DrBruin's Profile
Not so Glad-stone's Long Beach
Thanks JEB. I wish I would've known that one beforehand. Nice to hear Parker's serves good food. It looks a bit tourist-trappy and the prices are tourist-trappy.
Not so Glad-stone's Long Beach
You're welcome. I think it'd be better if Mariscos Chentes (Coni'seafood) relocated. ;) While I personally like to share the gems, I think it's just as important to share the lumps of coal you come across while eating out, so others can avoid them (or at least eat there with a heads up).
Speaking of Coni'seafood, my coworker swears there's an off the menu item called the Bald Eagle... apparently, it's appallingly spicy shrimp (but that's how she rolls). It's hard for me to find time to get out there with a baby in household to see if there really is this item.
Not so Glad-stone's Long Beach
Good to know the next time I'm down in that area and my baby is not within an hour of the "need to sleep" meltdown. :)
Not so Glad-stone's Long Beach
Well, I know Gladstones does not really get any love on these boards... and I suppose I now know why. It had been years since I've eaten there and had vague recollections of a packed to capacity crowd where people were walking out with their excessive portions in aluminum swans.
Anyhow, I was at the Aquarium of the Pacific and after a day of looking at fish, I guess something subliminal was telling me "Eat fish."
I was with my wife and Baby DrBruin when I realized we didn't have much time before our baby needed to go home. So, it's 4pm, on Friday. We pass by Gladstone's on our way to the Shoreline Village when I spot the chalkboard outside the entrance touting their fresh, sustainably caught fish, and Alaskan Halibut was on the list. Starving, hankering for fish, pressed for time, and relieved there wouldn't be a wait, we went in.
We were sat immediately.
I should have known something was wrong when I ordered an appetizer (Spinach Artichoke Dip) and then 10 minutes later after placing the order, the waitress came to get our entree orders and asked if we wanted the appetizer first. (SHAKING HEAD IN DISBELIEF).
So, food review number 1: Spinach Artichoke Dip: The menu touts "fresh chips." These were chips from a bag made who the heck knows when. These were not fresh chips, they weren't stale though. The dip is served in a glass goblet. I think there is a reason why these dips are traditionally served in opaque ramekins at most places. The dip looked like baby vomit sitting high up in the glass. Total visual turn off. The taste? It wasn't good. There was, I think, a heavy uncooked wine flavor but I can't ID it perfectly.
I order the "Fresh Fish of the Day Alaskan Halibut" grilled with a beurre blanc sauce. My wife ordered the salmon salad. I ordered an add-on bowl of New England style Clam Chowder.
So, the chowder was brought out about 2 minutes after the artichoke dip. Bad pacing. I'm left with two hot things to try to eat before they go cold. Ugh. . Now, the taste of the chowder? One of the worst chowders I've had. It had almost no clams or potatoes. It should have been called BUTTER CHOWDER, since it tasted like melted butter. The soup was "broken" in the sense there was an oil slick. The waitress didn't come by to offer fresh cracked pepper. I'm not sure that would have made a difference, two spoon fulls and I was done with it.
Then, the entrees came. My wife's salad looked like they didn't clean the salad greens that well but my wife didn't complain of grit. She said it tasted okay.
My 32 dollar halibut dish came out. Fresh my "you-know-what." It reeked of ammonia. I sent it back immediately. She offered to have it remade but one piece of turned fish was enough for me. I went with the shrimp scampi. The shrimp were overcooked and rubbery. I was starving and didn't send it back. The scampi sauce was decent and there was plenty of it to get soaked up by the bread, which came later.
Oh, about midway through the entrees, she brought out sourdough bread. It was the best thing we had, which was the case only because it was hot, The bread had a very mild sourdough flavor, border-lining on no sourdough flavor.
Service: C- (A C only because she was nice and ended up taking off the spinach dip and soup off the bill but not any higher because the pacing was off. The minus comes from not having a manager stop by to ask why our meal sucked. Perhaps they already knew what I had to figure out the hard way).
Food: F (for frickin' awful)
Ambiance: B (nice view)
Value: G (because there needs to be a grade lower than the letter F since this place is pricey)
Bottom line: If you're at the Aquarium of the Pacific and you're jonesing for fish, avoid, yes, avoid Gladstones.
I'm not sure what would be an alternative within walking distance of the aquarium... Parker's? I'll tell you that I've only been to Bubba Gump once, and even though the portions were ridiculous(ly small for the price) and I would never go back there, the shrimp were at least cooked properly.
I'm just putting this review out there for people who are searching for places near the Aquarium and aren't familiar with Gladstones.
ISO Great Pho in the South Bay
Any suggestions?
I don't really want to drive to the Westside or Garden Grove... I was thinking stopping by Pho Consomme in Gardena. However, since I'm not sure I would know a mediocre one from a great pho (not sure what constitutes a great pho), I'm open to suggestions on places, the dishes to order at those places, and what makes a great vs mediocre vs just icky pho.
