El Torito Grill, Mexican food, Sherman Oaks, CA

El Torito Grill

15301 Ventura Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(818) 907-7172

GOOGLE MAP

We went to this chain restaurant on Christmas night because we were going to go see a movie at the new Arclight at the Sherman Oaks Galleria, and honestly this was the only place open, and thus even had a 45 minute wait to get a seat (actually it was longer because they lost a whole list of people they had put down, and started taking people who came after us, so the service was fairly mediocre). And this was a chain Mexican restaurant, so the food was of course only mediocre at best. It sounded interesting, but was not all that impressive. In fact it was a little strange, and I would only eat here again if it was the only place open.

Bob's Big Boy, Hamburgers, Burbank, CA

Bob's Big Boy

4211 Riverside Drive
Burbank, CA 91505
(818) 843-9334

GOOGLE MAPS

The earliest still standing Bob's in the country, and one that still has it's 50's look, and even has 50's style drive up one night a week. The place is always packed, and there is usually a wait, but it is cheap. The burgers are OK, but again are not juicy, but fried, so not that great, just decent, as are the fries.

Morton's, Steak House, Annapolis, MD and Everywhere

Morton's

100 Westgate Circle
Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 280-1170

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A delicious and great steak house, but still way, way overpriced. There were 3 of us, and we had 2 bottles of wine and it was over $450 dollars. Sure it was good, but that is some damn expensive steak. Sure they have good service, and I love how they bring the food out and show you (including a live lobster) before you are given the menu.

Le Pain Quotidien, Bakery, Breakfast and Sandwiches, Pasadena, CA

Le Pain Quotidien

88 W Colorado Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 396-0956

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I didn't realize this was an international chain restaurant, but to me it seems a pale imitation of the Alcove Cafe, with interesting looking food, small portions and an overall disappointing experience. The menu made it sound wonderful, but Kelly and I were so disappointed and the portions so small, that we went to Johnny Rockets afterwards.

Sandwich

Johnny Rockets, Hamburgers, Burbank, CA

Johnny Rockets

52 Hugus Aly
Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 793-6570

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A decent fast food burger place set up as a 50's diner (though started in the 80's) and even including a nickel juke box at every table with a whole slew of 50's music. Sure the burger is a bit dry, but it is tasty, and you get to put on your own ketchup.

La Parrilla, Mexican Restaurant, Los Angeles, CA

La Parrilla

3129 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 661-8055

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There are 3 of these restaurants, but I have only been to this one on Sunset, and it has amazing food and inexpensive and huge margaritas. This place is a must, as it is very inexpensive and has top notch food. The decor looks like Tijuana chic, but it fits, as does the traditional Mexican music. Often there is also a mariachi that comes around. I want to try this place with a bigger party, because the food portions are huge, and delicious. I highly recommend it. And it always fun to see someone making tortillas fresh in front of you.

StoneFire Grill, Chicken and Steak, West Hills, CA

StoneFire Grill

6405 Fallbrook Ave
West Hills, CA 91307
(818) 887-4145

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At a shopping plaza at the corner of Victory and Fallbrook, this is a chain restaurant with incredibly good food, fast service and is well worth checking out. In fact the chicken is to die for! Well worth checking out.

Salad

Philly's Best, Philly Cheese Steak, Burbank, CA

Philly's Best

1419 W. Olive Street
Burbank, CA

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My friend Jeff Briggs and I had lunch this week in Burbank, and we went to this new Cheesesteak chain that has recently opened in Burbank. And it was delicious. This is in a little strip mall with not much parking, and around 1 PM on a weekday, the place was absolutely packed, I mean the line went out the door. Not only that, but 2 motorcycles pulled up, and it was Jay Leno going to have lunch! Ha, must be good cheesesteak.

Sandwich

The Dip, French Dip Sandwiches, Hollywood, CA

6801 Hollywood Blvd. #67

Hollywood, CA 90028

(323) 871-0888

Sun-Thurs 11A-9P, Fri-Say 11A-12PM

GOOGLE MAP

Located in the Hollywood and Highland mall, this is actually a quit tasty french dip place. The food is high quality and good, and fast and they have a huge variety of condiments including lots of hot peppers and even habanero mustard, ketchup and hot sauce.

