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October 31, 2001

The Raymond Restaurant

Pasadena, CA

American

$30 to $50

Our rating: 4 forks

A jewel in the outskirts of Pasadena. Located in a charming historical craftsman style cottage, The Raymond serves up innovative California cuisine. The menu changes weekly and on my recent visit featured mushrooms baked in phyllo pastry, roasted chicken on greens with avocado and papaya, pan fried chicken in dijon mustard cream sauce with impeccably cooked and flavorful green beans, carrots and rice. Though soufflŽs are not available at lunch, house made desserts round out the meal.

The Raymond Restaurant

1250 South Fair Oaks Avenue Pasadena, CA 91105- 626-441-3136

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $30 to $50

Brunch, Credit cards, Bar, Beer and wine, Dressy Casual, Non-smoking

What To Order: Pan fried chicken, entree salads

October 29, 2001

Sylvia’s Restaurant

Atlanta, GA

American

RIP

Our rating: 3 forks

06-01-07 Just heard that Sylvia’s in Atlanta is no more. Don’t be turn off by the fact that Sylvia’s also owns a hair care company, for this soul food restaurant has it’s roots (pun intended) in Harlem where the original Sylvia’s has been serving up since 1962. Go with a group and order the family style dinner which includes heapings of delicious fried chicken, BBQ ribs, roasted chicken, corn bread, collard greens, gumbo, red beans and rice, candied yams, mashed potatoes and dessert.

Live entertainment completes the Sylvia’s experience. On my recent visit, regular Sharon Woodruff performed R&B hits and originals for the appreciating crowd.

Sylvia’s Restaurant

241 Central Avenue Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 529-9692

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: RIP

Credit cards, Beer and wine, Bar, Smoking section, Entertainment

What To Order: Fried chicken, gumbo, and BBQ short ribs

Notable Staff: Will Stokes, Executive Sous Chef

October 28, 2001

Tangerine

Philadelphia, PA

Mediterranean

$20 to $30

Our rating: 2 forks

Serving their own interpretation of traditional Moroccan dishes, Tangerine makes for a great evening. Tangerine has a wonderful selection of starters and lots of vegetarian dishes. Order the crab cake in pastry ($16.50) and the lobster risotto ($18.00). My favorite entrees where the Duck Tagine ($18.00) and Couscous. The Tagine are Moroccan stews and are served up at Tangerine full of exotic flavors. The biggest disappointment is the absence of my favorite Moroccan dish, Bistella.

Diners are greeted by a contemporary interior worthy of a tourist attraction. Sister restaurant to the widely popular Buddakan and Metropolitan, also in Philadelphia.

Tangerine is expensive. Food is served family style and service is a bit slow at times.

Tangerine

23 market Street Philadelphia, PA 19108 (215) 627-5116

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

Late night, Credit cards, Bar, Beer and wine, Smoking section

What To Order: Couscous, and any of the Tagines (Moroccan stews)

Roscoe’s House Of Chicken and Waffles

Hollywood, CA

American

$10 or less

Our rating: 3 forks

A venerable institution in Southern California. Open late and if you haven’t had their chicken and their waffles are missing out. Friendly and quick service.

Locations throughout Southern California

Roscoe’s House Of Chicken and Waffles

1514 N Gower Hollywood, CA 90028 Corner of Sunset and Gower 323-466-7453

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

Late night, Casual, Non-smoking

What To Order: Fried chicken and waffles

Buddakan

Philadelphia, PA

Asian

$20 to $30

Our rating: 4 forks

Truly amazing menu that is sure to wow any palette. You must try the Wasabi Tuna Pizza, Wasabi Mashed Potatoes, Edamame Ravioli, and Thai Lobster Crepes. Buddakan is family style so I tasted several entrees (what else is new, right?) including the wonderful Roasted Ponzu Chicken ($22), Broiled Black Cod with mizo glaze ($23), and the Duck Breast with roasted garlic and five spice au-jus ($23).

The Zen-Gria, though light in alcohol, is a refreshing take on Sangria. Great service and stunning atmosphere. If you can’t find time for a dinner here, go to the bar for a drink and order the Wasabi Tuna Pizza - your palette will thank you.

