RESTAURANT REVIEWS

Johnny Rebs' BBQ Bailout Offer

2009-01-16T17:47:00.000-08:00

Did you catch the Restaurant Review of Johny Rebs' Southern Road House? If you missed the review find it here. -> http://is.gd/92P9

I have to admit that every month we make a vist or two to this fabulous restaurant, because in Southern California this is a good as it gets.

Now thanks to the management of Johny Reb's it is getting cheaper to visit.

True to their branding this truly is a place where good times are not forgotten.

"Imagine finding a place down a country road where you never been A place of simple values, where good times are not forgotten and everybody is your friend. Welcome back from where you been. Welcome Home!"

Spaghettini Grill & Jazz Club – Seal Beach, California.

2008-11-30T15:24:00.000-08:00

The Sunday Jazz Brunch at the famous Spaghettini Grill is a most wonderful time and a great place to celebrate your special occasion.

We attended a Sunday Brunch that features exquisitely prepared dishes that include lush California salads, authentic Italian pastas, traditional breakfast Dishes, waffles, a fresh caught seafood station and mouth watering homemade desserts.

Spaghettini Grill features a Jazz club with smoking live Jazz performances and on Sundays is hosted with a live broadcast from Southern California's 94.7 The Wave radio station. (Click pictures to see larger views)

On this visit we were met at the door by a beautiful girl offering drink samples made from designer labeled vodka. The Jazz club was buzzing as the crowd listened to the jazz styles of the Al Williams Jazz Society.

Entering the restaurant the grill is open for the public’s view and lovely dishes of Chilean Sea bass, center cut sirloin steak, New Zealand lamb chops, Sockeye salmon and a pan seared chicken breast are rapidly being sent hot to the tables.

As we were taken to our tables we passed by the wonderful eye catching buffet and could not help but realize that Brunch at Spaghettini Grill was going to be a gastronomic feast. There was so much great food offered that I knew that I would have to use restrain in what I selected.

The service was polite, quick, and yet they offered plenty of time for you to take in the menu, enjoy the surroundings. They also were quick to keep glasses full of Campaign or mimosa.

The buffet was just wonderful and I noticed every item was fresh, the hot food, hot; the cold food, cold and each buffet station was well stocked as the staff pampered every aspect of it.

When our entrees came, the food had an excellent presentation and my New Zealand lamb chops were perfectly cooked and excellently flavored; by far a dish worth revisiting to have again.

The restaurant decor is modern and sheik having a comfortable upscale club atmosphere. The booths are large and large groups would comfortably fit into the many dining rooms.

The bar area featured televisions with sporting events and was in plain view of the large stage. The wave broadcast booth was set in the bar area and the radio station cut from recorded music to live music which was most enjoyable.

Overall first experience was grand and I am looking forward to a return visit. The price I would say is expensive; brunch was $59.95 for adults and $16.95 for children. Yet the price was a great value as the entertainment was excellent.

Reservations are recommended and the restaurant has a web calendar so that you can reserve a table to see one of your favorite artists. Our recommendation is to request seating facing the stage, for the some dining areas is remote from a view of the stage.

Rating (1-10)

Service = 10

Food =10

Spaghettini Grill & Jazz Club
3005 Old Ranch Parkway,
Seal Beach, California 90740

Web

Directions

No Worry's - Again!

2008-11-28T17:16:00.000-08:00

Resaurant Reviews would like to thank the ownership of the excellent "No Worry's" Restaurant in Cabo San Lucas for sending such great memory items to us.

If you remember Restaurant Reviews featured No Worry's after a family vacation to Mexico. We had such an awesome time that I had to feature No Worry's and recommend it to all who travel to Mexico or to Maui.

In thanks for such a wonderful gift of gratitude, I thought I would share with our readers the package and announce that No Worry's as launched a line of hair care products; shampoos, conditioner, and spray gel.

The shampoo is an emollient and is protein & vitamin enriched providing UV protection from the sun. The shampoo contains natural botanical extracts and is designed to help dry or damaged hair.

The conditioner is heaven to your hair as it penetrates deep into the hair follicles and leaving it nurtured, soft, and bouncy.

The No Worry's gel is designed to help hair hold without making it look or feel sticky. These three products are a great addition to a already fabulous line of clothing.

Visit the No Worry's Web site and drop them a line saying that you heard about them through Restaurant Reviews.

The Beach Pit Barbecue – Tustin California

2008-11-28T16:51:00.001-08:00

One day at Anaheim Stadium, when heading to the cheap seats, I came upon the best find ever when it comes to ball park food. The Beach Pit Barbecue had opened a satellite location in the outfield upper pavilion. To my amazement, the Pulled Pork Sandwich was the best I ever ate.

Game after game I took family, friends and bragged about it to anyone who would listen. Now I’m writing about it for I visited one of the two other locations, located in Tustin, California.

The Beach Bit Barbecue is located in an old automotive garage style building and is appropriately called The Tustin Garage. Though I say “old,” the interior is new and kept in pristine condition. Nice booths, brush stainless steel tabletops, and an upscale conversion look.

Walking in to the restaurant you come face to face with a southern style smokehouse order window. Posted above is a good size menu offering all the barbecue favorites. Just to the right are a few games that are well placed but do not impede or over crowd the dining area. And to one side of the restaurant is a sports bar with flat panel televisions.

Monday through Thursdays they host a happy hour between 3-6 pm. This is place for people who like family but are serious barbecue eaters.

Now, I have to tell you that I cannot get the pulled pork sandwich out of my mind. Like I said, I ate one at every Angel’s baseball game that I attended this year. Now it is the off season and I was hoping to get the same quality sandwich and that I got at the ballpark.

The pulled pork sandwich is served on a white bun and a drizzling of my choice of sauce, which is spicy. However, there are several different types of sauces. The meat had that excellent smoked flavor, with a perfect crust and that nice pink smoke ring. The flavor is out of this world.

The lunch came with my choice of sides dishes and I ordered the barbecue staple, beans and coleslaw. The coleslaw is medium sliced cabbages and is not creamy, but has red wine vinaigrette lightly covering it. It was sweet and tangy.

