Restaurants

Look! A round chimichanga

It took me less than 24 hours to find the weak spot in iPhone’s GPS app,  Co-Pilot.

Sure, it could tell me there was a Mexican restaurant in Kennesaw, Georgia. It could talk me there turn-by-turn off the interstate. But it couldn’t give me a clue as to whether this was the same-old authentic menu I’m heartily sick of seeing in Mexican restaurants. (Pssst, Uptake: we need an iPhone app!)

So my husband and I cautiously followed Lee’s disembodied voice to Los Reyes Mexican Restaurant and sat in the parking lot a few minutes assessing the situation. We finally agreed it looked more like a steakhouse from the outside, so odds were good we had stumbled on an original instead of an authentic.

We were greeted with a colorful interior complimented by sombreros nailed the wall (ought-oh … sure sign of THAT menu) but with big-screen TVs tuned to ESPN scattered around, and clowns and magicians walking among the tables to entertain the kids. The signboard announced open mic hours, so perhaps we were safe after all.

What the hell. We asked for a table for two.

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Old Part of Stockton

For many Stockton, California is most famous for its annual asparagus festival and its setting as the home of the Barkleys from the television show The Big Valley. I bet you can still see Lee Majors on his horse, and Barbara Stanwyck as the tough family matriarch.  Stockton has a big valley and it has a slew of great Mexican restaurants and cafes.

One of the best and oldest Mexican restaurants is Mi Ranchito Cafe with its many loyal customers still driving everyday to this old part of town.  We make a point of going for breakfast or lunch every time we are in Stockton, it is that good.  They also have provided catering for some of our family events. Read More »

Le Central is San Francisco's First French Bistro

Down the street from Cafe de la Presse, up the street from Cafe Claude and across the street from Roots Restaurant is the final but equally amazing San Francisco restaurant known as the city’s “First French Bistro”.

Le Central is an authentic Parisian restaurant in downtown San Francisco. It is also a long time meeting place for movers and shakers. On any given day expect to see and maybe sit next to former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown as he holds court with the Mayor of Paris — or maybe his long time friend, local clothier to the elite Wilkes Bashford.

The atmosphere of Le Central has all the ingredients you are looking for in an authentic French bistro, starting with a fabulous menu and ending with the sizzle, the spirit and the sparkle of San Francisco’s sister city Paris.

Whenever you have lunch or dinner at Le Central expect to feel as if you just landed in Paris. Their menu offers everything required to transport your taste buds across the Atlantic Ocean with Escargots, Onion Tarte, Rack of Lamb, Haricots Verts and Creme Brulee…ooh-la-la!

If you have never been to Paris this restaurant should not only fill in as a wonderful substitute but convince you to go. The place maintains a cozy and comfortable feeling but with a pleasant hum from the constant flow of customers. I think you will also enjoy that Le Central has not only customers from downtown hotels like the Orchard Garden Hotel but also locals regularly making reservations for a casual lunch or intimate dinner.

453 Bush Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 391-2233

Mon-Sat. 11:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.

(pieroselvaggio.com/valentino)

It’s hard to find a classic restaurant in hip, ever-changing Los Angeles and Santa Monica. Valentino exudes old-world charm and authenticity, despite being located in the center of these cities of reinvention. It’s one of the best restaurants in Santa Monica, and the only one without sparking curb appeal to match the upscale interior. In fact, I’d say it’s hidden gem – except that its popularity and longevity (opened 1972, a millennium for restaurants) belie this statement.

Classic, high-end Italian fare is the name of the game at Valentino, and while some hipsters might say that

(pieroselvaggio.com/valentino)

the decor needs updating, I find it appealing. The decor sets the mood for a long, unrushed traditional Italian meal. The salad with rucola, apples and walnuts alone is worth the trip to Pico Boulevard, but the seasonal lobster appetizer is also perfectly done and fantastic. The aged prosciutto with burrata is as good as I’ve had in Florence, Italy. The pasta is all made that day, on site; it makes a difference. Corn ravioli may sound like carb overload, but this is among the lightest pasta dishes I can recall. I highly recommend it. For fish lovers, both the salmon and the branzino are melt-in-your-mouth delicious.  Valentino has braised lamb shanks that are something of a favorite among those who are financially lucky enough to come here for repeat visits. According to my waiter, the osso bucco also has made something of a name for itself: I tried neither the lamb nor the osso bucco, hence can’t personally judge them.

