My favorite method of finding new restaurants is just driving around, finding the longest possible route to any destination with the hope of discovering a new food experience along the way. I also have been known to eavesdrop on people if I hear them describing a good meal somewhere. And of course, I read and watch everything I can in the food-related media. Mostly I keep my eyes open and my palate available as I explore the world around me. For other foodies out there, my published heroes areMerrill Shindler, Pulitzer Prize winning food journalist Jonathan Gold, Linda Burum, and Jane and Michael Stern.
My criteria for a good restaurant are eclectic, but always include attention to detail and fresh ingredients. Some of the best meals I’ve had were in simple, out-of-the-way Mom-n-Pop diners, where attention to detail and fresh ingredients are more important than fashionable flatware and fancy-schmancy decor. That said, I’ve also happily dined at the table of many a famous chef.
Many of the restaurants listed here are located in Southern California, where I eat most of my meals. I’ve also included a healthy serving of some of my favorite restaurants in other parts of the globe. You can also browse the list organized by type of cuisine. I occasionally share favorite food-related links, ranging from restaurant review sites, food info and history sites, other foodie pages like this one, as well as some cooking and wine-related links. The vast majority of the Happy Fork restaurant reviews are my own, but occasionally some of my fork-wielding friends share reviews of their own.
Please add your comments if you have visited any of the restaurants profiled in the Happy Fork. The best compliment to the time I invest in tracking and compiling these reviews is when someone follows the tips and lets me know they’ve had a grand meal. And do send me any “Must Try” foodie suggestions and I will point The Happy Fork that a way.
Happy meals,
]]>I love it when I can share a new place with friends. Especially one that is off the beaten path, is a good value and has wonderful food like the Old Vide Cafe. On my first visit I went with my accountant and split the Porchini Mushroom Mac and Cheese, a Prime Rib and White Truffle Cheese panini and the Caprese of Mozarella Buratta. The later fast becoming one of my favorite dishes on the menu – I can taste the flash fried arugula as I write this.
For dinner, the menu features three seasonal choices of pre-fix wine dinners. The wine dinners range from $ 45 (without wine) to $65 with wine pairings. Also available are al la carte menu items including the Caprese salad (see above). Wine selection is well thought out and at fair prices.
One weekends they have two seating – one at 6:00 and another at 8:30. Service is friendly and professional. Patio dining is available but MOA (mit out alcohol). Old Vine is located in “The Camp”, directly across from the “Anti Mall” (yes, both actual names) on Bristol Street, just south of the 405 Freeway.
http://www.oldvinecafe.com/
An institution in Huntington Beach, Pete’s serves their take on mexican
food. Get the chicken or ground beef taco – tasty ingredients, shells crisped on
the grill. The carne…
asada burrito includes avocado, lettuce and tomato.
Serving Lebanese cuisine in both a deli and adjoining full service sit down
restaurant. I only tried the deli side, but enjoyed grape leaves, eggplant dip,
and schwarma…
Serving Lebanese cuisine in both a deli and adjoining full service sit down
restaurant. I only tried the deli side, but enjoyed grape leaves, eggplant dip,
and schwarma. Their housemade pita bread is excellent, as is their Lebanese style
ice cream (gelato style). Also freshly made on premises. If you aren’t in
the mood for ice-cream, choose any of their Mediterranean desserts – they have
dozens of choices.
Spanish restaurant. Good tapas, friendly service. If you want to taste a variety
of tapas or the assortment entree. Ours included a variety of clam I have
never…
Spanish restaurant. Good tapas, friendly service. If you want to taste a variety
of tapas or the assortment entree. Ours included a variety of clam I have never
had, called Couteaux de Mer (also called the Atlantic Razor Clams), which had the
most amazing flavor.
If you see only one Chaimpaignery in France (in your lifetime) this is the
one.English tours available several times a day. No food here, but the neighboring
village…
If you see only one Chaimpaignery in France (in your lifetime) this is the
one.English tours available several times a day. No food here, but the neighboring
village offers many choices (see review of Le Gaulois).
Check the chalkboard for daily specials – they are in French and the staff speaks
limited English so bring you dictionary…
Check the chalkboard for daily specials – they are in French and the staff speaks
limited English so bring you dictionary!
Charming bistro with your choice of dining area – patio, courtyard and dining
room. Typical bistro food done well…
Charming bistro with your choice of dining area – patio, courtyard and dining
room. Typical bistro food done well.
Chicken club was dry and tasteless. Entrecrote and frites were average as was the
dessert crepes. Nice relaxing atmosphere and a comfortable patio…
Chicken club was dry and tasteless. Entrecrote and frites were average as was the
dessert crepes. Nice relaxing atmosphere and a comfortable patio.