Pinot Provence
by Sarah McClure & Mike Solton
PINOT PROVENCE
686 Anton Blvd. (Bristol St.)
Costa Mesa, CA, 92626-1920
Not just another Pinot. This French bistro located in the Westin South Coast Plaza Hotel offers two outdoor patios and three private dining rooms. Many of the antiques and accessories were purchased in southern France by Joachim Splichal’s, the chef/ owner. Great food, service, and ambiance, makes this a winner in Orange County. The brunch usually boasts delectable delights such as Tuna Tartar with Avocado Mousse and Ginger Vinaigrette or Sautéed Duck with Roasted Pineapple. Main courses include Eggs Benedict with Horseradish, Veal Osso Bucco with Baby Swiss Chard and Ricotta Cheese Raviolis. Tempt yourself with desserts such as Vanilla Frasier with Pistachio Cream.
Fish Grill
FISH GRILL
9618 West Pico Blvd. 12013 Wilshire Blvd. 7226 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90035 Los Angeles, CA 90025 Los Angeles, CA 90036
(310) 860-1182 (310) 479-1800 (323) 937-7162
As the story goes, Aharon Klein, the current owner, had a penchant for grilling. He was the man in charge on almost any family occasion. In 1986, this hobby led to establishing Fish Grill in its original location on Beverly Boulevard. Later, two more locations were born. It is a fast-food place, yet the cooks take time grilling to perfection fresh fish. The trick hides in the mesquite wood that burns hotter than most fuels. One more detail: the eatery is Kosher, which means authentic according to the Jewish dietary laws (the fish must have fins and scales). Among fish grill tacos and sandwiches, the menu offers mesquite grilled specialties such as trout, red snapper, and salmon steak. In addition to fish dishes, pasta and salads are available as well. Immaculate and priceless in more ways than one!
posted by adminEtta’s Seafood
ETTA’S SEAFOOD
2020 Western Ave., (206) 443-6000
Etta’s Seafood is part of Seattle Chef Tom Douglas’s growing empire –its location on the edge of Pike Place Market and the great food have kept it constantly popular, for lunch, dinner, happy-hour, and for brunch. The setting is causal and laid-back, with lots of polished woodwork, and a good view of the activity in the Market. On weekend mornings Etta’s is always bustling, but worth the wait. The menu changes every week, but if the house French toast with huckleberry syrup, or the crab eggs benedict are featured, be sure to give them a try. And the bloody mary is one of the best in the city.
POD
POD
3636 Sansom Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Step into a vision of the future eat at Pod! Sidle up to the hi-tech sushi bar, where a conveyor belt carries delectable, Pod-exclusive morsels such as U-Love Salmon and BBQ Eel Wrap from the kitchen. Sip great sake as Japanese animation flashes across six screens. Snuggle up with some good pals in one of the restaurant’s signature seating pods. Once inside, choose from nine switches of different colored lights to match your mood. Pod was designed by the Rockwell Group, which designed Nobu in New York. Chef Naoki Uchiyama, who once worked with the great Wolfgang Puck, thrills the taste buds with sushi creations while people lounge on a giant foam sculpture that seats around 50.
posted by admin
SHIRO’s
SHIRO’S
2401 Second Ave., (206) 443 9844
Since opening in 1994 sushi chef Shiro Kashiba’s restaurant has been at the top of every sushi list in Seattle. He and the restaurant have garnered national press for the way he combines traditional Japanese ingredients with the abundance of fresh local seafood available in Seattle. Kashiba trained in Japan and has been making sushi in Seattle since 1967.
Sitting at the sushi bar here is a treat, and may be your best bet on a busy night when all 17 tables are occupied – the spider rolls are the best in Seattle, and the chef’s choice sashimi options are always exquisite.
posted by adminFRESH MEX RESTAURANT
FRESH MEX RESTAURANT
985 West Fifth Street, Reno, 89503
(775) 322-6866
Locals are just beginning to discover this hidden gem on Fifth Street near Keystone. It serves up great tasting Mexican food, and tacos start at $1. That’s right, a buck for some of the best tacos in town! This is a fast-food type restaurant, so don’t expect a lot of ambiance inside. However, if you like tasty tacos, complete with homemade tortillas and all the trimmings, you won’t be disappointed here. Many people make the mistake of thinking Fresh Mex is a chain, but it’s not. It’s locally owned and operated by Jesus Gutierrez, a chef who worked in casinos before he had the opportunity to own his own restaurant.
posted by adminMona’s
by Jewel Bush
Mona’s
504 Frenchmen St.,
3901 Banks St.,
1120 S. Carrollton Ave.,
Sounds of the Middle East and the Mediterranean set the tone at Mona’s, a locally-owned chain of like fare. The cafés have quite a following in the Big Easy with a reputation of being a cheap means to filling up on tasty gyros, baba ghanoush and falafel. For under 20 bucks, two can dine on sandwiches as well as appetizers and desserts. At $1.99 per serving, the pastries are a must try, especially the buttery baklava and honeyed nammura. The atmosphere is low key, the service is swift and the vittles are inexpensive and scrumptious. What more can you ask?
posted by adminLA MER
By Lottie Tagupa
LA MER
2199 Kalia Road
Honolulu , HI 96815
Upscale and award winning, there is hardly a finer or more formal restaurant in Honolulu to celebrate a special occasion or to pop the question. Oceanfront location, views, fabulous menu and discreet service makes the evening memorable. The menu is lavish and opulent with Mediterranean flavors and the freshest island ingredients. Menu selections include Roasted Chilean Sea Bass on Alsatian Choucroute, Sautéed Veal Chop with Mushrooms and Madeira Sauce, Bouquet of Asparagus and Brocoletti au Gratin with Opakapaka Sausage and Parsley Potatoes, accompanied by a Juniper Berry Mustard Sauce. Best seating is near the ocean by the windows and the best time for dinner is sunset. Long-sleeved collared shirt or jacket required.
posted by adminSORRENTO
By Katharine Branham�
SORRENTO
415 Westheimer, Houston TX 77006
(713) 527-0609
This slice of Italy is served up in a romantic ambiance. The beauty of this place is found in its dishes. One favorite, and a perfect example of Italian art, is the Wild Mushroom & Sage Ravioli. They also offer a Proscuitto Wrapped Prime Filet Mignon served with a rich flavor that is very pleasing to your taste buds. Whomever you decide to entertain here will not be disappointed. Make reservations and don’t skip desert.
posted by adminSundy House
by Barbara Kasser
Sundy House
106 S. Swinton Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444
Cuisine Type: American, Caribbean, Eclectic
A world of wonder exists behind the gates of Sundy House in Delray Beach.
The restaurant is located in the former home of Delray Beach’s first mayor and his large family and both the Victorian mansion and surrounding grounds have been painstakingly restored. The gardens are elegant, with beautiful tropical plants placed near waterfalls, brick pathways and gazebos. Outdoor tables overlook the charming scene while indoor dining rooms are filled with antiques and Victorian bric-a-brac. The Sunday brunch offers an electric mix of foods, with a hot carving station, Mediterranean treats such as couscous, hummus, stuffed grape leaves and spanokopita and traditional dishes like made-to-order omelets and waffles. Reservations are a must.