(pieroselvaggio.com/valentino)

The waiters are perfectly professional and the sommelier delights in perfectly pairing wines with the appetizers and entrees here – trust him, he knows what he’s doing. The wine cellar is extensive, and includes some very expensive, rare Italian vintages (you can order a relatively cheaper bottle of course, but it’s nice to consider it). Now, this is a high-end restaurant, with prices to match. Ready for a splurge? Valentino is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion.

Despite all these culinary delights, try to save room for desert. The apple ravioli (like an apple crisp) isn’t TOO decadent, is it? If so, the cinnamon ice cream is at once creamy and light, making a perfect end to one of the best Italian meals you’ll have in Santa Monica, California.

Valentino
3115 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA
(310) 829-4313

Ireland Forever

I’m going to give up more secrets about the city of Saint Francis. Here are the names of the very best Irish Bars and Pubs to be found. This list includes the classics located all over town, not just in the Richmond or Inner Sunset neighborhoods where most of the Irish folk reside.

These are Irish bars and pubs that don’t just serve Guinness – they are bars without food, pubs with kitchens and bars that still allow smoking, a quite lively bunch indeed.

Whether you want to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the massive crowds downtown or just enjoy a nice pub meal, you will find a place that is just your speed.

(Photo credit Seamus Murray)

The Plough and Stars – This is one of my favorite places to go for the great music – live and on the jukebox. Definitely an authentic Irish feel and a place to grab a pint or three on your way home.

116 Clement Street
(between 2nd Ave & 3rd Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 751-1122
www.theploughandstars.com

O’Keeffe’s Bar – This place is for people who don’t mind indoor smoking, want to hang out with Irish folk and enjoy good, cheap drinks. A wonderful group of people. Known as Annie’s to regulars this is a find for those of us who are too old for college hangouts, but want a nice dive bar to have a drink or two and listen to some fine Irish music.

598 5th Avenue
(at Balboa St)
San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 751-1449

Irish Bank Block Party

The Pig & Whistle – I’ve been going to this place – known as the P & Wee in our circle – since they opened in 1991 and it is truly a gathering place as much as it is a bar or pub.

They have a professional darts board in the front and a pool table in the back. You’ll find the occasional Irish painting or moving crew eating some lunch here or grabbing a pint after work.

Their kitchen puts out good food, though sometimes it can be a bit on the “Stouffer’s Frozen Dinner” side when it comes to the Shepherd’s Pie, meaning it is not as fresh as some of their dishes. Both the fish and chips, and the bangers and mash are delicious every time.

They have a huge selection of draft beers which I appreciate because I love Boddington’s and that is hard to find sometimes. The P & Wee have a decently priced happy hour every day. They are also conveniently located across the street from the Landmark Bridge Theater, which is perfect for grabbing food before heading into the movies.

2801 Geary Blvd
(between Collins St & Wood St)
San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 885-4779
www.pig-and-whistle.com

The Irish Bank – This is a favorite downtown lunch spot but also great when you want to grab a bite or drink after work. Located in a short alley off of Union Square, you will find a good crowd mixed in with some yummy pub food. Love their menu especially the fish and chips, the cheddar fries, and the Heinz Baked Beans served with their bangers (they use local San Francisco sausages).

Lots of outdoor seating on their patio, if you can stand the cold temperatures since you won’t get any sun if it’s out. They will have their first block party on Saturday March 14 after the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, then again on Tuesday St. Patrick’s Day they will start their annual St. Patrick’s Day Block Party at 6:00am and go until midnight.

10 Mark Lane
(between Bush St & Harlan Pl)
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 788-7152
www.theirishbank.com

Harrington's before the crowds

Harrington’s Bar & Grill – A classic gathering place for the downtown workforce every St. Paddy’s Day. Harrington’s along with the other bars and restaurants in the immediate area close their block off to traffic and sponsor a huge block party for St. Patrick’s Day. This event can get wild but if you go early, you can enjoy some great food first at Harrington’s. Their pub menu includes some delicious salads and one of my favorite burgers!

245 Front Street
(between California St & Halleck St)
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 392-7595

(Harrington photo credit to Rebecca Kristeen)

(Irish Bank photo credit Dan Harrelson)

In Cono (AntyDiluvian, via Flickr)

Mention Beverly Hills, and most people think of Rolls Royces, Rodeo Drive, and other signs of conspicuous consumption. However, as with most places, the public perception and the reality may be two different things. Yes, Beverly Hills is one of the nation’s centers for extreme wealth, botox, and fancy breed dogs whose collars cost more than a monthly mortgage payment for most of the rest of us. No argument. But there’s also the casual side of the Hills, even near Beverly Boulevard. Here, some fun and unpretentious stores mix with the swanky Mikimoto, Tiffany & Co., and Hugo Boss shops. It feels like a more manageable world than Rodeo Drive. One of the best gelato restaurants in Los Angeles, Il Cono Gelateria, is well worth venturing south of Santa Monica Blvd. Well, one block south of it, anyway!

