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.
Showing posts with label garlic bread. Show all posts
Showing posts with label garlic bread. Show all posts
Friday, June 11, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
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.
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.
Friday, January 8, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Woody's Bar-B-Q, Sebring, FL
Woody's Bar-B-Q
3030 US 27 North, Sebring, FL 33870
863-314-4447
http://www.woodys.com/
25 locations throughout Florida, and few other locations in the southeast.
Casual, family friendly.
Visited: Dinner, Dine-in
Most recently: Dec 2009
Over the years, we've seen billboards for Woody's on the interstate throughout the state of Florida, and finally decided to try one, and it wasn't bad! Definitely better than another large southeast chain, Sonny's BBQ.
We got the Pork Sampler ($12.99) which consists of 2 spareribs, a small pile of Carolina pulled pork, and several slices of bar-b-q pork. They serve the bbq sauces on the side - Southern Sweet, Smokin' Hot, and Tangy Mustard. The meat looked dry, but once you put a little of your fave sauce on top, it didn't feel dry at all and was very tender. It comes with garlic toast and two sides (choice of Special Recipe Bar-B-Q Beans, Creamy Cole Slaw, French Fries, Country Vegetables, or Mashed Potatoes and Gravy), and we got the beans (sweet and smoky; very tasty) and for $2 extra, the Corn Nuggets (which are on the appetizer menu) which are tasty little fried creamed corn morsels. It doesn't look like much when the plate arrives, but it's quite a bit of food. I had some leftover sliced bar-b-q pork, and ate it the next day with garlic toast as a mini sandwich - a very tasty sandwich.
We also tried the Bacon Cheddar Burger ($7.79) which is based on a half-pound grilled Angus beef burger. The burger comes with one side, and we got the fries. This is a very generous and filling burger.
Haven't quite figured out what the Country Vegetables are, but the next time we get a hankering for bbq while in Florida, we'll have to stop in and ask.
3030 US 27 North, Sebring, FL 33870
863-314-4447
http://www.woodys.com/
25 locations throughout Florida, and few other locations in the southeast.
Casual, family friendly.
Visited: Dinner, Dine-in
Most recently: Dec 2009
Over the years, we've seen billboards for Woody's on the interstate throughout the state of Florida, and finally decided to try one, and it wasn't bad! Definitely better than another large southeast chain, Sonny's BBQ.
We got the Pork Sampler ($12.99) which consists of 2 spareribs, a small pile of Carolina pulled pork, and several slices of bar-b-q pork. They serve the bbq sauces on the side - Southern Sweet, Smokin' Hot, and Tangy Mustard. The meat looked dry, but once you put a little of your fave sauce on top, it didn't feel dry at all and was very tender. It comes with garlic toast and two sides (choice of Special Recipe Bar-B-Q Beans, Creamy Cole Slaw, French Fries, Country Vegetables, or Mashed Potatoes and Gravy), and we got the beans (sweet and smoky; very tasty) and for $2 extra, the Corn Nuggets (which are on the appetizer menu) which are tasty little fried creamed corn morsels. It doesn't look like much when the plate arrives, but it's quite a bit of food. I had some leftover sliced bar-b-q pork, and ate it the next day with garlic toast as a mini sandwich - a very tasty sandwich.
We also tried the Bacon Cheddar Burger ($7.79) which is based on a half-pound grilled Angus beef burger. The burger comes with one side, and we got the fries. This is a very generous and filling burger.
Haven't quite figured out what the Country Vegetables are, but the next time we get a hankering for bbq while in Florida, we'll have to stop in and ask.
The Watering Hole, Sebring, FL
The Watering Hole
6813 US 27 South, Sebring, FL 33876
863-382-4554
http://www.wateringholesebring.com/
Restaurant open Mon-Sat, 4pm-10pm. Lounge and package store open 7 days.
Plenty of parking in the dirt lot.
Cash only; they have an ATM inside.
Casual. Can be dark inside.
