September 18th, 2007 by Adam
I had heard that Stoli Elit was one of the best brands of vodka available in the United States. It’s filtered multiple times (apparently), and is supposed to be super smooth, drinkable, and enjoyable.
Well, I took the plunge, and bought a bottle from Beverages and More. $55 got be a 750 mL bottle, and I decided to try the first ounce. Warm. I had a shot of regular Stoli on standby. After sipping and tasting each one, I had great difficulty determining the difference. They both smelled the same, look the same, taste the same–until the aftertaste. The regular Stoli had a SLIGHTLY stronger aftertaste–but of what, I don’t know.
I wouldn’t suggest wasting the money on Stoli Elit. It tastes the same as regular Stoli, and costs three times as much.
Posted in Reviews | No Comments »
April 15th, 2007 by Rosebud
Restaurant Location
Chita’s Mexican Grill
2019 Q Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Open Monday-Wednesday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-2 a.m., Closed Sunday.
Restaurant Description
Admittedly, Chita’s isn’t much to look at. It’s in a tiny building that houses a former candy store, and did I mention it was tiny? The inside barely fits five tables, and with the kitchen separated by only a counter, it feels almost like you’re eating in someone’s really big kitchen. The restaurant wedged on a stretch of Q Street that has (sort of in order) a bar, an empty lot, a seamstress (I think), some houses where crazy college kids live, and The Sacramento Bee. Not exactly the hoppingest block in town.
But if you are in the mood for some Mexican food fast and dig hole-in-the-wall joints, Chita’s is the place to go. The folks running the joint are awfully nice, they know their regulars (many of whom trek from the now night cafeteria-less Bee). I don’t know if the lady is Chita herself, but dang it, she whips up a good burrito.
Bonus points to Chita’s for also being open until 2 a.m. on the weekend, if only to fill the tummies of the many drunk kids wandering the streets of midtown Sacto.
The Review
Any place where an enormous burrito can be had for $5-$6 bucks is cheap to me. You might say you could get a burrito cheaper and your neighborhood fast-food chain, but it won’t be handmade or probably nearly as big as the Chita’s burrito. You can have it with your choice of meat — carnitas, carne asada, chicken, adobada (a spicy beef), and for the adventurous, lengua (if you are not Spanish-inclined, that’s beef tongue to you). The burritos are pretty filling and tasty. The rice is fluffy, the whole thing is juicy, and you have to be careful or the foil won’t hold the whole thing and you’ll have burrito on your shirt. The carnitas, admittedly, can be a little inconsistent — a little flat one day — but for the most part, they’re succulent and not too salty.
Of course, burritos aren’t the only things here. The tamales are also another cheap deal ($2.65 a la carte). The pork tamale is nicely flavored, the masa just right and not too tough. You can also order a sope, which is almost like a mini taco salad, except it’s piled upon a deep-fried corn round. The carne asada version is tasty and juicy with plenty of lettuce, but the masa is pretty hard. It was almost impenetrable with a plastic fork (but you can always just pick it up and eat it that way, like a giant tortilla chip).
Many tacos are to be had too, although if you order a hard taco, you may think they messed up your order since they’re not the super-crunchy deals you’d get at a fast food joint. They’re real fried shells, maybe a little wilty, but not bad. You get the same meat choices as the burritos. The only slightly disappointing taco was the fish taco, which is blackened on the grill. It’s a pretty small fillet of fish and sometimes a little too blackened (read: burned and oversmoky).
The salsa bar is self-serve. The very spice habanero is spicy indeed, but in general, many of the salsas are a little watery. If you can do without the salsa, do without it.
The Bottom Line
If you find yourself wandering this not-so-hip stretch of midtown Sacto, and you get a hankering for Mexican, a trip to Chita’s is worth it. You’ll definitely be served a hearty portion. The price isn’t bad. And Chita will treat you nicely — promise.
Posted in Area, Cuisine, Mexican, Northern California, Reviews | No Comments »
September 16th, 2006 by Chef Mei
Restaurant Description
The new Westlake Village location of Brent’s Deli is sleek and modern, decorated in muted earth tones and mahogany. Vaulted ceilings and flagstone accents add an upscale note to the gigantic and comfortable dining room. One corner of the restaurant has a small bar area. As with most deli’s, you’ll find a deli counter, where you can buy meat, bagels and pastries. Service is friendly and lightning fast. One measure of good service is how frequent your water glass is refilled - servers here did a great job.
The Review
Deli food is typically very basic with an emphasis on sandwiches and soups. Brent’s menu is large with a wide selection of homemade soups ($5.95), sandwiches ($9.75-$12.95), salads ($6.95-$11.25), burgers ($8.50-$9.50), entrees and breakfast items. Crisp deli pickles are served when you are seated.
My husband and I sampled the Black Pastrami Reuben sandwich and the Turkey French Dip, both of which were excellent. The meat quality is outstanding — fresh and tender and piled high. Sandwiches are served with a crisp fresh cole slaw and steak fries. My husband, a New York native and a connoisseur of Jewish delis proclaimed, “Simply the best!”
The Bottom Line
For high quality deli food of giant proportions, Brent’s won’t dissapoint.
Posted in Deli/Sandwich Joint, Reviews, San Fernando Valley, Southern California | No Comments »
August 17th, 2006 by Chef Mei
Restaurant Description
A few blocks away from The Grove and ubiquitous Los Angeles Farmer’s Market is a hidden treasure called The Little Door. This small Mediterranean restaurant is marked only with the umbrella on the valet booth. Look for the rustic wooden door next to the dry cleaners.
Once you pass through the door, you’re transported to a candlelit garden villa somewhere in Italy or France. The majority of the restaurant is a patio filled with trees and other vegetation. There is a dining “room” in the back of the restaurant. The bright blue and white furniture reminded me of whitewashed buildings set on a backdrop of a bright sapphire ocean in Greece. The ambience is certainly romantic and takes you out of busy LA. One drawback of the dining space is its tight seating. One can easily hear the conversation of diners at the adjacent table because seating is almost elbow to elbow.
