Cisco’s Cioppino with Linguine (shrimp, clams and calamari with spicy sausage and pink sauce) – Mama D’s pink sauce is magical and delicious.
Mama D’s Italian Kitchen probably has the friendliest waitstaff of any waitstaff that ever waited staffs. No wait, that doesn’t sound right. Anyways, the point is these are some friendly people. Like creepy friendly. While waiting to be seated, they offered samples of meatballs and bread, as well as blankets in case anybody was cold waiting outside. You read that right: they offered blankets. Blankets. This is also the only place I’ve been to where after introducing herself, the waitress proceeded to ask around the table for everybody’s name and then shake their hand. Shake their hand. Other than the over the top friendliness though, Mama D’s is also one of the better Italian places you’ll find in Orange County. They’re known for their pink sauce, which is a combination of their red and white sauces (shocking!), but it’s actually more delicious than that simple explanation suggests. If I could pour it on everything I probably would. Pizza, ice cream, bananas, you name it. That old shoe in the corner? Sure, why not. Pour some pink sauce on and hand me a fork.
Olive oil and minced garlic – Can’t go wrong with bread and garlic. You just can’t.
Fried calamari
Gipssy’s Pasta Roma (fresh mushrooms, artichoke hearts, chopped plum tomatoes, lightly sautéed with garlic and basil in imported olive oil; tossed with pasta)
Chocolate chip cookies – They come with the check and they’re delicious. If I ever eat here with you there’s a good chance I will steal yours. From your mouth. As you’re chewing.
Doggy Bag – If you need a feel for what kind of place this is, just check out the doggy bag. It suits the personality of this place perfectly.
Mama D’s Italian Kitchen
3012 Newport Blvd
Newport Beach, CA 92663
(949) 675-6262
www.mamadsnewport.com