The beans were very good. Now, I am not a bean eater, yet I found myself eating all of them. They are a combination of kidney, pinto, and white bean. The sauce was sweet, but not over powering; together they made for two excellent sides. Additional sides are corn on the cob, macaroni and cheese, blueberry cornbread, and potato salad.

I became interested in returning for breakfast as the menu has egg plates containing smoked meats and pancakes with bananas, blueberries, or chocolate chips.

In addition to a barbecue menu, there are barbecue pork, chicken, sausage, and pizzas. Also they have a a kids menu that features mac N’ cheese, chicken nuggets, spare ribs, and chicken drumsticks. Of course everybody’s favorite French fries.

The Beach Pit Barbecue features pork, beef brisket, chicken, sausage, spare ribs, baby back ribs, and Tri Tip. And as every good barbecue restaurant should have combination smoked meat plates. Yum!

A lunch plate will run you between $10 to $14 and dinner, $14 to $17; yet I’m sure you will be happy once you have had a taste of their hospitality, fun, and food.

I am looking forward to my next visit where I will have to sample more of the delicious barbecue.

Rating

Service 10 – Very polite and food was served quickly.

Food – 8.5 – They have one of the best smokehouses in Southern California.

The Beach Pit Barbecue

560 El Camino Real, Old Town Tustin. California

949-645-RIBS (7427)

Web

Directions

Also visit their location in Costa Mesa &

Anaheim Stadium in the Outfield Pavilion under the jumbotron.

1676 Tustin Ave, Costa Mesa California

714-929-RIBS (7427)

Johnny Rebs’ Bellflower California

2008-11-25T17:39:00.000-08:00

For years a staple in dining out has been our hometown Jonny Rebs'. When we need to put some South in our mouth it is like coming home.

A friendly staff, great southern cooking, smoke house smell, and a decor that makes you feel that you’re far away from the city and have been transported to a place Elvis once ate.

Established in 1984, Johnny Rebs’ is a home away from home for Southern Transplants.

Once when telling a Southern Gentlemen of our lack of good southern cooking in California, he was quick to raise his finger, tilt his head and tell me “That is not true.” It seems he had the best catfish that he ever ate at a small Road House in Bellflower California, called Johnny Rebs’.

Johnny Rebs’ authentic Southern Menu includes Home Smoked Barbeque chicken, beef, pork, and sausage. They serve Hushpuppies, Collard Greens, Fried Okra, Black-eyed Peas, Fried Green Tomatoes, Peach Cobbler, and Pecan Pie, and even make their own homemade potatoes chips.

The best part of Johnny Rebs is all the food made fresh on the premises and their meats fill the surrounding city with smoke from their own smokehouse.

To get the best idea of what Johnny Rebs’ is all about start with a Sampler Platter of Cajun sausage, hot linked sausage, onion rings, hushpuppies; served with barbecue sauce to dip in.

On this visit, to start, we had the Smoked Chicken Wings with sauce on the side. These wings are so good that once I had them catered into a lunch event for forty as part of the main course. So good are these wings that I look forward to ordering them every time I visit.

I’m also absolutely stuck on the Catfish Caesar Salad. I order this salad at least once per month and it is wonderful every time. Two catfish fillets served on romaine lettuce tossed with cornbread croutons and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. I have it served with the dressing on the side and it is served with hot hushpuppies. I’m addicted; for me it is hard to order anything else.

Also was ordered this visit was the smoked pulled pork sandwich. It comes on a bun, is smothered with barbeque sauce and came with barbeque beans, and a salad. Yet you can select any fixings to make your Southern dinner a success.

Fixings include barbeque pinto beans, fresh mashed potatoes, Southern slaw freshly cut, collard greens, hot black-eyed peas simmered in seasonings, Texas Caviar that is black-eyed peas in chilled vinaigrette, or a Bitty Salad.

For desert there is drop biscuit peach cobbler, key lime pie, fried apple pie, Mississippi mud pie, and Southern pecan pie. If you order desert have it alamod with their Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. These deserts are a throwback to simpler times and should never be lost in our societies.

This restaurant is one that will make you smile, tap the table to the popular songs from the south, and return for more.

In Addition, do not forget to add to your tab a bone for Fido. Johnny Rebs' packages beef bones especially wropped for the dog who had to stay behind.

Johnny Reb’s now has four locations in Bellflower, Long Beach, Victorville, and Orange. Everyone who visits is a guest and will fill your need to “Put Some South in Your Mouth.”

Rating

Food = 9

Service =10 **** Thanks Kyle – You’re a great server!

Johnny Reb’s – Web

Featured in this write up is Johnny Rebs’ in Bellflower

1663

9 Bellflower Blvd, Bellflower. CA. 90706

562-866-6455

Peking Wok - Cerritos California

2008-10-27T16:28:00.000-07:00

You can always go out to a fancy Chinese food restaurant, but some of the best food comes from little small places where the prices are miles apart.

Where this is true most of the time, you get the best of everything at Peking Wok in Cerritos. Peking Wok Cerritos offers excellent Chinese food from the western provinces of Schezwan and Hunan. They have excellent prices, and is a elegant dining experience.

The restaurant has two dining rooms and can seat large parties easily. All dining is casual and parties of two are regularly seated at large booth tables, with bay window views. In 20006 the restaurant went through remodel and now has a beautiful appearance that rivals expensive restaurants.

Servicers and staff members are dressed in formal uniform and polite etiquette is a priority. Our favorite server is "Alice". We are greeted with a bow and a warm “Welcome home.” When you visit ask for Alice, she is adorable.

Now be prepared and come hungry for there are a lot of menu options and food is served family style. Many different varieties of beef, chicken, pork, and duck dishes are offered as well as many vegetable dishes also. It is by far the most extensive menu that I have every ordered from, while still maintaining constant quality on every order.

On this visit we started with the Wor Wonton Soup. It is a chicken stock based soup and had chicken, shrimp, wonton dumplings, broccoli, and carrots. Of every restaurant I have traveled to, this soup is the best I have ever had; 100% perfection every time.

Every meal begins with the restaurants signature “Chinese Nachos.” Basically it is fried wonton strips with three different dipping sauces. This time we added egg rolls and thought it was much food, we knew we would be taking some home.