The Review
The Little Door’s menu is decidedly inventive and draws flavors from all over the Mediterranean. One can find risotto, osso bucco, harissa, spanakopita, couscous, preserved lemon, tagines, and foie gras on the list. Prices are high with appetizers ranging from $12-$18 and entrees in the $30s. The wine selection is large and corkage is $30. Based on reviews on other sites, I had expected slow snooty service. It was quite the contrary — prompt and friendly. For a Thursday night, the restaurant was very busy with a mostly yuppie/ foodie clientele. Dressed in their best, some come here to celebrate a special occasion, and for others in jeans and t-shirts it’s a casual mid-week dinner with friends.
My husband and I sampled the roasted tomato basil soup with goat cheese crouton, chilled peach gazpacho with basil ice, roasted chicken with eggplant and risotto, grilled marinated seabass with preserved lemon sauce, yukon gold puree and vegetables, strawberry rhubarb tart, and a sorbet trio with fresh berries. Both of our starters were delicious. The tomato soup was savory and rich, and the gazpacho flavor was nicely layered with tomato and peach and infused with the basil ice. The entrees were delicious as well. The seabass was succulent and nicely complemented with the slightly tangy preserved lemon sauce. A nice selection of desserts are presented on a chalk board at the table. Dishes are presented with a rustic style and fairly sized portions. After three courses, I felt very satiated.
The Bottom Line
Great for a casual dinner or a memorable special occasion, the Little Door offers delicious food and lovely ambience.
Posted in Mediterranean, Reviews, Southern California, Westside | No Comments »
August 4th, 2006 by Chef Mei
Restaurant Description
The interior of Tomodachi is rather spartan and simple. A sushi bar runs along the right side of the space and a smattering of tables fill up the left side. In usual sushi restaurant fashion, the entire staff yells out a greeting in Japanese as you enter. The service is there is gracious and friendly. The menu is quite small and simple with only six special rolls ($13-$15) and six cooked entrees. You won’t find complicated rolls with a plethora of fillings here. Portions are also rather small.
The Review
My husband tried the Chicken Teriyaki entree served with miso soup, rice, salad and asparagus ($15). I sampled the special of the day: baby albacore sashimi with garlic sauce (six pieces, $15). The prices are a bit higher than what I’m accustomed to paying, but it was well worth it. In my opinion, sashimi quality is the true test of a sushi restaurant’s fish quality as it is nothing but a piece of raw fish. The baby albacore was of outstanding quality, with melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and a clean taste. The garlic sauce that accompanied the fish was savory and delicious, a perfect pair with the albacore. My husband noted the chicken teriyaki was very tender and the teriyaki sauce was mild, not too cloying or strong (as is the case with many teriyaki dishes). He enjoyed the mixed green salad, which contained baby lettuces instead of the usual iceberg and shredded carrots.
The Bottom Line
In the Westlake area, sushi restaurants abound. If you’re a sushi “purist” seeking high quality fish, Tomodachi is a great choice.
Posted in Japanese, Reviews, San Fernando Valley, Southern California | No Comments »
August 3rd, 2006 by Chef Mei
Restaurant Description
Part of the Lawry’s family of restaurants, Tam O’Shanter has been around forever and offers a similar menu as the famed Lawry’s The Prime Rib in Beverly Hills. The restaurant’s Scottish theme is the primary difference.
Upon entering the restaurant, one feels as if they’ve gone back in time to a small town pub in Scotland. The friendly staff don white and green costumes. The space is large and is decorated in antique style with lots of dark wood.
Tam O’Shanter’s menu is very similar to Lawry’s as well, the focus being on prime rib. Each prime rib entree comes with soup or salad, creamed corn or spinach, mashed potatoes and Yorkshire pudding. Prime rib entrees start at $28. They also offer rotisserie chicken, potato-crusted salmon, halibut, duck roast, lamb shank and roast turkey.
Entree prices start around $20. There are also several appetizer offerings such as crab cakes, grilled artichoke, calamari and French Onion soup.
The Review
Most of the people in our party sampled the prime rib but a few tried the duck and lamb. Those who had the duck and lamb enjoyed the dish very much. I had the California Cut prime rib — a portion suitable for “small appetites”.
By the way, this cut is also available at Lawry’s. The meat quality was somewhat dry and tough and the dish was certainly not worth the $30, in my opinion. Lawry’s prime rib quality is far better than Tam O’Shanter’s. At first glance, one might think the prime rib meal is a good deal, but you end up feeling ripped off afterward.
The Bottom Line
If you crave prime rib, opt for Lawry’s (or Black Angus, for that matter) over Tam O’Shanter.
Posted in Downtown Los Angeles, Reviews, Southern California, Steak House | No Comments »
July 31st, 2006 by Adam
Restaurant Description
Chef Mei’s Kitchen is the perfect location for a small, special events. Custom menus, beautiful surroundings, and cozy ambiance enshroud the diner as the best dining experience surrounds you. Unfortunely for the public, Mei’s Kitchen is not open for just anyone; you must be on the guest list; and reservations are booked for months.
The Review
My first five course meal in a while, dinner began with a wonderful mixed greens salad, topped with tangerines. The second course was puff pastry filled with delicious dried tomatoes. A refreshing Lavender-infused Lemon sorbet palate cleanser followed, then the decadent main course. Chef Mei’s Chicken Piccatta is unbeatable. Fresh lemons and capers dazzled my tastebuds, creating a flavorful feast I just couldn’t get enough of. The risotto was creamy and wonderful, as it perfect offset the tangy zing of the chicken. I thought there was no way for it to get better–but it did–as the tiramisu was fresh, light, and the perfect way to end such a wonderful meal.
The Bottom Line
I hope Chef Mei begins to deliver her delightful food to the public, as its quality and flavor will spoil any diner, whether their tastes are casual or sophisticated.
Posted in Reviews, San Fernando Valley, Southern California | No Comments »
July 13th, 2006 by Chef Mei
Restaurant Description
Paradise Cove is truly a quintessential beach cafe, and it has everything you might expect of one. The decor is “beachy” and “nautical” and super casual. Paradise Cove’s indoor dining area is huge and, unlike many other ocean side restaurants in Malibu, located at sea level. The center of the room boasts a giant salad bar. Unless you want to endure a two-hour wait, especially on a weekend, reservations are essential. Adjacent to the indoor dining room is an outdoor seating area, directly on the sand. Get here early to secure a table. Service is friendly but slow.
