This is too late for you but may help in the future.

Had one of the best meals ever at Bota, in the town of Ston (Mali Ston)

The setting is breathtaking, at the base of ancient stone walls and set over a bay which is the center of Croatia's oyster region. Had a few local fresh oysters, followed by the best fish stew (not sure of the local name) filled with monkfish and prawns. The presentation was as amazing as the setting. For a nice touch, they serve a delicious fish pate as amuse bouche.

Worth the 45 min drive from Dubrovnik.

"A lot of detailed discussion" is kind of my problem right now....

Just arrived in London from San Francisco, know very little about regional differences in Indian food, and have been tasked with finding "awesome Indian food" by my boss (as foodie as a non-foodie can be: he loves to eat)

We will be working until dinner, are on a spending account and have been traveling around the UK (N.I.) eating, no offense, bland food to our dismay. Tonight will be our reward for hard trip.

Can anyone help?

We are near Old Street and City Road and can take a taxi.

The tacos at el Faro are not my favorite. I hate to say it - the ladies are nice. The corn tortillas are store bought. The carnitas have the crunch, but not the softness. The lengua is bland. The carne asada is burrito-quality, but not taco worthy.

The breakfast burrito is solid; it wont knock your socks off but is serviceable.

I have just landed in a place that seems like North Beach, but I am told that it’s technically Russian Hill. Sometimes I even think I live in Chinatown. But anyhow, Rico's happens to be the closest restaurant of any kind to where I live.

About one month ago, I first went to Rico’s and ordered a carnitas burrito because I had heard that one of the major differences between LA and SF Mexican food was the taco vs. burrito. I sat and with my burrito and I enjoyed the carnitas inside, but the tortilla wasn’t homemade and I didn’t like all of the filler in there. The carnitas, although not crispy on the outside, were tender, well seasoned and juicy. And I’m not sure, but I think it was 8 bucks.

Tonight, after walking (past il Pollaio, last night’s takeout - wonderful dinner – grilled half chicken, made my own sides) home from work, I decided to give Rico’s a second shot. I stuck with the carnitas, due to a lingering bad taste from the carne asada last week in the Financial District. When the carnitas taco came, it was a quite loaded with lettuce, cheese and tomato on top of two large corn tortillas. Again, the carnitas inside were good just like before. The tortillas did not taste or feel fresh, nor were particularly hot. I thought again that the fillings were overwhelming, the meat stood on its own. I did like their rice, which is something I usually don’t get or notice. Maybe I was just cold and the rice was piping hot.

I have heard that the Mission is the place to go, but does anybody know of somewhere local to find some good tacos? I know better than to kick off an LA vs. SF taco war, but I would like to find something nearby. Anything worth checking out that is NON-taco would be appreciated as well.

I have been to:
Rico’s
Pellegrini
An Indian place that has a sports bar inside and sells T-shirts from the back?
II Pollaio

Thanks!

I just wanted to report back and say that I landed in what I suppose is technically Russian Hill, but obviously North Beach. Does anyone know of a detailed thread on North Beach? Or have any ideas? I know about Rose Pistola, Mama's, Molinari's, I found Trader Joes, and I have found some nice bakeries already. Thanks to all of you for your posts and the welcome.

Not to beat a dead horse, but I just made the move, and if anyone knows where to get baja style fish tacos (LA'ers think Tacos Baja Ensenada) or Oaxacan style (Monte Alban) food, please divulge...

Shibucho or Blue Fin

Yeah, good idea... I would wine taste, pick up items from the Butcher Shop (Lodi Ave. x School St?) and make my way to Lodi Lake for a picnic.

Well, there isnt enough of an ethinc enlclave in Lodi to sustain those types of cuisine. Except for the mexican. There was a place called Mazatlan in the small downtown that I used to go to for breakfast... the chilaquiles were crispy and wet and spicy.

Anyhow, its a historicaly German town, but I cant say that there are any specialties around. Good luck and report back if you find anything worthwile!

IMO, the best Oaxacan in LA is Monte Alban on Santa Monica west of the 405, but there is a debate in CH land over this.

Squeeze Inn and Bandera for burgers, for sure.

Wine and Roses has a great brunch, bit pricey.... on the other side of the $$$ range there is the Butcher Shop for a great sandwich, try the "Steve Young". If youre adventurous, there is the taco truck on Turner Rd. where it crosses Stockton St. I think??? not sure of the cross street but the lengua tacos are out of this world.

"I've been eating apple pie & ice cream all over Iowa & Nebraska where the food is so good" And they eat "beautiful steaks". I recall glazed cakes and creampuffs, "throw some beans on it", stolen roast beef served in a napkin, ice cream with chocolate sauce eaten by hand, popcorn, canned meatballs, and grapes from the fields. I stress cherry pie as well.

What can I bring?

Auberge du Soleil. Should be what you're looking for.

Glad you enjoyed, I liked the scallops and chicken very much as well, they haven't had the mac n cheese when I have been there, I am always a sucker for the mac...

You should be able to get up to the balcony on a Monday

Yes, The Shake Shack as well.... Last summer was quite tragic. We keep living up to the cookie cutter image in OC... sadly.

You’re truly in luck that those places are unavailable….

Try Zoolu Café (mostly seafood, but AWESOME veal chop and excellent filet)
or
Tabu Grill- everything is good

Both in Laguna, and two of my favorites right now.

Tabu Grill, hands down. One of my favorite places to go. Loved the scallops and tangerine burr blanc, the risotto, and the chef had a lobster special that was expertly prepared with asparagus and truffle oil. Also the service was on point.

TG and Zoolu Cafe are my favorite places in Laguna.

Go to Ky'a's upstairs rooftop bar for a drink though, world class view.

1. Bandera, Corona del Mar... in-house ground sirloin, in-house baked egg bun, truly perfection.

2. TK Burger, Penninsula, Costa Mesa

3. Health Emporium, Corona del Mar... grass-fed New Zealand beef - outstanding flavor

Awesome burger in back patio bar, outside, perfect for a lazy Sunday with a bloody. Thick 'n juicy, cures the weekend hangover.

...and Beachcomber is part of Ruby's diner

Gracias js76wisco, but I included a couple of those places on my 1st post. May have to try ou the Greek Island Grill though!

Tried the sushi there twice and it was really poor quality. Their cooked items seem to be ok, but for the price its not worth going.

Note: Bartenders are often promoted from within due to being the top class of server in their establishment. Most of them have worked their way up from server assistants or bussers, know the restaraunt inside and out, and are best prepared to give you the best experience that the restaraunt can offer... in the bar setting, of course.

Yes, a squeeze with cheese, add bacon! They claim its roadkill meat.... guess we'll never know for sure... Its not too far off your route, just jump on the 50 from the 5 and head toward Lake Tahoe, its only a few exits up off Power Inn Rd.

I had dinner once at The Cellar in Fullerton. They had an ostrich filet and phesant on the menu as well.

There is a Jack Shrimp, but its alway empty, so I never go...

La Differencia, I had an amazing lunch there. A lady hound read a NYT article on it, and we planned a day around lonche there.

http://www.tijuanaonline.org/restaura...

I know... of course I could have given the best of OC, but 405/Jamboree was the topic, thanks for getting this back on track.