curiousgeo's Profile
Good eats near Outrigger Reef (Oahu)
For a Japanese meal with mainstream offerings, there is Ginza Bairin, a short walk from the Reef on Beachwalk. They serve Japanese style pork cutlet meals. The regular menu is quite expensive, but they serve rice bowls, known as donburi, which come as complete meals with soup and salad for under $20. Their pork cutlet rice bowl or jumbo shrimp rice bowl is very well done, using good quality ingredients. It's very popular with Japanese tourists, so you can be sure the flavor is authentic.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/tonkatsu-ginza-bairin-honolulu
American Sushi in Oahu??
Most of the places here you've read about do have omakase available, but that is the diners choice. You can certainly order on your own at almost everyplace I can think of.
Japanese Restaurants in Denver
Thanks for your comments and suggestions, I'll certainly look into them. Izakaya Den and Kiki's sound interesting!
Japanese Restaurants in Denver
Thank you LD, I appreciate your comments. I could tell from photos on Yelp, that the food served at Domo and Sushi Den were quite different. And I like your comment that they couldn't be more different yet the same cuisine. We're simply looking for the best quality, tasty fare and both restaurants seem to fit the bill. We'll probably choose one or the other depending how we feel, whether we are in the mood for sushi or a more traditional kind of set meal.
Japanese Restaurants in Denver
My son loves Japanese food and we're looking for someplace to eat one night on our next visit. Two places seem promising, Sushi Den and Domo. We'll be staying in the CBD, but don't mind a short walk or taxi ride if the food is worthwhile. Any experiences with these two places? Is one considerably better than the other? Other suggestions would be greatly appreciated as well. Thanks for your help.
Aloha Shiro Matsuo
Too bad, sorry to hear of his passing. Shiro's in Waimalu was always a good fall back place to eat. Not my favorite saimin restaurant on Oahu, but you always knew what to expect when eating there and would have a decent meal. The saimin choices were mind boggling sometimes.
Vancouver BC Hound returning for more Portland chow
If you find yourself downtown, great coffee and pastries can be had at Public Domain on SW Broadway.
Visiting Laguna Beach for a week - need recommendations
Saw this place in Roadfood, El Campeon in San Juan Capistrano. Thought it looked pretty good for an inexpensive Mexican lunch.
http://www.roadfood.com/Restaurant/Review/7446-8164/el-campeon
Best Kyoto restaurants
This may not be one of the "best" Kyoto restaurants that is being discussed here, but I'll throw in Gontaro, not far from Gion on Shijo. Ate here several times with my parents in the 1960's and again with my wife 30 years later. Hope to take my son on our next Japan trip.
Their delicious Gontaro Nabe is a perfect cold weather dish, fresh ingredients including seafood, chicken, vegetables with several kinds of fishcake and tofu. The shrimp was alive when placed in the pot and literally leaped out of the hot soup onto our table.
http://gontaro.co.jp/shop/sp-gontaronabe.html
Cheeseburgers at Red's Java House [SF]
Now that I think about it, I may do Original Joe's for dinner. Ribeye steak and spaghetti sounds good right about now, since I haven't eaten dinner yet. So Red's still may be a lunch option as the Grubstake wouldn't be open yet.
I remember a show where Anthony Bourdain ate a burger in North Beach, late at night that looked interesting. I think they served beer too, kind of a dive looking place where folks went to sober up. I have no clue what the name was.
Inexpensive near Union Square with difficult people
Scala's or Kuleto's? Not really inexpensive, but not too expensive either, menus on the safe side. Hope some locals can give you advice as well.
Cheeseburgers at Red's Java House [SF]
Oh, did Original Joe's re-open? Same ownership? I know it was closed for the longest time.
Cheeseburgers at Red's Java House [SF]
Thanks for all your responses. Somehow I thought it would be better regarded than this, but that's why Chowhound is such a great resource. Would the Grubstake be a better choice? Wanting a really good cheeseburger, but also looking for a SF institution/classic kind of place and vibe, a greasy spoon is fine if it fits the bill. Thanks again.
Cheeseburgers at Red's Java House [SF]
Thinking of stopping for lunch one day for cheeseburgers and maybe some onion rings. Our other planned lunch will probably be at Yank Sing for dim sum, so thought Red's would be a great contrast. Any thoughts or comments on your experiences there? Seems like a classic SF lunch place which kind of appeals to me. Thanks.
Dim Sum in the City
Thanks for your replies, I've always wondered about the quality of dim sum at Yank Sing and I admit to being a bit hesitant to eat there. May be the perfect time to give it a try. And by the way Robert, I do miss Harbor Village which I thought was a pretty good dim sum restaurant.
Dim Sum in the City
Our dim sum experiences in San Francisco itself are from quite a few years ago, and limited to New Asia and the long closed Harbor Village. Our recent experiences have been Koi Palace and Hong Kong Flower Lounge on drives down to Carmel, which we've really enjoyed.
Our next visit will find us without a car staying in the Union Square area. So of the places I'm considering are Yank Sing, City View and Great Eastern. Any comments on the dim sum quality here? Am I missing any great restaurants within reasonable distance and access? My family and I would really appreciate some advice on the better places available. Thanks for your help.