Like their dining space, the restaurant’s menu is huge and offers a wide variety of seafood selections. There are also some unusual breakfast items such as a seafood omelette, crab portabello eggs benedict and carrot cake waffles. Mojitos are popular here.
The Review
On a balmy Saturday morning, a 10:00am beachside breakfast at Paradise Cove seems like a lovely idea. Once there, however, be prepared to battle crowds and very long waits. Even though our party sat outside on the sand, just a few yards from crashing waves, the chaos of small children running around and dense beach crowd made the ambience anything but relaxing. Paradise Cove is not for the claustrophobic. Our friends had arrived at 8:00am to stroll on the beach. At that early hour, one can enjoy some peace and quiet.
The morning we dined there, one of two kitchens had closed and their main computer was broken. As a result, we waited over an hour for our food because our order was never placed. This is probably an exceptional circumstance, but our waiter could have realized the problem sooner and thus cut down on the wait time. Nevertheless, I am under the impression that the restaurant cannot handle the huge volume when things are operating properly. Portions are generous and food quality is fair.
The Bottom Line
First impressions are key and since my first visit to Paradise Cove was a disaster, I will probably never return. The food quality, though not poor, is not enough to bring me back to endure the hassle and chaos at a place that should be tranquil. You, however, may have better luck.
Posted in Cafe/Coffee Shop, Reviews, Southern California, Westside | No Comments »
July 3rd, 2006 by Chef Mei
Restaurant Description
Lakeside dining is a rare find in Los Angeles, and it is Boccaccio’s lakeside location that makes this restaurant special. Situated next to the Westlake lake, Boccaccio’s offers Italian fare. It is certainly a lovely place to dine al fresco when the weather is nice. The hills, water and occasional electric boat gliding by create a serene backdrop for a casual or more formal dining experience. The restaurant’s patio is large and can accomodate large parites. Even the indoor dining room offers nice vistas of the lake.
The Review
My dining partner and I ordered a grilled eggplant sandwich and a chicken prosciutto panini on baguettes for lunch. Both were good and served in nice sized portions. Their menu is large and offers a wide variety of dishes included classic favorites like blue wedge salad, Waldorf salad and more contemporary flavors like lobster ravioli or seared ahi. The food here is decent. Service is generally friendly but is often slow.
The Bottom Line
Although the food is solid, the highlight of Boccaccio’s is the scenic dining experience.
Posted in Italian, Reviews, San Fernando Valley, Southern California | No Comments »
June 28th, 2006 by Chef Mei
Restaurant Description
My Brother’s BBQ has been family owned and operated since 1957. When you walk in, it feels like you have been transported to a different time. The restaurant, located on the street corner, feels like a cross between a 50s diner and a country western saloon. Red brick walls and red vinyl banquettes, and cowboy paraphenalia make up the room. Service is very friendly, and the staff really makes you feel welcome.
The Review
Their menu offers a good selection of items so that you can order more than just ribs. You can choose from seafood items such as fried battered fish or shrimp, entrie salads, chili, French dip sandwiches, burgers and BBQ chicken. Their most popular items are tri tip and pork ribs. My dining partner opted for a tri tip sandwich with coleslaw and bbq beans, and I sampled pork ribs, garlic bread, coleslaw and bbq beans. The portions were enormous and reasonably priced. Even though the meat did not fall of the bones, the ribs were tender and covered with a very tasty sauce. We thought the bread, beans and coleslaw were delicious as well. This is definitely a place we will visit again.
The Bottom Line
For great BBQ at reasonable prices, My Brother?s BBQ is an excellent choice.
Posted in BBQ, Reviews, San Fernando Valley, Southern California | No Comments »
June 26th, 2006 by Chef Mei
Restaurant Description
The dining room is dimly lit, almost too dim. I found myself straining to read the menu and see my food. It is also very loud inside, which makes the outdoor patio a better place to sit. Service is friendly but slow.
The space has a lot of character, sophisticated with Mexican flair. A small fireplace warms up the back of the room lined with cozy banquettes. The other half of the room is a large bar area.
The Review
Senor Fred offers a nice variety of specialty drinks, but they are a bit pricey–an apple martini is $10.50, mojito is $7.50. My dining partner and I sampled the tortilla soup, ceviche and Senor Fred combo (cheese enchilada, tamale, and dorado taco with rice and refried beans). We found the soup to be watery and bland as we both like a hearty, thick tortilla soup. The ceviche, served in a martini glass, was very tasty but contained an unusually large amount of guacamole. We also noted that the tamale and enchilada were good, but I have had better.
The Bottom Line
In Los Angeles, Mexican food is a dime a dozen. Senor Fred’s ambience is unique, but better Mexican food at better prices can be had elsewhere.
Posted in Mexican, Reviews, San Fernando Valley, Southern California | 1 Comment »
June 22nd, 2006 by Rosebud
Restaurant Description
Philly is a great food town, and a pretty diverse one at that. But what screams Philly more than the Philly cheesesteak? There are other cheesesteak joints in the city (Geno’s being another, and down the street), and people are downright religious and fanatical when it comes to where you get your cheesesteak from. But Pat’s is where the cheesesteak was invented.
There is only one Pat’s (in South Philly), and it’s been run by the same family since 1930. It’s also pretty famous. There’s the photos of celebrities on the wall. Allegedly, the place is featured in the movie “Rocky.” It’s just a little stand, with tons of people standing around with their steaks. (A lot of students come from nearby Penn.) It’s hard to find parking on the street, and some might think the area a little gritty and it’s not the greatest, but it’s a divine cheesesteak. And you can get your cheesesteak at any time of the day — it’s open 24 hours.
The Review
The sandwich is usually stuffed to the gills. Plenty of peppers and onions and meat and cheese. You can decide how you want your steak (personally, I have it without the onions and peppers ’cause I hate onions). You can have a mushroom cheesesteak. You can have a steak sandwich without the cheese. You can have a pizza steak (tomato sauce added).
