Side Street Inn, Honolulu, HI

Side Street Inn
1225 Hopaka
Honolulu, O'ahu, HI 96814
808-591-0253
http://www.sidestreetinn.com/
Open daily, 2pm-2am.
It's on a small side street not far from the Ala Moana Center.
Very little side street parking available. There's a pay parking structure across the street - park in the upper levels. Valet available in the evenings.

Visited: August 2010, Dinnner, Dine-in

Side Street Inn is a large casual bar that serves great food. There are a ton of TVs around, and all in all, it seems like folks are having a good time. Chef/owner Colin Nishida has created a great menu of local flavors with a few high end touches thrown in here and there. Side Street Inn is supposed to be a favorite of locals and chefs alike, and I can see why.

Everything is served small plate or pupu style. Yes, everything is served to share, like a pupu or appetizer, however there is nothing small plate about it. The portions are very large. We wish we knew how large before we set to ordering.

We had the 12 ounce New York Steak (market price) which came on a sizzling black plate atop onions and mushrooms. The steak itself was rather plain, but very tender and tasty on its own. The mushrooms were heavenly! They continued to sizzle away in some type of non-visible buttery garlicky goodness, so it was quite a surprise to get so much flavor bursting forth.

We tried one of the specials, a combo of pork buns. Chinese BBQ Pork / Cha Siu and Chinese Roast Pork served with steamed white buns. Except for the mustard drizzled over the cha siu, these were delicious. The buns were a tender texture, however we could have used more buns. The roast pork with its crisp skin and touch of plum sauce was the perfect analog for Peking duck.

We had their Side Street Works Fried Rice ($15.00) which was loaded with quite the assortment of pork - cha siu, lop cheng, bacon, Portuguese sausage, and possibly more. It was a very good fried rice, however, with so many goodies, it soon became hard to distinguish all of the yummies. I think I would have preferred a simpler bacon fried rice, or a cha siu fried rice, for example, to really be able to savor it properly.

And lastly we had the Fried Saimin which was also a very large portion. It had a great flavor and was loaded with egg, kamaboko, Portuguese sausage and spamelope.

All in all, we enjoyed our meal, we just ordered waaay too much food. Their Pan Fried Island Pork Chops and Baby Back Ribs are also supposed to be delicious - so we'll try those next time.

Pitfire Artisan Pizza, Culver City, CA

Pitfire Artisan Pizza
12924 Washington Blvd
Los Angeles / Culver City, CA 90066
424-835-4088
http://www.pitfirepizza.com/
Small parking lot that is very crowded on Friday and Saturday nights.
Warehouse environment that can get quite loud when crowded. Outdoor seating available.
Order at the counter, and food is brought to your table (self seating). Additional drinks and dessert may be ordered from your server.
3 more locations around LA in North Hollywood, downtown LA, and West LA.

Visited: September 2010, Dinner, Dine-in


Overall, we enjoyed our meal, however we wouldn't go out of our way to eat at Pitfire.

All food is brought at the same time, so even if you order an appetizer or soup, it will come as the same time as your pizza and pasta.

We 'started' from the Pantry or appetizer section with Meatballs ($6) which was 3 of their large Hand-Crafted Chicken Meatballs served with their tomato sauce and topped with some grated Grana. The menu says it's served with grilled bread, and well, we got one slice of grilled bread. This seemed rather odd - one slice of bread served with three meatballs? Regardless, the meatballs and the sauce were very very tasty. The meatballs had a nice texture and a very interesting spice mix - it had something sweet that almost hinted of a Middle Eastern spice. The tomato sauce had a great fresh yet rich flavor. I would definitely order the Meatballs again, or try them with the Spaghetti and Meatballs ($9.25).



We tried a couple pizzas. They use a thin crust that is cooked very well, and has a nice char. The pizzas are sliced into quarters, and I noticed some folks eating their slices New York style - folded in half. One problem is that there is quite a bit of untopped crust at the edges, and it's rather lacking (and too charred). If you have sauce leftover from the meatballs, that makes a nice dip. We noticed that folks at other tables were leaving crust edges behind, too.

First was the Pitfire Sausage ($9.95) topped with their very tasty tomato sauce, fontina and mozz, large and small chunks of their sweet fennel sausage (very mild flavored), and crunchy flavorless red onions. While overall, this is a pleasant pizza, it seemed lacking in sausage particularly when compared to the Pepperoni that we also ordered.



The Pepperoni ($9.75) was covered in slices of nitrate-free pepperoni slices which had a nice flavor - herby and with a little snap. A very good pepperoni that wasn't greasy. The pizza was also topped with their tomato sauce, fresh mozz and fresh basil. A very good pizza (except for the crust edge issue).



The Roasted Vegetable Panini ($8.95) was a disappointment. The crusty bread was quite lovely, however it didn't make up for the bland contents. Roasted vegetables should have a caramelization that provide their own seasoning, but alas, no. It was a large sandwich with olive mayo (the only tasty thing), pesto (which seemed nonexistent), roasted eggplant, roasted zucchini, roasted bell peppers (almost tasteless - how is that possible?), those flavorless red onions, melted fresh mozz (added a nice texture), and some lovely, but too plentiful, lettuce. The sandwich was also served with a very large side house salad of mixed greens, shaved Asiago, vinaigrette and homemade croutons. The salad was quite tasty.



They also have a nice collection of bottled sodas. Coke and Coca Light from Mexico so they're made with sugar. And a selection of Boylan sodas - regular and diet. I had the Ginger Ale, which was a nice treat. Interesting bottled and draught beers, and wine were also available.

I'd go back and try more items on the menu, but only if I were in the area.

Hukilau Cafe, Laie, Oahu, HI

Hukilau Cafe
55-662 Wahinipe'e St
La'ie, O'ahu, HI 96762
808-293-8616
Located north of the Polynesian Cultural Center, to the west of Route 83 Kamehameha Hwy.
There is a small sign when going northbound that shows you where to turn.
Street parking.
Cash only. Breakfast and lunch only.

Visited: August 2010, Lunch, Dine-in

We were looking forward to a great plate lunch, and we were not disappointed! Be sure to go early to beat the lunch crowd, and to ensure finding parking in this residential neighborhood.

We ordered our favorites, starting with the Loco Moco - ground beef patties covered with very tasty scrambled eggs over lots of rice, then smothered in a rich brown gravy. This was a very good loco moco, which means that the gravy was good - the gravy is always the kicker.

Then we had the Hukilau Combo - teri beef, fried mahi mahi and tempura shrimp, of course served with two scoops of rice and usually a scoop of macaroni salad. But not being fan of mac, I ordered all rice. First note was that it wasn't tempura shrimp but rather panko coated fried shrimp. No matter - they were fresh (crisp and hot) and tasty. The mahi mahi was also panko crusted, and served hot and crisp. Side sauces included were cocktail and tartar, but they didn't really need them. I was a little concerned that there wasn't a side of teri sauce to go with the beef, but amazingly, it didn't need it. The many slices of thin teri beef were very flavorful - they must have a great marinade, that there was no need for any additional sauce. This is a good entree to try several things, and large enough to share.



Which is why we also ordered the Beef Stew Bowl instead of the plate lunch. The stew had that great Hawaiian stew look - a hint of red from the tomato, however it wasn't strong in the tomato flavor. But the stew didn't need it. The gravy was thick and rich, and the meat was plentiful and tender as were the carrots and potatoes. It comes served over rice.



We also ordered a side of fries (they just looked so good, and were tasty) and one soda. They have self service water near the counter. I don't have all of the individual prices, but our total (before tip) was $28 - a great great deal considering not only how much food we got, but how great it tasted. And everyone was super friendly and very welcoming.

Most folks visit and write about the giant Hukilau Burger which is a hamburger patty topped with teri beef, fried egg, grilled onions, cheese, and lettuce and tomato. We did see someone order it at the next table over, and it looked ridiculous. Perhaps another time.

The Donut Hole, La Puente, CA

The Donut Hole
15300 Amar Road
La Puente, CA 91744
626-968-2912
Drive-through only; 24 hours.

Visited: May 2010, Dinner, Take-out


Well, the real reason to visit The Donut Hole is that you get to drive through the donut's hole! It's very cool. The donut shop is open 24 hours, and even at 8pm, they still had a nice selection to choose from.

We just got a couple things - a Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting and a Raised Glazed Twist. Both were fresh and satisfying. They don't sell French donuts (which is a rarity, anyways).

Dim Sum Express, Monterey Park, CA

Dim Sum Express
326 N. Garfield Ave
Monterey Park, CA 91745
626-307-5800
Walk-up stand; 4 tables and benches on the side.
Parking in the lot behind.
Open 7:30a-7:00p.

Visited: May 2010, Late afternoon, Take-out


We were a little apprehensive in visiting this place because almost all of the dim sum items are sold by the piece, and that just seemed way too expensive (and unlike most other dim sum places). However, after we saw how large they were, and how tasty, we were sold.

The Siu Mai ($0.75) were large and plump, and very flavorful. I sometimes worry when siu mai are too big cuz they don't cook all the way through, but these were great.

The Har Gow ($0.85) had large pieces of shrimp - you could actually tell they were shrimp, not just minced orangey-pink bits. Very good.

The steamed Cha Siu Bao ($0.85) was also very tasty. There could have been a little more filling, but overall it was still satisfying.