Taqueria El Tapatio, Mexican Restaurant, Woodland Hills, CA

22806 Victory Blvd.

Woodland Hills, CA 91367

(818) 883-6142

GOOGLE MAPS

In a strip mall on the south west corner of Victory at Fallbrook Ave, this is a little whole in the wall Mexican place that is mostly mexican (they barely speak English, though the menu is in English) and quite tasty and delicious. They have some great inexpensive food, and also have the bottles of Mexican soda, which is always tastier.

Prizzi's Piazza, Italian Restaurant, Hollywood, CA

Prizzi's Piazza

5923 Franklin Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90028

(323) 467-0168

GOOGLE MAPS

Located in Hollywood, in fact right on my block next to Birds, the parking can be a bitch, though they have valet. This is a good medium prices Italian restaurant. The food tends to be heavy and covered in oil, but the food is tasty (too much oil on the pizza for my taste, but it tastes good) and the bread sticks are absolutely amazing, and a must try, though you must know that you will taste only garlic for the rest of the night, and even into the morning. This is some serious garlic.

Fatburger The Last Great Hamburger Stand, Hamburgers, CA

Fatburger

Well, unfortunately I won't be having any Fatburgers again any time soon, or anything but salads and veggies, as I am now almost 50 pounds overweight, youch, but this was a pretty damn good way to kick start me into a diet. I have always enjoyed Fatburger, sure they aren't juicy burgers, as they are on the griddle, but with all the toppings, they still seam juicy, and I love the addition of the choice of thin or fat fries. These are damn good fast burgers, and the Kingburger is just plain impressive. Still it cost over 10 for a Kingburger, fat fries and a large soda.

Edendale Grill, American Restaurant, Los Feliz, CA

2838 Rowena Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90039

(323) 666-2000
Mon-Thurs 5:30 PM-10PM Sun 10A-3PM, 5:30 PM - 10pm, Bar Sun-Wed 5 PM-12am, Thu-Sat 5pm-2AM

Google Map

Kelly and I wouldn't even have known this place if we didn't go with Tara and Rick. It is a cool looking place, built in the old 1920's firehouse for the era, with hardwood floors, and craftsman light fixtures, and covered in photos celebrating the old history of Hollywood. Parking is non-existant, so pay for the parking, which is just North of it on Rowena. Their is a cool outside patio with heaters, and a huge bar, which is where the firetruck used to park, and is quite loud. And their is a smoking patio in the back, where the restrooms are. The main entrance is huge, and has a couple of chairs to wait, and check out all the old photos, they are very cool. The food and service was decent, but not great for the price. I have certainly had better, though the atmosphere was nice.

Market City Caffe, Italian and Seafood Restaurant, Burbank, CA

Market City Caffe
164 E. Palm Avenue
Burbank, CA 91502
(818) 840-7036

Sun-thurs 11:30AM-10 PM, Friday and Saturday till Midnight

GOOGLE MAP

Right in the heart of downtown Burbank, and right by the AMC theaters, Kelly and I have eaten here before and kind of enjoyed it, but this experience I must say was pretty terrible, and I do not think we will be returning. The service was fine, but the food was pretty mediocre, and the breadsticks were tastless and awful, even with the oil at ever table, and even once we got a bottle of balsamic vinegar. I do like that they give you a pitcher of iced tea though. That is nice, but the food was only OK.

North End Pizzeria , Pizza, Burbank, CA

North End Pizzeria

212 East Orange Grove

Burbank, CA 91502

(818) 557-8325

GOOGLE MAP

Located in the heart of downtown Burbank, Kelly and I have passed this place many times, but it was on our friend Francisco's recommendation that we went and had dinner here. It took a little well, but the food was quite good and delicious. Not only good New York style Pizza, but also quite delicious salads. There is public parking quite close, and this place is pretty tasty.

THey also have pasta and catering is available.