Sunday, December 31, 2006

Vueve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut Champagne


A delicious Champagne in a distinctive orange label, this is a label that has been around since 1772. Less expensive than some fine champagne's, this is still an excellent champagne, especially for the price. You will not be disappointed by the fine taste and excellent aroma.


Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Battuto, Italian Restaurant, Cleveland OH

12405 Mayfield Road

Cleveland, OH 44106

(216) 707-1055

GOOGLE MAP

Anatolia Cafe, Turkish Cuisine, Cleveland, OH

13915 Cedar Road

South Euclid, OH 44118

(216) 321-4400

GOOGLE MAP

This is an excellent Middle Eastern restaurant in a little strip mall near my mother's place in Cleveland Heights. And don't let the outside fool you, the inside is really cute, and playing Turkish music. The wait staff is quite nice, and the service is quick, the food that is tasty and inexpensive.

#1 Pho, Vietnamese Restaurant, Cleveland OH

3120 Superior Ave


Cleveland, OH 44114


(216) 781-1176


GOOGLE MAP


A tasty and excellent Vietnamese Pho place in Cleveland. The restaurant is nice and clean, and large, with a good sized menu and good service.


Saturday, December 23, 2006

Pier W, Seafood Restaurant, Cleveland, OH

12700 Lake Ave

Cleveland, OH 44107-1576

(216) 228-2250

GOOGLE MAPS

For my birthday dinner my mother took us out to dinner at this excellent seafood restaurant right on the lake with an amazing view of downtown Cleveland and the whole harbor. We got the best table in the house, right on the water, and the food was absolutely amazing. If you like seafood this place is top notch, and not that expensive at about $50 a person including appetizers, and if you can get the top notch seats then your view will be amazing.

Mister Brisket, Kosher Deli, Cleveland Hts., Ohio

Mister Brisket

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Zankou Chicken, Armenian Chicken and Beef, Burbank, CA


Zankou Chicken

1001 N. San Fernando Blvd. #100

Burbank, CA 91504

(818) 238-0414


GOOGLE MAP


In a Shopping Mall in Burbank, North of the Media Center mall, and right next to the Gelato and Ice Cream place Creme De La Creme which I just reviewed. I still don't know the story of why the one in Los Angeles is not on the web site, but I do know that was the first one, so there must have been a family dispute. Anyway, this one is as delicious as the original, but has a photo menu and 2 cashier's, one for cash and one for credit. the food is inexpensive and top notch.


Creme De La Creme, Gellato and Forzen Yogurt Parlor, Burbank, CA


1001 N. San Fernando Blvd. #101

Burbank, CA 91504


GOOGLE MAPS


Right next to Zhankou Chicken, and owned by the same people (not the same as the one in Hollywood, but the same food). When they first opened they gave out free samples, and they will still let you try anything. The people are friendly and the dessert is inexpensive and delicious. This is a must try if you have a sweet tooth and are in Burbank.


Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Pinocchio Italian Restaurant


3102 W. Magnolia Blvd (At Fairview Street)

Burbank, CA 91505-3046

(818) 845-3516


GOOGLE MAP


This is an excellent Deli and Restaurant with a pre set menu, where you go with a tray and get various pasta dishes as well as a slew of salads. The servings are huge and very inexpensive and quite tasty. Not the lightest food, but quite good. And the deli is really worth checking out. I was quite impressed.


Sunday, October 29, 2006

Harry's Family Restaurant, American Diner, Burbank, CA


920 N. San Fernando Blvd.

Burbank, CA 91504-4325

(818) 842-8755


GOOGLE MAP


Tasty food with good portions, though the 70's decor and really slow service certainly hurt a bit. It is open 24 hours though, and has everything from breakfast to seafood and even greek dishes.


Sunday, September 24, 2006

MPV Seafood, Chinese Seafood Restaurant, Alhambra, CA


142 S. Garfield Ave,

Alhambra, CA 91801

(626) 289-3018


GOOGLE MAP


I was introduced to this restaurant by my ex girlfriend whose father from Sichuan would only eat here when he was in Los Angeles. Tonight I went with my girlfriend, her sister and her father to this restaurant to have some excellent Chinese Seafood. Now while everything is good, the crab with house special sauce is the best and a specialty. It has like a deep friend garlic and ginger with chilies in it, and the crab is battered and you rip it apart with your fingers and teeth and spit out the shells. It is the best way I have ever had crab for all time. Well tonight we did better, if by a larger expense.