The entrées we selected were Kung Pow Scallops, Sweet and Sour Chicken, with a side of vegetables. To drink, my wife ordered signature Mai Tia drink, which is a power packing excellently flavored drink; however, Peking Wok has a full bar.

The Kung Pow Scallops are my favorite. The scallops are pan seared and then added to sautéed onions, peanuts, and mushrooms. The sauce is a dark brown gravy and it is served with generous portion chili peppers. The peppers are added so that non-pepper lovers will like the dish also.

The Sweet and Sour Chicken is everything that you want; fresh crisp vegetables, fried chicken meat (not oily), and a perfectly sweet sauce.

No matter what group we come with one person always orders this dish and as it is passed for serving, it is the first to be emptied.

Now the vegetables are happiness in every bite. All the vegetables are steamed and thenserved in a light fish sauce to make an incredible entrée; yes you heard it. These vegetable are a meal themselves.

I think vegetables need to be an important part of every meal and this is a wonderful way to ensure they are enjoyed them..

After dinner, as the check comes and your remaining food is packaged to go; a crisp fortune cookie comes plated with an orange slice, and a fried banana slice with a butterscotch sugar. Yum, Yum, Yum; a perfect ending to a great feast.

The best part is that all this food with the Mai Tai was under $45. It is a bargain and a steal when it comes to the quality and ambiance of the restaurant.

This was a place I would bring clients to for lunch and I never minded picking up the check since entrée lunch prices are under $6.00. Tell me, where can you impress clients for less? It just does not happen. In fact, it is cheaper than eating fast food.

No matter how far you have to drive, come to Peking Wok Cerritos. It is worth every moment.

Rating (1-10)

Food:10

Service:10

11203 183rd St. Cerritos, CA 90703

(562) 860-6068

Map

The Red Pearl - Los Angels/ West hollywood

2008-10-26T17:52:00.000-07:00

The Red Perl was not our first choice when picking restaurants, mostly because we had only passed it by with a glance. West Hollywood has many restaurants to choose from and the few we started to patronize just were not going to hit the spot.

Having before passing by, we knew that it would be another trendy Asian fusion cuisine; yet after walking into the restaurant we knew that we were in for a treat.

The design of the dining room was amazing; it had a vintage 1946 World War Two atmosphere and could be used for a movie set. The floor was stained metallic gold and the ceiling had tall rafters providing an open and airy environment. The draperies were deep red and the booths orange. The lighting was dim and yellow so the restaurant looked as if on fire.

Chandeliers made from kimono material coupled with the Trade Mark Asian girl made me think of Tokyo Rose; yet the there was an eclectic mix of Asian art, statues, furniture, and a noticeable Chinese influence.

The bar areas was alive and people crowded around in a very friendly, inviting atmosphere.

The menu is simple, the food preparation authentic, and the value is in the ambiance. This would be a wonderful spot for birthdays, anniversaries, and even business meetings. Large special event rooms are available and reservations are accepted.

Served family style; we started our meal with Wonton Soup. It has a rich chicken broth, broccoli, carrots, green onion, chicken, and shrimp stuffed wontons. The food was hot, fresh, and the shrimp tender. I could have made a meal and had been satisfied from the just the soup.

We also added Dim Sum, shrimp dumpling, which was light and rich in flavor; yet to my disappointment there was no dipping broth. With the Dim Sun we had Crispy Chicken Wontons; yet over cooking made them a little tough. This did not disappoint me; but was not something I would not order again.

For the main entrees we had Spicy Szechwan string beans, Penang curry, and General Tso’s Chicken. It came served on large, hot, platters, family style.

The green beans were cooked perfectly and had a light crunch to them; however, I added a scoop of chili paste, for I like my food a hotter.

The Penang curry was by far my favorite. It had small slices of filet mignon, bell peppers, and peanuts. It was served with brown rice and was what a good curry should taste like; lightly spicy, not over powering, and a dish to order on a second visit.

General Tso’s chicken came deep fried, with a light sauce that covered each piece. It went well with the curry and gave the meal a sweet taste.

I would have liked to include photos of the food; however, the lighting was not fitting for good photography and with clients, some consisting of Hollywood’s elite, to take the pictures would not have been an annoyance.

The Red Pearl was a wonderful experience and worthy of a second visit. If in San Diego, you might try the Red Pearl San Diego located in Down Town.

Rating (1-10)

Food: 9

Service :9

Red Pearl Kitchen Los Angeles is located on the Northwest corner of Melrose Avenue and North Citrus Avenue One block west of Highland Avenue at

6703 Melrose Avenue

Los Angeles California 90038

Web

Directions

Casa Adelita – Hawaiian Gardens California

2008-10-19T16:53:00.000-07:00

Casa Adelita – Hawaiian Gardens

It seems as if every good chef has migrated north from Mexico to take up residency in Southern California. Many good Mexican Restaurants have opened; yet, many compromise their Mexican heritage cuisine to cater to the North of the boarder neighbors. That’s not the case with Casa Adelita. Casa Adelita ignores America’s views on Mexican food and serves tradition Mexican & Seafood at great prices.

"La Adelita" came to be an archetype of a woman warrior in Mexico during the Mexican Revolution. An Adelita was a soldadera, or woman soldier, who not only cooked and cared for the wounded but also actually fought in battles against Mexican government forces. In time the word adelita was used for all the soldaderas, who became a vital force in the revolutionary war efforts. The term La Adelita has since come to signify a woman of strength and courage.

I have visited Casa Adelita several times and on almost every visit I have found fresh ingredients served hot to the table by friendly staff. However, on my most recent visit, I will have to take the restaurant rating down a notch as it was not as fresh and the service was neglectful. I am hoping that it was a onetime fluke.

Of all the food we have dinned on, by far the most impressive is the Caldos, broths. Almost any combination of seafood is served in a soup as well as meats.

Albondigas, meatball soup, is rich broth with plenty of thick cut vegetables and the broth is sweetened by the use of cactus. The Chicken Soup came with a large chicken breast cut into four pieces and as the other soups, had large thick cut vegetables also.

A wide variety of Mexican cuisine awaits you at Casa Adelita. Tacos, burritos, fajitas, molcajetes, tostadas, rellenos, and tortas, served in large portions with rice & beans. The Menu is vast with all types of authentic Mexican favorites. Combination plates are offer variety and Platillos Grandes, great dishes, of various cuts of beef, and chicken are grilled to order.

