Minimang's Profile
Eating Adventures in Ojai and Beyond
Ate at World Cafe last time I was in Ojai, had the vegetable stew. YUMMY!!! The service was great, everything was fragrant and the spices layered perfectly. I will go back next time I am there for biz.
SLO county - Help Me Find a Yummy, Fresh, Organic Turkey
New Frontiers in SLO, Grande Market in Arroyo Grande, and any of the Spencer's Fresh Markets in the Central Coast may be able to help you order an Organic, Fresh, Free Range Turkey. I wouldn't rule out Shelton's brand Turkey and Poultry products.
Breakfast in Pismo
Here Here!!! I only eat breakfast here when I am in town on biz! The staff is lovely and they are quite the chefs. The decor has won them awards on beautification from the city and last week when I was there they had a sign up that they have applied for a beer and wine license. They always make me feel like a local when I am there. Well done Honeymoon Cafe!
Pismo Beach restaurants?
Unlike the other posters I would steer clear of Guiseppi's. I just ate there last week while in town on biz. It was the choice of my dining partner/buyer. My chicken w/ pesto was very greasy and overly rich. Chicken doesn't need to be buttered beyond recognition to make up for the fact it is chicken. Just because it isn't an impressive piece of beef or melt in your mouth scallops doesn't mean it should be served in a pool of oil. I was ill a better part of the next day. I was underwhelmed and over charged. Then my dining partner told me the story of the last time she was there. She had taken in a bottle of wine to have with her dinner and share with her friends. The waiter was curious and asked her if he could pour himself a little to try. Then the bartender came over and asked if he could pour himself a little to try. After being the generous person she is and allowing them all to taste a bit of her 1998 J. Lohr Cabernet, the restaurant charged her a corkage fee!!! When she asked and told the manager how generous she was with the staff, he said, "Sorry, we have a corkage" and still charged her. I can't belive she went back and actually took business colleagues. I won't dine there again. The food just wasn't good enough to deal with poor etiquette.
I will tell you to go down the street for breakfast to the Honeymoon Cafe. The breakfast Burrito is to die for and it must be paired with a fabulously spicy, steaming cup of SLO Chai Latte!! Dine on the lovely patio and soak up the clean beach air! Enjoy!
Chicago pizza chain opening in Corona - Rosati's [Moved from L.A. board]
I live in the Eastvale section of Corona. Does this chain deliver or do I need to pick up? What will a medium pizza cost me? We had Marcello's last night because they deliver...so mediocre. We will try Rosati's next time we order a pie.
Dark, atmospheric, vintage hidden gems
OMG!! This was a part of my growing up in Pasadena. My dad's fave place. I think the first time I went I sat in a high chair. When dad visits we would still go there occassionally.
Dark, atmospheric, vintage hidden gems
In Pasadena, I would go to Monty's on Fair Oaks. Red Naugahyde booths, bar fly at the counter, I am fond of the peppercorn steak. Pie and Burger on California, in addition to their obvious burger and pies, I like their cobb salad.
In South Pasadena, Gus's BBQ.
Best restaurant/wine bar in Pasadena area
All are pricey but if it is a special occasion and you want to have a nice evening with your family, then just do it...
I was at 750 ML for a business dinner last week. Food good, wine list abundant without being overwhelming, wait staff attentive and knowledgeable.
Red White and Bluez is my hands down favorite in the Pas area. The somalier is knowledgeable and generous with tasters, the chef is talented and has an original spin on many comfort food items. And if you go on Thurs. through Sat. you can stay for some music.
I haven't yet tried Vertical. I was told not to bother...
Spice Store..Cookware Stores..Specialty Food Shops
I concur on Surfas. But there is a great little import shop in South Pasadena called Nicole's. Mostly French imports but a little of everything.
The Peach Cafe, Monrovia - Great find!!
If you go, get the tare tare...it is to die for!!!
suggest a rest in Pasadena
Magnolia's food is quite good for a bar. The wine list is mediocre, the vodka/martini selection is great. The atmosphere is great but the clientelle has suffered recently. Patron's are fickle and Pasadeneans have moved on.
I would suggest the Raymond for a brunch. If the weather is good the patio is lovely. I like Nicole's in South Pasadena, this is an import shop that serves sandwiches and salads. You can shop while you are there...cheeses, pate's, olives, etc...They now serve wine and beer, too. Dinner at Mojito is supposed to be good for cuban food. Let us know where you end up and how it was.
