Restaurants

Curlys Coffee Chop in North Beach

Say what you will about this place but Curly’s Coffee Shop in North Beach holds a special place in my heart. First of all, I have always loved their classic American breakfasts with a Japanese twist. I used to walk over from Sunday services at Sts. Peter and Paul Church at Washington Square Park, often getting their french toast almost every week.

Secondly, I appreciate any cafe that can stick around this long in San Francisco without going under financially or being closed by the Health Department. And thirdly, I think they also kind of kick *ss for being such a long time North Beach “non-pasta related” merchant in a sea of excellent Italian cafes and restaurants. I mean, I think I have followed them around to at least three different addresses in a two-block radius of Columbus Avenue.

Today was a nice reminder that though I can’t walk here for breakfast anymore, I can still drive over and enjoy classic menu items like the french toast or one of their delicious omelettes!

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Millie's Kitchen is THE place for breakfast in the East Bay

We are out of our element, driving in Lafayette, California. This sleepy, suburban town across the Bay Bridge is a world away from San Francisco but only about 30 minutes driving time.

However we discovered that Lafayette might be sleepy but it has one of the most happening places for breakfast called Millie’s Kitchen. They are close to the Highway 24 but you won’t see them unless you are already on Oak Road.

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Mariachi music is happy music!

In California and around the world, people love to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with great food and lots of margaritas. As St. Patrick’s Day is mostly a celebration of all things Irish outside of Ireland, Cinco de Mayo is mostly a celebration of Mexican heritage and a way to show Mexican pride outside of Mexico. We love celebrating every year with either a big barbecue at home or going out for some killer margaritas!

Here in San Francisco we have a lot of great choices for you to have your own fiesta. We also have some places that serve the best margaritas you’ve ever tasted. Check out these spots for delicious food in a wonderful location around the city:

Tommy’s – Located in the Richmond District, this is one of my favorite family style Mexican restaurants in the city. They are well known for making the most amazing margaritas, made with real fresh lime juice. If you are a lover of tequila this is your place. They serve 100% Agave tequila, and have a separate list of the dozens they offer. I love the chimichangas and their Yucatán menu is delicious. Very reasonable prices too, even for the margarita pitchers!

5929 Geary Blvd
San Francisco, CA 94121
(415) 387-4747
www.tommysmexican.com

Tres Agaves – If you are looking for a sweet spot South of Market, not far from the beautiful AT&T Ballpark, then Tres Agaves Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Lounge is a great destination for brunch or dinner. They can be a little on the pricey side but I think it is worth it – this restaurant has such a cool vibe about it. Maybe what wins me over is that they “celebrate the spirit of Jalisco”, and since I love Mariachi music and tequila which both come from the Jalisco region of Mexico, we are simpatico.  The menu comes from the same region and one of my favorite dishes is the Carne en su Jugo or Jaliscan Style Beef ~ a rich broth with beans, crispy bacon, cilantro, onions & lime, served with rice, beans and corn tortillas. Yum and yum!

130 Townsend St
San Francisco, CA 94107
(415) 227-0500
www.tresagaves.com

Puerto Alegre Restaurant – In the Mission District you will find this no frills spot that serves delicious food at great prices. Perfect to take kids or just slide into a booth with your girlfriend, what I love about coming here are the quesadilla and the chips and salsa – then the killer margaritas! Ay.Ay.Ay.  This is a fun and very authentic place to go, even if you have a hard time parking. One of my favorite Mexican restaurants in the city. Call ahead for reservations because they are very popular and you may find yourself waiting in line – a long line.

546 Valencia St
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 255-8201

Photo credit to Tom Chambers

Sensei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar, Waikoloa Beach (Jennifer Miner)

Travelers spending their precious vacation time on the Big Island are wise to learn about recommended restaurants. Even small local chains are often more fun dining experiences than are the massive, pricey resort restaurants – and at the very least they’ll help budget-conscious travelers with their food budget. Hawaii has one such small, local chain that’s popular for good reason (as compared to, say, KFC or McDonald’s). Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar has a great Japanese and pan-Asian menu, with a fun, festive atmosphere that is downright contagious. If you don’t have a fun experience at Sansei’s, you’re really not letting yourself be part of the mood of the place.

Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar is in the Queen’s Marketplace area of Waikoloa Beach. This popular resort area has several off-resort restaurants, including Charley’s Thai Cuisine, that are both less expenisive and more interesting than the standard hotel fare. There are also Sansei restaurants on Maui and Oahu, so this relatively new (winter 2008) Waikoloa Beach restaurant was able to start off up and running, without the usual trial-and-error effects of grand openings.

The sushi is fantastic. There are, of course, the usual California rolls and spicy tuna rolls, but there are

Delicious Seared Tuna at Sensei Restaurant, Big Island (Nathan Kam)

alsomany, many creative option using locally caught ahi, ono, and other fish native to the Pacific. Hawaii aquaculturalists and farmers on the Big Island both benefit from the “buy locally” philosophy, and eager, happy tourists benefit from the great entrees as well. The seafood is fresh and delicious, and early bird specials make meals here even more affordable. Diners who don’t like sushi or seafood, have no fear (although why are you vacationing in Hawaii, then?) – the beef teriyaki, macadamia nut crusted pork, and tempura vegetables are all quite good.