Visited: Dinner, Dine-in
Most recently: December 2009
The Watering Hole has been in Sebring for a very long time, and really did start out as a watering hole for the local cowboys way back in the day. It's now a really good steak and seafood restaurant, but still maintains some of the casual cowboy-ness with its large wood plank tables and large communal-ish dinig room. There's also a 14'+ alligator named Bully that lives there, and if you're lucky, you may actually see Bully move.
As soon as you walk in, you smell garlic, and the entrees come with the house garlic bread which is quite tasty and not for the faint of heart. The bread is toasted in the same area as the dining room, so the smell really pervades everywhere.
All of the dinners come with green salad, fruit salad or cole slaw. The green salad is nicely sized and very colorful. It has romaine as its lettuce base topped with pretty bell peppers, onions, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots. The fruit salad was a very nice mix of melons, fresh pineapple, and grapes.
Entrees also come with a very nice fruity garnish of a strawberry, a third of a peeled banana, and a thick slice of grapefruit. Very pretty. You also have your choice of potato: baked, parsleyed red, or fries. In all, very generous portions.
In addition to the menu items, you'll also see their meat and seafood specials at the hostess podium. We got the special of the day Porterhouse ($21.95). YUM! It was well cooked and comes slathered in the same garlic butter that is on the bread, and a baked potato. It was a great price for the quality and size of the meat and for all that comes with it.
We also got the Cowboy-size Fillet Mignon (as opposed to the Cowgirl-size) with Fries, the special of the day Ribeye ($15.95) with parsleyed red potatoes, and the very nicely sized Fried Shrimp (choice of grilled, fried, or sauteed in the garlic butter) and potatoes.
We saw someone at the next table over have the fettucini (with a number of menu options), and I think we'll try that the next time we visit.
Everything was very tasty, and the service was good and southern friendly.
6813 US 27 South, Sebring, FL 33876
863-382-4554
http://www.wateringholesebring.com/
Restaurant open Mon-Sat, 4pm-10pm. Lounge and package store open 7 days.
Plenty of parking in the dirt lot.
Cash only; they have an ATM inside.
Casual. Can be dark inside.
Visited: Dinner, Dine-in
Most recently: December 2009
The Watering Hole has been in Sebring for a very long time, and really did start out as a watering hole for the local cowboys way back in the day. It's now a really good steak and seafood restaurant, but still maintains some of the casual cowboy-ness with its large wood plank tables and large communal-ish dinig room. There's also a 14'+ alligator named Bully that lives there, and if you're lucky, you may actually see Bully move.
As soon as you walk in, you smell garlic, and the entrees come with the house garlic bread which is quite tasty and not for the faint of heart. The bread is toasted in the same area as the dining room, so the smell really pervades everywhere.
All of the dinners come with green salad, fruit salad or cole slaw. The green salad is nicely sized and very colorful. It has romaine as its lettuce base topped with pretty bell peppers, onions, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots. The fruit salad was a very nice mix of melons, fresh pineapple, and grapes.
Entrees also come with a very nice fruity garnish of a strawberry, a third of a peeled banana, and a thick slice of grapefruit. Very pretty. You also have your choice of potato: baked, parsleyed red, or fries. In all, very generous portions.
In addition to the menu items, you'll also see their meat and seafood specials at the hostess podium. We got the special of the day Porterhouse ($21.95). YUM! It was well cooked and comes slathered in the same garlic butter that is on the bread, and a baked potato. It was a great price for the quality and size of the meat and for all that comes with it.
We also got the Cowboy-size Fillet Mignon (as opposed to the Cowgirl-size) with Fries, the special of the day Ribeye ($15.95) with parsleyed red potatoes, and the very nicely sized Fried Shrimp (choice of grilled, fried, or sauteed in the garlic butter) and potatoes.
We saw someone at the next table over have the fettucini (with a number of menu options), and I think we'll try that the next time we visit.
Everything was very tasty, and the service was good and southern friendly.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Vince's Spaghetti, Torrance, CA
Vince's Spaghetti
23609 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
310-375-1455
http://www.vinces-spaghetti.com/
Plenty of free parking behind the restaurant.
