All posts filed under: California

Restaurant reviews from California…

Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes California

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As much as I love international travel, I hold something very special in my heart for ‘Staycations.’ I love a good getaway that is relaxing, but still close enough to home where you don’t have to go through check-in, security and aisle seats. Thus, I introduce you to the luxurious Terranea (terra-NAY-a) Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes California. The 102- acre private peninsula is absolutely breathtaking. We visited in the month of February and the weather was surprisingly perfect. Although we’ve been spoiled in California when it comes to winter weather. When we pulled up to the valet, I instantly felt as if we were on actual vacation in some tropical destination. The grounds include: residential bungalows, casitas and villas, an award winning 9-hole par three golf course, an ocean front spa, restaurants, bars, lounges, shopping boutiques and the best part a walking trail along the coast. The resort is also eco-friendly. We had dinner reservations at the hotel’s restaurant Mar’Sel, but came early to grab a drink and enjoy the lounge and walk along the …

Breakfast Sandwich from Eggslut in Downtown LA

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*Pic from website. Located in Grand Central Market in downtown LA is one hardy, ooey-gooey breakfast sandwich! If the name doesn’t intrigue you and pull you in, than the pictures on their Instagram feed certainly will. This instafamous breakfast spot, is open 7 days a week from 8am to 4pm. The menu has six exciting sandwiches and two specialities (one being the “slut”). The slut is a coddled egg on top of a smooth potato purée, poached in a glass jar and served with a demi baguette.  If you’re trying to watch your carb intake, they offer all of the sandwiches on a salad. The line is usually long here and has limited counter seating so be prepared to get your meal to-go or find seating somewhere in the market which is like a food court. However, the pay-off of the delicious sandwich is well worth the wait!

Brunch at The Penthouse in Santa Monica

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Food with a view? Does it really get any better? If you’re looking for a new brunch spot with a view on a sunny day, you’ll want to check out The Penthouse at The Huntley Hotel in Santa Monica. It is located on the top floor with gorgeous views of the ocean and coastline. The restaurant has a big bar located in the center which is known for its cocktails and panoramic views. You’ll definitely want to make reservations here as it can easily get crowded on a nice day. The menu is American, Pacific and hint of Asian cuisine. They have fresh juices, pastries, egg dishes, brunch and lunch entrees, salads, flat breads, pastas and sandwiches. Something for every palette. Click here to check out their full brunch menu. Sea Bass Steak Sandwich Even the bathroom has a view!    

Chinese Fine Dining at Mr. Chow in Malibu

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If you’ve been in LA long enough or frequent celebrity-gossip blogs, you’ve probably heard of the fine dining Chinese restaurant,”Mr. Chow.” Asian-fusion cuisine seems to be a big “thing” in LA and I can’t say that I’m mad at it. Most people are familiar with the Beverly Hills location on Camden Dr. (parallel) to the famous Rodeo Drive. However, LA has two locations. I recently tried Mr. Chow Malibu which is inside of the high-end shopping center, Malibu Country Mart. The menu is very similar in both locations…delicious. The dishes are meant to be shared and served “family style.” One of the more popular dishes is the Mr. Chow Noodles. You can typically catch one of the noodle chef’s coming out in the middle of your dinner to demonstrate the process of making noodles to the entire restaurant. If you’ve never seen this before, you’ll be highly impressed with the precision that goes into it. Lychee Martini Mr. Chow Noodles Water Dumplings Drunken FishShrimp Fried Rice & Velvet Chicken*Additional favorite (not shown): Green Shrimp  

Poke Poke in Venice Beach

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I have always been a Hawaiian at heart. My mom was born in the Philippines and moved to Hawaii at the age 9 on the island of Oahu. Growing up I went to Hawaii frequently, my first trip being at the age 3. My Asian culture growing up was therefore a blend of both Hawaiian and Filipino. One of my all-time favorite Hawaiian dishes is Poke. Traditional Poke (if you are not familiar) is usually referred to as fresh Ahi ‘yellowfin’ Tuna seasoned with sea salt, soy sauce, green onions, maui onions, chili pepper and sesame oil. Of course, there are other variations and combinations of seasonings.  If you are a fan of sashimi or nigiri, this dish is right up your alley.  The sesame oil is the most prominent seasoning in Poke and is really what gives it a unique flavor. Poke is usually best served cold and with rice. I was so excited when I finally stumbled upon a place to get fresh Hawaiian style Poke in Los Angeles.  Right off of Ocean Walk …

Crispy Chicken Sandwich at Honor Bar in Beverly Hills

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 Sometimes you just feel like a good sandwich and a cold drink…I stumbled across this delicious bar in Beverly Hills one day while Yelping lunch spots. The raving reviews of Ding’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich is what reeled me in. Tucked away on the corner of Beverly and Wilshire Blvd., the Honor Bar is a great local hide-a-way. The menu is simple, gourmet and to the point. I have been here a few different times and tried a few items on the menu. The burger is my second favorite to the chicken sandwich. It is large and very juicy. This place is small so you may have to wait depending on the time of day you go, but it is well worth it! Menu Here Emerald Kale Salad Honor Burger   Bon Apetit!

Salted Carmel Latte at Lamill Coffee Boutique

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One area of LA that I don’t explore often enough, but fall in love every time I visit is Silverlake. Silverlake is the “hipster/indie” part of Los Angeles. It’s slightly trendy in a “non-want-to-be-trendy” kind of way. There is a lot of character in the shops that align the streets. Thankfully my dear friend who lives in this area invited me to her neck of the woods for a coffee date at Lamill Coffee Boutique. It was easy to find right off of Sunset Blvd. and a HAD parking lot. If you live in LA, you know this is a rarity and a premium. Right when I walked in, I was surprised at how urban glam the decor was. It was very posh and welcoming including the staff. If you are ordering coffee inside the shop, they have full table  service and a full breakfast and lunch menu. There’s also available outdoor patio seating. I asked our waiter what drinks were most popular and he recommended the Salted Caramel Latte and that is exactly what …

Dip Ramen at SHIN

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Tsukemen in Japanese, also known as “dip ramen” is the perfect dish for the warmer southern California climate. If you’re a devout fan of ramen like I am, than you have to experience this at least once…no twice. The purpose for dip ramen (aside from just being fun) is to have an alternative option to enjoying the warm brothy soup made with buckwheat noodles during hot weather seasons. The ramen noodles are served cold, along with the toppings while the broth is served separately in a smaller portion, with more dense flavor and hot. When you dip the cold noodles into the hot broth, the combination of the two makes it perfect for enjoying without being overwhelmed by the heat. SHIN, formerly IKEMEN, is on the corner of Hollywood Blvd. and La Brea in a small shopping complex. They have a small lot for parking, but only a few spaces that they share with the other businesses in the complex. So far I have been lucky with parking the few times I’ve been. They have a wide …