We've been to Zov's. Would love to try something new. Maybe a little closer to Orange than Costa Mesa--Tustin, Anaheim Hills...

I'm meeting some friends for brunch in Orange on Monday (Labor Day) and we want to avoid the Circle because of the street fair. Any good recs? Near Orange would be fine.

Roberta

I have only visited Seattle once, fifteen years ago. I will be arriving on a Friday evening, plane touching down around 7pm. I would like to have dinner that evening at a nice restaurant--I'm a bit of a foodie, but my kids are the pickiest kids on the planet, ages 13 and 9. One will eat steak and burgers, the other will eat white rice and plain pasta. Any suggestions? We're staying near the Nordstrom and Macy's. We will not have a car.

Roberta

My sister's birthday is Wednesday and I thought we'd try Umami Burger. But, from what I understand, you can't "special order" a burger there. My sister loves quality burgers but she's a plain jane who likes her burger with nothing but pickles. Does anyone know if what I heard is correct? And, if so, any other recommendations for high quality burgers in the LA/Valley area? She would not like Father's Office--not a beer fan, and we'll have my 12 year old niece with us.

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Umami Burger
850 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

My 8-year old son loves to get dressed up and go out to a "5-Star" restaurant. He isn't a particularly adventurous eater, so I would love to find some places that have a kids' menu. We've already been to Nick and Stef's. We'll go anywhere in the Los Angeles area.

My parents live in Fountain Valley, but we're willing to drive pretty much anywhere. My dad's not a huge fan of Mexican food. Other than that, any food will be fine. Thanks!

I'm planning my dad's 75th birthday dinner for a Saturday night. He does not want us to spend a lot of money. I'll be okay with a chain, too. I was thinking Cheesecake Factory and Buca di Beppo. Any other suggestions?

I'm heading from the OC to Sunset Plaza (Sunset and LaCienega) for an appointment. Will probably have a little time to spare and need a place to sit and grade papers. Any suggestions?

Going to see the movie in Long Beach on Friday. Would love to have some "film appropriate" restaurant suggestions.

Roberta

Wow.

Definitely wasn't expecting someone to foretell the future. In the past, people who live in Vegas have been able to tell me if there were conventions in town or if a new show was opening that might attract big crowds. Also, the fact that it's the weekend after Easter, I thought I might get some insight on how that weekend might have played out in the past. That's all.

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We're staying at the Venetian this Saturday night and would like to eat at one of the restaurants there. Would love to hear what your favorites are.

Also, do you think Vegas will be super crowded this weekend? End of Spring Break for some?

Thanks.

I liked it! I had the Chicken and Spurs and my husband had The Smokin' Pig. We shook on the habanero oil and it was great! I agree that the potatoes were awesome.

The owners are VERY nice. We ordered a root beer float for our family to share. Our ten-year old son doesn't like root beer and was complaining that he wanted plain ice cream, so the owner brought a bowl of ice cream over, no charge. It's a family run business with two teenagers/young adults running the front with big smiles on their faces.

They told us that their business has tripled since the LA Times review. In this scary financial climate, I hope they make it. I wish we lived closer. I'm sure we would be frequent diners.

Porto's in Glendale. Awesome and cheap appetizers.

The Hobbit sounds interesting but I couldn't find a hint of the pricing on their website. Do you remember? Anyone else have any other suggestions?

I need to find a restaurant that 10 people can go to on graduation night. We want it to be a fun place with excellent food and drink, but we also want to be able to have conversations. Last year, we went to Wilhelm's in the Tustin Marketplace which has now closed. The year before, we went to Opah's but it gets to loud in there. Any suggestions?

Wow! Thank you to all. These are not for Christmas...just my son's birthday party this Sunday.

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We usually get our tamales at Tamales Liliana. We'd like to find a place that's closer to home than East LA. Would love some suggestions...

I haven't had much success with the local Chinese restaurants. Any suggestions?

You can't go wrong at Green Street. Lots of healthy selections. Robin's is pretty good if you consider BBQ as healthy food.

I'm heading out to get my nails done at Jessica's and would like to treat myself to lunch. I usually go to Mel's Drive-in but I'm in the mood for something GOOD. Any ideas?

EuroPane in Pasadena. I brought it to our T-Day dinner last year and the hosts threatened me within an inch of my life if I didn't bring it again. Truly awesome pie.

We live in Pasadena and our friends live in Eagle Rock. We're willing to drive. Any ideas? No one feels like breaking the bank...

The Griddle Cafe on Sunset in Hollywood. Known for their pancakes but I love their egg dishes. And the French Press coffee is amazing.