The menu is pretty simple and straightforward. The beef is pretty good. And it’s always filling. And not more than $8 (prices vary on what exactly you’re getting).
For the record, there is all sorts of cheese available (provolone, cheddar, American, etc.), but the original Philly cheesesteak is made with Cheez Whiz. You know, the bottles of awesome orange stuff from your childhood. It’s good. I swear. Personally, my cheesesteak is never topped with anything besides Cheez Whiz.
The Bottom Line
If you’ve always wanted to have an authentic Philly cheesesteak, this is a pretty good place to start. You may branch out to the other joints sometime, but this is still the original and always worth the trip.
Posted in Deli/Sandwich Joint, Pennsylvania, Reviews | No Comments »
June 22nd, 2006 by Rosebud
Restaurant Description
When in Maryland, crab is a must. The state is famous for its blue crab, and while it’s available year-round in most parts of Maryland, it’s best had in the late spring (May-ish) and summer.
The other thing Maryland (and a fair part of the Mid-Atlantic, for that matter) is famous for is the crab shack. They’re in a lot of places, particularly on the Eastern Shore and the eastern part of the state — the Chesapeake Bay side (if you’re geographically challenged).
One such shack is The Tap Room, located in the tiny, quaint town of Chesapeake City, not far from the Maryland-Delaware state line. The Tap Room isn’t much to look at on the inside — it’s really more like a tavern, or bar — but considering how messy crab cracking can be, it’s no wonder the setting is so spare.
The Review
The Tap Room is all about seafood. Really, really fresh seafood. (Chesapeake City is right on the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal, which empties into Chesapeake Bay).
Every kind of seafood you can think of is here. Steamed clams? Check. (It’s a good starter.) Oysters and clams raw? Check. Scallops? Check. Big ol’ platter of fried seafood (fish, scallops, clams, shrimp)? Of course. There are lots of sides here too, from Old Bay fries, hush puppies, mozzarella sticks, and other fried goodies.
But the centerpiece here is the very large platter of steamed blue crabs. They’re plopped on your table, all red and nice looking and coated in Old Bay seasoning, and you’re handed the mallets, crackers, forks and bibs. If you’ve never had to whack your crabs, there is a guide posted in the restaurant — you have to look carefully on the wall for it. (If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to sit at the table that’s right under the guide.) These crabs are succulent and well-seasoned. The only downside is that after about six of those guys, the Old Bay starts tasting excessively salty. A lot of the fun, though, is in hammering away at those little crabs. There’s usually lots of laughter, the potential for a minor food fight, and it’s also great for releasing stress. Just try not to whack a shell and have it fly onto the next table.
Because this is seafood, it can be expensive. Many of the platters start around $16 and can run you close to $30. The fresh crabs are at market price, and can run you about $30 on average for a dozen or so crabs. Such is the price for paying for great quality. But bring a bunch of friends (a dozen crabs suits four people well, or two ravenous folks) and that can help with the sticker shock.
Lastly, a very important word of warning: This place is a cash-only joint. They’re old-school like that. Luckily, there is an ATM at the entrance, but if you hate bank fees, you’ll remember to bring a few $20s on you.
The Bottom Line
If you’ve never been to the Mid-Atlantic, the crab shack is a must-do experience. The Tap Room fits the bill and is a great rustic experience. It’s also in a lovely historic little town, so if you only do this once, it’s not a bad choice.
Posted in Delaware, Maryland, Reviews, Seafood | No Comments »
June 21st, 2006 by Chef Mei
Restaurant Description
$$$
Perched on an ocean side cliff in Malibu is the ever-popular Chart House. This place is often busy year-round as the stunning panoramic views and solid food draw tourists and locals alike. The dining room has a contemporary nautical feel and is reminiscent of the interior of a cruise ship with its etched glass and glossy wood furniture. A bar runs along the back corner of the restaurant. It is a good place for casual dining as well as special occasions. Each table affords diners an ocean view, but the seats next to the window are best. The service is friendly and attentive.
The Review
Chart House’s menu offers a nice variety of seafood dishes and wines. One could opt for a simple blackened mahi mahi with rice pilaf and steamed vegetables or a dressed up macadamia crusted mahi mahi with coconut rice. I sampled the Mixed Grill, which includes a skewer of grilled shrimp, 5 oz. of grilled salmon, one large crab cake, rice pilaf and steamed vegetables. The seafood is flavorful, and the crab cakes are thick and full of lump crabmeat. Generally, the food is solid and consistent but tastes a bit mass-produced (the rice pilaf was overcooked and vegetables steamed to a mush). For this reason, dishes may seem overpriced.
The Bottom Line
The Chart House offers solid food, terrific views and a nice ambience suitable for a casual or more formal dinner.
Posted in Reviews, Southern California, Steak House, Westside | No Comments »
June 20th, 2006 by Adam
Restaurant Description
$
Lost in the eclectic mix of retail shops that make up Ventura Blvd. is Mon Sushi. The place is small and, decorated in dark wood and red hues, feels like an Asian teahouse. The atmosphere is a bit old school with paper lamps and vintage pictures of Asian poster girls on the walls. The sushi bar itself is small, but there is plenty of table seating. Our waitress was very friendly and knowledgeable.
Mon Sushi’s menu is as eclectic as the surrounding shops on Ventura. Unlike many sushi bars that offer only a few cooked items such as chicken or beef teriyaki, Mon Sushi offers an array of dishes from all over Asia. If sushi doesn’t appeal to you that night, there’s pad thai, kimchi, mapo tofu, curry, fried rice and noodles and several other meat dishes to choose from. They have an impressive variety of cut rolls that are priced $6.95-$10.95. The wine list is incredibly small, but there is a good selection of sake and beer.
The Review
My dining partners and I opted for cut rolls and chose five different kinds. All were very tasty but most were covered in sauce. The baked Banzai roll, a riff on popular Dynamite roll, was especially good. We noted that the fish quality was mediocre and the amount of fish used in the rolls was less than we’d like. For this reason, I am glad that I did not order sashimi. We also ordered the Heart Attack – a jalapeno pepper stuffed with spicy tuna and cream cheese and deep-fried. Similar to a jalapeno cheese popper appetizer, this is one of their most popular rolls. It was very unique and actually quite satisfying.