Casa Adelita features Mariscos, seafood and nothing says seafood more than a cocktail made with your favorite catch. Large schooners of freshe shrimp, fish, oysters, and octapus are nicely arranged in thin cocktail sauce and garnished with lime and cellery sticks. A seafood cocktail is a great way to start a meal and satisfy the desire for fresh seafood. The menu features many types of seafood cocktails for your enjoyment.

Being a seafood lover, I ordered Ensalada de Mariscos, Seafood Salad, and it came with oysters on the half shell, grilled octopus, shrimp, crab meat, abalone and ceviche. Served on a bed of lettuce with plenty of lime wedges it became a wonderful showcase of South of the boarder Mariscos cuisine.

Also ordered were fajitas, which came with grilled beef and chicken and then sautéed with bell pepper and onions in a wonderful rich sauce. With every dish you can expect a place of traditional refried beans rice and a dab of guacamole and sour cream. Of five trips to the restaurant each had its own charm.

For the most part the staff is warm and friendly. They invite other nationalities to ask questions about annunciation & preparation of their Mexican delights; however, on the fifth trip we got the one person who was in a funk.

Casa Adelita is a restaurant you should try and they have four locations to chose from; Hawaiian Gardens, Paramount, Norwalk, and La Habra. The clientele is mostly Hispanic, but you will fit in quickly during your first visit.

Rating (1-10)
Service 7.5
Food 8

Casa Adelita
11976 Carson St
Hawaiian Gardens
CA 90716

562-420-2620
No Reservations.
WEB

Portillio’s – Buena Park California

2008-10-17T15:58:00.000-07:00

Portillio’s – Buena Park California

Living in the land of sunshine usually means we miss out on some of the great historic USA family restaurant chains. Thank you to Dick Portillio for bringing to Southern California your Illinois mainstay. Portillo's Hot Dogs, Inc., started in 1963 by Dick Portillo in a small trailer and soon will be operating in 45 locations.

Portillio’s web site tells a story of a man who was dedicated to customers and eager to serve their culinary desires with great service and prices.

If I wanted to have a Portillio’s Italian Beef Sandwich, I was going to have to travel to one of thirty-eight locations in Illinois or perhaps travel to Merryville Indiana. Yet Dick Portillo set his eyes on my sunny state of California.

Now, one of two locations in California, the Buena Park location is located ½ mile from the famous amusement attraction, Knott’s Berry Farm. The perfect local, the perfect look, and the perfect food bring customers streaming through the doors without many slow times. This store rocks from early lunch to late dinner and everyone leaves with a smile. In fact, I have watched people with giddy laughter as they walk from the parking lot into restaurant.

CLICK A PIC TO SEE FULL SIZE.

Each of the restaurants are themed; the one I frequent is themed like old Chicago when thugs and the mugs roamed the back alleys with their Tommy guns. Chicago’s roaring past is portrait like a museum and you can even catch Frankie in the bath tub. “Time to plug im, Muggs!”

Through famous for hot dogs, the food that steels the spotlight is the Italian Beef Sandwich. Piled high beef is stuffed into a dipped French roll and loaded with sweet, hot, or sport peppers. For those who are hungry there is the Big Beef and even a beef sandwich with a wonderful grilled Italian Sausage. That is what I ordered and as you can see in the picture, it was a meal in its self.

A full menu greets those who order from an order desk; there are eight different types of salads, made for you fresh from their large salad bar and all salads are served with a poppy seed muffin. You can have a different vegetable and poultry feast every time you come to Portillio’s.

Also served are a variety of chicken sandwiches, broiled burgers, hot dogs, chili, and soups. And if you like dessert, there is yummy treats to suit your cravings. Chocolate, lemon, strawberry and Carmel pecan cakes await your approval and smile.

I have been coming to Portillio’s in Buena Park for several years now and have never walked away unsatisfied. Repetitive good food, service, and a wonderful décor make me one of the giddy people that come regularly.

Each Portillo’s carries a different theme; you should look for them throughout Illinois when you’re up that way. I would be interested in hearing your feedback.

Rating

Service – 9

Food – 9

Portillo's - Buena Park, California
8390 La Palma Ave.
Buena Park CA 90620
714-220-6400
Theme: 30's Prohibition
Map

Web

Story Teller’s Cafe – Anaheim California

2008-10-13T17:43:00.000-07:00

I have a story to tell you about a wonderful restaurant in a magical place. I have been eating at this restaurant for several years and it is constant every time with some of the best food preparation in all of the Downtown Disney Restaurants.

What sets this restaurant apart is that it is Disney owned and operated. You may think that at the mention of the name Disney that quality would be sacrificed for volume. However, this is where Disney has turned it around in recent years.

Disney has taken the time to select quality chefs and to train them to cook with fresh and healthy ingredients. This has set the Disney Restaurants apart from all others.

On this visit to the Story Teller’s Café, we were caught without a quality camera and the photos are from a cell phone camera. I almost did not write up the dinning pleasure; however, it was such a wonderful time, I could not help but tell you about it.

Downtown Disney is not a long drive from church and I and my family headed to the Anaheim Resort in hopes of a good meal. It was my selection and the Story Teller’s Café located on the grounds of Disney’s California Grand Hotel was my selection.

The California Grand is a wonderful hotel that resembles the resort atmosphere of the High Sierra. High vaulted ceilings and a breath taking lounge area gives way to a beautiful landscaped walk down to the Story Teller’s Café.

Walking through hand carved wood framed glass doors; you instantly know you’re in a special place. Modeled to depict the American pioneer’s art of storytelling, the restaurant motif will captivate your imagination. The pioneer days of settling California care in every detail of the kitchen and dining areas.

Most mornings guest find a massive breakfast buffet featuring carved meat stations, omelet stations, mounds of fruit, deserts, and bakery items. At lunch a menu of good variety follows by a stupendous dinner menu. Throughout each meal visits from Disney characters entertain guests and feature a child’s sing and follow parade that weaves its way through the dining areas.

We were warmly greeted at the door and seated by a cheerful staff. Drink orders were quickly taken and followed by a bread basket full of a delicious variety of bread and muffins. They made it apparent that they were going to make this lunch a delight.