Monday, September 18, 2006

Dunkin Donuts, Breakfast, Boston, MA


The west coast obsession with Cripsy Cream never made any sense to me, especially having grown up in the land of Dunkin' Donuts, and the it's Time To Make the Donuts commercials. Honestly I am not a big donut eater (especially after working a commercial in a donut shop and getting sick of the smell of donuts), but if I wanted some I would want Dunkin' Donuts donuts and donut holes. Not only

Linda Jeans, American Food, Marthas Vineyard, Oak Bluffs, MA


124 Circuit Ave

Oak Bluffs, MA 02557

(508) 693-4093


GOOGLE MAP


On the way to the Ferry we had time to kill because of our 10:45 Ferry (going back from MA to CA you always have to take a late flight because you need to take the Ferry and Bus to get to Logan) so we went into Oak Bluffs for breakfast. My mother says this was another place locals go because there are not that many breakfast places on MV. And we had a wait, though not too long, and they have those vibrating things to inform you so we walked around Circuit Ave a bit. The place has a great menu for breakfast food, with some great looking pancakes, waffles, and a huge selection of breakfast meats. Quite tasty with fast service and good prices.


Saturday, September 16, 2006

The Newes, Pub food, Marthas Vineyard, Edgartown, MA


23 Kelly St.

Edgartown, MA 02539


GOOGLE MAP


This was always a favorite of mine since I was a kid. Just getting a burger on an excellent bun, and fries in a bag with vinegar and maybe some onion rings while chomping on some pepronchini peppers always made me happy, so we had to go. And the fries and onion rings were as good as ever, but I must say I was disappointed with the burger which didn't seem too special at all.


Friday, September 15, 2006

Slice of Life, American Food, Marthas Vineyard, Oak Bluffs, MA


50 Circuit Avenue

Oak Bluffs, MA

(508) 693-2828


GOOGLE MAP


This is a popular spot for islanders because of the excellent food, and we could tell because we had to wait for a table, though not too long. The menu is excellent with lots of choices including some delicious looking salads that were huge. We came for Chowder and sandwiches and were very pleased.


Thursday, September 14, 2006

Chesca's, Italian and Seafood Restaurant, Marthas Vineyard, Edgartown, MA


38 N. Water Street

Edgartown, MA 02539


GOOGLE MAP


On our trip to Marthas Vineyard we went out to dinner with our old friends Kate and Sam Sherman and they took us to an Italian Restaurant in Edgartown. This place was great. It has a great look and vibe, with a large bar, and good service, and the place was packed. The prices are pretty reasonable and the food was excellent.


Wednesday, September 13, 2006

The Galley, Seafood Restaurant, Menemsha Harbor, Menemsha, Marthas Vineyard, MA


515 North Road, Menemsha Harbor, Menemsha


GOOGLE MAP


My mom's personal pick for best New England Clam Chowder, and I have to agree. The place is a little stand on the harbor, where you can order the food in the front, and either get it for takeout, or eat it in the back on a little deck without windows that overlooks the picturesque fishing town that is Menemsha.


Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Sandy's Fish and Chips and John's Fish Market, Seafood and Fish Market, Marthas Vineyard, Vineyard Haven, MA


State Road,

Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

(508) 693-1220


If you are on Marthas Vineyard in the summer, or the months around summer (They are not open in the winter for Fish and Chips) and want some really good high quality Fish & Chips you are doing yourselves a disfavor if you don't try this place out. On my recent trip to Marthas Vineyard with my girlfriend Kelly, we went here to have lunch as our first meal on our first full day on the island. And I was not disappointed nor was my girlfriend. This is top quality food. Sure you eat on picnic benches in the parking lot with plastic utensils, but this is about great food and not ambiance. And while you are there marvel over the fact that this is the only fish store I have ever been in that literally does not smell at all, in fact it smells great. Where is the fish smell? How do they do it? Honestly I have no idea, and I don't care. Honestly I will dream of this place until I have it again while I dream of Marthas Vineyard from out in Los Angeles.


Monday, September 11, 2006

Marthas Vineyard, Marthas Vineyard Steamship Authority, Seafood, MA


My mother painted a mural so that she could get a friend of hers' guest house in West Tisbury, MA right on the Great Pond, and my girlfriend Kelly and I took a whole week vacation there. Of course going there is always a long trip, a 6 hour flight an hour and a half bus ride and a 45 minute ferry ride, but the ferry ride has one really nice little bonus. It has a snack bar, and one incredible food item in that snack bar, it's qouhog chowder (that's Clam Chowder) and it is pretty damn good.