Sister restaurant to the popular Tangerine and Metropolitan, also in Philadelphia.

Buddakan

325 Chestnut St. Philadelphia, PA 19106 Chestnut at 4th - just one block south of Market (215) 574-9440

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

Bar dining, Late night, Credit cards, Beer and wine, Bar, Smoking section

What To Order: Wasabi Tuna Pizza

Io E Tu Ristorante

Philadelphia, PA

Italian

Our rating: 4 forks

Any restaurant that brings out a house appetizer puts me in a good mood. Io E Tu Ristorante serves you complimentary carrots marinated in balsamic vinegar to get diners started. Try any of the appetizers - I thoroughly enjoyed the sautŽed calamari and stuffed mushrooms.

Io E Tu is a neighborhood place in South Philly with unpretentious service and ageless atmosphere. Moderate prices.

Owners John and Cocetta Varallo.

Io E Tu Ristorante

1514 South 9th Street Philadelphia, PA 19147 Near South street and about a 10 minute taxi ride from downtown 215-271-3906

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks:

Credit cards, Bar, Beer and wine, Dressy Casual, Smoking section

What To Order: Anything pasta, roasted veal chop, sautŽed calamari

South City Kitchen

Atlanta, GA

American

$20 to $30

Our rating: 1 fork

Festive atmosphere, efficient service. Any appetizer is a winner. Not all entrees are great so pick wisely. Get their early and enjoy a drink at the next door Martini Bar.

South City Kitchen

1144 Crescent Avenue Atlanta, GA 30309 In midtown at 14th, a short taxi ride north of downtown. 404-873-7358

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

Brunch, Late night, Credit cards, Bar, Beer and wine, Smoking section

Lunch and Dinner:

What To Order: Fried green tomatoes, buttermilk fried chicken, crayfish and tasso ham

South City Kitchen

Atlanta, GA

American

$20 to $30

Our rating: 1 fork

Festive atmosphere, efficient service. Any appetizer is a winner. Not all entrees are great so pick wisely. Get their early and enjoy a drink at the next door Martini Bar.

South City Kitchen

1144 Crescent Avenue Atlanta, GA 30309 In midtown at 14th, a short taxi ride north of downtown. 404-873-7358

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

Brunch, Late night, Credit cards, Bar, Beer and wine, Smoking section

Lunch and Dinner:

What To Order: Fried green tomatoes, buttermilk fried chicken, crayfish and tasso ham

October 25, 2001

Julienne Fine Foods & Celebrations

San Marino, CA

American

$20 to $30

Our rating: 4 forks

In the quant city of San Marino, Julienne is a popular lunch spot for the locals.

With a pleasant patio, and comfortable indoor seating, this little cafe serves up sophisticated dishes. You will be tantalized by a large selection of salads and entrees.

San Marino is just East of South Pasadena, and North of Alhambra. Julienne’s is just a mile North of Hwy. 10 at Los Robles and makes it a perfect spot for a quiet lunch with friends.

Julienne Fine Foods & Celebrations

2649 Mission St. San Marino, CA 91108 Near South Pasadena, at Mission and S. Los Robles 626-441-2299

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

Patio, Credit cards, Non-smoking, Smoking section

What To Order: Grilled Swordfish with lemon and saffron sauce, green salad with artichokes, spinach salad with pine nuts

October 01, 2001

Gladys and Ron’s Chicken and Waffles Restaurant

Atlanta, GA

American

$10 or less

Our rating: 2 forks

One of the best places for fried chicken in Atlanta (only better place is Sylvia’s). Order the plate of chicken wings and waffles. Pour on some tasty chili sauce to add a little zing. Owned by Gladys Knight and Gospel singer Ron Wiman, and in my guess, has it’s roots in LA based Roscoe’s House Of Chicken and Waffles. (Warning: The lemonade and ice tea are so sweet your teeth may hurt)

Gladys and Ron’s Chicken and Waffles Restaurant

529 Peachtree Street Atlanta, GA 30308 A long walk or short taxi ride north of downtown.

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

Credit cards, Bar, Beer and wine, Smoking section

What To Order: Fried chicken and waffles of course.