Anaheim, CA

Continental

$30 to $50

Our rating: 3 forks

One of the better restaurants in Anaheim. Mr. Stox has a great chef and a historical legacy that few other restaurant in Orange County can match. Here, attention to detail extends to things like growing and harvesting their own herbs, and making their own bread. Mr. Stox also hosts special dinners designed with the gourmand and the wine aficionado in mind. One of my favorite of these was a Frogs Leap Winery dinner, hosted by the winery’s founder, John Williams (not to be confused with the composer). Special events range from $ 50 to $ 85 per person (OK, the Opus One winemakers dinner was $ 150). Regular menu is ranges from $ 17 to $ 30 per entree. Mr. Stox is more suited to the business lunch and client dinner then a romantic one. Check out their extensive wine list. Originally reviewed 10/28/2000

Mr. Stox

1105 E. Katella Avenue Anaheim, CA 92895 About 10 minutes from the Anaheim Convention Center, and even closer to Edison Field and the Pond 714-634-2994

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

Private room, Credit cards, Bar, Beer and wine, Exceptional wine list, Snappy Casual, Non-smoking

Notable Staff: Scott Raczek

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Santa Ana, CA

Southern/Soul Food

$10 or less

Hit and miss. Ruth runs the place and appears to do all the cooking herself, which means, even in this strip mall location, she is challenged to keep all of the items fresh. Try the fried chicken, gumbo and yams.

Ruth's Place

1236 Civic Center Drive Santa Ana, CA 92703 714-953-9454

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

Limited, Cash only, No alcohol, Casual, Hole in the wall

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Philadelphia, PA

Seafood

$20 to $30

Our rating: 5 forks

05-01-01 A tiny place that attracts hordes of locals. Eat at the counter or one of a dozen tables. I’ve only been here once, but be sure I’ll get there again, with friends in tow (so I can try some of their dishes). Try the broiled calamari, sautŽed mussels, or any of the pan fried fish. 12-09-06 This is my 10th visit now and it still is one of my favorite places to dine alone or with friends. They have two locations now, both in Philly. The official waiting area is across the street in a neighborhood bar. You can also buy bottles of wine here to take to dinner, which is quite handy since Dimitri’s is BYOB.

Dimitri’s

795 S. 3rd Philadelphia, PA 3rd and Catherine 215-625-0556

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

Counter, Credit cards, BYOB

Best Dish: Grilled Caliamri

What To Order: calamari (fried or grilled), fresh vegetables

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