Casual. Family friendly. Large dining room. Very popular on Friday and Saturday nights.
Visited: Numerous times, Dinner, Dine in
Most recent: October 2009
So Vince's has been here forever, and as the name implies they specialize in spaghetti. We've been coming here for some time, and the food is always fresh, hot and tasty.
Dinners come with vegetable beef soup, dinner salad, and 2 pieces of fabulous garlic bread. There is really no way that we can ever eat all of this, so we always get our entrees a la carte.
In the past, spaghetti and lasagna were pretty much it for the menu. These days, you can get ravioli all the time, as well as get half portions. They also have a selection of hot sandwiches (that also come with soup or salad). And they now serve lunch during the week.
So what did we get:
Spaghetti with Vince's Original Meat Sauce, extra large, a la carte ($9.00): piles of well cooked spaghetti covered with authentic red meat sauce. This portion is not for the faint of heart.
Lasagna with Vince's Original Meat Sauce a la carte ($9.75): two luscious squares of lasagna covered with meat sauce. What's particularly interesting about this lasagna, is that there is no sauce on the inside - it's completely white. The white pasta layers are filled with a cheesey and meaty filling (which I love on its own) then topped with the rich red sauce.
2 Orders of Garlic Bread ($2.25 each): 2 orders equals 4 slices. I'm not really sure what the topping is, but it's pretty tasty. It reheats very well in the toaster oven.
And if we plan ahead to have dessert, we get the Chocolate Ice Cream ($4.25): a huge portion of amazing ice cream. Definitely enough to share. We finally had to ask the brand, and it's Humboldt Creamery. MMmm! I don't like the cappucino flavor as much because it has these flavored crunchy bits that distract from the ice cream.
Vince's definitely has a family feel - meant for folks to get together in a casual atmosphere with lots of food. We always have leftovers - at least another 2 meals worth, so the value here is incredible.
--T
23609 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
310-375-1455
http://www.vinces-spaghetti.com/
Plenty of free parking behind the restaurant.
Casual. Family friendly. Large dining room. Very popular on Friday and Saturday nights.
Visited: Numerous times, Dinner, Dine in
Most recent: October 2009
So Vince's has been here forever, and as the name implies they specialize in spaghetti. We've been coming here for some time, and the food is always fresh, hot and tasty.
Dinners come with vegetable beef soup, dinner salad, and 2 pieces of fabulous garlic bread. There is really no way that we can ever eat all of this, so we always get our entrees a la carte.
In the past, spaghetti and lasagna were pretty much it for the menu. These days, you can get ravioli all the time, as well as get half portions. They also have a selection of hot sandwiches (that also come with soup or salad). And they now serve lunch during the week.
So what did we get:
Spaghetti with Vince's Original Meat Sauce, extra large, a la carte ($9.00): piles of well cooked spaghetti covered with authentic red meat sauce. This portion is not for the faint of heart.
Lasagna with Vince's Original Meat Sauce a la carte ($9.75): two luscious squares of lasagna covered with meat sauce. What's particularly interesting about this lasagna, is that there is no sauce on the inside - it's completely white. The white pasta layers are filled with a cheesey and meaty filling (which I love on its own) then topped with the rich red sauce.
2 Orders of Garlic Bread ($2.25 each): 2 orders equals 4 slices. I'm not really sure what the topping is, but it's pretty tasty. It reheats very well in the toaster oven.
And if we plan ahead to have dessert, we get the Chocolate Ice Cream ($4.25): a huge portion of amazing ice cream. Definitely enough to share. We finally had to ask the brand, and it's Humboldt Creamery. MMmm! I don't like the cappucino flavor as much because it has these flavored crunchy bits that distract from the ice cream.
Vince's definitely has a family feel - meant for folks to get together in a casual atmosphere with lots of food. We always have leftovers - at least another 2 meals worth, so the value here is incredible.
--T
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