The Bottom Line
For a cut roll fan not too concerned with premium quality, Mon Sushi is a decent place to try as prices and selection are good. Sushi purists should go elsewhere.
Posted in Japanese, Reviews, San Fernando Valley, Southern California | No Comments »
June 20th, 2006 by Chef Mei
Restaurant Description
$
Mall food and restaurants located in malls are often blase. At Brea Mall, one nice option aside from the “usual suspects” and the food court is Le Diplomate Cafe. The restaurant is located just outside of Nordstrom’s on the second floor. The interior is decorated in Parisian sidewalk cafe style. There are even lampposts, a brick street, and a large fresco of a sunny afternoon in Paris inside the restaurant. It is all very quaint and a far nicer option than the food court. You can also dine al fresco on the patio. Service is friendly.
The Review
My family and I had an early lunch and sampled the Brie and avocado sandwich ($8.95) on a baguette, Chicken Papaya Salad ($10.50) and Spicy Angel Hair Pasta ($13.98). The cafe’s French baguette is very palatable – soft and not too hard and crusty, which made a great panini style sandwich. The pasta and salad were good but a bit light on flavor. Everything came in a reasonable portion sizes.
The Bottom Line
Overall, Le Diplomate Cafe serves decent food in a nice ambience that transports you out of the mall and into a Parisian sidewalk cafe.
Posted in Cafe/Coffee Shop, French, Orange County, Reviews, Southern California | No Comments »
June 20th, 2006 by Chef Mei
Restaurant Description
$$
Upon entering La Frite Woodland Hills, one feels as though they have stepped into an old school French bistro. Butter colored walls, vinyl green banquettes, and bistro chairs fill the dining room. An oak bar runs along one side of the room. There is also a “patio”, which is a separate covered tiled area in the front of the restaurant. I chose not to sit here because of the din from others chatting. The paintings of American baseball heroes lining the walls diluted an otherwise French ambience.
I was surprised at the large selection and good prices of dishes on La Frite’s menu, mostly classic French fare. From Croque Monsieur, Nicoise salad, Mussels Mariniere, Escargot, Terrines, to Quiche, Crepes (savory and sweet) and Apple Tarte Tatin, one is bound to find something that pleases their palate. A few Italian dishes such as chicken piccata and pizza are offered as well. They also offer a nice selection of wines.
The Review
My dining partner and I ordered the Mussels Mariniere ($17.95), Salade Nicoise ($11.50) and a caramelized lemon tart ($6.00). Both flavorful entrees came in giant bowls, portions suitable for four people. The Mussels were served in a rich buttery, creamy, garlicky broth, great for dipping bread in. The thin cut pommes frites were crispy and seasoned just right. Although the salad was drenched in dressing, it was tasty with a large helping of olives, capers, radishes and tuna. The caramelized lemon tart with raspberry coulis is “bruleed”, creating a crisp burnt sugar surface. The filling was lemony but not too overpowering.
The Bottom Line
La Frite offers huge portions of solid French fare at very reasonable prices.
Posted in Reviews, San Fernando Valley, Southern California | No Comments »
June 8th, 2006 by Chef Mei
Restaurant Description
Located at the corner of Kanan-Dume Road and Pacific Coast Highway, the Sage Room is a cozy and unique hideaway. Once you enter this small restaurant, you feel as if you’ve entered someone’s home. Decorated in rustic style reminiscent of the Italian countryside, the space is very warm and inviting. We were greeted by the chef himself, which was very special touch. The service is excellent.
The Review
The menu offers a nice selection of Italian classics. I sampled the veal marsala and black truffle and wild mushroom risotto. The veal was extremely tender and had wonderful flavor. The risotto was amazing, each creamy bite bursting with aromatic truffles and mushrooms. My husband sampled the lasagna, his favorite Italian dish. He declared it was the best lasagna he’s had. Prices here mid-range and are not necessarily for the budget-minded. The service is excellent.
The Bottom Line
While you can certainly find less expensive Italian food in Los Angeles, the Sage Room offers a special welcoming atmosphere and high quality cuisine, that the experience is worthwhile.
Posted in Reviews, Southern California, Westside | No Comments »
June 8th, 2006 by Chef Mei
Restaurant Description
Named after surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku, Duke’s Malibu opened in 1996 and is one of several successful restaurants (others are located in Hawaii). On a warm summer morning, there is nothing better than enjoying brunch here with a stunning ocean view. The vista of the Pacific Ocean is certainly spectacular and the dining room offers panoramic views from any table. The restaurant is literally on a cliff, so there is no sand to be seen. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of dolphins surfacing in the distance.
The Review
Brunch at Duke’s starts at 10:00am and ends at 3:00pm. For a fixed price, one can partake in an amazing spread of items that include ceviche, eggs benedict, scrambled eggs, a huge assortment of pastries, smoked salmon, baked salmon, bagels, teriyaki chicken, kalua pork, omelette bar, waffles, French toast, fruits and yogurt. Their coffee is also quite good. Like most buffets, the food tastes mass-produced and is mediocre. However, the tourist clientele probably don’t care as the big draw is the famous Duke’s name and prestigious Malibu location.
The Bottom Line
Although the brunch selection at Duke’s is very impressive, the experience is all about the atmosphere and view, not so much the food quality.
Posted in Reviews, Southern California, Westside | No Comments »
June 8th, 2006 by Chef Mei
Restaurant Description
In a city of such diverse eats, Indian cuisine is quite common. However, it is hard to find really good Indian food. Look no further. The dishes served at All India Cafi in Old Town Pasadena are authentic, packed with flavor and priced right. The chef-owner here hails from the renowned Bombay Cafi in Santa Monica.
The Review
I had been craving Indian food for some time and was excited to try a variety of dishes.My dining partners and I sampled garlic naan ($2.75), onion naan ($2.95), aloo tikki ($3.75), makhni paneer ($8.50), palak paneer ($8.50) and chicken tikka ($10.95). Note that basmati rice does not come with the meal. Everything we tried was delicious and light. The spices used in each dish were very enticing and made me want to try everything else on the large menu. Though the servings don’t appear very generous, you are likely to leave feeling satiated. The portions might be best shared amongst two people.