I ordered four cheese ravioli, salad, and a bowl of Chicken Corn Chowder. The salad came to the table with a bright green fresh look offset by bright red cubed tomatoes. The Chicken Corn Chowder was creamy, thick, and had a flavor that made me eat the complete bowl. I was so delighted that I had share some with my family. Thin pieces of chicken were in each bite and with the whole kernels of corn throughout, it made a perfect dish. Crumbled bacon and a light sprinkle of parsley on the top allowed me to find a new favorite.

The Four Cheese Ravioli was also a great selection. Homemade ravioli with tomato pesto sauce sautéed with asparagus and a few spinach leafs and “Gilroy” Garlic, came together to make a tasty party in my mouth. With each bite I caught myself making noises of delight.

Also ordered that day was the spaghetti with meat sauce. It was also well flavored with bits of carrots throughout the sauce. It had a mild flavor, perfectly cooked pasta, and a nice meaty texture. Served with garlic bread we all had a taste and loved it.

My wife had a grilled Chicken Pear salad with red wine vinaigrette. Though there was too much dressing for her taste, the dressing was sweet and complimented the nice arrangement of assorted greens and tender grilled chicken.

It was all very nice and had very nice resort price too; if you get my drift. I would classify it as medium pricy; but worth every penny.

The Disneyland Resort is located next to Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure. After meal walks are pleasurable with a unique shopping experience and even nighttime entertainment. If you have never visited Downtown Disney, it is a must go see. Then if you do visit, make sure you take in the majestic sights of The Grand California Hotel and consider eating at The Story Teller’s Café. You will not be disappointed.

Rating

Service: 10

Food: 9

Story Teller’s Café

The California Grand Hotel

Web: http://is.gd/40NA

1600 S. Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92803
(714) 635-2300

Alice’s Breakfast in the Park -Huntington Beach

2008-10-13T15:57:00.000-07:00

Huntington Central Park has two restaurants; yet the one not to miss is Alice’s Breakfast in the Park; a unique bakery/ restaurant that puts the word “Old” in Old Fashion.

Not too many people will recognize that Huntington Beach has a lake; yet for the fortunate, that have stumbled on to this treat, there has been many good times as return trips are a must. There is nothing like an early morning breakfast watching birds flying around Lake Huntington.

Located on the West side of Huntington Central Park, Mary Beth and Alice Gustafson operate a restaurant / bakery and have mastered the cinnamon roll to the delight of their guests.

The restaurant offers breakfast and lunch entrees served in their dining room that overlooks Lake Huntington or outside on tables lake side. Wildlife is everywhere and ducks swarm guests who have purchased food, which becomes entertainment of its own. Cinnamon Roll lovers will find that Mary Beth has mastered her craft take home baked goods make a great next day treat.

The day we visited was Monday and we had breakfast. The staff was courteous, the wait was only 5 minutes, and the food was served fresh and hot.

We started with May Beth’s famous Cinnamon Roll. We had the icing and nuts on the side and the roll was hot, sweet, and cinnamony good. We could not help but put in an order for rolls to go.

I ordered the bacon and eggs and it was cooked to perfection. The bacon was thick and crisp there was no skimping, my plate had four pieces.

The eggs were cooked to perfection and coupled with fresh fruit, it made a perfect meal. My favorite of this breakfast was homemade sour dough bread, toasted golden brown. I will have a problem ordering anything else when I visit again.

My wife ordered the Denver Scrambled. It had nice fluffy eggs, tasty cubes of lightly smoked ham, fresh onions and bell peppers and was topped with a medium cheddar cheese. It was a great Denver Scrambled.

The joy of eating at Alice’s Breakfast in the Park is the nice walk through such a beautiful park after a sumptuous meal. Old oak trees line the lake and you can walk for miles through different landscapes and experience a wonderful small town atmosphere with friendly people.

Huntington Central has a wildlife refuge, a Frisbee golf course, equestrian center, a dog park, library, work out stations, over 8 miles of walking trails and a sports complex.

The facilities are well kept and it makes for a great day to experience whatever your outdoor fun is. Yet do not forget to stop into Alice’s for breakfast or lunch.

I could not think of a better place to spend my morning and to have breakfast with scenery makes this my #1 suggested restaurant in Southern California.

Ratings
Service: 10
Food: 9

Alice's Breakfast in the Park
Web: http://www.breakfastinthepark.com

6622 Lakeview Drive in Huntington Beach.
Phone: 714.848.0690.

WEEKEND RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST!

The Tower Two Café – Ocean Beach San Diego

2008-09-24T09:23:00.001-07:00

The Tower Two beach Cafe sits directly across from the Ocean beach Pier and provided outside dinning at great prices. Relax under an umbrella and enjoy great food and a great view of the Pacific Ocean.

We came for brunch, for the restaurant serves breakfast all day. I was surprised to find a very good menu, since it was a café. I found an excellent lobster and egg omelet that I thoroughly enjoyed and my wife had the typical bacon and eggs.

The eggs were cooked perfectly, the bacon was crisp, smoky, and was hard not to finish. All the food came out piping hot and all I can say is, “bravo;” a perfect place for breakfast.

Inside the restaurant were a large bar, great places to sit, and televisions scattered so that you do not miss your favorite sports team. Looking at the lunch menu there was a wide variety of sandwiches, fried items, and good sit at the bar to enjoy a sunset menu.

Some of the best parts of the experience was that our dog Snoopy was accepted with open arms and was able to dine with us at table side. The crisp ocean air was clean to breath and the scenery unbeatable.

I suggest you try Tower Two Café and see if you can find a time when they have outdoor live entertainment . To see what I mean visit the links at the bottom of the review.

Ratings

Service (1-10) 10

Food (1-10) 8

Tower Two Beach Cafe located in Ocean Beach is a great spot for families.....Kids eat for free every Wednesday! And every weekend there's live music. Come for lunch and enjoy sitting the patio overlooking Ocean Beach

TOWER TWO CAFE

5083 Santa Monica Ave # 1B San Diego, CA 92107 Get Directions (619) 223-4059

http://www.towertwocafe.com/index.html

http://videonary.com/videonary/merchant/getMerchantDetails.html?merchantId=1795

El Adobe - San Juan Capistrano . UPDATE!