Thursday, August 17, 2006

Salomi Indian & Bangladesh Restaurant, North Hollywood, CA


Salomi Indian & Bangladesh Restaurant
5225 Lankershim Blvd.
North Hollyood, CA
(818) 506-0130

GOOGLE MAP

My girlfriend Kelly and I have been talking about going to an Indian Restaurant for a while, and one of her co-workers has taken her here a few times for lunch, so since I treated dinner last time she took me out to this restaurant. The place was almost empty, but has a great atmosphere and an extensive menu. Not only that but the service was above top notch. I have a feeling this place keeps open by their delivery, because there were not enough customers, but the food was excellent and tasty and well worth trying again, and includes Vegetarian and non-Vegetarian cuisine.

Friday, August 11, 2006

Guenoc lake County Sauvignon Blanc 2005


This is a pretty inexpensive wine that is incredibly tasty, with a crisp fruity flavor. I never really liked Sauvignon Blanc until I had this wine, and now I am a total fan.


Wednesday, August 2, 2006

FoodSaver Quick Marinator 1 1/4 Quart Canister

This extra is the main reason I wanted a FoodSaver. I had a cheap $20 device at one point that you would put your food and marinade in and pump out the air to quickly marinate the meat., unfortunately it broke, and it seems the company stopped making them, so I wanted another because being able to do overnight marinating in just 10-20 minutes is an amazing time saver, and I must say this accessory for my FoodSaver is exactly what I wanted.

FoodSaver Bottle Stoppers

This is a 3 pack of Bottle stoppers for Wine Bottles, so you can reseal your wine without any air in the bottle and make your wine last longer.

Tilia Advanced V2490 FoodSaver Vaccum-Packaging System

I have always wanted one of these, not only to save my food, but also to use to marinate food. And when I saw this at Costco for $100 I decided it was time. The set also included 3 canisters for dry food, and 2 rolls of bags to save the food.

Breville 800GRXL Die Cast Indoor BBQ and Grill, Brushed Stainless Steel

This was a Christmas Present from my Grandmother to me this year, and immediately replaced my Large George Forman Grill for my indoor BBQ and Grill of choice. This thing is heavy and built well with many features that are not seen in other similar models. I can't recommend this thing more highly. It has features that make this the best indoor electric grill I have seen.

Tuesday, August 1, 2006

BJ's Restaurant and Brewery

BJ's
107 S. 1st Street
Burbank, CA 91502
(818) 557-0881


GOOGLE MAP


I have eaten here before and though it was alright, though I must say this time I was very unimpressed. My girlfriend insists the pizza was excellent, and honestly I did not try the beer, but the only thing that was impressive was the desert.


I went again for my friend German's birthday, and enjoyed it a bit more. This time I had a calzone, and some beer, and we have the pizza sized Pizooki. Damn that thing is evil!!!



Monday, July 24, 2006

Eat on Sunset, French Cuisine, Hollywood, California

Eat On Sunset
1448 N. Gower St.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 461-8800

GOOGLE MAP

I have wanted to eat here for some time, though reviews seemed either great or horrible, but i was interested in trying some of the Fish since the chef Joachim Splichal was a chef at the French laundry. The food was decent, with good flavors, though a tad overcooked, but the mixed drinks were spectacular.

Tuesday, July 4, 2006

Yellow Tail Chardonnay 2004

A very tasty Chardonnay with a bit of a of a bite
to it, but you really can't beat it in this price range.

Sunday, June 25, 2006

Mo's, American Restaurant, Burbank, CA

Mo's
4301 Riverside Drive
Burbank, CA 91505
(818) 845-3009GOOGLE MAPS

Mo's fine food is a darkened interior with a bar, and dark inexpensive wood, with the stain starting to chip off the tables. The place has a large menu with everything from Pizza, Pasta and salad to quite a selection of Hamburgers and a Hamburger bar where you can heap on the condiments (though actually I expected there to be more at the burger bar than there was). My biggest complaint is the expense. The burgers are $10 at a minimum and go up from there, and while tasty that is a bit expensive.