Business Dinner for Omnivores +1 veg
Though it may not be considered as upscale as some of the other suggestions I would like to suggest Hugo's. It is very vegetarian and vegan friendly and has fantastic grass fed, organic, free range meats. Something for everyone.
Being a ChowHound on a Tight Budget
Thanks. I will have to try one, looks like yummy goodness.
S. Pas 750 ML
I thought I would update the reviews on this cute little bistro on Mission in South Pasadena. I have to say I was happy with my visit. It could have been because it was a Wednesday evening and there were few people there but the service was fine.
The only food I can complain about was the burnt, dry, brittle, grilled baguette slices and rock hard butter that were presented to go with our olives and wine upon seating. The wine list was fine for me. I wasn't overwhelmed but had enough to choose from. Our waitress was knowledgeable on the wines and all dishes. My colleague had some kind of starter salad, to tell you the truth I didn't pay much attention to it, but she enjoyed it. I don't do starters, I only order Entrees otherwise I get too full and don't enjoy my meal. I had the scallops with tri colored cauliflower, tomato coulis in a buerre blanc (please excuse my horrific spelling). The scallops were perfectly seared on the outside and buttery, tender, sweet goodness on the inside. The veg was al dente and that is very important to me, mushy veg makes me send the entire dish back to the kitchen. My colleague had the black cod, it looked fabulous and was flaky, moist and excellent according to her. Full of wine and food we passed on dessert.
I will go back, though I understand what you are saying about the kitchen staff. When we arrived the chef was sitting at the bar chatting up the rest of the staff. When I explained that I saw them on Vista LA last weekend and had to try it, he commented without even looking up from the bar. Quite rude. I will chalk his lack of manners up to the brooding artist thingy...
Anyone else been there RECENTLY and want to weigh in?
Being a ChowHound on a Tight Budget
this may be a dumb question, but what is a vietnamese sandwich? I have seen it referenced here a few times. Is it like a torta to mexican cuisine?
Mini Desserts
The bakery at the newer Whole Foods Markets like Pasadena, PCH and Tustin all have mini, one bite desserts that look fabulous.
Upscale SFV bar/lounge?
I have heard Firefly is "big for their britches". Make you stand at a velvet rope, choosy about who they let in, and very expensive for what it is. This has kept me from trying it. Is this a misconception?
Best Cheap Eat in sherman oaks area
I like Hugo's Taco Stand on Coldwater and Riverside. Jinky's on Ventura near Woodman is good comfort food. Check the Deli counter at Whole Foods on Riverside and Coldwater or on Sepulveda and the 405.
Enjoy.
Looking For A Slice Of Pie
I love Pie N Burger. But I can never eat a meal there and have room for pie. I have to get one or the other.
I suggest the Lemon Meringue. It is my favorite!
Best Burger in LA
Savory is my fave place to eat lunch when I am in Ventura on business. I am partial to their tomato soup and gilled cheese sandwhich. The grilled cheese is fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil on grilled olive bread. Total comfort food, good for what ails ya.
Best Burger in LA
Pie and Burger on California Blvd. in Pasadena, leave room for a piece of pie...I recommend the lemon meringue.
Pasadena Bistro - Madeleine or Cafe Bizou
Cafe Beaujolais: had two good meals there with great service.
Madeline's: had appies there with wine one night and found all choices over seasoned.
Try: Maison Akira in Pasadena, Red White and Blues in Pasadena. I agree the Crepe Vine is great! I have heard 750 ML in South Pasadena is a good place, too.
Best Mac and Cheese - LA
Amen, the fried Mac and Cheese at RWB with the tomato dipping sauce is the bomb!!!
Russell's Hamburgers in Old Town Pasadena
Greasy beyond description. I would recommend burgers at Tops in Pasadena or Hi Life in South Pasadena. Both are fast food but much better burger for a fraction of the price.
Best Ice Cream Parlor in LA (like Farrells used to be)
Funny, I am pretty sure they serve Fosselman's ice cream at the Fair Oaks Pharmacy.
Best Ice Cream Parlor in LA (like Farrells used to be)
I grew up going to Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda Fountain, my Nana used to have a toy store across the street. From the days when I needed help onto the stool to current day it has the same "Norman Rockwell" atmosphere and hands down best ice cream sodas anywhere. Fosselman's just opened another branch in San Marino on Huntington Dr. but the ice cream "joint" on Main in Alhambra is where they make the ice cream which comes in classic flavors like Rocky Road and Mint Chip to more exotics like Taro. Enjoy with your kids, I have many fond memories of both these places.