2008-09-23T22:04:00.000-07:00

Passing through San Juan Capistrano, I had to make another visit to El Adobe. This visit was better than the first and it was needful to give them good press again.

The service was outstanding, the food beyond outstanding, and the visit was better than the first. It was a great second performance by the staff at El Adobe and it occurred on a Monday night.

Like before, I ordered the President’s Special, the favorite of Pat and Richard Nixon. My curiosity was to see if the restaurant could match the quality I had the first time and they beat it. Every ingredient was fresh, seasoned perfect and a large quantity.

It is a rare opportunity to have a repeat performance from any restaurant that lived up to expectations from a previous visit; but they did. Bravo!

If you looking for great Mexican food and are in the area stop in to El Adobe. It is extraordinary.

Information about El Adobe can be found on our previous post by following this link.

http://8food.blogspot.com/2008/09/el-adobe-de-capistrano.html

Chris’ Liquor & Deli in Ocean Beach

2008-09-23T21:57:00.001-07:00

It was the first day of the San Diego boat races on Mission Bay.

On the way from the hotel I had to grab a bite; it was going to be a long day. If it were not for a small sign in the window that said Deli, I might have passed by this Jewel of a place.

Entering the store with my dog under my arm, I knew that good food was beyond those doors.

The aroma was wonderful and staring at the menu I could not believe the number of different sandwiches and the sign advertising Boar’s Head meat.

I was in a hurry so I made a quick choice of a turkey sandwich called the Navigator and asked for toasted sourdough bread. The Navigator comes with a heaping amount of fresh thick cut turkey and sits on top of a layer of avocado, lettuce, tomato, and then topped with bacon.

I also needed a sandwich for my Snoop dog and the man behind the counter said, “no need” as he reached into the cold box and handed me a 1 1/2” thick roll of turkey meet. He said, “These are dog treats and they are free.”

So driving to the races, I opened the dog treat to find such fresh turkey and it seemed too good to feed to my dog. So as Snoop dog started to dig in, I opened my sandwich and had an eye rolling experience as I bit into this large sandwich made with such care.

Every ingredient was fresh and the taste was extraordinary. I have had a lot of good sandwiched but never like this one. I had the sandwich completely ate before I got to the race and all I could think of is going there again.

The following day I had to go back and this time, Snoop was met with a large roll of sliced beef. Yet, I could not even think of ordering a different variety to sample; I had to re-order the Navigator and this time I added potato salad.

Again the sandwich was perfect and the potato salad was homemade with fresh chunks of potato and a slight flavor of egg and sour cream. Definitely a great (outstanding) potato salad.

My only regret is that I did not take pictures of my sumptuous maritime feast and I never intended to feature a liquor store deli; however, I cannot stop thinking about that great cooking and what a treat it was. Next time in San Diego I will drive out of my way to visit Chris’s Liquor and Deli and post pictures of the excellent, stupendous, mouth watering sandwiches.

Chris, you have ruined every restaurant I have ever been to. I will never find a sandwich as good as yours.

Chris’ Liquor & Deli in Ocean Beach
2275 Sunset Cliffs Blvd
(between Lotus St & Point Loma Blvd)
San Diego, CA 92107

(619) 222-0518

CATERING IS AVAILABLE!

Pinks Hot Dogs - Hollywood Califonria

2008-09-15T19:51:00.001-07:00

Of all the stars that have eaten at Pinks Hot Dogs in Hollywood California you have to add me. Though I am of no celebrity status, I am an All Star when it comes to Hot Dogs and today I have to say I had the best Hot Dog ever made and it was at Pink’s.

I’ve passed by Pink’s for years without stopping; always detoured by the size of the line waiting to get a hot dog. Yes I love hot dogs, but a line down the street and around the corner?

When visiting Pinks get ready stay a while for people will line up and stand for an hour to get these famous dogs. Opened from 9:30 AM till 3:00 AM the line rarely is small. Though today as I passed by, it was only 50 people long and so I stopped in to finally experience what people say is the best dog on the planet.

It was a long wait; but I needed the wait to figure out which of the many dog combinations I was going to have. The menu has over 30 different dogs offered and so I realized that I had to experience their most famous, the 10” Stretch Chili Dog.

Being very critical I looked over the operation and found it to be very simple and though it looked like any hotdog stand I found that the hot dogs were not typical. In fact, they were exactly what people have told me. They were the best I have ever had.

My 10” Stretch Chili Dog had a great appearance. The chili looked as if it would be greasy, but looks are deceiving. The bun was fresh and had a fresh baked taste. The dog had a great snap, but no too crunchy.

The flavor of the dog was perfect and not over powering. Yet the chili was what surprised me the most. It was creamy, not drippy. It had a subtle flavor and it complimented the taste of the bun and the dog.

With the cheese, onions, chili, bun, and meat, together the flavor was very light and perfect. Sometimes when ordering chili dogs you get a dog that leaves you burping and an aftertaste that never goes away. Yet this dog was perfectly seasoned. Everything became a symphony of flavor and after I was not heartburn full.

The presentation was simple, defined, and reminded me of the quality that Inn and Out puts into their food; simple Americana, perfectly made and available at a great price. Even as I write this review I am shaking my head on how good my experience at Pinks was. Though I held myself to one dog, it would be easy to eat three or four of these American treats.

The restaurant has been in Hollywood since 1939 and the building, built in the late fourties is old; yet the business is booming and the size of the restaurant adds to its charm. Thousands of hotdogs are served each day and as I stood watching the money being raked in, I could not stop but wonder how profitable this restaurant really is. Pinks is a diamond mine and the diamonds are oh so precious.

When you visit you never know who is going to pull up to stand in line for Pink’s is a place were the Hollywood elite eat. Who knows you may stand next to Tom Hanks, James Earl Jones, Snoop Dog, Jason Alexander, Bobby Flay, James Caan, Jim Belushi, and even Tyra Banks. They have all eaten at Pink’s and everyday brings a new surprise.

I will not stay away, for I have to have more. Give me Pinks any time of day or night!