The Hom Suey Goks ($0.75) were very large. They were a little greasey, but the dough was nicely chewy and the meat filling had a nice flavor.

We don't usually order Egg Rolls ($0.75) for dim sum, but thought we would try them while we were here. Yeah, no. They were nicely crisp and had lots of veggie filling, but they were very oniony. The overwhelming flavor was onion.

The flat Fried Wontons ($1.35) were disappointing. They tasted like fried egg roll wrappers (which is fine) but there was hardly any filling.

The Pot Stickers ($1.35 for 4) and the Steamed Dumplings ($1.25) had plenty of filling and were very tasty.

Also good was the Chicken Rice in Lotus Leaf ($1.65). The rice was tender, and there was the right amount of chicken filling. This would make a great lunch.

And the Turnip Cakes ($0.75) had a very nice pan fried char, and lot of yummy tasty bits.

The last thing we ordered, we were a bit disappointed in. They also feature some 'fast food' non-dim sum items. We tried the spicy Deep Fried Pork Chops and rice ($4.49). For the price, you get a lot of food. But it didn't have much taste - definitely not spicy.

Overall, we were quite pleased with this little dim sum walk-up stand.

Shakas Hawaiian Flavors, Monterey Park, CA

Shakas Hawaiian Flavors
2300 Garfield Ave
Monterey Park, CA 91754
323-888-2695
http://www.shakas.com/
Casual; order at the counter.
Located just north of the 60 freeway.
Parking in the strip mall and on the side street.
Second location: 101 Main St, #C, Alhambra, CA 91801

Visited: May 2010, Lunch, Take-out


Shakas is a nice casual Hawaiian fast food place. We tried just a few things, but were quite satisfied, and will definitely be back to try more menu items.

We had the Kalua Pork Tacos - two crispy tacos FILLED with kalua pig and topped with raw cabbage, cheese and pico de gallo. The kalua was smoky and rich, however, I figured out that kalua tacos are not for me. While tasty, they were waaay too rich for my blood.

We got a side order of the Mochiko Chicken. Boneless chicken pieces that have been marinated in a sweet soy sauce, and then lightly coated and deep fried. These were delicious little morsels. They identify the Mochiko Chicken as a house specialty, and they're right.

We also got an order of Spam Musubi ($1.95) which was very fresh and flavorful. I love it when there's just a little sauce on the rice, and this how they do it. It was larger than I expected - maybe 4 inches long.

They have all the other traditional Hawaiian grindz (Loco Moco, Kalbi, Katsu, Huli Huli Chicken, etc.) so we'll be back to try.

The Donut Man, Glendora, CA

The Donut Man
915 E. Route 66
Glendora, CA 91740
626-335-9111
Walk up stand, no seating. Cash only. 24 hours.
Plenty of free parking behing the shop.

Visited: May 2010, Afternoon, Take-out


The Donut Man is best known for their Fresh Strawberry and Fresh Peach donuts. Large circular raised glazed donuts that are cut in half and filled with fruit and glaze. The fruits are seasonal - either they have strawberries or they have peaches. When we arrived in the late afternoon, they were in the process of making a new batch of the massive strawberry donuts. We decided that they had so many other tasty things that we tried those and come back another time for the strawberry.

We tried their other specialty, Tiger Tails. Looong twisted raised glazed donuts that are plain, or have chocolate twisted in. Very good.

Their Boston Creme Pies were also decadent. Large (maybe 4 or 5 inches in diameter) raised donuts filled with custardy cream and topped with chocolate icing. Exceptional.

They also make French Donuts which are hard to find. They were fresh, and they custom glazed one for us with chocolate. Unfortunately, it wasn't that great. It was mushy in the middle. (Randy's in Inglewood makes excellent French donuts.)

We also tried their very large donut Cinnamon Rolls (maybe 6 inches in diameter), and their traditional Raised Glazed Donuts were very good.

There was slight hint of old oil, but overall they were very good donuts. And everyone was very friendly, including the other customers in line. It seems everyone's in a good mood when ordering donuts!

Despite the late afternoon/early evening timeframe, we were pleased at how fresh the donuts were. For a 24-hour business, it was great to know that they make their donuts regularly and provide quality donuts at all hours.

Bahooka Family Restaurant, Rosemead, CA

Bahooka Family Restaurant
4501 Rosemead Blvd
Rosemead, CA 91770
626-285-1211
http://www.bahooka.com/
Casual; great for families or drinking get togethers. Full bar.
Plenty of free parking in their lot.

Visited: May 2010, Afternoon, Take-out


This place is quite the sight to see - even if you just come to look and not eat (which is almost what we did). There are fish tanks EVERYWHERE! Great fun to look at. It's also quite a maze of a restaurant, but looks like it would great fun to hang out with friends and have lots of drinks with umbrellas.

They feature Polynesian food and tiki bar fun stuff. We decided to try a couple of their noted appetizers. First, Bahooka's Special Exotic Ribs ($23.25 for two pounds) which were like Chinese-style red ribs but then they were served with American-style bbq sauce. The ribs were tender, but didn't really have much taste. I was expecting much more.

And we got an order of the Crab Puffs ($10.75 for 2o puffs) which were rather odd little things. They were little fried balls of soft crab filling. The first one kinda tasted crabby, but the next ones just seemed salty.

So, I'm thinking that we won't be back for the food, but for the ambience. And after a few drinks, maybe those appetizers will be downright delish.

Euro Pane Bakery, Pasadena, CA

Euro Pane Bakery
950 E. Colorado Blvd, Suite 107
Pasadena, CA 91106
626-577-1828
This is the 'old' location near Lake. They're opening another location further west on Colorado (west of Los Robles.)
Some indoor and outdoor seating.
Metered street parking.

Visited: May 2010, Afternoon, Take-out


Euro Pane was recently on Food Network's Best Think I Ever Ate (for its Egg Salad Sandwich), however it was on our list to try before that. We were going to be the area, and thought we'd stop in.

It was around 3 in the afternoon, and we were very disappointed in the selection that remained. They didn't even have any more bread left to serve sandwiches! The cases was partially filled onesies of this and that, and it was all rather surprising since there was a line of customers who left rather disappointed. They were scheduled to be open until 5:30, and I don't know what they were planning to sell.

We tried a few things, and were rather disappointed in the lacklusterness of the items. We tried a slice of the Frittata which was really more like a quiche. It had some veggies in it, but the problem were the long frilly herbs that made it difficult to eat.

We also tried a Cinnamon Roll, and they threw in a Dinner Roll for good measure (I guess to clear the cabinet faster?). Both were just there, not inspiring.

The intriguing thing was the bag of Chocolate Chocolate Chip Biscotti-like things. They tasted and felt like a chocolate chocolate chip cake that was sliced thing and left to dry to produce these crispy wafter cookies. Fascinating and tasty. They didn't have a label so I don't know what they called them, or what they were supposed to be. Maybe they were just dried out cookies? Dunno, but they were tasty.

We were hoping to try the brioche, croissants, lemon bars, etc, that we had heard good things about. But alas, based on what we tried, we won't go out of our way.

Ristorante Deneno, Alachua, FL

Ristorante Deneno
14960 Main Street
Alachua, FL 32615
386-418-1066
http://www.deneno.com/
Casual nice. Full bar.
Plenty of parking in the public lot across the street.

Visited: May 2010, Lunch, Dine-in


This adorable restaurant in the heart of downtown Alachua is such a gem! The portions are generous, the prices are very reasonable, and the service is friendly.

We started with the Calamari ($6). A very lovely pile of nicely coated and crisp calamari as well as these little slices of coated crispy lemon slices - quite an interesting flavor surprise. The marinara was thick and spicy, and very tasty.

The have an open wood burning pizza oven, and we had the Portobello Pizza ($6) with lovely portobello mushrooms, and grana padana and mozzarella cheeses, and the Blanca Pizza ($7) topped with garlic, artichokes, and a number of cheeses - ricotta, parmesan, romano, and mozzarella. Both were plate-sized with a very lovely chewy crust and plenty of toppings.

We also tried the very tasty Deneno Burger ($8) that came topped with gorgonzola, red onions, and choice of swiss or cheddar. The burger also comes with mushrooms, but we opted out of those. As the pizza crust was great, the burger also came on a very nice homemade roll. A generous serving of pasta salad also came with.

It was a very relaxing lunch with great good. I'm looking forward to trying other menu items.

Hans' Homemade Ice Cream, Santa Ana, CA

Hans' Homemade Ice Cream and Deli
3640 S. Bristol St
Santa Ana, CA 92704
714-979-8815
Casual. Plenty of parking in the strip mall lot.
Located near South Coast Plaza.

Visited: May 2010, Evening, Dine-in


Hans' is a traditional ice cream scoop shop and parlour that also serves salads and sandwiches. Since we make some pretty good homemade ice cream, we're always looking for shops that make good 'homemade' or small batch ice cream.

We tried a One Scoop Dish ($3.50) of Coffee Ice Cream. If was definitely coffee flavored, but more like coffee and cream than just coffee. I prefer my flavors to be more distinct.

We also tried a One Scoop Dish of Lemon Custard that was pleasantly lemony; good, but not sensational.

And a Regular size Chocolate Milkshake ($5.25) that was quite pleasant and chocolatey, rich, and cold. It definitely hit the spot.

We wouldn't object to going back, but would not make a special trip, especially when our homemade ice cream is pretty tasty.

