quick ello' to their Sunset locale, their staff always friendly and always eager. Not to miss is the coupon section on their website, filled with discounts for an added bonus. If you have an extra second, sign up for their Mamma Mia Pizzeria Club, for a slew of discounts and special offers. Also convenient is the ability to order on-line. Easy, affordable and bloody good.

One mustn't forget that perfect, yet affordable bottle of wine. Whereas the Opus One in your home cellar might be a bit over the top, I think you will find any selection of Bolla Wine, at $10 a bottle and available everywhere, a perfect companion to your New York moment.

Mamma Mia Pizzeria - Sunset Blvd / Sherman Oaks

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

Ask Anoush! All Things Dating Advice Column

Ask Anoush! Have a dating question? Need help navigating the dating world? Simply e-mail Anoush at anoush@speedladating.com with your question and she'll answer it right here.

• Jessica, Burbank
  I live in Burbank and needed a great first date place. Someplace romantic, but not too romantic if you know what I mean.

Hi Jessica, Thank you for your lovely question. It didn’t take me any time at all to come up with an answer. I have the perfect go-to spot, not too romantic, not unromantic either. Your answer awaits you at Café Bizou. I can’t say enough good things about this oasis in the valley. By far the best California-French fare for miles around. If you want to lean gently towards the romantic side (and I did say gently, so don’t panic!) request to be seated on the patio. Otherwise, inside is great too. I just find if a night is going to go well, it’s always nicer to be outside under the heat lamps - if it goes terribly you’re that much closer to Valet! The food is simply excellent (for a heavenly dish order the lobster special) there is a fabulous full bar and extensive wine list. Perfect setting, not too much, not too little and great prices too. You will not go wrong, I’m guaranteeing this one!

• Steve, Northridge
  Hello Anoush! OK. Here’s my deal. My girl’s birthday is in 10 days. We’ve been seeing each other for about 2 months. I have absolutely no idea what to get her. I’m a bit tight on cash and I didn’t want to send the wrong message. Any help?

Hi Steve, Thanks for your question love, I’m sure you’re not alone in this common angst. I like to believe I am not alone in my love for Sephora. Before you panic at the thought of walking in and feeling completely lost - have no fear – www.sephora.com is here. Cue the orchestra! Sephora really has come to us from above! Ladies love it. Not only because there is everything under one roof that we could possibly ever want, but and this is where you come in, they have the most fantabulous , and affordable gifts. A couple of my personal favorites that Sephora.com has at the moment are the Marc Jacobs Daisy Deluxe Gift Set ($87 value only $65!) Not only does this box set include a bottle of Marc Jacobs perfume but also the matching body lotion and shower gel! You are not going to go wrong there and your lady will smell so divine. Another favorite of mine is the Nars Body Glow gift set, only $49, I would be tickled pink to receive this and would give you major points! Let me know what you decide upon and how it goes!

• Marcus, Pasadena
  I have a question. I’ve been dating this woman for 4 months. We both have been seeing other people during that time, but I really like her now and I want to take the relationship to another level. How do I do that? I’m afraid to put myself out there, only to lose what I have if I scare her off.

Hi Marcus, thank you for your question, this is an interesting situation. Without knowing too many details, I would suggest a slow start – no sudden movements! You are obviously already aware of the fear of scaring her off, so that is good. All too often, men are not intuitive to this and make direct movements or sudden demands. You both have been seeing other people so you both have an equal footing and say in how things go forward. I would start by securing more nights together, or day trips whichever your schedule allows for. Basically the message you want to get across to her is that she is number one on your list. You never know she may be feeling the same way and isn’t sure how to approach you. Once you have a few more great dates, maybe elevated in terms of where you go, small gifts for her, increased phone calls etc...Then I would advise that you arrange a special dinner date. On this special date, take it up a notch – nice restaurant, flowers when you pick her up, lay the romance on thick! If this night goes well and you feel it’s mutual, then you are in a good place to have ‘the conversation’. Maybe you’ll want to have the talk that night, maybe you’ll wait until a few days after…you’ll know. Let me know how things develop, I love updates!