Ratings

Food: (1-10) *10

Service (1010) *10

Pinks Hot Dogs

Web: http://www.pinkshollywood.com/index.htm

709 N. La Brea Blvd., L.A., CA 90038.

(323) 931-4223.

In Hollywood, near the intersection of Melrose Avenue and N. La Brea Boulevard, adjacent to the Northwest corner.

Fresca's Mexican Grill - Tustin Ca.

2008-09-05T19:21:00.000-07:00

Today’s choice for lunch was Fresca’s Mexican Grill in Tustin California. I first heard about it from my son who raved about the food quality; so today I picked him up and we went to dine.

Fresca’s seems like a normal chain restaurant and has seven locations; however, the food is diffidently not chain store quality. Looking deeper into the kitchen it was obvious that the owners have gone to great lengths to provide customers with healthy food.

Fresh cut lettuce and cabbage. Bright ripe red and green bell pepper, vine ripe tomatoes, and Fresca’s uses only lean meats. The meat is marinates in spice blends before charbroiling. You will also find that Fresca’s only uses cholesterol free Canola oil.

Today I tried the #12 Yucatan Fundido. Two grilled flour tortillas filled with lots of chicken & vegetables and topped with jalapeno cream cheese sauce. It was served with Spanish rice and black beans. I thought that this dish was very tasty and to top it off Fresca’s has six different salsas to eat with your meal.

Also order was the #1 Tres Enchiladas. Just as the menu says, “Delicious! Delicious!” You get three, one chicken, one beef, and one cheese enchilada with a wonderful red enchilada sauce. With rice and beans it makes for a great lunch.

At Fresca’s the menu is large and filled with Fiesta Platters, Burritos, Chimichangas, Tortas, Tacos, Antojitos, and all with very low prices. My #12 was only $6.50 and the #1 was $6.95. You can’t find a better meal when you only have an hour for lunch.

In addition to the great food, Fresca’s has a large fresh salsa bar. Six different salsas await your enjoyment. From hot to mild, you will find one that fits your taste.

You might even consider Fresca’s for catering your next luncheon or party. They also deliver!

Rating

Food (1-10) 8.5

Service (1-10) 8

Fresca’s Mexican Grill

Web: http://www.frescas.com/index.php

1621 Edinger Ave, Tustin. CA.

20260 Santa Ana Ave, Costa Mesa CA

22681 Lake Forest Dr, Lake Forest Ca

2085 Katella Ave, Anaheim Ca

16062 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach CA

41 Auto Center Dr, Foothill Ranch Ca

Original Pizza - Newport Beach CA

2008-09-03T15:13:00.000-07:00

What a dive – But What a Find! Looking for the good old fashion pizza that has yet to be exploited by commercial America is getting tougher and tougher to find. Yet the other day in New Port Beach California the craving for a slice of heaven raced across my mind, causing my mouth to water.

After checking the store fronts of several pizza places, we stopped and walked in to the biggest dive I have ever seen. Yet in the corner was a floury dough machine spinning like a champ. The building was old, the exterior was less than beautiful and the interior matched. But the restaurant was packed with people. This let me know something good was going on and how good I had no idea.

Approaching the service counter, I got nothing but a typical attitude from the California beach community girls. They prompted me that it was cash only and I ordered a medium deluxe. So uncomfortable was the restaurant, that I went and stood out in front of the establishment and watched them make pizza through the window.

It was here that I realized I was in for a treat. The dough had a great texture and was spread on a dusting of corn meal. The vegetables, meat, and cheese were fresh, not bulk bought. Someone had put much care into this how this pizza was made.

Several times I watched them checking the ovens and though they were pumping our pizza after pizza, there was no hurry and each came out of the oven with a nice browned surface, but the crust was perfect.

The medium that I got had about eight large slices and cost $21. Upon the first bite, the heat caused me to winch and I was forced to wait as it cooled.

Each bite you could taste the fresh vegetables and the sausage melted almost like cooked ground round. The flavor was intense. All the ingredients were perfectly proportioned and it was not greasy at all.

This pizza pie was so good the two of us ate the whole thing. It was one of those just can’t get enough days. Of course we ate in the car and parked on the beach by the beautiful Newport pier.

This was a fabulous find and though I should not eat pizza, I will have a tough time not stopping in when I pass through this area. Definitely, when I do eat pizza again, it will be here.

Ratings

Service: (1-10) 5

Food (1-10) 9.5

Original Pizza

2121 W Balboa Blvd
Newport Beach, CA 92663
9496731451

Sugar & Spice - The Original Frozen Banana since 1945

2008-09-03T14:35:00.000-07:00

Summer days in Newport Beach California would not be complete if you did not take a trip to the Sugar & Spice the home of the original frozen banana. Located on Balboa Island, Sugar & Spice has been serving frozen bananas dipped in chocolate and rolled in toppings of choice since 1945.

“Would you like small, medium, large, or XTRA large banana?” Coming in these four different sizes, bananas are dipped in a milk chocolate and then you choice of toppings making for a delightful treat. Peanuts, Rainbow Sprinkles, Almonds, Oreo, Chocolate Sprinkles, Heath pecan crunch, and trail mix will make for a sensational any day snack.

It is said that the frozen banana was first served here on Balboa Island and since 1945 millions of bananas have made their ways into the hands of hungry customers.

There are several ways to enjoy your banana; you can sit on the quaint street benches or walk up and down the board walk community. With a quick diversion off the main street you can enjoy your banana while watching the water ways of Balboa Island. You can even have your banana standing on top of the bridge joining Balboa Island to the mainland. Of course there is always my way; I like to take my banana and drive to the ferry and boat across to the other side of Newport Harbor.

Balboa Island is pure banana heaven and waiting for you to visit.

Ratings.

Service (1-10) 8

Food: (1-10) 10

No web site exists for this restaurant; however, you can find out more about Balboa Island here.

http://www.balboa-island.com/

Sugar & Spice

310 Marine Ave, Balboa Island California

949-673-8907

Athens West - Seal Beach CA

2008-09-03T13:33:00.001-07:00

When it comes to food it is all Greek to me! At least it is when I visit Seal Beach California. I had the pleasure of finding this nice beach community restaurant called Athens West. I was draw to it because it had a nice patio and a steady stream of customers. What I found was a very conscientious staff and a menu broad with choices.