Portos Bakery Cafe Lunch -- Downey Location
I love the guava-cheese danish and everyone who I introduce them to, also enjoys them. I usually pick up 2 dozen (because they forgo the sales tax, at least they doat the Downey location, if you buy them by the dozen) and my coworkers are happy.
I also recently tried the coconut-cheese danish too, and that was surprisingly very good only because I'm usually not a huge coconut fan (but it was just calling my name during my last visit). Not too rich, not too overly sweet.
Where can I find Miracle Fruit locally?
I think need to find the miracle-miracle fruit. You know, the one that's 10 cents a piece and makes the sticker shock from the "2 buck a miracle berry/20 miracle berry minimum" seem a like a sweet deal. I may just start by buying some of the miracle berry tablets and see if the lemons taste like lemonade before driving to Granada Hills. ;)
Where can I find Miracle Fruit locally?
I keep watching these food shows where they have someone munch on one of the grape tomato sized "miracle fruits" and then suck on a lemon.. and everyone is wowed by how sweet the lemon is.
I'm curious to try this... anyone know where you can purchase some miracle fruit locally in the LA area? If you know of a place in the south bay, even better. Or, I suppose some type of miracle fruit product which produces the same effect.
Push comes to shove, I'll order online, but I'd like to spend my money locally if possible.
House of Vege, on Pch, in lomita or palos verdes
It's closed and another restaurant is nearly done with it's renovations (Yanagi Bistro).
Hot n Tot on PCH in Lomita
Went once... I just went for breakfast and had a basic breakfast (eggs over easy, potatoes, toast). It wasn't anything special but they didn't mess it up either. Service was just "meh.". I prefer Norm's down the street if that's an indicator.
Bigmista's Barbecue at the Sierra Madre Farmers Market
Yes, he's at the Kaiser South Bay Farmer's Market on Wednesdays (located in Harbor City). The pulled brisket sliders were very tasty.
Gardena - group dining?
I don't think my Korean BBQ suggestion would work for 15 people. And "middle of the road" on price is really vague. One of my friends thinks 75 a head is middle of the road... and I'm more in the 20-25 dollar range (tax/tip included and no alcohol)
I think Eatalian is a good suggestion from Mr. Mobile. They offer lighter italian food.
Gardena - group dining?
I think the Yellow Cow for Korean BBQ is a fun place... depends on how many are in your group and what you mean by healthy eaters (like, they are into bigger portions or less caloric foods).
It would help to know how much you wanted to spend, how many are in your party, and, well, the answer to the "healthy" eaters question.
Butcher Shops?? - South Bay area
I usually don't shop for meat at a butcher out here in Cali...
I'd consider trying a Whole Foods location if I want something special. Their butchers seem pretty accommodating.
Or, check out this Korean butcher shop...
Angus Meat Market
3742 Sepulveda Blvd
Ste 106
Torrance, CA 90505
What/how much to order at Park's?
Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I went last night. We ordered the marinated Gal-bi which was very good.. I personally like bulgogi, so we ordered that and it was also very good. We did the half order of mushrooms which didn't seem like a lot (compared to what I was envisioning) and the pancake with rock shrimp and green onion.
Top two items: the marinated galbi and the pancake with rock shrimp. Loved the knife work on the galbi when they brought it out and how it unrolled it on the bone over the grill. I didn't find the marinade overly sweet like some of you mentioned. The pancake was killer. Loved it. Great texture, full of tiny shrimp, and the green onions added a lovely aromatic note.
Biggest disappointments: The Ban Chan and the service.
There weren't many Ban Chan to start off with and none of them blew my mind.
The service blew big time. We asked for a plate and forks (because sometimes I just get frustrated with chop sticks) 3 separate times before they came. I requested napkins on several occasions, only to have it brought out at the end when they dropped off the bill (I mean, sucking on the chili crab is a messy venture for me). Water was not refilled in a timely manner.
Overall, we left full and happy. The quality of the meat was very good. The marinade was also very good. Would I drive out from the South Bay to K-town every time I have a Korean BBQ craving? Nope (sorry J. Gold). If I were in K-town and friends suggested we go there, would I object? Nope. If/when I go there next time, I plan to try the spicy cod, the noodles, and I'd reorder the gal-bi and the pancake.
What/how much to order at Park's?
Why pass on the mushrooms? Is that because it's just too many mushrooms?
What/how much to order at Park's?
My brother is taking me out to dinner at Park's BBQ.
By the way, is this the restaurant's website: www.parksbbq.com?
I looked at the online menu and would like to know what (beef) dishes you ordered (if you liked it) and how many entrees would you recommend 2 healthy eaters to order? I was thinking of ordering one of the Gal-bi and one of the Bulgogi. I'm not sure if the seasoned Gal-bi is the way to go or another route.
My brother is not a huge pork eater. I'm not sure what GGot Sal is. Last but not least, I'm not into tripe.
Oh, and are any of the main dishes worth ordering or would it be overkill to order meat for BBQing and order some main's?
Thank you!