Shivers Bar-B-Q, Homestead, FL

Shivers Bar-B-Q
28001 S. Dixie Hwy
Homestead, FL 33033
305-248-2272
http://www.shiversbbq.com/
Casual; large shared tables and benches. Beer and wine.
Parking in the front lot.

Visited: March 2010, Lunch, Dine-in


We had a lovely late lunch at Shivers, home of hickory smoked bar-b-q since 1950. It has a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

We tried the Beef and Pork Combo ($10.99) - 2 very nice servings of very tender beef brisket slices and sliced bar-b-q pork that also came with two sides. We got the Bar-B-Q Beans which were sweet and smoky with nice chunks of pork, and the Sweet Corn Souffle was terrific. There were choices of three sauces on the table - sweet, spicy and mustard-based. I had the sweet, and it was very good. The spicy was a bit too hot - meaning it was all hot without much flavor.

We also had the Hickory Burger ($7.99) with cheese ($0.50) and bacon ($0.75) added to it. The burger was thick, tasty, and very satisfying. The burger came with two sides, and we got the Bar-B-Q Beans and French Fries, also very good.

Additionally, we got a couple appetizers. The Onion Rings ($3.89) were a massive pile of skinny, lightly coated onion rings. And the fried Corn on the Cob ($2.19) was amazing. The corn became sweet and caramelized from the frying, and was oh-so-tasty.

A very nice little place that was recommended by locals.

Gourmet Cobbler Factory, Pasadena, CA

Gourmet Cobbler Factory
33 N. Catalina Ave
Pasadena, CA 91106
626-795-1005
Take-out only. Street parking.
www.thegourmetcobblerfactory.com (although the website isn't that helpful)

Visited: May 2010


We were curious about the Gourmet Cobbler Factory, and whether they really just served cobblers. They in fact do have some other pies, and now appear to be serving bbq.

We were happy to find that even though we were there at closing time at 3pm, they still had fresh hot cobblers. We chose 3 small desserts, and while they weren't cheap, you do get a lot of filling.

We tried the Peach Cobbler which was very good. It had a thin crust on both top and bottom, which made it seem more like a deep dish pie.

And the Pecan Pie was good also. It had a nice bottom crust that wasn't mushy.

And lastly, we tried the Sweet Potato Pie which was good, but very sweet.

While she may have a selection to choose from in her case, your best bet is to place an order ahead of time.

Aloha Food Factory, Alhambra, CA

Aloha Food Factory
2990 W. Valley Blvd
Alhambra, CA 91803
626-308-0215
Located 2 blocks east of the end of the 710 freeway.
Plenty of parking in their own lot.
Casual. And Hawaiian style, they're closed on Mondays and holidays.

Visited: May 2010, Lunch, Take-out


We wanted to get a good feel for this restaurant, so we ordered several items. The kitchen is rather small, and it took a while for our order to be completed. In the meantime, the lovely lady of the house gave us each a sample Macadamia Nut Pancake. The little pancake was tasty itself, but it was really the topping and little crunchy bits of mac nut on top that were amazing. I'm not sure what the topping is - it's not syrup, or sweetened condensed milk, but it was more like a creme anglaise. Very tasty.

We ordered the Loco Moco ($7.25) which was a very large portion of rice, hamburger patty, scrambled eggs, and gravy. While fine, it was overall rather plain. Which is what we found to be the case with all of the items we ordered. Good, but plain - not highly seasoned.

For the Aloha Plate ($10.99), we chose Kalua Pig and Cha Shu (which we had heard raves about). The Plate came with steamed rice, veggies, and Mac-Potato Salad. The Kalua was light on both smoke and flavor. And the Cha Shu was tasty roasted bbq pork, but definitely not cha shu. If we had been served it without a name, we would have assigned it the title of cha shu.

And lastly, we got the Kalbi Plate ($9.75) that came with rice, veggies, and Mac-Potato Salad. The ribs were tender and had a nice char, but also very plain. As if they needed to marinate longer, or have a sauce applied during or after cooking.

A friendly little hole in the wall that also serves shave ice, but not sure that we'd be back for the things we've already tried.

Cherrystone's Grill & Grotto, Gardena, CA

Cherrystone's Grill & Grotto
15501 S. Vermont Ave
Gardena, CA 90247
310-329-8200
http://www.cherrystones.org/
Casual nice; sit down dining.
Plenty of lot and street parking out front.

Visited: May 2010, Dinner, Dine-in


This is an interesting restaurant with your traditional fare that you would find in a restaurant called 'grotto' such as prime rib, meatloaf, and fish and chips. But it's also a Hawaiian restaurant, so you get things like katsu, kalbi and bento boxes. It's such an unassuming restaurant with great food and friendly service.

We had the special thin sliced Prime Roast Beef with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy ($14.50) - so very tender, and the gravy was dark brown and heavenly. It came with a serving of seasonal veggies, and started with a nice little dinner green salad.

We also tried the steamed Chilean Seabass with Chinese Black Bean Sauce ($18.50). This was very tasty, and the fish was cooked very well despite its thickness. The fish came with steamed rice and vegetables. It also came with a starter salad, and we chose the somen salad that came with greens in a very nice soy vinaigrette. I could have eaten a whole meal of that salad alone.

And we got the Teriyaki Salmon Bento Box ($13.00) that came with somen salad, mac salad, broccoli medley salad, steamed rice, and fruit. While tasty and interesting, the other entrees seemed more exciting.

On special were their Sesame Wings which is usually only available on the catering menu. These were lovely soy-sesame marinated wings then deep fried to a golden brown. Tasty and very meaty.

Our neighbors at the table next to us had the braised shortribs with gravy and the panko crusted pork chops. Both looked super tasty, and gave us inspiration of what to try on our next visit.

Sonny's Famous Steak Hogies, Hollywood, FL

Sonny's Famous Steak Hogies
1857 N. 66th Ave
Hollywood, FL 33024
954-989-0561
www.sonnysfamoussteakhogies.com
Casual; take-out, order from the counter; eat in, table service.
Plenty of free parking out front and on the street.
Cash only.

Visited: March 2010, Dinner, Dine-in


As seen on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives with Guy Fieri, this fun little sandwich shop has great Steak Hogies, akin to Philly Cheesesteaks, and everyone working there was really nice. They've been around since 1958 - they must be doing something right!

We had the #90: Steak Hogie, Plain with Fried Onions ($5.45) plus the recommended Provolone ($0.50), although Mozzarella and American are available. The Sauce was also recommended, so we got a dish on the side. It's a homemade marinara style sauce, which did add a nice kick. So really, this sandwich became a #50: Steak Hogie, Sauce and Fried Onions ($5.45) with Provolone. A very satisfying sandwich that hit the spot for dinner.

We also had a #90 with Provolone, Green Peppers ($0.50) (cooked, but not well cooked as I prefer), and I would have ordered the mushrooms, except that I read reviews online that these were canned mushrooms, and I'm not a fan of those on sandwiches. No sauce. Again, a very satisfying sandwich.

We noticed other folks ordering the pizza, pasta and other hot and cold hogies, and then the smell of buttery garlic entered the small dining area. We couldn't resist, and got an order of Garlic Rolls ($2.90) that are only served in the evenings. These tender bread morsels are coated in butter and minced garlic and herbs - YUM!

Sonny's is definitely going to stay on our list the next time we're in the Ft Lauderdale / Miami area.

Wolfe Burgers, Pasadena, CA

Wolfe Burgers
46 N. Lake Ave
Pasadena, CA 91101
626-792-7292
http://www.wolfeburgers.com/
Casual; order and pick up at the counter. Plenty of indoor, covered and open patio areas.
Free parking in the lot behind the restaurant.

Visited: a few times, Lunch, Dine-In
Most recently: May 2010


Wolfe Burgers actually has quite an extensive menu including breakfast and Mexican fare, but we stuck to the burgers.

A Wolfe Burger is standard 1/3 pound, and then there are variations on the Wolfe Burger.

We had the Ultimate Wolfe Burger that had two patties and the addition of blue cheese and bacon. It was a good burger that satisfied that great burger craving.

We also tried a Bacon Cheeseburger with Cheddar. Wow, both the bacon and the cheddar were so flavorful! They really turned a plain burger into one with a lot of pizzazz.

The service is quick and friendly, and all around a good experience.

Dave's Chillin-n-Grillin, Eagle Rock, CA

Dave's Chillin-n-Grillin
2152 Colorado Blvd
Eagle Rock, CA 90041
323-490-0988
http://www.daveschillin.com/
Casual; order at the counter, and the food is brought to you. Very small with indoor and a couple outdoor tables.
Some parking on the street, and a public metered lot in back (use the back entrance).
Cash only.

Visited: May 2010, Lunch, Dine-in


Dave's is known for their sandwiches and smoothies. We decided to try their most famous and talked about sandwiches.

The 10" Hot Sub Meatball Sandwich ($9.50) with everything - onions, pepper spread, cheese and sauce. The bread was great - crusty and chewy. But there wasn't enough sauce, and the meatballs weren't strong enough to hold their own. What does make the sandwich is the amazing 'pepper spread.'