Of course I wanted to try everything. So on two separate visits, I sampled a variety of food and it all was well prepared and a great value. I sampled the beef, chicken, shrimp, scallops, and gyro meat; it was all tasty, perfectly seasoned, tender, and juicy.

The fried calamari was tender and crisp and the amount was more than I could eat. This was a great value. Yet the one thing that stands out is the platters offered and their low prices.

All platters are served with orzo pasta, Greek salad, pita bread & tzatziki sauce. Kabob platters have your choice of two meats. For a small uncharged you can have shrimp and scallop skewers. The platters are so full you will take home food with you.

When ordering the combo plate it comes with Gyro meat which is a tantalizing blend of lamb and beef cut off a rotisserie and is up there with the best I have had.

The menu is so vast, it will take me several visits to sample the other items offered. Salmon, lamb chops, spanakopita, pita sandwiches, along with seasoned falafel.

Much thought has gone in to Athens West and considerations are made for Vegan diets, child portions, party take home packs, and deli delights for your perfect meal at home.

In addition to a delectable food fest, Athens West provides a nice dining patio experience and is located on Main Street of Seal Beach for a nice after meal walk to the pier.

Ratings.

Food: (1-10) 8.5

Service (1-10) 9

Athens West

Web: http://athenswest.com/index.htm

303 Main St.
Seal Beach, CA 90740

Also …

7101 Yorktown Ave.
Huntington Beach, CA 92648

El Adobe de Capistrano.

2008-09-03T12:22:00.001-07:00

El Adobe de Capistrano.

When it comes to Mexican Food, Southern California has the best. You may ask how can Southern California beat out Mexico when it comes to the South of the Boarder delights? The answer is easy; all the good cooks jumped the fence and settled in California.

All kidding aside; good Mexican Food is good no matter where you find it and upon return from a recent trip to Mexico, I stopped in San Juan Capistrano for one last splurge in hopes of satisfying my appetite for South of the Boarder cuisine. To my delight El Adobe de Capistrano put on a culinary show that amazed me.

I was dumb founded to find a restaurant with such great quality in a touristy town that San Juan Capistrano is. San Juan Capistrano, a So Cal Beach community, is the home of Mission San Juan and noted for migratory birds called Swallows, which come back to the area annually.

The "El Adobe de Capistrano" is a historic landmark and was built between 1791 and 1812. The restaurant's rich Spanish look makes for a picturesque dining experience that was a favorite or Richard and Patty Nixon.

On the menu you will find typical Mexican dishes yet when served, you will delight in the quality and care that is apparent on every bite.

The Presidents Special comes with a chicken enchilada that is stuffed fat with lean chicken meat and covered with an excellent homemade sauce. The chili relleno was fried, but not greasy do to a moderate stuffing of cheese. For a fried entry, I found it to be delightful. The plate was served with rice and beans and off to the side was a succulent, crispy, yet tender beef taco and this was no doubt the best combination I have ever had.

The fajita platter had tender chicken with a slight char to the meat and was served with strips of fresh onions and bell pepper; then the two were married together on a sizzling platter. To top it off it was served handmade tortillas that were outstanding.

Every meal is served with crispy light tortilla chips and a tomato based salsa that turns the heat up perfectly.

To top you dining experience I suggest that you try a South of the Boarder treat; a Carmel stuffed Churros which will put a smile on your face.

This restaurant receives our highest rating 10 on a scale of 1 to 10 and we suggest you visit it; but take your camera for the beauty is spectacular.

The Restaurant has a mystery dinner show and features a Taco Bar Buffet. This is one I will take the drive to try.

A visit to San Juan Capistrano is delightful afternoon and there is much to see. Amtrak provides service to San Juan and the station is only two blocks from El Adobe de Capistrano. Do not miss out on this one!

Rating (1-10) 10*

Service (1-10) 10*

El Adobe de Capistrano

31891 Camino Capistrano - San Juan Capistrano, CA

Call for Dinner Reservations - Phone. 949-493-1163

Web: http://www.eladobedecapistrano.com/about.php

No Worry's Restaurant. Cabo San Lucas

2008-08-31T19:59:00.000-07:00

No Worry's Restaurant.
Cabo San Lucas, Baja Mexico.

My recent travels took me to Mexico and with a short opportunity for lunch, I approached a lighthouse shaped restaurant called No Worries.

After I requested to eat on the second floor, I was turned down. “Its not open” the man told me in broken English. I then told him to bad and turned away.

“Senior, come. I will seat you.” He then led us into the patio and pulled back the chairs. What caught me off guard is that he took hold of the table, placed it on his head and started up the stairs to the second floor.

The second floor is an area for restaurant expansion where one day it will be a nice dining room filled with booths and chandeliers; but for us it was a large empty room and made an excellent place for our lunch.

From our second floor private room, we could sit on the large window ledge overlooking the beautiful Cabo San Lucas Marina. Mango Cadillac Margaritas, a bucket of beer, and a basket of fresh tortilla chips was an excellent start for our indulgence.

The bay windows wrap around the room and the cool breeze made for a wonderful atmosphere. For a moment it was hard to believe we were in another country; it seemed too much like home.

Our main dishes were two Lobster tails served on lettuce leafs with steamed vegetables and a cheese stuffed baked potato. Lobster seemed to melt in our mouths and for one brief moment overshadowed the beautiful view. Eyes rolled and gentle moans came with every tantalizing bite.

Also ordered was coconut shrimp served with a cup of rice and a cup of beans. This was not a great value for the portion size was small. The shrimp had a thick breading and a lace of coconut. It was deep fried which turned the breading dark brown and the shrimp was on the verge of being tough. This was not a bad dish; yet it could not outshine the lobster.

The bottom floor of the restaurant was charming and had a tropical patio dining flair. Inside the main room were a large gift shop and a great sports bar feeling atmosphere. This is definitely a night spot of choice.

No Worries was such a wonderful experience that we cannot wait to go back. When in Cabo San Lucas visit the No Worries Restaurant. I am sure you will have a nice time.

The only regret I have is I did not pick up a T shirt. My bad.

No Worry's Restaurant - Web

Blvd. Marina
E/V. Guerrero y Madero
Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S.
Mexico 23410
tel: (624) 143-8575