The Bottom Line
Offering excellent food at good prices, All India Cafi is a great place to enjoy authentic Indian cuisine.
Posted in Reviews, West San Gabriel Valley | No Comments »
June 5th, 2006 by Chef Mei
Restaurant Description
$$$
Nestled in the corner of a strip mall in the quiet town of Oak Park, lies a “neighborhood gem”. Leila’s is truly unique for this area, where “corporate restaurants” such as Chili’s, Claim Jumper and Macaroni Grill are most prevalent. When you walk into Leila’s you feel like you might be in LA. The dining room is relaxed and casual, decorated in bold contemporary colors, unfinished wood furniture and plush velvet sofas. A dark wood bar also runs along one side of the restaurant. If you’d like to witness the chefs in action, you can sit at the butcher block table located next to the kitchen. It’s nice enough for special occasions and casual enough for a Tuesday night dinner.
The Review
Service here is generally pleasant but can be brusque. The cuisine can best be described as American with international influences. Chef Richard DeMane hails from Santa Monica mainstay Michael’s as well as the ever-popular Campanile on La Brea. He has mastered the art of flavor layering at Leila’s. The menu is eclectic and has something for everyone. I sampled the lobster tempura ($14) appetizer, pan seared scallops ($24) and molten lava cake. Each dish burst with flavors experienced at different moments with each bite. It is a very special dining experience. Other menu highlights include a lovely and flavorful braised duck and wild mushroom ragout ($21), six hour braised beef ($16), crispy chicken ($18) and grilled marinated pork chop ($22). The “soup of the moment” ($8)is often very good. I have never been disappointed the many times I have dined here.
The Bottom Line
Offering excellent food at reasonable prices, Leila’s is great place to escape from the norm.
Posted in Reviews, San Fernando Valley, Southern California | No Comments »
June 5th, 2006 by Chef Mei
Restaurant Description
$$
The churrascaria restaurant model is on the rise, and it’s no wonder why. At Picanha, a fixed price of $25.00 buys guests a large buffet of side dishes and salad and 18 varieties of all-you-can-eat grilled meats (this is not a place for vegetarians). The Picanha dining room is reminiscent of a hacienda as the restaurant is decorated with terra cotta floors and goldenrod walls lined with scenes depicting the rancher’s life. It is rustic but white tablecloths and votive candles give the place a touch of class. To add to the ambience, even the waiters are in costume. Service is very friendly.
The Review
The buffet items at Picanha include vegetable soup, rice, salad items, tuna salad, chicken salad, black beans stewed with sausage, garlic mashed potatoes, pasta and tabbouleh. Each are good, but the meats are the real highlight of dinner here. Each table has a tri-colored wooden peg (green/yellow/red), which is used to indicate whether your table is ready for more meat. Green means “yes, please” and red means “no, thanks”. Waiters circulate throughout the restaurant with two-foot skewers of meat and carve tableside. Our table was offered ribs, sirloin, Brazilian steak (the house specialty), filet mignon, parmesan chicken, garlic chicken, lamb, garlic pork, lemon beef, garlic beef, bacon-wrapped chicken, polish sausage and Brazilian sausage. Although this does not add up to 18 varieties, the selection certainly satisfies the appetite. Rest assured, the meats are flavorful and delicious. Another highlight is the basket of piping hot cheese bread offered to each table. I have never tasted such a delicious and unusual bread. The bread is formed into disks and is crispy to the bite yet soft and chewy in the center, bursting with cheese flavor. Apparently, this type of bread is a Brazilian staple eaten with each meal. After this smorgasbord of meat, I don’t think it’s possible to have room for dessert. But just in case, they offer two kinds of mousse, flan and cheesecake. Their cocktail menu also includes traditional Brazilian drinks such as the caipirnha.
The Bottom Line
Picanha gives guests a great value, delicious food and a nice atmosphere.
Posted in Reviews, San Fernando Valley, Southern California | No Comments »
June 4th, 2006 by Rosebud
Restaurant Description
The neighborhood isn’t the greatest, and there’s practically nowhere to park, but this small pizzeria is a warm spot to eat and maybe catch a game on the big-screen TV. It might be a little dingy for some people’s tastes, but it’s definitely cozy.
A warning, though. The bathrooms are well, awful. When the bathrooms don’t even have locks on the door, you know they’re a little shady.
The Review
Luigi’s has been owned by the same family for decades and has been a favorite gathering spot. They all come for:
- The New-York style pizza.
- The thin handmade crust (which doesn’t taste remotely like cardboard at all).
- The myriad toppings (non-bland sauce. cheese. sausage. pepperoni. linguisa. chorizo. ham. pineapple. veggies. the list is endless.)
- The handmade ranch dressing. They hand you a large squeeze bottle full of it with every pizza order. The pizza has that extra special something when you squeeze ungodly amounts of dressing on it.
Seriously, though, the pizza can stand on its own. Always flavorful. And all the sausage is handmade. Good stuff all around. Enjoy the pizza with some cold brews, or, if you’re really that sketchy about the neighborhood, there’s always carryout or delivery. It’s a way better option than Domino’s or Pizza Hut.
The Bottom Line
You don’t know what you’re missing if you don’t have a homemade pie. Go and try it. The dressing is just an added bonus, too.
Posted in Northern California, Pizza, Reviews | No Comments »
June 4th, 2006 by Rosebud
Restaurant Location
Restaurant Description
Jimboy’s is a Sacramento institution, having churned out delicous tacos (and other Mexican delights) for the past 50 years. If Mexican fast food is what you seek, Jimboy’s fits the bill — don’t go running for the border.
The Review
The menu at Jimboy’s is pretty straightforward: Want a taco, a burrito, an enchilada, a quesadilla, a taco salad, or a tostada? You pick one item, then decide on your filling: ground meat, shredded beef, chicken, steak, or beans.
The tacos here are pretty simple: crunchy shell, meat, lettuce and cheese. That’s pretty much all you need. Their meats are slathered in some secret, slightly spicy sauce — whatever it is, it’s good. The taco is simple because it doesn’t really need a whole lot of embellishment. Most of the other food items are built in the same no-frills manner.