And the Tuna Melt ($7.00) with everything - pepper spread and tomatoes. I had read rave reviews about the tuna melt and how it was this amazing sandwich. I have to say that yes, I thought the sandwich was quite good. However, my ideal tuna sandwich is made with tomatoes and pepper jack cheese, and this tuna melt just tasted like my normal tuna sandwich that I make for myself. I'm guessing that no one else thought to make their sandwich with pepper jack before, so this was an 'amazing find.' I would order it again, after all, it has my fave tuna sandwich flavor profile.

We chatted with Dave for a moment about the pepper spread - which is really what makes their sandwiches so amazing. He originally developed it for the Italian Cold Sub, but the spread was so popular that he started adding it the others. It's a lovely pink-orange colored spread based on red bell peppers. Again, this is something else that is also my in recipe repertoire, but I guess for most folks, it's 'fancy' and 'new.'

While we enjoyed our sandwiches and the staff were really nice, the service was really really really slow, and we weren't even there at lunch rush.

Joey's Smokin BBQ, Torrance, CA

Joey's Smokin BBQ
25308 Crenshaw Blvd
Torrance, CA 90505
310-257-1324
http://www.joeyssmokinbbq.com/
Located in Rolling Hills Plaza between CPK and Iccho. Plenty of free parking, but can be limited on busy Fridays and weekends due to the movie theaters.
Additional South Bay location in Manhattan Beach, as well as locations in Tustin and San Diego County.
Casual; walk up to the counter to order, then food is brought to your table.

Visited: June 2010, Dinner, Take-Out

We had known about the location in Manhattan Beach since it opened a couple years ago, but hadn't may our way over to it. This location in Torrance opened earlier this year, and we decided to finally go and try it (after it had some time to settle in - there were some horror stories about wait time when it first opened).

We wanted to try several of the menu items, and decided on Family Pack #3 ($79.99) which they say serves 6. I would say that *easily* this would serve 6 hungry adults, and you could even serve 8 adults without a problem. Quite a value to feed so many people. So what do you get...

1 full slab of Baby Back Ribs with your choice of sweet (Suh-weet) sauce, Carolina wet, or dry rubbed. In general, we prefer sweet bbq, so we went with that. The ribs were meaty, smoky and tender, and the sauce was a nice touch.

1 whole Lazy Smoked BBQ Chicken, also very tender. I thought that the chicken was a little plain, but I suppose that's just how chicken is. The skin was very nicely cooked and sauced, and the chicken went very well with the extra Suh-weet bbq sauce that we had and the baked beans.

1 pound of sliced Smoked Brisket - now this was to die for. I think this is the best smoked brisket I have ever had. Not only was it super tender with a light light smokey flavor, but it actually still tasted like beef. Oftentimes, I find that smoked brisket has lost its beef flavor when taken over by smoking, bbqing, or grilling. The best item in the Family Pack.

1 pound of Pulled Pork - a very close second to the Smoked Brisket. Tender and flavorful, and I bet this would taste excellent piled high on a sandwich.

1 quart of Mama's Downright Addictive BBQ Beans which were made with tender kidney and red beans, and sweet. If you like your baked beans or bbq beans to be sweet, then you'll love these. They go very well with the chicken and the pulled pork.

The Pack also comes with 1 quart of creamy cole slaw, but we opted for 1 quart of Mac n Cheese (for $2 extra) instead. Interesting Mac N Cheese, more like buttery noodles with a hint of cheese than, pow, in your face cheesiness. Overall, a very nice product, but don't look for uber cheese flavor.

And lastly, the Pack comes with 6 squares of Cornbread. Now, everyone has their favorite type of cornbread, and I like mine to feel a little gritty from the cornmeal. This is not that kind. This is more the sweet fluffy cake-like cornbread that could almost pass for dessert.

In addition, we also ordered a Basket of French Fries ($2.99) which is a large order of skinny shoestring-style fries. Well cooked.

We were very happy with this meal, and the leftovers it will provide.

Some other tantalizing menu items that we hope to try soon are the BBQ Flat Iron Steak Sandwich, the Half-Pound Burger upgraded to Kobe, the homemade Louisiana Hot Links, and the BBQ Wild Smoked Salmon Salad.

Calamari's, Torrance, CA

Calamari's
1000 Torrance Blvd, Unit A, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
310-792-0077
Southeast corner of Torrance and Prospect. In a strip mall with free parking.
Casual. Large dining room.

Visited: A few times, Dinner, Dine-In
Most recently: June 2010

This is the former location of The Appetizer which now has a new owner, but retains much of the same menu. We went on a Friday night for dinner, and were surprised how empty the restaurant remained. There was a steady stream of business, but the restaurant was by no means full. We wondered if this may be have been an effect due to the confusion from the closure of The Appetizer.

Anyhow, we enjoyed our dinner, and here's what we had.

We started off with Garlic Bread which was brought to the table (versus ordering it from the appetizer menu). It's pizza dough or thin foccaccia based, and very light on the garlic seasoning. Wasn't too inspiring.

We also had an order of Fried Mozzarella ($5.95). The coating was crisp and seasoned, and happily, the cheese was piping hot. They came with a dish of marinara which was tasty, and enough to dip the garlic bread in, too.

Since the place is called Calamari's, we decided to try the Fried Calamari ($6.95). The calamari was a golden brown breading with some herbs sprinkled in, and served with a dish of marinara. The serving was generous, but overall it was rather plain.

The Antipasto Salad ($6.95) was very generous. It has a base of romaine and iceberg, topped with sliced rolls of salami, ham and provolone, plus marinated mushrooms and marinated artichoke hearts. The pieces are rather large which makes this a knife and fork salad. Everything is very tasty, and definitely large enough for an entree salad. It's lightly dressed in an Italian dressing - you may want to ask for more on the side.

The Calzone with Pepperoni and Ham ($11.45) was well done. The crust was crisp and cooked well, without being mushy or doughy. There was plenty of pepperoni, mozzarella and sauce to fill the calzone from end to end (none of those doughy corners) plus it comes with extra tasty marinara on the side. We tried ordering this on a second visit, only this time adding ricotta, and were saddened to find out that they were out of ricotta (seems odd, no?)

They feature Brick Oven Pizzas, and so we decided to try an XL (16 in.) Pizza with Pepperoni and Sausage ($18.00). The sauasage were nice slices of sausage instead of chunks (which can sometimes be hard), and there was plenty of both meats. There was also plenty of sauce which had a nice spice to it.

We ordered the Seafood Fettuccini ($14.95). This comes with choice of marinara or white wine sauce, but I asked for Alfredo sauce instead, and they were happy to comply. This dish was great with a mix of nicely cooked baby calamari, scallops, shrimp, and white fish. The pasta also comes with garlic bread and soup or salad, and we chose the Lentil Soup. The lentils were tender and had a nice mild middle eastern spice to it.

We also tried the Cannelloni ($9.95) with meat sauce (choice of having marinara or meat) which also came with garlic bread and soup or salad. This time we got the Chicken and Rice Soup, and it was very tasty. The broth was rich, and the soup was full of chicken, rice and veggies. Now, my favorite cannelloni is/was the version at the now long departed Rossini's on PCH in Torrance (now home to the expanded Volvo dealership), and unfortunately all future canenelloni is compared to theirs. This one doesn't compare. It's a very nice sized serving of three rolls of pasta sheets filled with what seemed like sausage lumps in a gravy. I was hoping for a soft smooth filling, not the firm lumps of meat. Overall, it was tasty, but not my favorite.

We will definitely be back to try more things including the sandwiches.

Bombay Tandoori, Torrance, CA

Bombay Tandoori & Banquet
4111 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, CA 90505
310-303-3185
Located at the bottom of the Days Inn. Plenty of free parking.
Lunch buffet, Dinner, and Banquet room (up to 150).
2 other locations in Hawthorne and Los Angeles as India's Tandoori.

Opened: August 2009
Visited: March 2010, Dinner, Dine-In; September 2010, Lunch Buffet


This location has been a revolving door of restaurants over the last 15-20 years, but we're hoping this one will stay. If you have eaten Indian food in the Torrance area over the last 5 years or so, you may be familiar with Robbie (in this location before when it was Punjabi, then opened his own place Shah Tandoori Grill further down PCH), well Robbie is back! It was like old home week to see him - we had no idea this was his new location (he's back in the south bay after having been at their Wilshire location for the last 2 years.)

We ordered some of our favorites and tried a couple new things.

Alu Samosa ($3.50) - 2 very large potato and pea samosas. Kinda plain, but a nice starter.

Tandoori Chicken Wings ($6.95) - 7 very tender wings served as an appetizer but tandoori style with the sizzling onions and tomatoes. These were stellar, and a great innovation. They had both a very nice flavor and a very nice char.

The Chicken Tikka Masala ($12.95) is as good as ever. A great rich flavor with that sweet-spicy tikka masala gravy to die for. The gravy is good on its own without even any meat! We ordered medium but it didn't seem very spicy - it was great.

Keema Curry ($12.95) of ground lamb and peas was really nice. But this we also ordered medium, and it was quite hot. Almost too hot in that you couldn't taste the spices as well. But still good.

Lamb Biryani ($12.95) served in a heaping pile of basmati rice, large lamb chunks, and nuts and raisins. I'm not usually a fan of raisins, but these were nicely cooked in the biryani. Overall very tender, and quite the meal unto itself.

We also ordered Plain Naan ($2.50), and they were fresh, hot, fluffy, and chewy. Great accompaniment and tool for those curries.

