MariaFeliz

Where's the good posole? And when?

I like El Ranchito in Huntington Park. It's served daily and the tortillias are hand made.
http://www.avilaselranchito.com. the margarita's are pretty good here too.

If I'm downtown early on a weekend, around 9 a.m. or so, I will also eat it at Central Market at Las Adelita's. Only served Sat. & Sunday.

on Jan 04, 2012

NYE Santa Barbara Solo

Let's see, I'll try to do the dining report for my entire trip. Some other solo travelers might benefit as well. I'm having a lovely glass of that pinot rose (wish I could figure out how to do that thing with the 'e' in rose that Tripeler did!). Anyway, started out last Monday and went to Atascadero, I like Hush Harbor, but it was closed for the holiday (day after xmas), so i ate next door at El Compardre and had an excellent green (pork) burrito. The chips were good, and they have a salsa bar. On to Paso. I ate at McClintocks, which has an all day happy hour on Mondays. Also went to Roberts (ate at the bar, they have an excellent menu) pork chop was great. Also ate breakfast at Chico's, pancakes with 2 eggs and bacon $9, good deal and good food. Farmstand 46, a deli. In Cambria, ate at French Corner Bakery, good sandwiches, nice to pick up something here and eat at Moonstone beach. For dinner in Cambria ate at the Sea Chest. They only take cash and on a Tuesday, I couldn't get in until 9p.m. at the bar. I had a couple of cocktails at a bar down the road there before dinner (I was staying at a hotel on moonstone beach so NO DRIVING if you're drinking). I splurged and had the lobster ($70 no alcohol or appetizer, dinner includes soup or salad) and it was very good. On my way to Solvang I started in Santa Ynez with a cocktail at the Maverick. Walked around, did some shopping, then ate at Dos Carlitos. Pricey for mexican, but it's a nice place and their mexican is upscale and very good. In Solvang, I ate at Big Boppers, hamburger place, nothing special, I wouldn't go back again. I had dinner one night at a relatively new place, Succulent Cafe. VERY good and nice to see some nice upscale places in Solvang (besides Root 46) . It's really small, so I got there when it opened around 6. The appetizer of bacon wrapped scallops were excellent. I had the halibut for my main, cooked peruvian style (I thought) with a light tomato sauce, the waiter recommended a real nice wine with my meal, I believe it was a sauvigonon blanc from Margerum (sp?). I had a another dinner at guess where, glbtrtr? SUBWAY...for some reason it stuck in my head our conversation about subway tuna with everything. but I took it up a notch and added avocado to my tuna sandwich. Of course, you can't visit Solvang without some danish for breakfast and a visit to Paula's for their pancakes. Well I think that's it, I hope you all enjoy this report.

on Jan 02, 2012

NYE Santa Barbara Solo

You're absolutely right about Rodney's. The steak was an everyday, pedestrian, cut of beef that you pick up a your local Ralphs. Ah well, I did have a nice time all in all. For the wine tour, I used "Cloud Climbers Jeep Tours". I'd seen those jeeps at tasting rooms in the past and thought it would be kinda cool to ride in one of those. Glad I got to check it off my list, but next time I'd do just a regular shuttle bus tour. The guide was great and we went to some nice places in Los Olivos and Solvang. We started out at Kalyra Winery, we took the LONG way through some hills to get to this place, the better to get the full effect of riding in a jeep The winery is owned by Australians, some nice white wines, a pinot bianco and chardonnay were my favorites. Then it was onto Bridalwood. Had a nice pinot noir, I thought the reds were the best bet here. Our tour included lunch, so while we were tasting in Bridalwood, our guide John, picked up our lunch order from Panino's in Los Olivos and brought it back so we could eat on the grounds at Bridalwood. The sandwiches from this place were great and I will definitely try it the next time I'm in town. From there we headed to Tensley in Los Olivos. Great tasting room, very very friendly and knowledgeable person behind the bar, Mimi, we all just loved her and the wines were very good, really liked the syrah and pinot here. Our last stop was in Solvang, "Sort this out Cellars". Wines were OK here, but no stand outs, although it could be that the time we reached this place, our fourth, your palate really starts to get worn out, at least mine does. By the time I got to SB (day 6 of my trip), I had already been to other wineries and tasting rooms in Paso, Cambria and Solvang, so I had already purchased my quota for my trip, so I didn't make any more purchases. Here's a short summary of some of the other tasting rooms I did:

Paso Robles (2 days): Orchid Hill, Parrish Family (loved this place, friendly staff, good wine, I bought a pinot), Clayhouse (good wines, GREAT prices, make friends with Laura, and ask her about tasting cards and recommendations for other wineries, she's the BEST). Cypher (this place is next to a great place to eat Farmstand 46 and Zin Alley is next door, which I didn't get to try, but heard good things about).

Cambria, I always taste at Fermentations, I like the staff, and besides the wine, I always buy some nice vinegar and oils here. I bought a couple bottles of a wine called "dazzle" from Washington state a Pinot Grigio Rose. Not something you see too much of this time of year and not common, but hey, it's 88 degrees today in L.A., and we have more summer coming up this winter, so I plan to drink these soon.

Two days in Solvang, my new favorite tasting room in Solvang is now Taste of the Valleys, just loved the guys working here and some fabulous wines. Here you have real discussions with the staff on your likes and they come up with some real winners at EXCELLENT prices.

Thanks so much for all your help, and I look forward to my next long weekend in SB in about 6 months or so.

on Jan 01, 2012

NYE Santa Barbara Solo

I'm having the rib eye topped with crab and asparagus. Not the finest cut of steak I've ever had but OK. It's cooked med rare but for some reason they went crazy with he cracked pepper on it. Service is excellent and they have a live blues combo playing tonight in the bar area

on Dec 31, 2011

NYE Santa Barbara Solo

Well here we are in real time...after a very long day of wine tasting , a martini at the bar at the hotel...after that then a long soak in the tub I'm back at the bar with another martini. I decided to go with Rodney's. Just too tired to drive! Thanks much for the recommendations, wish I had the energy to try out State street...Maybe next time!

on Dec 31, 2011

NYE Santa Barbara Solo

This place looks great and is now at the top
of my list. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks

on Dec 27, 2011

NYE Santa Barbara Solo

Zin, thanks for the heads up about portion size. I'm a hearty eater, especially after an afternoon of wine tasting, so I think I'll check out Julienne another time.

on Dec 25, 2011

NYE Santa Barbara Solo

Thanks for all the choices, and yes I'm making a note of them by name and bookmarking on my Yelp app. My plan is just to head down to State street and just peek into some of the restaurants you've recommended and play it by ear. And if push comes to shove, it sounds like Rodney's or something at the Hyatt will work. Hopefully I don't end up with a 6 footer from Subway.

on Dec 25, 2011

NYE Santa Barbara Solo

Thanks so much for your response GLBTRTR, it made me see how little info (and thought) I had put in my question. I'm a 50 year old female, so I'm not looking to party, just a good meal...probably a steak after a day of wine tasting, I'd rather not drive after the tasting. I'm staying at the Doubletree on Cabrillo. Price is not an issue, just looking for a good meal. I have no problem dining alone at a table, but I figure tables will be a premium on NYE so I'm hesitant to make a reservation, instead just hoping to pop in early at a restaurant that has a bar for dining with one lone seat. Julienne looks lovely, but from their website photo it didn't look like it had a bar for dining...hard to tell from their pic. I like Hungry Cat a lot, so that's an option too. If you have any other suggestions, let me know!

on Dec 25, 2011

NYE Santa Barbara Solo

Anyone know of any good restaurants that have bar dining in SB on NYE? I'll be solo, and should be in town after a wine tasting tour around 5 p.m.

on Dec 24, 2011

Day 4 - A Phoenician's Tour of NOLA (Elizabeth's, Southern Candymakers, Couchon, Celebration Rum Distillery, Dominique's on Magazine, Tropical Isle)