LA Trip Report
My family and I spent 3 nights in LA on a college visit and I wanted to report back and also thank LA hounds for their help.
The weather reports initially said cold and rainy over our visit, but only the first night had a bit of rain, the rest of our stay was sunny, although slightly chilly for southern California. Dinner our first night was a return to Sushi Masu. I had planned on Kiriko but was out voted, which I really didn't mind as our last meal at Masu was very good. We again sat in front of Shacho Masu and he treated us to a fine meal. His fish is very fresh and delicious and his rice is still some of the best I've tasted. His only comment to us (said with a grin) was that my son eats only western style sushi, California roll, Unagi Avocado roll, etc. But everyone enjoyed the food and service.
Brunch the next day was at John O'Groats, an unplanned stop. I had intended to take everyone to Nate n Al's but the LA Marathon was running and it was too much of a hassle to go so far around when we were staying so close. Omelets, pancakes, biscuits and coffee at O'Groats were a nice alternative under the circumstances.
Dinner was at Guido's in Santa Monica. Now I'm the one recently who asked about Italian restaurants in the BH or SM area, Toscana, Il Pastaio and Vito's. There was a lot of interesting comments and opinions, but when I showed Guido's to the family, everyone said let's give it a try. Now old school and comfort food come to mind when I think of Guido's and it did not disappoint us. We had salads, pasta bolognaise, eggplant parmigiana and veal saltimboca. Very well prepared food and delicious. I loved the pictures in the hallway with young Sean Penn, Tom Selleck, Harrison Ford and Arnold with his long hair! This must have been a real celebrity hangout in the 80's.
Lunch the next day was In n Out where I tried my first double double. I usually get the double meat, but this time I said what the heck, I have to say I've eaten it at least once. Great burgers, fries and shakes as always.
Our final dinner was at Gilbert's El Indio in Santa Monica. A nice, very popular neighborhood spot, almost a hole in the wall if you know what I mean. We all loved the place, delicious chips and guacamole, wife had the beef taquitos, son and I had the classic beef taco and enchilada plate with beans and rice. With a couple of cold Coronas I was extremely satisfied with Gilbert's, no more El Cholo for these LA visitors. Thanks again for all your suggestions. I'm slowly making my way down my list.
Denver Trip Report
We spent two nights in Denver on a brief college visit. Thanks to Denver hounds for their help and comments.
We arrived in Denver after a rather hectic travel day which included long airport security lines and airline code sharing computer glitches. Neither of the newly combined airlines read each others codes, resulting in quite a bit of confusion at check in. I made a few dinner suggestions to my wife and she said she was in no mood to walk in the cold and could we just stay and eat in the hotel.
So we ended up at the Palm (sorry Denver CH'rs) for dinner, but my wife was happy, so I was happy. We actually both really enjoyed our meal here. We started with a smaller portion of the crispy calamari appetizer and it was delicious, crispy and not cooked to death. Next we shared the caesar salad, also nicely prepared. My wife had the clam linguini and I had the veal martini, both recipies from the original NY restaurant. The veal was covered in a rich wine sauce with loads of fresh mushrooms, shallots and tomatoes. It was the best veal dish I've eaten in a long time and if you do end up here, I highly recommend this dish if you want something other than a steak.
Breakfast the next morning was at Sam's 3, near where our appointment was. At about 9:00 am it was still full and we sat next to a table full of police officers. I thought if they were eating here, it can't be a bad sign for the food. My wife had poached eggs and toast, my son had the Ram with red chili and I had the huevos ranchero with that delicious green pork chili, beans and tortillas. A great start to our day.
Dinner that night was at Bistro Vendome and everyone had a wonderful meal. A very attractive space just a short walk from our hotel. My son had the onion soup, while my wife and I had the simple salade, very fresh and nicely presented. My wife and son both enjoyed their dinner special, halibut cheeks in parchment paper and I had their steak frites. Desserts were creme brulee and a pastry which escapes me at the moment. Everything here was prepared with care and detail and this was a great recommendation. Thanks for all your suggestions.
Portland Report (a bit long)
My family and I spent several days in Portland on a college tour, staying in the downtown area. Portland is a great city and the March weather was mild and sunny, although quite chilly in the early morning and later evening hours. I wanted to thank all the Portland CH'rs for their advice, we ate at a few of these places as well as places we thought might be good, all in all a very nice visit.
First dinner was at Dan and Louis Oyster Bar. Now I'm the first to admit being a sucker for historic eateries, and a place that has been in business since 1907 has to do something right. We walked in about 8:00 pm and the place had just a few tables with customers which gave me pause, as it's a good sized restaurant. We ordered chowders, salads, crab cakes and a mixed broiled seafood plate. Everything was nicely done and delicious. The chowders were rich and creamy, the salads, fresh, crisp and attractively presented and the crab cakes were tasty. My mixed seafood came with roasted red potatoes and fresh asparagus and was perfectly cooked with lemon butter, moist and tender. A very good experience. We were too full to stop at Voodoo Doughnuts after dinner though, maybe next time.