The Lunch Buffet ($9.95) is also quite a deal. They have an assortment of salads, and always have both Chicken Tikka Masala and Chicken Tandoori. The appetizers (today was a dal samosa and veggie pakoras), veggies (today: bengan bharta, saag paneer - both excellent!), and other entrees (today: chili chicken, Indian noodles - similar to chow mein) change on a daily basis.

Tudor House, Santa Monica, CA

Tudor House
1403 Second Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401
310-451-4107
http://www.thetudorhouse.com/
Bakery, breakfast, lunch, and tea room. Not open for dinner.
Plenty of surface and structure parking nearby for 3rd Street Promenade.

Visited: February 2010

This review is of the numerous pies that you can buy either in the Bakery or have served in the restaurant for Lunch. They're quite the value when purchased in the Bakery - prices range between $2.95 -$3.95. In the restaurant, they're $8.50 and served with Tudor House Salad. They're easy to reheat in the oven or toaster oven, 350*F for about 10 minutes.

All of the pies have a very rich crust, and are quite filling.

Cornish Pastie - ground beef and veggies in a nice gravy. This was one of our favorites with a great flavor.

Beef and Onion - a very fine ground meat and onion filling; almost felt like mushroom duxelles. This was a little salty, and you definitely need the crust to help cut the saltiness. Overall, though, this was one of our favorites.

Beef and Potato - a nice mix of meat and potatoes. This also was a good choice.

Steak and Kidney - chunks of steak and kidney. Rather bland.

Lamb Vindaloo - it was definitely a lamb curry of some sort, but did not taste like vindaloo.

Lamb and Mint - well, I wanted to try this one, but it confirmed that I don't like mint with my lamb. I ended up picking out the meat chunks - those were tender and tasty.

Vegetable Curry - A nice mix of potatoes and veggies. A different texture than some of the pies in that you could feel chunks instead of the feeling being smooth. Nice spice flavor.

Chicken Curry - a soft mix of chicken and veggies. It has a nice little spicy kick.

Chicken and Mushroom - a nice blend of chicken and mushrooms in a creamy sauce. But like all of the other pies, there's just enough sauce to hold it together; no need to worry about any gravy spilling out.

Spinach and Cheese - very very cheesey (a bright orange kinda cheese). Too salty and rich.

Spinach Artichoke - also very cheesey. I ended up picking out the artichokes.

Pork Pie - plain, and the chunks of pork were rather firm.

Scotch Pie - a mixture of ground beef and spices. This was also a very tasty pie.

I'm glad we took the opportunity to try all of the pies. It was interesting that some were so tasty, others bland. Some I would definitely get again, others definitely not. Overall, I would choose to purchase them in the bakery to take home instead of being served in the restaurant.

Ye Olde King's Head Afternoon Tea, Santa Monica, CA

Ye Olde King's Head
116 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
310-451-1402
http://www.yeoldekingshead.com/
Plenty of nearby lot of structure parking.
Casual dining and pub.

Visited: Afternoon Tea: February 2010
Visited: Pub, several times

Ye Olde King's Head has Afternoon Tea every Saturday from 2-5. We're always looking for a fun place to have English Afternoon Tea, so we were glad to be invited here for a special event.

There is one set Traditional Afternoon Tea menu (meat or vegetarian) for $15.95 meaning that you don't have a choice between how large a tea meal you want or any options within the menu.

You do have a choice of tea: Earl Grey, Darjeeling, or a House Blend of black teas. Each person gets their own pot with a shared tea leaf strainer. Milk and cute little sugar cubes are on the table. They do refill your pot with hot water if desired, and that was a nice touch.

On to the meal...Because we were a large group, the tiered trays were brought to be shared between 2 or 3 persons, which was nice to conserve space. However, we did end up with quite a number of tiered trays on the table and after a while it was hard to see each other.

The top plate of our tea tier was a scone with what looked like currants but tasted more like raisins. The scone was served with a dish of jam (to share) and what I thought was a dish of Devonshire cream but was in fact cream cheese! Quite shocking, I say. A nice dish of butter would have been better. But since I don't like either jam or dairy spread on my scone, I thought the scone was rather plain and dry.

Also on the top tray was a mini quiche and a slice of a sausage roll. Both of which were warm and very tasty. It would have been nice to have a full sausage roll, as that is something uniquely British and would have been a great treat.

The next tier down were our sandwiches. Overall, the ratio of bread to filling was very high on the fluffy bread side. The sandwich flavors were cucumber-cream cheese, egg salad, and something called Indian chutney with grated cheddar cheese (I thought this was very odd, kinda sweet and salty, but some others seemed to really like it).

The bottom tier was dessert. There were two different types of sliced cake. Very tender cake with cream fillings.

Overall, it was fun to try out their Afternoon Tea, but I won't be back.

Shayan Market, Torrance, CA

Shayan Market
3801 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, CA 90505
310-373-5550
Take-out or catering only.

Visited: January 2010, Dinner, Take-out


About a year or so ago, the Shayan Market (and the whole market strip) went through a remodel. We finally went in to see the new store, and were enticed by the yummy cooking smells coming from their grill. On our next trip back to shop, we decided to order some dinner. We placed our order, did our shopping, and then picked up our dinner.

Overall, flavors were milder than expected based on the smell. We tried the #1: Lamb Shank ($10.99). It was a very tender and large lamb shank, but very plain. It came with a very very large service of basmati rice cooked with broad beans and a lot of dill. I found that dill is not my favorite herb.

We also tried some basics the Koobideh (ground beef) Kabab ($9.99), Chicken Koobideh (Z$9.99), and the Boneless Chicken Breast Kabob ($9.99). These were all very generous servings of meat with basmati rice, grilled tomatoes, and lavash. However, they were a little plain or mild in seasoning than we prefer.

I love that everything is so fresh, but would prefer a more hefty seasoning package on the meats.

Fresh Brothers, Redondo Beach, CA

Fresh Brothers
407 N. Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach, CA 90278
310-374-5678
http://www.freshbrothers.com/
This location is in the big strip mall with Rite Aid and Whole Foods. Also locations in Manhattan Beach and Marina del Rey. Mostly take-out; there is some in-restaurant dining.

Visited: January 2010, Dinner, Take-Out


They advertise Pizza, Salad, Wings, and that's pretty much what they have.

We tried a Thin Crust Miller Pizza (a meat combo thins with sausage, pepperoni, ground beef, bacon and ham), and it was very tasty. Often when there are so many meat products, it gets really salty, but this was done well. Medium was $16.95.

We also got a Deep Dish Margherita (fresh mozz, tomatoes, basil, and light tomato sauce). We would have liked more sauce as the whole pizza was rather light on flavor. Medium was $15.50.

We enjoyed both pizzas. but the Miller really had much more flavor. I think the Deep Dish crust took away from the some of the flavor - too much dough to topping ratio.

Their wings are baked, not fried, and are offered as bone-in wings ($7.95-15.50) or white meat boneless bites ($7.95). The wings - both boned and boneless were very tender, and we would definitely get them again. The Mild Buffalo has a nice little kick to it - just enough heat. The BBQ sauce was more on the tangy side, while the Garlic BBQ was a little sweeter.

We also tried the Family Platter ($11.95) Appetizer. It was a sampling of chicken wings (your choice of sauce), mozzarella sticks (flavorful breading and good marinara sauce), chicken bites (your choice of sauce), and french fries (very tasty seasoned wedge cut fries). The one problem in ordering take out of fried items - they were not crisp. A non-crisp mozz stick just doesn't quite have the same impact, no matter how tasty.

In all, we'd go back and try some other pizza options, and maybe the salads.

California Sushi & Teriyaki, Hermosa Beach, CA

California Sushi & Teriyaki
429 Pacific Coast Highway, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
310-372-3656
Located on the corner of PCH and 5th (a light), and has its own plentiful parking lot.
Order at the counter, and food is brought to the table.

Visited: a several times, Dinner, Dine-in
Most recently: May 2010


There are so many sushi and teriyaki places in the South Bay, but this one is really good. The food is fresh and plentiful, and everyone is really nice. And for being in Hermosa, it's amazing that it has so much of its own parking.

While everything we've tried on the menu is good, the tempura is amazing. They use rice bran oil - and I assume that must be the secret. The tempura is hot and fresh, but also amazingly tender with a very nice crisp bite. Very tasty. The Combo Tempura plate ($8.50) with shrimp and veggies is definitely the way to go, and definitely enough to share. If you get tempura with your Box or Plate meal, you don't get the variety of veggies that you get with the Veggie Tempura plate ($5.95) or the Combo Tempura plate.

They serve a variety of sashimi and rolls which seem to be popular. I particularly like Unagi ($3 for two pieces), and theirs is very tasty. The eel is well cooked, and has a nice sauce.

Other than the tempura, we go for the teriyaki. You have your choice of Bowl ($4.95-8.50; meat, rice, miso soup and salad), Plate ($7.95-11.95; meat, rice, salad, and tempura - shrimp and veggies), or Box ($9.50-9.95; meat, rice, salad, tempura, and California roll - 5 pieces!). Not all meats are available in all combos, but the basics such as Chicken, Beef, and Salmon are. The teri sauce is also a little different - less sweet and a little more peppery. All portions are very generous.