Are you having a laugh?

Looking for that perfect spot to have a lovely bit of dinner and tickle your funny bone after? Look no further than The Improv - Hollywood. No washed up audience warm-up guys here! Improv is truly an institution for the professional comic. A place where the likes of Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock try out their material on the very lucky audiences and do so on a regular basis. It's big-time acts without the big-time attitude of those Sunset Strip clubs. On any given night, a glance at the bar could find some of the hottest talent around. A lovely sight to see comics relaxing, prepping and mingling with guests. They consider the Improv their home and the patrons, their guests and treat you as such. Feel free to chat them up - ideally after you've offered them a drink.

A lovely advantage of The Improv is their dinner service. Typical American fare prepared surprisingly well. Dinner reservations also secures prime seating for the show after the meal. If you feel like having the piss taken out of you, a front row spot is sure to get all the teasing and ribbing you could ask for. If don't quite fancy being the brunt of any jokes, saddle up to the seats in the back and join in on the fun.

The Improv typically offers 3 shows a night. Try to secure the second show for the best of a talented crop. The showroom is classic, with the brick wall made famous by years of "Live at the Improv" tapings.

There is a Two Item minimum per guest in the showroom. Any combination of food or beverages satisfies the minimum as does Dinner.

I frequent the Improv often and it never fails to deliver laughs. I always opt for dinner and always politely decline the front tables in the showroom...no point in begging to be teased! Grab your date, slide past the bar, nod to the comics, have a nibble and get ready to laugh...hard.

The Improv - Hollywood

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

Fancy a little Thai?

"I got heaven in my mouth and I think I'm gonna swallow.", this said by reviewer Allen C. on Yelp of Sompun and each time I visit Sompun in Studio City I think, blimey, maybe he's right! Perhaps I would have worded it a bit diferently, but I think you get the delicious point. Sompun in Studio City has long been a favorite of mine for years and is not only some of the best Thai in town, but a fantastic first, second or 10th date spot. From the Shrimp with Garlic and Pepper to the Soft Shell Crab, this valley spot creates the perfect dishes to equal the perfect atmosphere. Casual, friendly and the service spot on, this is a must visit for any foodie.

My personal favorite is the home-made Coconut Ice Cream. A lovely treat for any sweet tooth. Also worth a mention are the Thai Barbaque Chicken, the Firey Beef Salad and the Wide Noodles with wonderfully fresh vegtables.

Give an ello' to the owners who not only welcome you with cheer but cook with love.

Sompun Studio City - 12051 Ventura Place, Studio City 91604 - (818) 762 - 7861

Sompun - Yelp Reviews

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

From Anoush and the SpeedLA Staff...

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the residents of Santa Barbara. With over 77 homes lost and 22 homes damaged, we send out our prayers and wishes for a quick recovery. A favorite city of ours, we have had client after client e-mailing to express how the fire has in someway touched nearly every resident. Some clients have family whose home was lost, while others still very shaken up by the disaster. At this moment, the fire is only 70% contained. Fear is rampant as residents worry for another wind storm.

If you would like to donate to the victims or for more information you can visit the American Red Cross - Santa Barbara. http://www.sbredcross.org/

Love,

Anoush x

Happy Mother's Day!

Have you kissed your Mother today? Alright LA daters, don't let today slip away without telling your Mother how much you love her and how you wouldn't be the person you are today without her.

A couple of lovely quotes by and about Moms.

"All mothers are working mothers." ~Author Unknown

"Mothers are fonder than fathers of their children because they are more certain they are their own." ~Aristotle

"A man loves his sweetheart the most, his wife the best, but his mother the longest." ~Irish Proverb

"God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers." ~Jewish Proverb

We at SpeedLA love our Mothers and want to share our love with you. For today only, enter "MOM" at checkout for a lovely Mother's Day discount.