Besides the fare mentioned above, you can also get a chile relleno. And it’s not bad for a fast-food chile relleno: nice and crunchy with lots of cheese on the inside, all bathed in delicious ranchero sauce. And it comes with rice. It’s a meal in itself.
One downside to Jimboys is its burritos. They’re a little small and perhaps too no-frills. The bean one seems to be filled with just beans and can be a little bland. They’re also slightly fried, making them closer to chimichangas than burritos. Everything else, though, is a pretty safe bet.
The last word of warning: Remember that Jimboy’s is still fast food. It can be a little greasy. But it’s still damn good.
The Bottom Line
Incredibly cheap, and great for a quick craving. But like most fast food, you don’t want to be eating here every day … unless you’re into gaining a wicked ton of pounds.
Posted in Fast Food, Mexican, Northern California, Reviews | No Comments »
June 4th, 2006 by Chef Mei
Restaurant Description
$$-$$$
In the Conejo Valley, the majority of business are located in strip malls and Cafi 14 is no exception. A husband and wife chef team with backgrounds in catering owns this quaint café named after its unit number in the strip mall. However, once inside the restaurant, you are transported out of the suburban strip mall. Decorated in muted neutrals and elegant French art, Cafi 14’s dining room feels like a sophisticated and relaxed bistro.
The service is excellent prompt and friendly. Our waitress expertly recited the long list of specials and genuinely cared about our dining experience.
The Review
The cuisine here is Cal-French. We sampled the bibb and red lettuce salad with goat cheese, grapes and walnuts ($8), the corn veloute soup ($7), roasted chicken with organic baby vegetables ($21) and backfin crab cakes ($13). The ingredients in each dish tasted very fresh, but I felt that most of the dishes sampled were a bit bland. One highlight was the crab cakes, which are probably the best I have ever had. Oftentimes, crab cakes are too dense and soggy after being pan-fried. However, Cafi 14’s are light, fluffy, coated with crispy panko breadcrumbs and accented with fresh dill. A delicious classic remoulade (similar to American tartare sauce) and micro greens accompanies the crabcakes. We finished the meal with classic French beignets, which were fried to perfection and had creamy centers; and Key Lime mousse pie. The texture of this pie was brilliant, but I longed for more lime flavor.
The Bottom Line
For those who wish to dine vs. eat out in the Conejo Valley, Cafi 14 offers solid food and great service.
Posted in Reviews, San Fernando Valley, Southern California | No Comments »
June 4th, 2006 by Chef Mei
Restaurant Description
$$$$
When in Wynn Las Vegas, if you ever tire of the sound of pinging slot machines and clattering poker chips, meander through the casino towards the escalators by the man-made lake and enjoy exquisite cuisine at Daniel Boulud Brasserie. Upon entering the beautiful dining room, you feel as though you are in a different world, in your own little retreat. The space is decorated in muted neutrals, sage colored booths and mosaic floors. Guests can enjoy a view of the lake and stone waterfall from any table and can also dine al fresco. The ambience is elegant yet relaxed and induces a sense of calm. In such an esteemed restaurant, you might expect an air of snobbery, however the service was friendly, prompt and down-to-earth. The sommelier appeared as soon as he saw me perusing the wine list, which is 25 pages in length and offers bottles from $39 to $14,000.
The Review
The meal began with a Charcuterie platter ($24), a selection of five types of cold cuts and pate served with homemade pickles. This sounds pretty basic, but Charcuterie is an art, and Boulud does an amazing job with this. Our next appetizer was Moules Frites ($24), a classic French dish. This is offered as an entrie but works just as well as a starter. You get a huge bowl of sweet and tender mussels in a delicious perfectly balanced broth with a side of fries. We also tried the mesclun salad ($12), an assortment of young salad leaves. This again sounds basic, but the balsamic olive oil vinaigrette offset the bitterness of the greens so well that the salad was propelled to a whole new level. For the entrees, we tried the Steak au Poivre ($43), tender and served with a scrumptious potato gratin and spinach. The roasted halibut ($24) was amazingly light and succulent, served in a lovely broth. Even the roasted chicken ($28), accompanied with haricot vert and the super creamy mashed potatoes, was phenomenal. You will also find one of the most expensive hamburgers here at Boulud the DB Burger ($36) consists of 9 oz. of sirloin stuffed with braised shortribs and foie gras. It is served with black truffle, roasted tomato and a dab of horseradish on a parmesan bun. That too, was amazing.
The Bottom Line
Daniel Boulud Brasserie leaves me speechless. A meal here can burn a hole in your wallet, but the food is so exquisite and service so excellent, that the experience is worth every penny.
Posted in Nevada, Reviews | No Comments »
June 3rd, 2006 by Rosebud
Restaurant Location
Alfonso’s Carnitas Jalisco
Restaurant Description
Admittedly, Tucson isn’t much to look at, but being about 60 miles from the Mexican border, it’s actually got some excellent
authentic Mexican food. (It’s probably one of the few redeeming things about said town.) Stereotypical as it sounds, Carnitas Jalisco meets most of the requirements of authentic: folks who barely speak English,
Cristina or some
fútbol on the television, and good ol’ homestyle cooking. This place is small and truly hole-in-the-wall, but aren’t most great ethnic joints like that?
A word of warning, though — you probably want to go to Carnitas Jalisco while it’s still daylight. It’s located in South Tucson, which is not the greatest area of town, if you’re squeamish about that kind of thing.
The Review
As mentioned above, Carnitas Jalisco is all about homestyle Mexican food. There are carne asada tacos (nicely seasoned, small, and very good). There are chicharrones as appetizer (which, if you don’t know what they are, think very fried pork rinds — heart attack on a plate). It’s not a huge menu, but hits most of the high points. The tacos are simple — just a tortilla (corn or flour), your choice of meat (there’s chicken too), and some lettuce. This place also serves birria, which is goat. Everything smells excellent, too. Lastly, most everything is in that $-$$ price range, so you could get a good lunch for less than 10 bucks.