(Gelat'amo, via Flickr)

Some gelato places mess up the formula by using modern ingredients or offering a fat-free “diet” twist. The texture is often gummy at those (unnamed) restaurants; true gelato should be light and fluffy, with a less creamy mouthfeel than ice cream. Il Cono Gelateria is just about perfect, including the “light” offerings (a few flavors can come fat-free). The right blend of flavor and texture make Il Cono’s gelato reminiscent of the best gelato this enthusiatic taster enjoyed in Italy. Il Cono is authentic – the real deal – and proves itself every day: Each morning, all gelato is made on site, from scratch. Fresh, and frozen. Cool, right? (Pun intended.) My favorite flavors are hazelnut, vanilla – boring, I know – and pistachio with nuts intact. My family also loves the tiramisu and watermelon gelato at Il Cono.

A small selection of crepes are also available at Il Cono Gelateria, but I haven’t sampled them. When a customer comes to one of the best gelato places in Los Angeles, it feels extraneous to get anything besides what it’s known for. My kids have been angling to try the Nutella flavored gelato at Il Cono. Next time we go, I think we’ll all get it. After all, Nutella has Italian roots just like gelato. If it’s as authentic as the rest of the menu, Nutella gelato at Il Cono is sure to be a perfect treat.

Il Cono Gelateria
9461 Little Santa Monica Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 285-2045
ilconogelato.com

Red Lanterns

Having lived in Japan for a few years, I certainly ate my share of sushi and noodle dishes. These are the dishes that locals and tourists alike enjoy wherever they are, whatever time of year it is. A unique way to know if the restaurant is inexpensive are distinctive red paper lanterns hanging at the doorway. My katakana is rusty but these say “Sapporo ramen”.

Here in San Francisco, with its share of Japanese restaurants, whether you are a visiting tourist or a local, Sapporo-Ya is a restaurant (really a traditional ramen shop) in Japantown that will satisfy your cravings for authentic Japanese food.

Besides the Sundance Kabuki Cinema, Japantown has lots of restaurants to choose from, including sushi, teppanyaki (think Benihana), and noodle shops.

On a cold or rainy day nothing is better than hot soup. At Sapporo-ya, one of my favorite dishes is their miso ramen with chasu. The broth is made with miso, a fermented bean, rather than shio which is a salted broth. The miso broth is a bit richer in taste and a little heavier than the salted. I love it.

Homemade ramen noodles

Miso ramen

The ramen noodles are homemade and very substantial tasting. Nothing like those noodles that we ate in college and can still find on sale 10 for $1.00 at Safeway in the city.  Sapporo-ya makes noodles that hold up and don’t disintegrate.

The soup broth comes with bits of bamboo (yummy fiber), green onions, sliced hard boiled egg and the savory slices of roasted pork or “chyasu”. Dee-lishh.

This noodle shop is a wonderful spot to head to anytime, and a great excuse to walk through the Japantown mall.

Check out the Kinokuniya bookstore for anime (or its stationery store for gifts and cool paper), a kimono shop, a taiko drum dojo, several authentic Japanese street food stalls, and more. This time of year you can also find really pretty cherry blossom themes everywhere, which is nice given it has been a dreary winter.

1581 Webster Street
(between Geary Blvd & Post St)
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 563-7400

Monday-Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Sun. 11:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Cafe Claude on Claude Lane

Cafe Claude is one of those places where you feel as if you have been on a plane and just disembarked into a new world when you eat there. Your first clue at this particular cafe is the alley way entrance, and outdoor tables under the canopy.

Years ago, Cafe Claude was a cool spot for grabbing a glass of wine or Kir Royal and a corner booth to smoke and chat the night away with other Francophiles. A lot has changed in these many years but one thing hasn’t – you can still find great food, good wine and lots of wait staff who really are French at Cafe Claude.

This remains one of my favorite spots for lunch downtown, especially when I am craving a hot ham and cheese, known in the French world as a Croque Monsieur - oh la la. For about $11.00 they will serve this yummy comfort food with a very nice green salad or french fries. I get it or one of the specials – see the chalk board – almost every time I go for lunch.

