« July 2001 | Main | September 2001 »

August 11, 2001

Daily Grill

Newport Beach, CA

American

$20 to $30

Our rating: 3 forks

The Daily Grill is a sprawling chain of restaurants with its roots firmly planted by "The Grill On The Alley", an restaurant institution since 1984. Promoted as a "retro" diner with class, quality and service varies greatly between locations.

The Daily Grill serves classic American food at reasonable prices in a casual atmosphere. Go for steaks, chops, chicken picatta, sautŽed spinach, and rice pudding. Hearty breakfasts start with tasty cinnamon rolls - don't make the same mistake I did and not notice them on my first visit!

The diner standards are all well executed. My favorites are Joe's Special and Chicken Hash. Joe's Special is a plate full of fresh Ground Chicken or Beef SautŽed with Spinach, Onion, Mushrooms and Egg. Chicken Hash is topped with poached eggs, onion, potatoes and bordelaise Sauce. Yum.

Since it is a chain restaurant the hours, menu and layout vary by location.

Daily Grill

957 Newport Center Drive Newport Beach, CA 92660 At Fashion Island, next to Barnes and Noble 949-644-2223

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $20 to $30

Counter, Table seating, Private room, Breakfast, Brunch, Late night, Brunch, Credit cards, Beer and wine, Bar, Casual

Best Dish: Rice Pudding, Chicken Hash

What To Order: Joe's Special, Chicken Hash, Rice pudding

Posted by Brad at 01:54 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

August 10, 2001

Cafe Claude

San Francisco, CA

French

$20 to $30

Our rating: 4 forks

Cafe Claude has a refreshing, and inspired menu served at reasonable prices. Limited wine list.

Cafe Claude

7 Claude Lane San Francisco, CA 94108 Tucked in an alley between Bush and Sutter Street, and Kearny and Grant. 415.392.3515

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $20 to $30

Table seating, Late night, Reservations, Credit cards, Beer and wine, Snappy Casual, Limited parking, Entertainment

Lunch and Dinner: Mon-Sat 11:30 am to 11 pm

Brunch: Sun 12 noon to 4 pm

What To Order: Heirloom tomato salad with herb goat cheese ($7), French Onion soup ($5), Sweet corn soufflŽ ($7), Mussels with pernod and creme fraiche ($9), Nicoise de Poisson ($15)- sautŽed halibut nicoise, heirloom tomatoes, green and yellow was beans, roasted garlic, tapenade.

Posted by Brad at 04:19 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

August 04, 2001

Lima Virreynal Peruvian Restaurant

Santa Fe Springs, CA

Peruvian

$10 or less

Our rating: 3 forks

I believe 80% of the best food in America is served in from a strip mall. Lima Virreynal is a prime example, located in a run-down strip mall just off the freeway. Outside a dreary parking lot, inside a hospitable retreat from the LA freeways. They offer most of the familiar Peruvian dishes except one of my favorites, Aja De Gallania, but I still managed to have a wonderful lunch. The Papa La Huiciana, sliced potatoes with a mustardy cheese sauce is excellent.

The Peruvian Salsa proved perfect for dipping french fries and bread. You can tell a great South/Central American restaurant by their Chili Verde, and so it is with Peruvian Salsa - I really like the one served here. For my entrees, I had a linguini with salsa verde and chicken, and Sudado de Maricos - shrimp in a tomato broth. The restaurant is clean, the decor is modest and the service is excellent.

I have only been here several times, and am certain to return soon. They are conveniently located just one block East of the 605 Freeway, a perfect reprieve on my southerly drive home from Los Angeles.

Lima Virreynal Peruvian Restaurant

11411 E. Telegraph Road Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 Just a block East of the 605 Freeway. 562-942-2299

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $10 or less

Closed Sunday, Credit cards, Non-smoking

Lunch: Mon 11:30 am to 5 pm

Lunch and Dinner: Tue-Fri 11:30 am to 9 pm

Lunch and Dinner: Sat 12 pm to 9 pm

What To Order: Papas a la Huancaina, Causa Relleno de Palta, Sudado de Maricos, Rotisserie chicken

Posted by Brad at 03:52 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

August 01, 2001

Mumbo Jumbo

Atlanta, GA

American

$20 to $30

Our rating: 0 forks

American Bistro cooking with a southern influence. Dishes like Grilled Wild Sturgeon with black eyed peas and broccoli rabe, and donut holes with vanilla cream make the menu a a good read. The execution of the meals leaves something to be desired, but I would go here for appetizers and to enjoy the back room atmosphere.

Mumbo Jumbo

89 Park Place Atlanta, GA 30303 Downtown 404.523.0330

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $20 to $30

Bar dining, Private room, Late night, Reservations, Credit cards, Bar, Beer and wine, Casual, Entertainment, Tasting menu, Notable atmosphere

Notable Staff: Shaun Doty

Posted by Brad at 04:19 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Chez Philippe

Memphis, TN

French

$50 or more

Our rating: 3 forks

An institution in Memphis, Chez Philippe is at home in the historic Peabody Hotel. The service is refined, but the food a bit over done on presentation, and less so on taste.

Chez Philippe

149 Union Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 The Peabody Hotel 901.529.4188

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $50 or more

Credit cards, Bar, Beer and wine, Exceptional wine list, Jacket required, Romantic Spot, Notable atmosphere

Posted by Brad at 03:52 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Orange Hill Restaurant

Orange, CA

American

$20 to $30

I have not eaten here in years, so a rating is pending. They serve Pasta, Salads, Steaks, Seafood. For a sure thing, go for drinks and the view - great patio with fire pits.

Orange Hill Restaurant

6410 East Chapman Avenue Orange, CA 92859 East of the 55 Fwy about 3 miles, a top the Orange Hill (duh). 714.997.2910

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $20 to $30

Bar dining, Table seating, Private room, Credit cards, Bar, Beer and wine, Non-smoking, Great View

Posted by Brad at 01:41 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Teri Boy’s Teriyaki Paradise

Westminster, CA

BBQ

$10 or less

Our rating: 2 forks

Yakisoba is a must try dish of Japanese pan fried noodles and a scrumptious dish with chicken or beef. Cheap.

Teri Boy’s Teriyaki Paradise

15551 Brookhurst Street Westminster, CA 92683 Brookhurst and McFadden 714-531-4808

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $10 or less

Patio, Cash only

What To Order: Teriyaki chicken bowl, home cut fries

Posted by Brad at 01:41 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Mary Mac’s Tea Room

Atlanta, GA

American

$20 to $30

Our rating: 4 forks

Mary Mac’s is an amazing place, their business card proudly states “A revival of Southern Hospitality” and it is just that. The service, food and environment is like stepping back in time. Like most Southern meals out, it is best to go with a group so you can enjoy the “fixins” family style.

Pot likker is a must try and opens the palette for a true southern meal. Pot likker (a.k.a. pot liquor) is the vitamin rich liquid left after cooking greens or other vegetables.

Mary Mac’s Tea Room

224 Ponce de Leon Ave., N.E. Atlanta, GA 30308 Just two or three miles of downtown. 404-876-1800

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $20 to $30

Breakfast, Brunch, Credit cards, Beer and wine, Smoking section

Lunch and Dinner: Mon-Sat 11 am to 8:30 pm

Brunch: Sun 11 am to 3 pm

What To Order: Fried Chicken, candied yams, pot likker

Posted by Brad at 11:04 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)