Friday, June 23, 2006

Sebastian's , American Food, Toluca Lake, CA

Sebastian's
10057 Riverside Drive,
Toluca Lake, CA 91602
(818)-509-8405

GOOGLE MAP

This is a restaurant that I most certainly want to try again. Sure the decor is a bit off, and the service was slow, but this place certainly knows flavors! The menu lets you chose Chicken, Beef, Shrimp or Portabella mushrooms in 23 flavors, and you can get them as sandwiches, pizzas, main courses or salads. The food is tasty and enjoyable, and makes me want to try other flavors.

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Chili John's, American Chili, Burbank, CA

Chili John's
2018 W. Burbank Blvd
Burbank, CA 91506-1319
(818) 846-3611

GOOGLE MAP

Famous from Coast to Coast, Chili John's is Burbank's oldest restaurant, in a fading white painted brick building, with a U shaped counter and stools that were completely filled, and with a chili serving station in the middle. They give you crackers and you can get your tasty beef chili served in 3 levels of heat (though they must have screwed up my hot because it was not hot at all for me, in fact the yellow peppers on the counter were hotter).

Saturday, June 17, 2006

Mike's Bar & Crab House, Seafood, Annapolis, Maryland

Mike's Bar & Crab House
3030 Riva Road
Riva, MD 21140
(410) 956-2784

GOOGLE MAP

This place is just across a bridge from my father's place in Annapolis, Maryland, and you can get there by car or by boat. It is large and has a restaurant, bar and liquor store, and inside and outside seating, but don't expect anything too fancy, this is quite casual. The food is quite tasty, if not always that healthy (lots of deep fried seafood here), and they are known for their crabs, which you can the blue crabs to crack and eat at your tables (making quite a mess) or they have an excellent soft shell crab sandwich.

Saturday, June 10, 2006

Denny's, everywhere, American Diner


Yuck. I can't believe I am even adding this to the list, but my girlfriend insisted she needed Chicken Fried steak this morning to be able to start writing, so I went along, because it is what she wanted. Personally I think Denny's is completely disgusting and should not be ingested by humans.

Saturday, May 6, 2006

Birds, American Food and Bar, Hollywood, California

BIRDS
5925 Franklin Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90028-5515
(323) 465-0175

GOOGLE MAP

A Hollywood bar hot spot, that I considered my living room for quite a few years. Weekend nights there is such a huge crowd at late night that it gets hard to move. The food is filling, though not too special, with a mostly chicken menu (birds get it?). I live in the neighborhood and can attest that the parking is brutal so you might want to consider the valet.

Tuesday, April 4, 2006

Marrakesh Restaurant, Morrocan Food, Studio City, CA

Marrakesh Restaurant
13003 Ventura Blvd.
Studio CIty, CA 91604
(818) 788-6784

GOOGLE MAP

I have been wanting to try this place for some time, but never got around to it, for some reason I thought it was all cushions and not really low tables and benches, but it is really an interesting experience with good food. The food is served family style in many courses, and though traditionally you wouldn't use a fork, they do give you a fork for a few courses. Not too expensive, though not cheap either, but with the belly dancer it is really a cool place to check out!

Tuesday, March 28, 2006

Fuddruckers, American Hamburgers, Burbank, California


FUDDRUCKERS

221 N. San Fernando Blvd.

Burbank, CA 91501

(818) 848-4856


GOOGLE MAP


Right in the heart of Burbank with the old AMC 14 parking right next store (meaning depending on when you go it, parking can be a pain to park), this place is all about Hamburgers and they do them very well. And even better you get to put on your own toppings. Lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, jalap

Sunday, March 26, 2006

Lollicup, Boba Tea, Alhambra, California


Lollicup

228 W. Valley Blvd, #106A

Alhambra, CA 91801

(626)308-1880Su-Th: 11am-Midnight


F-Sa: 11am-1am


GOOGLE MAP


I have to admit I have I have like Boba Cha (tea) since I first had it years ago at Noodle Planet in Westwood, and have since tried it at many places, and many different Lollicup's and it is amazing how each one can be so different, like the ones in Chinatown are totally different than the ones in Korea town. Anyway, I really like this one, that has a huge selection of Boba, Taiwanese Ice, and even hot prepared snack foods.