The Chicken Teriyaki is fine - as most places are. Nothing special, but not bad. The Beef Teriyaki is also good. It's a thin sliced beef instead of steak style. The Salmon Teriyaki is excellent, and highly recommended. The Korean BBQ - beef short ribs/kalbi - is very tasty and the meat is very tender. The Bulgogi is also very tasty.

There are several more things on the menu that we'd like to try, and we're happy to go back!

Tito's Tacos, Culver City, CA

Tito's Tacos
11222 Washington Place, Culver City, CA 90230
310-391-5780
http://www.titostacos.com/
Located just west of Sepulveda Blvd. They have their own parking lot and street parking, however during meal times, parking can be difficult.
Fast food. Order and pick up at the inside or outside counter. Some covered dining. Cash only.

Visited: Numerous times over the years. Dinner, Take-out.

You know it's good if the cops eat here. Well, judging by the lines, everyone eats here!

The menu is limited, but everything they do is good. They have Burritos (bean, BRC, beef), Tamales ($2.70, beef or chicken), Enchilidas ($2.15, Cheddar) and Tostadas ($2.15, beans), but my favorite is the Tito's Taco with Cheese ($2.20) - you must be clear to say with cheese if that's how you want it. The tacos are a crisp shell filled with shredded beef, lettuce, and Cheddar cheese - simple as that.

All orders come with a large portion of chips and their homemade fresh tomato salsa. The salsa is so refreshing, and goes great with their Refried Beans ($1.50). They also have Chili Beans, but I prefer the refritos.

The perfect dinner is 2 tacos with cheese, an order of refried beans, plus the chips and salsa. That means dinner is $5.90. Amazing. While you can order a soda to go, I recommend taking your Tito's Tacos home and opening a bottle of merlot. It sounds odd, but the combination is wonderful.

Diddy Riese Cookies, Los Angeles, CA

Diddy Riese Cookies
926 Broxton Ave, Westwood, Los Angeles, CA
310-208-0048
http://www.diddyriese.com/
Pay and metered parking available throughout Westwood.
Fast food. Limited seating.

Visited: Numerous times over the last 10 years. Take-out.

Diddy Riese's is a mainstay of Bruin life, located in Westwood Village about a block from the UCLA campus.

Their cookies ($0.35) are great - my favorites are the chocolate chip and cinnamon sugar, but they also have 8 other traditional flavors to choose from: choc chip with walnuts, white choc chip, white choc chip mac nut, peanut butter, double chocolate with nuts, oatmeal rasin, chocolate with white choc chip, and candy (like M&Ms). Three cookies are $1.00, Half Dozen are $2.00, and a Diddy Dozen is $3.75,

They also serve brownies, Dreyer's Ice Cream and now offer Hawaiian Shave Ice.

But for a real treat, get the Ice Cream Sandwich ($1.50): your choice of two cookies and your choice of ice cream. My favorite combo is 2 cinnamon sugar cookies with vanilla. YUM!

Diddy Riese's is open until midnight, and til 1am on Fridays and Saturdays. Don't be surprised if there's still a line at closing time.

Il Toscano, Torrance, CA

Il Toscano Ristorante
24590 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
310-378-2686
http://iltoscanoonline.com/
Located at the top of Hillside Village, plenty of free parking. Requires going up stairs to get to the restaurant.
Higher end. Reservations recommended. Now open Sundays.

Visited: Numerous times over the last 15 years. Dinner, dine-in

Il Toscano has long been our favorite Italian restaurant. The owner, Vittorio, is full of character and his food is great.

Our World Famous Cioppino ($25.95) is delicious. It's a great sampling of seafood in a very lovely tomatoey broth. Comes with toasted garlic bread.

The Lasagna ($12.95) is also very tasty with layers of bolognese and bechamelle sauces.

If you've never had squid ink pasta, here's a great place to try it. The Sringhe al nero di Seppi ($13.95) is a long pasta served with shrimp in a light cream sauce. It looks a little bizarre, but is pretty tasty.

Be sure to plan ahead for dessert ($7.00) - the Tiramisu and the Chocolate Mousse are creamy and heavenly! There's also usually a dessert of the day, so be sure to ask.

The Dinner Detective, Courtyard Marriott, Culver City, CA

The Dinner Detective
Courtyard Los Angeles Westside
6333 Bristol Parkway, Culver City, CA 90230
http://www.thedinnerdetective.com/
http://www.marriott.com/

Visited: January 2010, Dinner, Dine-in

This is a combo review of the dinner theater, The Dinner Detective, and of the venue, the Courtyard Marriott.

The Dinner Detective is an interactive, part scripted/part improv, murder mystery theater presentation. After you've checked in, you're asked to fill out a nametag with your alias for the evening. Then during the reception, you're given instructions to begin 'interrogating' your fellow guests - some of which are in fact, guests like you, others are actors mingling with the group as fellow guests.

The reception had a cash bar for soda, beer, wine and cocktails, and open service of coffee and hot tea. The hot hors d'oeuvres were veggie spring rolls and veggie quesadillas. Both were tasty, but a bit soft - the travails of serving them in a chafing dish, I suppose.

Dinner started with a nice mixed green salad with mushrooms, carrots, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. A light vinaigrette was available on the table, as were rolls and butter.

Between courses, mystery action occurred, and during the meal, we were given clues to review and opportunity to discuss with our fellow guests.

We had a choice of entree (which you reserve when you purchase your tickets), and we wanted to try each they had to offer: tri tip with peppercorn sauce, Alaskan king salmon with lemon butter, and chicken marsala. The servings were very generous (for example, you got a whole chicken breast not just a half), and came with rather plain mashed potatoes, and large servings of carrots and broccoli. The meats were tender and their accompanying sauces were tasty, but we wished we had more of the sauce. There was also a pasta primavera (vegetarian) option that someone else at our table had, but they were not very pleased with it.

The murder mystery comes to a crescendo during the next break, and over dessert, you are given an answer sheet to identify who you think is the killer and why. Dessert was a very tasty double fudge chocolate cake served over caramel and raspberry sauces.

As we're wrapping up dessert, the detectives return to announce who did it and why. And then the host announces the winner who correctly deduced the killer and motive.

It was all very light-hearted and good fun, and the food was pretty good, too. The service seemed right on time and very responsive. I would recommend the show and the venue.

Gaffey Street Diner, San Pedro, CA

Gaffey Street Diner
247 N. Gaffey St, San Pedro, CA 90731
310-548-6964
http://www.gaffeystreetdiner.com/
Parking available in their small lot, and some street parking. Can be very crowded for weekend breakfast.
Casual/family friendly. Large, well lit dining room.

Visited: January 2010, Dinner, Dine-in

You may have seen Guy Fieri visit the Gaffey Street Diner on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, and it's definitely worth the visit. The Diner used to be only open for breakfast and lunch, but they've recently expanded their hours, and are now open for dinner.

The first thing of note (besides everyone being really friendly) is that the portions are very large. Almost everything on the menu is homemade, and you wish you could finish the entire portion. We were very happy with everything we ordered, and would definitely go back for dinner, and try it out for breakfast.

First, we had the dinner plate of Country Fried Steak & Gravy ($9.95) served with a choice of french fries, mashed or baked potato, and vegges with garlic bread or dinner roll. We got the mashed potatoes - very tasty unto themselves, but topped with the creamy Country Gravy - yum! The steak was mild in flavor, but very tender with a nice crust. Overall, a very satisfying meal.

Under sandwich specialties, we tried the Open Faced Hot Beef Sandwich ($9.75) which consists of many many slices of tender beef on top of soft white bread that is an amazing sponge for the tasty bearnaise brown gravy. The sandwich is also topped with crisp lightly battered onion rings which are just the right accompaniment for the meat and gravy. In addition, the plate is completed with those homemade mashed potatoes and a generous serving of veggies (broccoli, carrots and zucchini).

Several breakfast items are also available at dinner, and we got the Country Fried Steak and Eggs ($10.25). It's the same lightly seasoned but tasty steak with the addition of 2 extra large eggs (which we got nicely scrambled) and choice of side: home fries, spanish rice, refried beans, cottage cheese, peach halves, or sliced tomato. We got the very tasty home fries - potato chunks cooked with bell peppers and onions and flavored with seasoned salt. You also get a choice of toast, tortillas or biscuit. We chose the biscuit, and boy, were we glad that we did. It's about the size of 3 or 4 biscuits that you get anywhere else; a perfect size to share. The biscuit was fluffy and full of flavor all on its own.

As a frequent orderer of hot tea ($1.95), I also want to point out that for service, they brought a mug full of hot water as well as a little teapot of water. Something that I wish more restaurants would do.

'Y' Not Burgers, Torrance, CA

'Y' Not Burgers
22940 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
310-375-4202
http://www.ynotburgers.com/
At the corner of Hawthorne and 230th. Usually plenty of parking in their lot.
Fast food. Plenty of indoor booth seating. Drive-through also. Very friendly.

Visited: Numerous times over the years; usually take out.
Most recently: August 2009

'Y' Not is a local landmark serving you any kind of burger you want - beef, turkey, ostrich, buffalo and garden with all the assorted trimmings.

They also serve a great hot Pastrami Sandwich ($5.85) on a French roll, and wonderful BLT ($5.10).

Their French fries are always cooked well, and if you're in a particularly evil mood, you have to get the Chili Cheese Fries ($4.55). An amazing portion of really good badness.