I'm taking notes on all the places you're writing about...I just went to Dominiques On Magazine website, and it appears that the chef, Dominique Macquet's last day at his namesake restaurant will be this Saturday, Nov. 5! I don't arrive until the 8th, I'm bummed!
http://www.dominiquesonmag.com/news.php?article=15

on Nov 04, 2011

Day 3 - A Phoenician's Tour of NOLA (Napoleon House, French 75 Bar, Brigtsen's)

I agree with Katie, best reviews! So descriptive, that yes, one does feel as if they are there with you. Would love to have seen the faces from the high schoolers! I hope there's a Day 4 to your report

on Nov 03, 2011

TEA HOUNDS! Why are we not talking about Dr. Tea's Tea Garden & Herbal Emporium on Pico/La Brea??

I love browsing and buying tea from the large jars at Wing Hop Fung in Chinatown. The prices on some are high, but I usually just tell the lady I want $10 worth, and that seems to work. Make sure you have one of their store "rewards" card if you want the discounted price if the tea is on sale. A few weeks back I was at the Sunday Melrose Place farmers market and bought a couple of interesting blends from the guy that sets up shop there.

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Wing Hop Fung
727 N Broadway 102, Los Angeles, CA 90012

on Nov 02, 2011

Day 2 - A Phoenician's Tour of NOLA (Antoine's Annex, Commander's Palace, K-Paul's)

WOW, lovely, just lovely write up. I can hardly wait till I'm back in NOLA next week. I was going to pass up Commander's Palace, but you recreated your experience (and mine too last time I was there), that I'm reconsidering going again this year. Thanks for posting!!

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Commander's Palace Restaurant
1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130

on Nov 02, 2011

Dine LA Restaurants

Campanile, DineLA lunch on Sunday, October 2. I dined solo at the bar. Had the Sauteed Trenne, beef bolognese as a starter. Excellent and very filling. I almost had the Fig grilled cheese, but at the last second changed to the burger from the recommendation of the bartender. Very good burger. Dessert was OK, an apple crisp, very small but after all that food I was glad. The best deal was that at the bar they have $5 glasses of wine that would've been $9-$14 had I sat at a table in the dining room. I had a very nice rose with my starter, a red with the burger and a cava with my dessert. Very nice meal!

on Oct 03, 2011

Awesome salad dressing

May not be "awesome", but I really like the salad dressing that Andre's makes, it's "caesar" like. They sell the bottles near the register.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/andres-italian-restaurant-los-angeles

on Oct 03, 2011

"Small Plates Crawl" Solo diner in NOLA/November 2011

thanks Jeff & Katie! Yes califkatie, I think small plates is the way to go on some of my days in NOLA. I tend to stuff myself silly, so much so, that I usually spend a day or not eating much at all because of the over indulgence.

on Aug 24, 2011

"Small Plates Crawl" Solo diner in NOLA/November 2011

I'm intriqued by a couple of posts in the Drago's thread by Rouxdauphine & edible complex...gave some nice 'small plates" (& drinks!!) recommendation. I'm a solo diner, I have no problems sitting at a table alone, but always enjoy the bar. I'm pasting one post as an example, and I'm hoping for others. Any that include the marigny area would be great too!

"At Dragos's be sure to sit at the oytster bar, have them shuck a dozen (or half) raw for you, share some chargrilled Ithey will take you more seriously if you sit at the oyster bar), head over to Mr. B's for BBQ shrimp, then go to Redfish Grill and have BQQ oysters (flash fried oysters with a sauce similar to Buffalo wings, but with Crystal instead of tabasco, a subltle touch of honey with bleu cheese garnish. Depending on the time of day (after 5, by now--double check opening time), head over to the French 75 Bar at Arnaud's, have a nicely crafted cocktail and Oysters Bienville -- created there. Okay, someone come up with the next leg of the crawl..." quoted from Rouxdauphine's post

on Aug 23, 2011

Spending the BIG 50 in NOLA -

Got an Iphone, android, or Blackberry that you're taking? If so, download the wwoz 90.7 radio app. Once loaded, if you click on the 'website' on your device, there is a very nice calendar of the bars/clubs and a listing of who's playing.