Love,

Anoush x

Ask Anoush! All Things Dating Advice Column

Ask Anoush! Have a dating question? Need help navigating the dating world? Simply e-mail Anoush at anoush@speedladating.com with your question and she'll answer it right here.

• Joanna, Los Angeles
  I just got out of a bad breakup and the last thing I want is another relationship. I hope this doesn’t sound conceited but it seems every guy I meet now wants to run down the aisle. Maybe I’m giving off a vibe that doesn’t want to commit and this is about having what they can’t have. I don’t know. What do you think?

Hi Joanna, Thanks for your question! This is an interesting one. I always like a good role reversal! Now without knowing the exact details of the types of guys you are meeting, meaning their ages, if they have been married before etc…without knowing that I would say you have pretty much answered your own question. We all want what we don’t or can’t have… to a certain extent, of course. The fact that you are not out there searching for that man who is going to fit the ‘criteria’ and provide you with that large diamond ring and secure home, is exactly why you are attracting the marriage-minded men. Men, for the most part, fear the marriage-obsessed women that are hunting them down, so when they find one who isn’t, chances are he will revert to his inner instinct of the hunter and you will inevitably become his prey. Now if you could just start up some seminars for women out there, you could really help a lot of people out!

• Carla, Torrance
  My guy’s birthday is 2 weeks away. We’ve been dating each other for about 3 months. Any gift ideas? I don’t want anything that reads as too much or anything that reads too little. Help me Anoush!

Hi Carla, Thank you for your helpful question - the first gifts are always the hardest! I fully understand that you do not want to say too much or of course, too little, if in fact you like this one – which it sounds as though you do.
If you have made acquaintances with any of his friends or family yet, it never hurts to put in a phone call if you are truly stumped. I personally like the avenue of something special that you could do together. I think this takes the pressure away from something tangible that could be over-analyzed! Perhaps tickets to a sporting event, if he is a big fan of any in particular. Maybe something fun, nothing too serious. If you guys can have a great day and create more new and exciting memories, I think that will be the best gift of all! Leave the serious meaningful gifts to years down the road! Let me know what you end up doing and how it goes.

• Bradley, San Diego
  I’ve been seeing this girl I really like for 5 months. She is just amazing, except for this one thing. Last weekend I finally met her parents. Big day, very nervous. It went well, but I noticed two framed pictures of my girl and her ex-boyfriend. Not one, but two! One in the living room and one in their den like room. I don’t want to go over now and have this dude with my girl staring back at me. Do I say anything?

Hi Bradley, Thank you for your question and I can see why this is uncomfortable for you. I personally would suggest that you absolutely say something to your girlfriend. Perhaps she would find it odd if you did not. Maybe her parents were very close to this guy she dated before you but she no longer is and doesn’t like the fact that the pictures are up either. She must address this with her parents out of respect for you. If you had just been on a couple of dates I would say it is too early to say anything, but after 5 months, you are well within your rights to bring this up. Let me know how it goes!

• Trina, Toluca Lake
  I asked this guy out that I know from work. It’s not a work thing; he’s just someone I see every so often. Anyway, he’s a man’s man. I want to take him somewhere cool and not too girly for a first date. What’s a great first date place that will make a macho man feel at home?

Hi Trina, Thank you for your question. My mind immediately jumps to an environment that all men love; a great steakhouse. At the new L.A Live in downtown Los Angeles is the incomparable Fleming’s Steakhouse. With 100’s of award-winning wines by the glass and every perfectly cooked to order cut of steak imaginable, there is no way this manly man will not feel at home! On a side note to you, you must try their peach champagne cocktail, it’s to die for! They have to have something for us girls right?
If he is even more manly than your average manly man and does not wish to partake in a glass of Merlot, there is a full bar and beer abound! L.A Live is lots of fun to walk around afterwards and I think you will find he will love it.