'Y' Not also serves breakfast, and we highly recommend the Breakfast Burrito - egg, cheese, salsa, and either bacon, ham or sausage ($4.50). There's quite a bit of salsa on the burrito, but it's very tasty and very filling. If you get a burrito for breakfast, you probably won't need to have lunch.

In all, a great local place that folks have been coming to for years.

Kincaid's, Redondo Beach, CA

Kincaid's Fish, Chop and Steak House
500 The Pier, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
310-318-6080
http://www.kincaids.com/
Located on the upper level of the Redondo Pier. Plenty of validated pay parking.
Locations across the US.
Higher end dining. Reservations recommended for holidays and weekend evenings.

Visited: Numerous times; Dinner (usually), Dine-in
Most recently: November 2009

Kincaid's is located at the Pier, and so has a beautiful view of the Pier boardwalks and the Pacific Ocean. They have an extensive seafood and meats menu that changes based on the season or what's fresh. I think everything we've had has been great.

They start you with a warm garlic bread - similar to a soft or thin focaccia. Very buttery and tasty.

The French Onion Soup and the Salmon Bisque are both excellent, and can be quite filling. They also often have a soup special, and I've had the thick and tasty (yet a little too sweet) Butternut Squash Soup in the past.

The Prime Rib and Filet Mignon are both tender and excellent. If they have the Trio of Brochettes (sometimes seafood, sometimes surf and turf), get it. It's an excellent and beautiful sampling. The seafood is always good, and changes regularly. We've had the salmon, scallops, stuffed mahi mahi, and it's all been tasty.

Most of the entrees are complete meals with a starch and veg, however there are a few sides that you can add on. These are portioned to share. We like the Mac and Cheese (with bacon) a lot.

Desserts are also very good, and you may need to plan ahead to make sure you still have room! We like the Creme Brulee, Chocolate Cake, and the Pear Bread Pudding.

If you visit their website to view the menu, it really short changes how extensive the menu really is. I think this is because so much of their menu is seasonal or du jour, that it's hard to post regularly online.

Philippe The Original, Los Angeles, CA

Philippe The Original
1001 N. Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-628-3181
http://www.philippes.com/
On the corner at Ord St near Chinatowon, the Post Office Annex, Union Station, and Olvera St.
Free parking in the lot behing Philippe's and across Ord St.
Casual.

Visited: Numerous times over 30 years; Dine in and Take Out
Most recently: March 2009

Philippe's is the home of the Original French Dipped Sandwich. Philippe's has been around since 1908, and is an LA landmark. Many generations of families have included Philippe's in their own traditions. For many, no trip to Dodger Stadium is complete without a stop at Philippe's.

It's best to go in at least pairs. One person to find and stand in line to order at the counter; glass cases enticing you with side salads and desserts. And when you're a kid, you're short enough to watch the ladies making your yummy sandwich through the glass. The other person to find a seat in the massive dining room, mostly filled with long communal tables and stools, and sawdust on the floor.

You can tell that some of the ladies have been there for decades, and I bet some of them have even served me when I was a little girl!

Our favorite is the Beef Sandwich ($5.55), Double Dipped (both halves of the French roll are dipped in the jus). Sometimes we add cheese (American, Jack or Swiss) for 55c. Another family favorite is the Pork Sandwich ($5.55), Double Dipped. We've also tried the Lamb ($6.75), Double Dipped, but it just didn't pack the same punch as the beef. They also offer a Turkey sandwich, but even after all of these years, we still haven't tried it yet.

They also offer chili, stew, soups, and breakfast, which seem to be very popular, but quite honestly, the sandwiches are so good, we haven't strayed.

Philippe's is also known for its Hot Mustard which used to be set out in the communinal dining space in these cute little jars with the special mustard dauber, but now they come in squeeze bottles. Just not quite the same feel. Jars are available for purchase.

As sides we often get the Potato Salad, Macaroni Salad or Coleslaw ($1.10). Philippe's also has a great assortment of old timey sides like pickled eggs (bright purple jars!), pickled pigs feet, and pickles.

Their lemonade is really tasty, and they serve an assortment of wines and beers. And coffee is still only 9 cents.

For dessert, they have a lovely display of pies, Balian ice cream, classic baked apples, and my favorite, the baked Custard Cup ($2.15) with a sprinkle of nutmeg.

It's nice to have some things never change.

Rascals Teriyaki Grill, Torrance, CA

Rascals Teriyaki Grill
5111 Torrance Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503
310-542-0022
http://www.rascalsteriyaki.com/
Free parking in lot, however can be very crowded during meal times.
Additional locations in Gardena and Long Beach.
Closed Sundays.
Casual/fast foodish. Order and pick up at the counter.

Visited: Numerous times; Usually take-out
Most recently: June 2010

Rascals is a teri grill with a decidedy Hawaiian bent. They do a brisk business, and everything is super fresh.

Our favorites are the Chinese Chicken Salads ($5.15, $6.75) with shredded chicken breast, cucumbers, green onion, and the cruchies are rice noodles and almond slivers. The dressing is tangy with a hint of sesame. Party trays of this salad are very popular for parties, but we think you actually get more 'stuff' if you order the individual salads.

And the Teri Burgers ($3.95) on a soft bun with lettuce, tomatoes, soft onions, pickles, and mayo. The burger also comes with extra teri sauce, which we find we need.

Also very good is the Teri Beef (Bowl $5.75, Plate $6.95, Deluxe With Salad $8.10). The Teri Chicken isn't bad, but we prefer the Beef.

The Curry Bowl (Chix $5.35, Beef $5.75, Veg $5.15) is also pretty tasty as is the Chili and Rice ($3.95).

Because they're usually so crowded during meal times, we often call ahead and Rascals has a separate pick up line for called in orders.

Fleming's Steakhouse, El Segundo, CA

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar
2301 Rosecrans Ave, El Segundo, CA
310-643-6911
http://www.flemingssteakhouse.com/
Locations throughout Southern California and the US.
Valet parking in front; free self parking behind the restaurant in the structure.
Higher end. Option of black napkin, if preferred. Full bar. Can be dark inside.

Visited: Numerous times, Dinner, Dine-in
Most recently: December 2009


We've been to Fleming's several times at this location, and every time except once, the service has been exceptional. The food has always been scrumptious. Entrees and sides are ordered separately, and sides are definitely large enough to share. Due to the pricepoint, this usually a special occasion restaurant.

Our favorite salads are the Fresh Mozzarella and Sweet Tomato - a classic Caprese served with fresh basil leaves, balsamic, and olive oil. And the Fleming's Salad is a real treat - greens, dried cranberries, grape tomatoes, croutons and candied walnuts in a light vinaigrette. They used to have a Warm Spinach Mushroom Salad which was velvety good; still hoping they'll bring that back.

Our favorite meats are the Filet Mignon and Prime Ribeye. The Seared Scallops, while tasty, were a bit disappointing in their size compared with the quality of the other entrees.

On Sundays, they have a special dinner menu of Prime Rib served au jus and with two additional sauces. The dinner starts with a choice of The Wedge, Fleming's or Caesar Salad, one side dish and dessert. A great piece of meat, and a great value for the set menu.

They also have seasonal prix fixe menus which have been very tasty.

Be sure to listen to specials. Some notable items have been the Bone-In Filet Mignon - an amazing piece of meat that is cooked well and literally fork tender. Also tasty was the Macadamia-Crusted Chilean Sea Bass served with asparagus. Often there is a Mixed Grill special - meats or surf and turf that sound tasty.

Our favorite sides are the Fleming's Potatoes - scallopped potatoes with jalapeno and topped with cheddar cheese and the Chipotle Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese - with a nice little kick. The thick tower of Onion Rings is also good, but a lot of onion rings. The Grilled Asparagus, Sauteed Mushrooms, and Creamed Spinach are also tasty.

For dessert, the Chocolate Lava Cake is very good and requires a pre-order during your entree. The Creme Brulee is also a nice finish to the evening if you have room.

They also have an extensive collection of wines and aged Scotches.

El Burrito, Jr, Torrance, CA

El Burrito, Jr
Full Service Locations:
21141 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503 (at Torrance Blvd in the Albertsons strip mall), 310-944-9200
3830 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, CA 90505 (former Taco Bell, next to McDonald's), 310-373-5404
Walk-Up Locations (with limited covered outdoor seating):
919 S. Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach, CA 90277, 310-316-5058
1865 Pacific Coast Highway, Lomita, CA 90717, 310-326-6513

Visited: Numerous times; Eat in and take out
Most recently: February 2010


We usually eat in at the West Torrance location (90503), however the food at all of the locations is consistent and equally tasty.

Table service starts with fried full-size corn tortilla chips (you need to break them up yourself) and the homemade fresh salsa which is not for the tame. The salsa is usually pretty zippy, and is so popular that people buy it by the quart.

Interestingly, nothing else is deep fried. The taquitos, tacos, and chimichangas are finished on the griddle, and this adds a different spin on those traditional items.

Particular favorites are Combos #1: Enchilada and a Taco with beans or #3: 2 Enchiladas and a Taco. We usually get cheese enchiladas and shredded beef tacos. Also Combo #27: the Chimichanga with rice and beans. The chimi usually comes with shredded beef, picadollo beef, ground beef or chicken, but you can also order it with carne asada for an extra buck or two, and it's worth it.

The Machaca and eggs plate is also very tasty, although sometimes the bell peppers and onions aren't quite as cooked as much as I like them.

