Hello hounds!

I'm going to be in Julian, CA this weekend (my first time), and I searched the boards for a dinner place but couldn't really find anything conclusive - it seems like the Julian Grille and the Italian place (Ramona's?) are passable, but I don't exactly know what that means. Comparable to an Olive Garden? Better? Worse?

Are there any recent recommendations? It could also be somewhere in a nearby town, if it's something worth driving to.

We are open to any type of cusine, and are willing to be easygoing about this as we realize, as someone on a board said, that the logistics of running a restaurant in that area might be difficult.

Thanks for any help you can give us!

Oh - price range doesn't matter TOO much...$20 an entree or so at the top end I suppose.

Hi eveyone-

I'm going to be in San Juan Capistrano on Sunday, and am looking for food recommendations. Nothing fancy, just yummy. I've only been to the town once, and have no idea what's there. I did a search for previous threads, but everything seems to be at least a year old.

Is there any good seafood? Mexican? I would say no Asian cuisine for now, although I am open to suggestions. Thanks so much-

Hi everyone-

I've heard of a liquor store in Burbank that does beer tastings...does anyone know the name of the place (it might start with a "V")? Anyone been? Thanks!

Hi everyone-

My BF and I went to Fraiche before a movie one evening - we didn't have reservations, and when we got there at six the host said they were booked solid until 10:30! However, we ended up sitting in their bar section of the patio which actually has quite a nice selection of dishes from the restaurant menu. I had the moules frites, which were excellent - in a delicious broth - and he had the rigatoni with lamb ragu - also delicious. Oh - we had the torta della nonna for dessert - also yummy.

It was a perfect small meal before a movie - the only slight problem was that my drink took forever to arrive, but I don't worry too much about that as the waitress was extremely nice and apologetic, and the cocktail was great (blood orange martini, I think).

We're looking forward to going back for the regular restaurant.

I'm heading to San Diego on Saturday, and am looking for a place to eat lunch that serves decent food and good beer. I'm not very familiar with the city (and I hope it's ok to ask about it on this board), but somewhere in the downtown/gas lamp district would be ideal.
Thanks!

Good morning all!

I'm looking for a place to take the boyfriend for a birthday dinner. We're looking for somewhere with food like La Dijonaise, but a little more special-occasion atmosphere...a little dimmer lighting, quieter, etc. Any ideas? Location is flexible, but we'd prefer to stay west of downtown (or in downtown). This would be for Sunday...any tips would be most appreciated!

I'm heading up to Santa Barbara for the night, and am looking for good seafood. I did a search here, but most of theposts are pretty old. We're looking for something near the main State street area, if possibe. We both like steamed shrimp, mussels, etc...stuff like that. Any ideas?

Hi - I'm pretty sure Surfas in Culver City has it...I think I saw it last time I was there.

Thanks for the tips everyone - I just got back from the SM farmer's market, where I found Romanesco at the Weiser Farms stand, and one other place. Thanks again!
Erica

Hi all-

Does anyone know where I can find Romanesco (spiky) cauliflower? I remember finding it last year sometime at some farmers' market, but I don't remember where or when. Any ideas?

Thanks!
Erica

My boyfriend and I are heading to the Auto Show at the convention center later this afternoon, and want to get dinner afterwards. We hardly ever go downtown, though, and aren't sure where we should go - we're looking for something Asian (Korean/Vietnamese/Thai/Chinese etc.), but not sushi, and not too expensive. Maybe $50 for two? Any suggestions would be most welcome. Thanks!