Now, Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar is no secret little hole-in-the-wall. It’s recommended by most Big Island Waikoloa Beach Resort concierges, and locals love it too: Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly during peak travel seasons. We had an hour wait when, foolhardy as we are, we tried to stroll right in. Learn from our mistakes: Make reservations, and try to get there for happy hour, when most sushi is as much as 50% off. Amazing deal, amazing sushi. That, plus the fun atmosphere, really add up to an amazing night out in Hawaii.

Father's Office is One of the Top 3 Best Burger Restaurants in L.A.

There’s a battle in Los Angeles, and it has nothing to do with gang warfare. This longstanding debate is about where to get the best hamburger in LA. I figure that, culinary expert that I am, it’s time to throw my my discriminating picks out there. Anyone traveling to Los Angeles who wants to take a break from classy high-end restaurants, would be happy to grab a burger and fries at these joints.

Top 3 Best Burger Joints in L.A.

In-N-Out Burger - Sure, Fatburgers’ got their proponents (my daughter among them), but burger gourmands know in their hearts that IN-N-Out is really the superior hamburger chain restaurant. It’s got many locations throughout Southern California, not just Los Angeles – but each In-N-Out Burger I’ve been to has been tops. They’re in West LA, Culver City, Westwood and Hollywood here in Los Angeles, as well as a few in the Valley and a couple just south of LAX. The Fatburgers vs. In-N-Out battle is an ongoing one, but take it from me; In-N-Out wins, hands down. Get the Double-Double and real ice cream shake for lunch (pass on the fries, they come out soggy sometimes), and you won’t have to eat until tomorrow.

The Apple Pan for the Best Burger and Crankiest Service in Los Angeles (Richard Kaszeta)

The Apple Pan - It looks a little questionable from the outside, what with the shack-like appearance and stools (no tables, no frills). But The Apple Pan is a Los Angeles landmark for foodies, and for good reason. The burgers are perfect and messy, the service is hilariously grumpy (but always on hand with the extra napkins you’ll need) and the crowd well mannered. Well mannered for a burger joint, anyway. This restaurant is at 10801 Pico Blvd, right across the street from a popular mall with its own food court, but it’s worth your time to cross the street and eat your lunch here. Get the hickory burger and fries, and if you can manage it, a slice of banana cream pie for dessert. Lots of people will tell you to get the apple pie, of course (after all, the restaurant IS named for it), but I recommend the banana cream. As for the burgers, well, they’re steak burgers, get it with all the fixings. The burgers at The Apple Pan are as good as they get.

Father’s Office - This restaurant is the cleanest of the bunch, but still very comfortable and relaxed – the way a great burger joint should be. It’s at 1018 Montana Ave, in one of LA’s priciest parts of town (Montana Ave in Santa Monica is somewhat akin to Rodeo Drive, but a bit more child-friendly). This is the only best restaurant on this extremely selective list that serves beer. Like its neighborhood, Father’s Office is pricey. it’s worth it, though, and the quotient of “beautiful” people is pretty high here compared to In-N-Out and Apple Pan. Come to Father’s Office for dinner: Eat one of the best burgers in LA, do some people watching, and don’t forget to order fries – they come in cute little shopping carts, a real crowd-pleaser. By the way, a second Father’s Office recently opened in the Helms Bakery area of LA (this is where there are a lot of big furniture stores, not a travel destination at all). This new high-end burger joint also offers wine and spirits.

The Top 3 Best Burger Joints in Los Angeles simply can’t be beat. I’ve been very, very picky with this list – no Johnny Rockets here! Do you have a favorite hamburger spot in LA? If so, I’d love to hear about it.

Chicago is a really fun city – well, maybe not so much in the middle of a frigid Midwest winter, but all other seasons are great times to visit Chicago, Illinois. Chicago is famous for its deep dish pizza (and its ill-fated Cubs, another story). However, when hungry travelers want a great Italian restaurant that goes beyond the Original Gino’s and Pizzario Uno style pizza, there are viable alternatives. Three favorites are in Old Town, Chicago.

Banquet Room at Topo Gigio, a Best Italian Restaurant in Chicago

Second City is in Old Town, walking distance from Lincoln Park. A Chicago vacation almost dictates seeing the Second City troupe perform (or at least ETC, the Experimental Theater Company at Second City). Before or after a show, have fun in Old Town. There are a few popular, terrific Italian restaurants very close to Second City that come highly recommended.

Dinotto Ristorante, at 215 W. North Ave., is completely relaxed and comfortable. Dinotto Ristorante is one of the best Italian restaurants in Chicago for people wanting a mix of a cozy, casual environment and delicious, no-nonsense Italian fare. “Real” Italian food is prepared here, the bar is fun, and locals enjoy it. Of course, service depends on the particular staff and night – it gets busy here – and guests aren’t rushed.