The Carnitas are also good, and come as a plate or in burritos. The Super Deluxe Burritos (where the rice and beans are inside the burrito, and served wet) are also great.

EBJ has the yummiest beans around - so rich and creamy, they're like gravy! Most of the entrees come with beans, or you can get a Bean Burrito with cheese. Scrumptious! EBJ's beans are our gold standard, and we pretty much compare everyone else's beans to EBJ!

Suzy's Bar and Grill, Hermosa Beach, CA

Suzy's Bar and Grill
1141 Aviation Blvd, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
310-379-6171
At the corner of Prospect in the Big Lots strip mall. Plenty of parking.
Casual.

Visited: Numerous times; Dinner, dine-in
Most recently: June 2010


Suzy's has entertainment most evenings - live music or Team Trivia (on Wednesdays), and they also have pretty good food including traditional bar food like Wings or Chicken Tenders (spicy, bbq or teriyaki), Nachos (plain, Steak or Chicken), and Mozzarella Sticks.

The Quesadillas are also good - choice of Cheese, Veggie or Steak, and comes with the house salsa. Even their Chips and Salsa are worth trying - a great homemade peppery salsa that you can't find anywhere else.

Their Double Dubiak Burger is exceptional. The grilled beef patties have so much flavor, it's amazing. You can order as is, or add onions. The burger comes with chips, but you can choose to add fries or onion rings.

The Fries or thick panko-covered Onion Rings are often a little pale for our liking, so we usually order then well done. However, the Sweet Potato Fries come out just right.

The BBQ Chicken Wrap is also a tasty option. Grilled chicken, bbq sauce, bacon, and tomato wrapped in a toasted tortilla. Very tasty. Comes with chips.

We also like the Beef Stroganoff - a more garlicky version than you'll usually find elsewhere. It's made with rigatoni, mushrooms, tri tip and grilled garlic bread.

The Vodka Rigatoni is also very satisfying - comes with chicken or meatless, and served with garlic bread. It's a pleasant pink sauce -not too tomatoey, not too creamy.

Also tasty is the Benny Burger. A burger with Swiss cheese, bacon, tomato, lettuce and 1000 island on grilled sourdough. Served with chips.

They also have a variety of Philly Cheesesteaks with your choice of toppings. Wyatt's Works is a favorite - loaded with peppers, onions, mushrooms and cheese. We sometimes order with extra cheese. Sometimes the bread can be a little too fluffy for my preference, but it still tastes good.

The Fettucine Alfredo is actually served with linguine but is still very tasty. The sauce is lightly creamy, very garlicky, and has mushrooms. Choice of beautiful shrimp or chicken breast.

Not on the menu but a frequent special are the BBQ Ribs served with fries and a side salad. The ribs are very tender, and have a nice grilled smoky flavor.

The Tortilla Soup comes with chicken, rice, veggies, and topped with avocado slices. The soup is very tasty and has a bit of a spicy kick. Very satisfying.

There are even more items on the menu, and most are pretty good.

Note: beer and wine only, no hard alcohol.

If you're a regular, the bartenders/servers really get to know you and your order. Nice and friendly.

Ports O'Call Restaurant, San Pedro, CA

Ports O'Call Restaurant
Ports O'Call, Berth 76, San Pedro, CA 90731
http://www.portsocalldining.com/
Located near the southern end of the Ports O'Call. Plenty of free parking.
Higher end. Reservations recommended for holidays, brunch and weekend evenings.

Visited: December 2009, Lunch, Dine-in


The Ports O'Call Restaurant is located on the water with a lovely view of the boats, tugs, cruise ships, and freighters that enter and exit the Los Angeles Port. It's a great special occasion restaurant, and also has a lovely Sunday Brunch.

We thoroughly enjoyed our lunch - it was a beautiful day to watch the waterway and its various birds, and the food was great as well. The menu is pretty stable, but may change around the holidays for special treats.

To start, the restaurant serves warm crispy baguettes with butter and a pesto parmesan dip. I'm such a sucker for warm bread, and the pesto was a nice touch.

I started with the special Lobster Bisque that came with two shrimp. Because the broth was based on cioppino, it had much more depth than your usual bisque. Rich and amazing. Great with the baguettes.

The Stacked 10 oz Prime Rib Sandwich ($12.00) served au jus was amazing. It comes on a lovely toasted baguette and topped with crispy onion rings and a garlic-cream cheese spread. Served with a choice of side French Fried Potatoes, Creole Cole Slaw or Mashed Potatoes, and we chose the Fries, a generous serving. The meat was super tender, and it was a very satisfying and filling sandwich.

Another very satisying entree is the Seafood Combo Tempura ($11.00), a lovely lightly battered combination of 2 shrimp, 2 scallops, fish, and a mountain of fries. The combo is served with the House Tartar Sauce and ketchup.

A holiday seasonal special was the Grilled Halibut served with shrimp with a light beurre blanc, roasted corn mashed potatoes (little bits of roasted corn kernals mixed with the potatoes) and asparagus. This really was a heavenly mixture.

We also ordered a couple sides to share (not that we needed them; the entree portions were plenty): the special Macaroni and Cheese and the Spinach with Bacon. Both were very tasty, and we would definitely order them again if offered.

It's been a long time since we attended the brunch, and that will be on our agenda soon.

Versailles, Miami, FL

Versailles Cuban Restaurant
3555 SW Eighth Street (Calle Ocho), Little Havana, Miami, FL 33135
305-444-0240
Plenty of parking in around the restaurant and its associated bakery and cafe.
Casual.

Visited: March 2009, Dinner, Dine-in

We were under the impression that our beloved Versailles in LA was somehow related to this original establishment in Miami. However, after sampling the fare in Miami, there is no comparison to the garlicky goodness that we are accustomed to, in fact, barely any garlicky goodness.

We tried the Roasted Garlic Chicken and the Macitas de Puerco Fritas, our Cuban fare favorites, and while the meal was just fine, the portion sizes were much smaller, and the mojo de ajo was hardly visible and didn't have much taste. As we understand, there are different standards for Cuban fare, but we prefer our garlicky goodness that we can get at our home Versailles.

However, we would come back to visit the Versailles Bakery and Sandwich Shop or the Pastry and Coffee Counter for some amazing Cuban coffee served traditionally in those tiny little paper cups to share. Sidewalk seating is great for people watching.

Randy's Donuts, Inglewood, CA

Randy's Donuts
805 W. Manchester Ave, Inglewood, CA 90301
http://randys-donuts.com/
On the northwest corner at La Cienega. Plenty of parking, and two drive-throughs.

Visited: Breakfast and Dessert, Take-Out
Most recently: November 2009


You totally know Randy's - it's the iconic LA landmark with the giant donut on its roof seen in practically every TV show or movie that is panning images of LA. Well, we finally went for the first time, and yes, the donuts are quite good.

We tried several of our favorites: Raised Glazed, Glazed Twist, Chocolate Raised, Coconut Raised (a little different style than other places - less snowball-like), and Devil's Food. They also have French Donuts which most donut shops do not have anymore.

They also have the other traditional donuts (jelly and custard filled, buttermilk cruellers, old fashioned, cheese, etc), muffins, cinnamon rolls, a few breakfast sandwiches, a few fancy coffees, and some other interesting items like the Apple Crepe (a crepe filled with cinnamon apples then deep fried and coated with cinnamon sugar).

Randy's is open 24 hours to satisfy that donut craving. Walk up (no seating) or drive through.

Paco's Tacos, Los Angeles, CA

Paco's Tacos Cantina
6212 Manchester Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045
310-645-8692
http://www.pacoscantina.com/
Located between Sepulveda and Truxton. Free parking behind the restaurant; shares the lot with other businesses and can be crowded at meal time.
A second location at 4141 S. Centinela Ave, LA.
Casual. Full bar. At dinner, can be dark inside.

Visited: Lunch and Dinner, Dine-in
Most recently: November 2009


Paco's has some really nice Mexican food basics (Enchiladas and Tacos, and other items in combination) as well as some tasty "Regional" and "Native" plates such as the Cochinita Pibil de Yucatan, pork chunks marinated in a special BBQ sauce served with rice, beans, and tortillas.

The real reason to come to Paco's is for the flour tortillas. They are handmade fresh throughout the day, and served warm with crisp, flaky and chewy textures in all the right places.

This location is near LAX and worth the stop if you are heading to or from the airport.

Don Jose Mexican Restaurant, Sebring, FL

Don Jose Mexican Restaurant
1711 SW Lakeview Dr, Sebring, FL
863-385-9326
http://www.donjosemexican.com/florida
Plenty of parking in their lot.
Casual nice.

Visited: Lunch, Dine-in
Most recently: September 2009

Don Jose is located on the shore of Lake Jackson, and many of the seats have a lovely view of the water, the reeds, and the wildlife (lovely little egrets and cranes).

The chips and salsa were fresh, and the salsa had a little kick to it.

We had the #7: Beef Burrito ($6.95; also available with Chicken) was full and satisfying, and quite the value for the price. The beans were tasty and creamy.

The #21: Enchilada Mole ($9.95) was exceptional. The shredded chicken in the chili guajillo and peanut butter mole sauce is very distinctive and tasty. The rice and beans are a nice accompaniment, but the real winner here is the mole.

Overall, a nice restaurant and pleasant suprise in Sebring.