When you go, this is a popular destination at lunch time for many downtown workers so arrive early if you don’t have reservations. With the heat lamps they have outside now, you can choose to eat al fresco or enjoy one of the intimate tables or booths indoors. And consider a Mousse au Chocolat for dessert – this dark chocolate confection is out of this world and is the perfect companion for a coffee at the end of your meal.

Practice your French at Cafe Claude

And if Jazz is your thing, check out their weekend evening performances. They have a regular calendar of acts that play music (lots of trios) in the tiny space between the front window and the bar!

7 Claude Lane
(between Bush St & Sutter St)
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 392-3505

A Best Restaurant in the Big Island's Queen's Marketplace, Hawaii

Waikoloa Beach is one of the resort hotel areas on Hawaii’s Big Island, and as with many resort destinations, there are a couple of small shopping areas in walking distance from the hotels. The Queen’s Marketplace is one such shopping area in the Waikoloa Beach district. Along with the usual touristy shops and a Starbucks, there is a really fantastic Thai restaurant here. Charley’s Thai Cuisine serves everything from mild Thai classics like Pad Thai and satay, to very spicy chili and curry dishes. Warning: Like most seriously authentic Thai restaurants, when Charley’s says “spicy,” they mean it!

Although I haven’t been to every Asian restaurant on the Big Island, Charley’s Thai Cuisine proved to be so superior to any that I have eaten in, that I can safely say it’s one of the best Asian restaurants on this Hawaiian island. Located at the far end of the Queen’s Marketplace area, it feels removed enough from the foot traffic to lend to the restaurant a sense of distinction from the outdoor-mall atmosphere. The decor is Thai, of course, and everything is new and clean. There are also plenty of wine and beer options here: With choices ranging from microbreweries on Hawaii to Thai beer, and an international selection of wines, there is bound to be a drink to meet any guest’s desire. And if there isn’t, the Thai iced tea is a real crowd-pleaser.

Charley's Thai Cuisine in the Queen's Marketplace, Hawaii (Bill Adams)

We were a party of six; our meals varied from non-spicy fried shrimp, to a generous portion of mildly spicy mahi mahi and veggies, to a medium-hot yellow curry stew with plenty of coconut flavor, to a very spicy (ordered that way) seafood and sticky rice dish. The very spicy entrees here really take some acclimation for those of us raised on the Western version of Thai food! I appreciated the variety of options and the authenticity of the curry and chilis here. I wonder if the genuine quality is due in part to the fact that Hawaii is closer to Thailand than are the mainland U.S. states. Whatever the reason, Charley’s Thai Cuisine in the Queen’s Marketplace is one of the best Asian restaurants on the Big Island of Hawaii, and one of the most authentic Thai restaurants around.

The Border Grill at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino

There are two Border Grills; one in Las Vegas, the other in Santa Monica. The Santa Monica Border Grill, on 4th Street, is always bustling and festive during peak dining hours. I’ve tried many things on its menu, and I’ve never been disappointed. I ate twice at the Border Grill in Las Vegas, in the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, and found the entrees there to be just as consistently good as at its counterpart in Southern California.

I strongly recommend making reservations for the Santa Monica Border Grill; while there are several other popular restaurants in its immediate vicinity, this is the only one that serves fresh, authentic Mexican food – not the greasy stuff you’ll find at fast food Mexican restaurants, but the real deal. The Border Grill in the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas Nevada is a bit off the beaten path – near the convention center, a 5 minute walk from the other resort restaurants – but I found this refreshing. There was no wait, and no reservations needed for either meal I ate there.

The food at the Border Grill is, naturally, the standout. No trans fats, organic chicken and beef (I wonder if

Great Skirt Steak at the Border Grill Restaurants in Las Vegas and Santa Monica

happy cows also make better steak) and hormone and antibiotic-free pork. The seafood is sustainably harvested. Empanadas with organic black beans and the Green Corn Tamales are among my favorite appetizers, while the Baja Ceviche (halibut and shrimp), Portobello Mushroom Mulitas, and Grilled Skirt Steak are main courses return to again and again.

The authentic recipes result in meals that taste the way high-end Mexican food is meant to taste. That is, complex and flavorful, spicy when appropriate, and delicate too. The variety is notable as well; Please don’t stick with the basic quesadilla and burrito here – although they’re quite good. Instead, expand your fine Mexican dining experience and get menu items characteristic of the Yucatan, Oaxaca, and other distinct regions of Mexico. Your taste buds will thank you!

Border Grill
1445 4th St.
Santa Monica, CA
(310) 451-1655
Hours vary

Border Grill
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
3950 Las Vegas Blvd., South
Las Vegas, Nevada
(702) 632-7403
Open every day at 11:30 AM