DINING OUT:

We were all excited to try the Argentine cuisine at El Morfi and found out Argentina is heavily influenced by European immigration. The distance between Italy and Argentina is about the same as Hawaii and the North Pole. I don’t foresee any Polynesian-Inuit fusion places any time soon, but the Latin and Italian combo works all right here.

Another interesting blend here is the décor. Glass block tile and white stucco walls meet at an old brick wall, and there’s a dark wood grandfather’s clock, china cabinet and floral overstuffed couch.

The service was absolutely gracious. We were greeted enthusiastically and well taken care of. Our waitress was very complimentary of my family, and cooed with the toddler at the table behind us.

First, we were brought a small loaf of fresh, sliced white bread and a bowl of chimmichurra, a condiment of olive oil, chopped parsley and seasonings. Very tasty and not too strong. We all ate right through it.

In our enthusiasm we ordered three empanadas to share! The kids weren’t as much into the creamed spinach one, but we all liked the creamed corn. But we fought over the last piece of the cheese one — melted mozzarella with chopped onion wrapped in a thin, sturdy pastry. Very fresh, rather fun and unique.

While the kids got standard Snapple Pink Lemonade ($3) and a nice cold iced tea ($2), the hubby and I split a small carafe of their own Sangria ($8.99). Wonderful! I really enjoyed it! It was light and refreshing, a delicate wine taste but small bits of fruit. Fabulous for a hot evening.

Never one to pass up a pizza my daughter ordered the small Americana ($8.50) so she could have just the toppings she wanted. Her pepperoni had those lovely baked-crispy edges, and the bell peppers were long, crunchy slices. It had lots of cheese on a medium-thin crust and must’ve been at least 8 inches across, but she ate nearly the whole thing — even the crusts! At least all but the bites we each stole from her.

The rest of us got a small green salad with our dinner. I ordered my house salad as a side ($3.25), a bed of baby greens with red cabbage and shredded carrots with just the right amount of tang, creamy, peppery dressing.

My son enjoyed his Noquis ($9.99), also known as gnoccis. These plump little potato dumplings normally come with a pink sauce, but we pitched in an extra two bucks for the meat sauce, deep red with lots of ground meat.

I ordered a Napolitana ($12.99), the world’s thinnest piece of chicken possible — honestly, it was an amazing achievement — breaded, then topped with thinly sliced ham, melted mozzarella, and a little tomato sauce with freshly sautéed tomatoes on top. With a little juice from the lemon garnish, it had a sprightly flavor. It comes with Provenzal Fries, Potato Salad or with creamy, really buttery and smooth mashed potatoes. They were good on top of the crunchy chicken, too.

Hubby chose to try one of the evening’s specials, the Fettuccini ala Caruso ($11.99), bathed spinach noodles in a tomato sauce with eggplant, garlic and little anchovies. When I asked my son how he thought it tasted, he called it, “delexious.” I thought that was pretty clever.

With all the attention currently focusing on the shiny and beautiful Americana, we realized North Brand still holds many of the most interesting places — The Alex Theatre, Brand Bookshop, and many more unique restaurants like El Morfi. AND they validate for the Orange Avenue parking structure!

 JOANNA LINKCHORST is a lifelong resident of La Crescenta. She can be reached at NoTipForYou@aol.com.