Alejo's (Italian), Marina del Rey, CA

One of the cool things about this place is its deceptive appearance in a little beat up strip mall with little or no parking and the lack of a liquor license (hence, forcing customers next door to 7-11 to buy a bottle and bringing it into the restaurant for de-corking). In spite of this, Alejo's serves some great food, in part due to the very fresh garlic (the olive oil dip for the bread stings due to the freshness of the garlic). It's top rated in Zagat, and I used to come here quite frequently.

Tonight was a mild disappointment in that the pasta was a bit softer than I prefer. But the little clams were still surprisingly savory, the minestrone was ok, and the bread dip still stung. The hilarious 7-11 action was in play too (a $1.49 for a little single screwtop Merlot from Gallo in a brown bag) - that place must have the world's greatest windfall as a result of being next to Alejo's.

The line started forming after seven, so get here quickly. And if you are wondering about the name, apparently this place is owned by Spaniards, not Italians.