1 Prime GGot Sal 꽃살
2 Gal-Bi (Prime Beef Short Rib) 생갈비
3 Seasoned Gal-bi 양념갈비
4 Prime Beef Rib Eye Steak 생등심
5 Beef Outside Skirt 안창살
6 Boneless Beef Short Rib 갈비살
7 Seasoned Boneless Beef Rib 주물럭
8 Bulgogi (Seasoned Sliced Beef) 생불고기
9 Beef Brisket Point 차돌구이
10 Prime Beef Tongue 혀밑구이
11 Mino, Beef Mountain Chain Tripe 양구이
12 Special Pork Belly 특생오겹살
13 Seasoned Special Pork Belly 양념오겹살
14 Marinated Shrimp 새우구이
15 Assorted Mushrooms
Main Dish / 식사류
1 Beef Short Rib Soup 박대감네 갈비탕
2 #1 Soup w/ Gin-seng 영양갈비탕
3 #1 Soup w/ Rice Cake 떡갈비탕
4 Spicy Beef Soup w/ Vegetable 육개장
5 Bean Paste Stew w/ Tofu 된장찌개
6 Kimchi Stew 김치찌개
7 Tofu Stew 순두부찌개
8 Chilly Paste Stew 고추장찌개
9 Stone Pot Rice 돌판 비빔밥(해물, 나물, 김치)
10 Bulgogi w/ Vegetable 돌판 불고기
Side Dish
1 Scorched Rice Bowl Soup 식사누룽지
2 Steamed Egg 계란찜
3 Omelette 계란말이
4 Pan Fried Atka mackerel 이면수구이
Noodle / 면류
1 Mul-naengmyeon 물냉면
2 Spicy Mul-naengmyeon 비빔냉면
3 1/2 Mul-naengmyeon 맛보기물냉면
CHEF'S SPECIAL / 특선요리
1 Shrimp Salad 새우냉채
2 Open Flame Abalone 전복구이
3 Grilled Seabass 농어구이
4 Spicy Black Cod 은대구조림
5 Soy Black Cod 간장은대구조림
6 Beef Tartar 육회
7 Special Bean Paste & Ssam 강 된장 모듬쌈
8 Pancake w/ rock shrimp and green onion 파전
9 Pancake w/ Kimchi
Bacon Milkshake
Did it taste good or was it gross? Or, was it 3 swigs and that's enough?
Bacon Milkshake
Has anyone had the bacon milkshake at any of the LA area Jack in the Boxes? If so, which one? I'm curious if it's worth 700+ calories. And, is it a vanilla shake with bacon bits? Or a bacon flavored ice cream as the base? What's the scoop?
LA Convention Center: Dinner for 40 doctors?
I would second J.L.'s motion of: Not Roy's.
I've been invited to way too many of these events at Roy's and I think I've tasted just about everything on the menu at this point and won't go back (Sorry, Roy!).
Given this is for a bunch of cardiologists, try and pick something heart healthy. ;)
By the way, it would be helpful to know what your budget person would be and if this includes alcohol, tax, tip, etc.
What good AYCE Korean BBQ also has great banchan?
My point exactly... the best banchan of an AYCE Korean BBQ restaurant.
While I have yet to go to Park's, my favorite non-AYCE Korean BBQ at the moment, is The Yellow Cow in Gardena. I was stuffed. Some of the banchan were unusual (for example, using blueberries with other flavors that I wouldn't think to combine). The portions seem quite generous to me.
What good AYCE Korean BBQ also has great banchan?
I like the Road to Seoul.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/road-to-seoul-los-angeles
Is there a good Jewish Deli in southbay near Torrance
Well, it's not kosher and just because one person doesn't know what "chicken in the pot" is, wouldn't make me pan a whole restaurant. I'll admit, I just thought you were referring to chicken soup (either with noodles or matzoh balls, which is what it is, right?), which I know they have and it tasted okay. Anyhow, if you're really set on a place in Torrance, that's pretty much it... I didn't like New York Deli when I walked in there, which is the only other Jewish deli in Torrance that I'm aware of, (but admittedly, they used to have two locations like 2-3 blocks apart, which I found strange, and I may have walked into the one they've since shuttered). We used to have a Jerry's Deli in the Del Amo Mall but that closed down probably around a year ago. Say what you want about Jerry's Deli, they at least had a few decent things on their menu. Your best bet is to go to the some of the other Jewish delis listed in the replies. I like Langers but the hours stink and so does their parking situation. If they moved this place out of DTLA and stayed open later, I'm sure they'd make even more of a killing.
Is there a good Jewish Deli in southbay near Torrance
Oh ok.... well, it's best you avoid this place since it's the same owners as the Glendale Billy's.
Is there a good Jewish Deli in southbay near Torrance
Has anyone here been to Billy's lately?
5160 W 190th St, Torrance 90503
(At Anza Ave)
www.billysdeli.com
I haven't been in years.
Paletas...The New "It" Dessert?
That was a fun review... next time I'm near Stanton, I'll stop by...