One of my favorite places for music is Mayfields at the Royal Sonesta. If you're there on a Friday, be sure to catch their burlesque show at midnight.

on Jun 29, 2011

Suggestions for SOLO dinning in LA?

I prefer counters as well, Animal & Son of Gun have great bar (small only seat 5-7) areas that serve the full menu.

on Jun 02, 2011

NOLA Itinerary - Comments and Suggestions Please!

No specific recommendations, you've got a very good list. I agree about Galatoire's good food, but heavy. I've been to NOLA 4 times and have barely made a dent into the list I have similiar to yours. Very easy to get sidetracked...distracted by all the great music, noise, sazerac's, hurricane's etc. I hope you report back and let us know how many of these you got to and your thoughts. These aren't my pix in the link below (Galatoire's & few other places), but a link I saved from someone on TA and like to look at once in a while to remind myself of all the food & fun I'm going to have in November....

http://www.roadfood.com/Digest/163/gumbo-oysters-and-sazeracs-the-2011-roadfood-fest-part-7

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Galatoire's Restaurant
209 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70130

on May 04, 2011

Dine LA best choices?

Went to Eva for DineLA. Took a look at the menu and we thought the choices were great for *34.00 (yes, note the asterisk). Apparently we didn't. When we got the tab, the total was $88 (excluding tax). We were charged an extra $5.00 for ordering the poached egg as an appetizer and $15 extra for ordering the scallop entree. The food was good, but apparently we missed the asterisk with the note on the menu and the waiter did not mention it when ordering. Not a big deal, and to his credit, the owner offered to remove the charges, (we paid it), but thought it might have been better if they just raised the price to the top tier amount of $44 and not nickel & dime us. Any other restaurants practicing this?

on Feb 01, 2011

Old School Last Night @ the Dal Rae in Pico Rivera

The 'a la Ben' sauce on fish is FANTASTIC. Just a lovely, sweet (carmelized onions) and mellow sauce. I've had it with the seabass, and during their 'dine la' program a couple years back it was served with 'whitefish'...really really excellent.

By the way, they will be celebratiny their 51st anniversary with a $20 dinner special, Sept. 15-18th, for those who have been wanting to try it, might be a good time to try it. Dal Rae has a note about it at the bottom of their lisitng on Open Table.

http://www.opentable.com/dal-rae

on Aug 02, 2010

Ferry Building

WOW, interesting about Taylor's, thanks for the link. I want to try something different, so most definitely I will be doing II Cane Rosso/and or Slanted Door when I'm there in August. I really liked the burger at Taylor's, meaty, a little greasy, VERY filling, plus sweet potato fries. I was there last NYE for dinner, not knowing what I felt like having and just popped in around 8 p.m. on my own and sat at the counter. Sounds like everything is the same...just a name change? Hope all the drama doesn't cause it to close altogether. Don't know if it's the best burger in SF, but I'd miss it if it were gone.

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Slanted Door
Ferry Slip, San Francisco, CA 94111

on Jul 17, 2010

MariaFeliz in San Francisco Bay Area

Ferry Building

Hello,
I've been to the Ferry building quite a few times to eat and enjoy the FM. I usually eat at Hog Island and a couple of times Taylor's. I'm going to SF next month, is there any place else I should try for lunch/dinner at the FB?

on Jul 16, 2010

MariaFeliz in San Francisco Bay Area

Yamashiro's Farmers Market

Thanks so much for posting. I had forgotten to check the website about the shuttle service. I'll definitely be doing this on Thursday. The shuttle picks up from Christian Science Church on LaBrea & Hollywood.

on Jul 06, 2010

Yamashiro's Farmers Market

I called Yamashiro's shortly after my post in March, and they highly discouraged walking, so I've yet to go. I'm glad to hear of the shuttle and will watch the website.
Thanks!

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Yamashiro
1999 North Sycamore Ave., Hollywood, CA 90068

on Apr 26, 2010

Yamashiro's Farmers Market

yeah, I thought I was already a pioneer by not driving! Guess I'll have to give it a try and hope someone isn't speeding up (or down) that hill & run me over.

on Mar 18, 2010