I didn't necessarily mean that I was sick of comfort food in HP... though we certainly have our share of that.

I meant that it's a general trend in LA that is well played out, in my opinion. The York, The Morrison, Rosewood Tavern, Mohawk Bend, Black Hogg, Mess Hall, etc., etc.

The bacon laden, southern and bar food influenced meme has had a good run but I would welcome a swing in another direction.

Sonny's Hideaway just opened in Highland Park, and while I haven't been there, the menu has been described as "upscale comfort food." It makes me wonder if this trend will ever die?

It seems that everything that opens on the east side is some version of a gastro-pub.

I know this will be unthinkable to some, but I personally am burnt out on bacon (which Sonny fortunately only puts in the brussel sprouts), marrow, and southern fried everything.

I'd like to see some variety in the menus, with fresh, crisp vegetables, and light, clean flavors. I'm not necessarily looking for a drastic turn towards spa food. Mediterranean, spanish, japanese, or even Californian... all of these cuisines encompass fresh, light, clean dishes.

Just please, no more gastropubs and their fancier cousins.

I'm leaning towards Txoko or L'Osteria del Forno, though the wait at del Forno doesn't sound that fun. Has anyone been to Sodini's Green Valley?

I've been here before, and it was awesome, so I have it on my list, but I do remember a long wait.

I went on a date with a guy a looong time ago who worked at Cafe Jacqueline. Haven't thought about it in forever. Looks super charming and I love the pic of the Madame Jacqueline on Yelp.

http://tinyurl.com/8ce4x7s

Offbeat and not trendy for sure.

Is Tadich good? I checked it out before but I've never eaten there.

As far as Tradr Sam's, I used to live near there (@ 9th & Clement) so I thought about it but I wondered if it was really worth the long trek out to the Richmond. I'm not going to have a car and it's a long cab or bus ride for some fun drinks but the atmosphere is lacking. Tonga is too much for more than a drink or 2, but I think Tradr Sam's is not quite enough, unless you happen to be nearby.

Tunnel Top looks good.

That place looks great. It looks nice without being too trendy, which he has a very low tolerance for. Thanks for the tip.

I'm taking the boyfriend up to SF for his birthday and I want to take him somewhere cool for dinner the first night in the North Beach/Chinatown area. (I love that part of the city and we're going to hit the Tonga Room, his favorite, after.)

So I want something special and romantic-ish but not white table clothes and roses. More like a hidden gem, something with personality, instead of just expensive and fancy.

I haven't lived in SF for years so I'm not up on what is still open.

Any tips?

I have major fancy restaurant burn out. (I know, boo-hoo, poor me.)

I'm meeting a friend for brunch on Sunday I want something more laid-back, a hidden gem, etc., something like the Ramp in SF. By the water isn't the point, but cool, ramshackle, I could sit here all day and ignore all my responsibilities... that's the vibe I'm after.

Any thoughts, chowhounders?

I have old friends coming in town for only a few hours on Thurs night. I'm picking them up downtown and want to take them somewhere nearby for dinner and drinks.

They are hippyish and won't be into something stuffy or too fancy, but would love a place with cool atmosphere. Think The Edison without the scene.

Any tips?

Two Guys From Italy in glendale also delivers. I'm sure there's other Glendale restaurants that deliver to us, but it's the only one i've tried.

What I had was decent.

Strangely the website seems to be down right now. not sure why
http://www.twoguysfromitalyinc.com/