Super Yummy food with a conscience!

Cafe Carolina, in Encino is great.
Its a tiny little place that serves scrumptious Italian food.
Cafe Carolina probably only about 10 to 12 tables. You definitely want to call and get reservations, just in case.

The food is great.
I ordered the Penne Sorrentina.... yummy, a marina with fresh mozzarella.
The hubby ordered Strozzapreti, a gnocchi dish with Ricotta and spinach.

For dessert we had an amazing:
Vesuvio al Cioccolato- Triple Layer Chocolate Mousse...now come on people... TRIPLE LAYER CHOCOLATE MOUSSE!!!!!

But...

I have not mentioned the best part... they do not serve alcohol, so they allow you to bring your own bottles of wine. They do have a $3 corking fee... but you get to bring your own wine!!!!!! This means you can bring in your 2 buck chuck, or some fancy schmancy wine you got from your wine club!!!!!!

The Chef is formerly of Il Fornaio and Prego. So he comes with experience. He wanted something a little more low key, to spend more time with his family, yet wanted a place to bring authentic italian food.

This is definitely a local kinda place, it has the local vibe. Cafe Carolina also uses locally grown ingredients and tries to stay organic, with several vegetarian options. Cafe Carolina is made to serve accommodate, they have no problems substituting and they offer tofu when they have fresh tofu available. I like that in a restaurant, cause I'm a picky eater, and I know what I like. I like Cafe Carolina.