Tried the food carts at SW Alder the next day, mine were $1.50 carne asada tacos from El Rodeo. What a great deal, the tacos had nice slices of juicy, slightly charred beef, with cilantro and onions which I really enjoyed. This was the cheapest lunch on our trip. Dinner that evening was at Masu Sushi, a CH recommendation and a very good one. A nice space with high ceilings and good service, very crowded the night we were there. Everything was well prepared from the broiled fish to the sushi rolls and nigiri sushi. My wife commented how surprisingly fresh the fish was, everyone left satisfied.
Lunch the next day was a family affair, meeting relatives at Henry's Tavern. My turkey, bacon, avocado sandwich with fries was delicious. My wife had a chicken pesto pizza and son had a burger with cheddar soup which he said was excellent ( I'll have to take his word as he wouldn't share a taste with anyone).
Our final dinner was at Basta's Trattoria (another CH rec), a great neighborhood restaurant, packed on a Saturday night. We shared caesar salads, son had the pizza which was perfectly cooked, with just the right amount of char, my wife had the seafood risotto which she said was creamy and al dente. I had the osso buco with risotto and spinach. The veal shank was a generous serving with a nice tomato sauce, tender and moist, a very satisfying dish. This is a place we need to return to for a great meal on our next visit.
Lastly we loved Public Domain, we were there everyday for the wonderful coffee and pastries. Their berry brioche was fantastic! It went so well with hot coffee and their blueberry muffins were also terrific. Wish we had a branch in our town. Thanks again for all your helpful comments.
Vito Italian Restaurant in Santa Monica
Thank you everyone for your input. Interesting views, somewhat similar to the Dan Tana thread here, some love it, others just ok with it with alternate suggestions. But all your comments are greatly appreciated.
Still leaning towards Toscana, but I'll also offer up Vito as an option and see what the family decides. Old school and comfort food have their place on my list too!
Denver Restaurant Suggestions for a Short Visit
Thanks for the link. The breakfast pot pie looks delicious, just a bit heavy for me first thing in the morning. That was a interesting video though.
Vito Italian Restaurant in Santa Monica
Thanks for all your responses. I'll add Vito to my LA list for the time being, I still think it looks interesting, maybe for another trip.
How would the wait be at Il Pastaio on a Sunday night around 7:30? If it would be a really long wait then we'd probably go with Toscana since we could make dinner reservations. Thanks again!
Denver Restaurant Suggestions for a Short Visit
Thanks c&c, Snooze looks interesting, their pancakes must be popular. What is a breakfast pot pie?
Vito Italian Restaurant in Santa Monica
I kind of stumbled upon this place while researching Italian restaurants in the LA area. It looks promising, not too expensive, nice menu and dining room. Has anyone here eaten at this place? How is the food and service? Worth a drive from Century City?
We're looking at Toscana in Brentwood or Il Pastaio in BH, but Santa Monica isn't that far and we'd be willing to drive over if the food is worthwhile. Thanks for your help.
Denver Restaurant Suggestions for a Short Visit
Thanks monopod, I appreciate your input. Marco's Pizza and Bistro Vendome really stood out as I began looking at restaurants, so I'm glad these are some of your favorites. For breakfast Sam's 3 looks to be the closest between our hotel and where our appointment is, around 14th and Larimer. But if a great breakfast can be had nearby, we'd be open for it.
Denver Restaurant Suggestions for a Short Visit
My family and I will be in Denver at the end of March for a quick trip, 2 nights and one full day. Staying at the downtown Westin. Looking for good, well prepared food that's reasonably priced. One of our dinners can be more expensive, a birthday celebration.
We've found several promising diners for breakfast; Pete's Kitchen, 20th Street Cafe and Sam's 3. For dinners we're looking at Bistro Vendome or Le Grand Bistro; Marco's Coal Fired Pizza or Primi Ristorante; maybe the Denver Chop House or the Palm for steaks (since it's in our hotel).
Any thought or comments on these places? I would appreciate your input. Thanks in advance for your help.
Kiriko or a Return Visit to Sushi Masu
Thanks Clyde. I believe Kiriko will be our choice and I'm looking forward to a new taste experience!
Kiriko or a Return Visit to Sushi Masu
My family and I will be in LA, staying in Century City. Our first night is set for sushi with Mexican and Italian dinners to follow. Last year we ate at Sushi Masu, sitting at the bar in front of Shacho Masu and really enjoyed our meal. It was a pleasant neighborhood place with great fish, some of the best rice I've tasted and nice grilled dishes.
So we are contemplating a return visit to Sushi Masu, but Kiriko has been on my to do list for several years now, and I know it is highly regarded here on Chowhound. I showed my family Yelp pictures of the food at Kiriko and everyone said it looks great. So we are all torn, return where we know we'll have a fine meal, or try someplace new.
Any thoughts to sway us one way or the other? Thanks in advance for your help.
Please critique my itinerary for 5 night trip to San Francisco (DID LOTS OF RESEARCH)
No reservations at Tadich, you give your name to the bartenders when you enter. I've always enjoyed the Tadich experience myself.