The Bottom Line
It’s a slice of Mexico for a great price. You certainly can’t beat its authenticity … and once you have a taco here, you’ll wonder why you ever went to one of the fast-food fake Mexican joints in the first place.
Posted in Arizona, Reviews | No Comments »
June 2nd, 2006 by Rosebud
Restaurant Description
Another hole-in-the-wall gem in midtown Sacramento. This little Chinese restaurant doesn’t look like a whole lot on the outside, but inside, there’s all sorts of reasonably-priced goodies waiting for you.
The Review
Gloppy Chinese food this isn’t. (Even the sweet-and-sour [insert meat of your pleasure here] isn’t ridiculously thick.) Pretty much all the standard Chinese fare can be found here, from the aforementioned sweet and sour to beef with broccoli (and yes, it’s Chinese broccoli, not your regular mini-trees) to wonton soup to every kind of fried rice you can think of. A few Szechuan dishes are available, but it’s Cantonese for the most part. A personal favorite is the pan-fried pork chops — deep-fried pieces of pork, salted just right, with a liberal dose of peppers sprinkled on top. It’s a dish that isn’t found in too many Chinese restaurants, and is mighty tasty.
The only thing that’s really so-so is some of their soups. If you dine in, you get complimentary soup, but it’s usually some sort of greenish, garish-looking bowl that looks like a pond with a bad case of algae. (Tastes kind of like that, too.)
Portions are pretty decent. A ravenous human being can eat one dinner portion; two or three entrees will leave two people with plenty of leftovers. The lunch combination specials are pretty nifty too, but not as extensive as the dinner menu.
Lastly, these people are fast. Really fast. You’ll get your food quickly and always piping hot when you dine in. When you do takeout, call ‘em up, and when they say to pick up your food in 10-15 minutes, they’re really talking more like less than 10 minutes.
The only potential downside is that when the place is busy (as it is on most Sundays, for example), it can take a while for you to get your check if you’re dining in.
One word of caution, though, especially if you’re calling for takeout: Rice is charged separately. Just so you’re not disappointed when you take your large chunks of beef/seafood/pork/chicken home and realize you don’t have any rice to eat with it.
The Bottom Line
New Tea Cup Cafe has always been a personal favorite. Cheap, filling, and always terrific for a quick Chinese fix. That, combined with their usually speedy service, has also made it another favorite dinner stop for the media folks over at The Sacramento Bee. The food certainly isn’t bland and not overly greasy, either, so you don’t feel all weighted down after a delicious dinner. Oh, and they’re open almost every day, even on holidays until 10 p.m. — now that’s comfort food.
Posted in Area, Chinese, Northern California, Reviews | No Comments »
June 1st, 2006 by Chef Mei
Restaurant Description
Established in 1964, Capo’s Italian Cuisine is located off the Strip, so it’s easy to get to and parking is hassle-free. Once you go through the front doors, you enter into a “holding room”, where you must ring a doorbell to gain entrance into the dining area. Behind you, a secret window opens, and the host asks your name. The initial experience in the restaurant is a bit of a surprise and is certainly unique. The dining room is dimly lit and reminiscent of an old saloon/mafia hangout with its thick maroon and gold drapes and tapestry booths. Jerry Vale and Frank Sinatra tunes play in the background, and a huge portrait of Al Capone hangs in the center of the room.
The Review
We kick off the meal with fried mozzarella, bruschetta and stuffed mushrooms. The mozzarella is fresh and tender, and the bruschetta is very tasty with a garlic kick. The mushroom caps were a bit small and too salty. Capo’s offers a good selection of pasta dishes and traditional Italian entrees such as veal marsala. Pasta dishes (approximately $16-$19) are large and come with a simple salad of iceberg lettuce, tomato, artichoke hearts, grated parmesan, oil and garlic. Meat entrees come with either potatoes or mushroom risotto and a vegetable; salads are extra. Pizzas here are thin and tend to have more cheese than sauce. Service is prompt and generally pleasant, although the waitress questioned me when I asked for a knife. She said the veal should be tender enough to cut with a fork. Tiramisu here is more cake-like and has more chocolate flavor than espresso. Overall, the food is good and pastas are probably the better choice over pizza or meat entrees.
The Bottom Line
Reasonably priced, a unique dining room, nice portions and decent food make Capo’s a good place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the Strip.
Posted in Nevada, Reviews | No Comments »
June 1st, 2006 by Chef Mei
Restaurant Description
$
Don’t be put off by the rundown appearance of this little hole in the wall located off Westwood Blvd. next door to a mysterious “smoke shop”. Although Sunnin’s green and white tiled interior, scenic posters of Lebanon adorning the walls and cramped quarters don’t make this the quaintest dining space, the food certainly stands out. Some think it’s best to order take out, but I think the atmosphere is just part of Sunnin’s charm. This place is often packed at lunch and dinner hours, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a seat. The restaurant is so small that at a busy time, guests end up packed in like sardines. Grab a seat at the counter to see the guys in action or get your meal to-go if you’re claustrophobic.
The Review
The service is quick and friendly. Dishes are served on Styrofoam plates with plastic utensils and flimsy napkins from a dispenser on the table. Drinks come in red plastic Solo cups that commonly found at barbecues, picnics and college parties. It’s truly no-frills dining. Parking, as is the case with most places in West LA, is a problem. Park in the Ross Dress for Less parking lot, or street park on Westwood Blvd. or on a side street a block or two away.
Sunnin offers a good variety of Lebanese dishes including shawarma sandwiches, falafel, and different kinds of kebab plates that come with salad, pita bread and rice pilaf – all priced around $7 or $8. Shawarma is made by placing strips of meat or marinated chicken on a vertical rotisserie skewer. The meat is rolled up into a sandwich with pita bread (looks like a large burrito) along with tomato, lettuce, bright fuscia pickled turnips and tahini dressing. The chicken kebab sandwich, which is also rolled up like a burrito, includes grilled white chicken meat and a very-addicting garlic mayonaise. Their babaganoush and hummus are the best I’ve had.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: I have often said that if I had a last meal, I would go to Sunnin. Their simple dishes are so delicious and packed with flavor, and the prices are great.
Posted in Reviews, Southern California, Westside | No Comments »
