Where is the "real" cajun/Creole in LA county?

It's a bit of a drive, but The Palace Grill in Santa Barbara is pretty great. it totally brings me back to NOLA. Their catfish, spicy martinis, and gumbos are delicious! Plus a fun atmosphere and can be a good date place.

I've also heard good things about Les Sisters, but that's more "soul" style food.

esmetutu in Los Angeles Area

TURKEY CROQUETTES in L.A.?

I'd love some classic bell-shaped turkey croquettes with a little gravy and cranberry sauce on the side. Any to be found in the L.A. area? I'm in Ventura, but willing to travel!

Ships Coffee Shop was a huge part of my childhood and I'm desperately missing some of their food. Their amazing onion rings, deep dish berry pie, turkey croquettes, toasters on the table... I know they serve croquettes at Hob Nob Hill in San Diego, but I haven't tried them yet. Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you!

esmetutu in Los Angeles Area

SACRAMENTO - casual river/water view restaurants, etc.

My husband and I, and 9 year old daughter are driving up to Sacramento from Ventura for our family vacation (6/20). We need a few recs for breakfast and dinner. We are staying in Natomas by the airport, but (obviously) have a car. The weather forecast shows HEAT and lots of it this weekend, so I think that's why I'm having such a hard time coming up w/ places to eat. We'd love to be on the river for one meal, at least. Not sure what time it starts getting warm up there in the morning and cooling off at night... Would like to see/do Old Town but we're not sure what time it officially closes down Sat. night and am feeling it might be too warm Sun. to do much by the time it all opens back up. :( Oh well, at least the Capitol building will have some A/C!

ISO:
Dinner Saturday night - (6pm-ish)
We like -meat, veg, carb- type of meal. No Italian (I'm gluten-intolerant), we aren't big fish eaters, and not much into Asian aside from Thai and Sushi.
Mainly interested in a cool, quiet, relaxed atmosphere for after the long drive. Under $15-20pp w/out drinks. I was looking at Fat City, Rio City Cafe, or Chevy's (a chain, but nice view).

Breakfast Sunday morning - (9am-ish)
It will be Father's Day and while we do have a father on board, it's not our focus to celebrate, but it might be best just to make reservations somewhere to beat the crowds/wait. We like traditional type breakfast. I was thinking Rio City Cafe or Tower Cafe.

I've really searched these boards, and other places, but am having a tough time coming up with much. Just coming to here to see if you 'Hounders had any other ideas!
THANK YOU!

esmetutu in California

Breakfast near Aquarium/Pacific - LB

We ate at the Omelette Inn about 3 years ago. It was great, so that's definitely on our list. Thanks for the rec!

esmetutu in Los Angeles Area

Breakfast near Aquarium/Pacific - LB

mlgb-
ah! Thank you for the recs! We'll try the Bake 'n' Broil and if it's too busy we'll go to Polly's. I remember Polly's from my childhood, so it's all good. They *even* have breakfast at the Aquarium if all hell breaks loose... I just like to eat mom&pop if I can, you know? Also, thank you for taking into consideration that we are coming from Ventura. PS- We're bring a cooler just in case we eat at the BnB. Heard the baked goods are to die for!

esmetutu in Los Angeles Area

Breakfast near Aquarium/Pacific - LB

Quick, as in, as good as the food is we just don't have the time to wait 45 min. for a table, and another 20 min. for our food because it's just so busy. But counter service quick is okay, too.

esmetutu in Los Angeles Area

Breakfast near Aquarium/Pacific - LB

I have done all my research and then some. I literally have a list of 20 breakfast places in LB, but none are quite 'fitting the bill'.

-Breakfast on Saturday around 9:30-10am for 2 adults, 1 child (8)
-Near the Aquarium
-Quick, and cheap; we don't have time for 30min.+ waits for a table and/or food
-Parking preferred if farther away, or a short walk from the Aquarium

I have it narrowed down to the Coffee Cup, Gitana, or Park Pantry. I really really wanted to eat at Bake 'n' Broil, but with no easy parking and long waits as well as it's distance from the Aquarium... seems like an obvious no. :(

We are coming from Ventura, bright and early, to visit the Aquarium and the Queen Mary, so we need a filling and fast breakfast!

Help? Thanks in advance!

esmetutu in Los Angeles Area

COSTA MESA - dinner @ family owned restaurant - inexpensive

Looking for an inexpensive (>$14 per person) family owned restaurant for an early dinner this Sunday night in Costa Mesa.

-We are willing to drive but not far. Staying near the Performing Arts Center (going to see Phantom).
-Chicken/pork, veggies, potatoes/rice preferred; Thai, BBQ, diner-style food, French provincial... no only pasta/pizza or only fish.
-It's just my husband and I; we'd like casual, comfortable, and clean.
-A family owned Mimi's type would be great. Or something better!

I have looked high and low on the boards but everything is too casual (Taco Mesa) or too upscale (Golden Truffle). Memphis looked great but I had some reservations. I don't want to do anything too spicy and not feel well through the performance.

Thanks for any suggestions.

esmetutu in Los Angeles Area

LONG BEACH - Fun restaurant for child's birthday dinner

Hi-

I'm looking for a restaurant in Long Beach for a Sat. early dinner/late lunch for my daughter's 7th birthday.

She is extremely well-behaved in "fancy restaurants" and her idea of a great place to eat is Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen at Downtown Disney, especially when they have the live jazz.

She's requested Italian, but she's a typical kid with typical kid tastes... pasta, chicken, steak, some types of Chinese and Japanese. So nothing too weird.

Preferably around $15 a person and a place that likes children. Somewhere fun!

I've done some searching and have come up with a few places but wonder what the Chowhounds would recommend off the cuff...

Thank you,
Marcella

esmetutu in Los Angeles Area