Wednesday, March 1, 2006

Border Grill, Gourment Mexican Restaurant, Santa Monica, California

Border Grill
1445 4th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401

(310) 451-1655

GOOGLE MAP

The same 2 chef's as Cuidad, this was their earlier restaurant. Excellent gourmet Mexican food with great ingredients and very little oil, and excellent margaritas. Well trying out if you are down at the 3rd Street Promenade, but expect a wait if it is the weekend.

Saturday, February 25, 2006

Yangtze Restaurant, Asian Fusion, Santa Monica CA

Yangtze Restaurant
1333 3rd Street Promenade
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 260-1994

This is an interesting Asian Fusion restaurant on the promenade, which makes for kind of a mixed bag. It is Thai, Chinese and Japanese with a Sushi bar. Half price Sushi at the Sushi bar as well. I have to say the Sushi is OK, and seems to be the best thing here, with the main dishes not impressing much.

Houston's, American Hamburgers, Santa Monica, CA

Houston's
202 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310-576-7558

GOOGLE MAP

This excellent chain opened up down in Santa Monica a few years ago, on the South East Corner of 2nd Street and Wilshire, 1 block West of the 3rd street promenade right at the top of it. It has a main dining room with a bar, and a sushi car upstairs where the bathrooms are. I don't recommend it for the Sushi, but the burgers are excellent. Actually this has been my grandmother and grandfather's favorite restaurant. We used to go to the one in Georgetown in Washington D.C. when she worked for Reagan, and when my dad worked for Bush Senior, and then the one in Century City, but since this one has opened my family usually goes here when we go out to eat. Well worth checking out. You can park with their valet or in the parking structure on 2nd street just down the block.

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

Emrich Schšnleber Nahe 2001 Monzinger Halenbery Riesling SpŠtlese, Germany, Nahe Region.

Had this excellent German Riesling at the Pinot Bistro in Studio City, not the least expensive, but well worth it and quite tasty. Had a very fruity taste, almost of apple juice, with no aftertaste, went really well with the meal!

Pinot Bistro, French Cuisine, Studio City, California

Pinot Bistro
12969 Ventura Blvd
Studio City, CA
(818) 990-0500GOOGLE MAP

This place is pretty incredible. A small restaurant from the outside on Venture Blvd's north side, it has reasonably priced valet parking. The inside is quite nice and elegant, with a dining room on one side, and a full sized bar on the other, along with some tables, near the window and along the bar. We sat on that side next to the window. Their are also seats out front on the sidewalk for when it is warmer. The service was excellent as was the food, this is highly recommended!



Monday, February 6, 2006

Robert Mondavi Winery Pinot Noir 2004, Carneros

I have to admit it that horrible documentary called MONDOVINO made me interested in trying a Mondavi even if it is portrayed as the big monster. And I got a 10 discount on any bottle that was over $10 from Ralph's in their wine club, so I figure why not try a $20 bottle of Mondavi Pinot Noir. I have to admit I have not developed my palette for Pinot's yet. I mean I like them, but haven't figured out why people go so wild for them as of yet. That being said this is a good dry wine.

Sunday, February 5, 2006

Fred 62, American Diner, Los Angeles, CA

1850 N. Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 667-0062

GOOGLE MAP

One of the few 24 hour diners in Los Angeles, and since it is in near the Dresden, you get yourself quite a hip retro place. It has seats inside and seats outside (so you will wait unless you want to sit at the counter and you want to sit inside). There is some valet parking, or you can try and find street parking.

Sunday, January 8, 2006

Zankou Chicken, Chicken and Armenian Restaurant, Los Angeles, California


5065 W. Sunset Blvd.

Los Angeles, C 90027

(323) 665-7842GOOGLE MAP








Strangely the Zankou web site, doesn't list the original restaurant, which is in a little strip mall at the corner of Normandie and Sunset. If you like roasted chicken, you can't beat this place. The chicken is so moist, it just comes apart with a touch, and the garlic sauce is to die for. The menu is short and easy, and this one has more items than the rest. You really can't beat this place for some good chicken.

Wednesday, January 4, 2006

Romano's Macaroni Grill, Italian Restaurant, Burbank, California

Romano's Macaroni Grill
102 E. Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91502-1715
(818) 729-9405

GOOGLE MAP

In the same structure as the Burbank 16 theaters in Burbank, this is a tasty and inexpensive Italian chain restaurant. Certainly not as good as Magionos, but quite taste, and with an honor system where they leave large bottles of wine on the table, so you can help yourself without bothering the waitress, which is interesting.