Trattoria Roma, at 1535 N. Wells St, serves Roman style pizza (thin crust). It’s a tasty break from the usual Chicago deep dish – and the toppings can be creative as well as traditional. Trattoria Roma is very popular at both lunch and dinner: This is a testament to how delicious, affordably priced meals at a fun restaurant can really bring out the crowds. The menu changes every day, but there’s always a well-rounded selection of popular Italian favorites.

Topo Gigio Ristorante, at 1516 N. Wells St., is also popular with tourists and native Chicagoans alike. As unstuffy as a great Italian restaurant in Chicago should be, there is some whimsy here as well. No surprise, seeing that the restaurant is named after the “Ed Sullivan Show” mouse. It’s more of a family restaurant than the busy Trattoria Roma, with musicians on the weekends. Even though there’s no children’s menu per se, Italian food is generally kid-friendly anyway. Ask, and the staff here will create child-sized portions.

The best Italian restaurants in Chicago should fit the casual mood of the town – relaxed and unpretentious, but with attention to what makes for great meals. Take a break from Chi-town deep-dish pizza; these fun restaurants in Old Town make for fun, satisfying nights out.

Lou & Mickey's is a Best Steakhouse in the Gaslamp Quarter

Lou & Mickey’s Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge is one of the Top 10 steakhouses in The Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego. The Gaslamp Association awarded it with both “Best Wine List” and “Best Service in a Restaurant,” and San Diego Magazine also named it as the area’s “Best American Restaurant.” This is, clearly, a restaurant worth trying out.

Right across from the San Diego Convention Center, Lou & Mickey’s gets a lot of business travelers looking to unwind. You’ll see them with their loosened ties and stiff drinks, maybe watching ESPN on game nights. The ambience is exactly what makes American steakhouses fun; a little loud, a lot friendly, and very relaxed. I was impressed by the top-notch service as well as the salad and rib-eye I ordered here; the staff had to deal with a couple of groups near us, and did so with aplomb. My date had the surf and turf: This meant Alaskan king crab legs and a nice piece of filet mignon. It must’ve been great – I’m assuming this because it disappeared before I had a chance to taste it myself. The best restaurant dinners have a way of

Great Surf and Turf in San Diego

doing that.

We ate inside, and I recommend this. Lou & Mickey’s is one of the best steakhouses in San Diego, but it’s also right across from a railroad crossing. I overheard someone complaining about the train noise. However, it’s hard to imagine the noise being that distracting; the boisterous atmosphere – at least when a game’s on television – is already not for someone seeking a quiet night out. Lou & Mickey’s Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge is unpretentious, fun and relaxed, which along with a great menu, is exactly what how an American restaurant in Southern California should be. No wonder it’s one of the best steakhouses in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter.

Mention Mexican food, and many people think of greasy, cheesy, refried and unhealthy – but admittedly delicious – entrees. While this is true in a lot of downscale restaurants, there are some casual Southern California spots that focus on healthier Mexican food without losing those great Mexican flavors. Kay ‘n Dave’s Cantina is a great example of (relatively) healthy Mexican cuisine in a Los Angeles area local chain restaurant.

There are just three Kay ‘n Dave’s Cantinas, with a fourth opening soon in Culver City. All are in pretty, somewhat high-end neighborhoods of Los Angeles: Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, and Rancho Park. The original Kay ‘n Dave’s was right on the Pacific Coat Highway in Malibu (another high-end town, to be sure). The original Kay ‘n Dave’s set the tone that continues today; a friendly, informal, well-lit environment, bustling with hungry people of all ages and fresh, large portions of Cal-Mex fusion and traditional Mexican food.

For families visiting Los Angeles or looking for a fresh and healthier Mexican dining experience, I wholeheartedly recommend Kay ‘n Dave’s. The restaurants are child-friendly: You’ll see the kids’ menu includes non-spicy Mexican standards like tacos and quesadillas, along with your standard grilled cheese. Children are given crayons and paper; their scribbles and sketches are treated like art by being hung on the restaurants’ walls.

You’ve got your standard drippy, cheesy enchiladas and nachos at Kay ‘n Dave’s, of course, along with quesadillas and tacos. But the menu has much, much more, and nothing is ever cooked in lard. There are no trans fats in the fried foods, only skinless white meat is used in chicken dishes, and the salsa, sauces and soup are made from scratch, fresh daily.

Now, Kay ‘n Dave’s is not a stereotypical health food vegan restaurant by a long shot (I’ve enjoyed far too many steak fajita burritos there to even pretend this is true), but there are enough meat-free choices here to keep my vegetarian brother happy. In fact, every time he visits, Kay ‘n Dave’s Cantina is the one restaurant he looks forward to eating at, again and again. It’s his favorite great, healthy Mexican restaurant chain in Los Angeles. If it’s a casual, attitude-free lunch or dinner you want, Kay ‘n Dave’s Cantina may become yours, too.