Restaurant Blog - Chowbaby.com

by Ed Attanasio

FIRECRACKER
107 ½ Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 642-3470
Firecracker serves some of the finest American-Chinese fusion food in San Francisco, featuring legendary dishes like Ying Yang prawns, walnut-tossed prawns, spicy, hot tossed chicken, pot stickers, Mongolian beef, hot and sour soup and spring rolls. Everything is made using less oil and without heavy sauces. An interior made up of soothing pastels and creative lighting schemes makes Firecracker a feast for the eyes.
Service is very helpful and adept at suggesting dishes that will match your particular mood and desires.

By Whitney Youngs

Red Pearl Kitchen
440 J St
San Diego, CA 92101
The San Diego Red Pearl Kitchen is the third location—the original in Huntington Beach—opened by Tim and Liza Goodell where customers looking for a modern, upscale dinning experience can gather for some great Chinese food in the heart of the Gas Lamp District. The menu showcaseses a hip interpretation of Pan-Asian food such as the strawberry, cinnamon ribs, duck banana lettuce wraps, charred jumbo asparagus, shrimp, bacon, garlic fried rice or the shaking Kobe beef, papaya, mint. Equipped with a large kitchen, the restaurant offers what it calls the Chef’s Table situated within the busy kitchen that overlooks Fourth Street. Estimated price for dinner $7 to $19.

by Karen Hofreiter

Tresca
233 Hanover St.,
North End, Boston
(617)742-8240

Logic would dictate that a hockey star would be more likely to open a sports bar than an upscale Italian restaurant. But, creating and owning a Tuscan villa that served authentic Italian fare was hockey legend Ray Bourque’s goal—and he scored. Tresca, meaning “intrigue,” has quickly become one of Boston’s best Italian restaurants. Step inside, and you will immediately feel the warmth of the adobe-colored walls and dark wood bar. The softly-lit, semi-formal dining room is located on the second floor, where the talent of Chef Jason Tucker is showcased. The menu includes dishes like Crespelle al Forno (chive crepes stuffed with wild mushrooms and truffled ricotta) and Linguini con Gamberoni (linguini with garlic shrimp and lemon-thyme butter). For a truly romantic evening, the private balcony can be reserved during the warmer months.

By Tom Wrona

TONY’S BALTIMORE GRILL
2800 Atlantic Ave Atlantic City, NJ 08401
609 345-5766

Tony’s goes back at least 40 years and the prices seem to go back almost as far. How many places in AC still serve a $1.25 draft beer? The most expensive item on the menu is the Seafood Special. It features fried shrimp, crab cakes, scallops, french fries and coleslaw for $12.25. All the pizzas are less than $10 and that’s with an extra topping. Of course the prices would be irrelevant if the food wasn’t good. It is. Mangia! But bring cash. No credit cards accepted.

By Tom Wrona

BILL’S GYRO SOUVLAKI
1607 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
609 347-2466

Bill’s may be one of the biggest bargains in AC. It’s right on the Boardwalk and it’s open 24/7. If you step inside you’ll see the walls are covered in dollar bills autographed and left by satisfied patrons over the decades this AC institution has been in business. My hard-to-please Greek friend was impressed by the homemade tzatziki (a yogurt-based sauce) with dill and I just love scarfing down the combo gyro souvlaki plate. There really is a Bill and he’s quite a character (he looks sort of like Popeye). If you put your camera on the table while you dine be prepared to pose when he picks it up and takes your picture. If Bill takes a shine to you he just might offer you a slice of baklava and a cup of coffee on the house. Bonuses: They serve breakfast too and they have a liquor license.

by Barbara Kasser

Mario’s of Boca
1901 N. Military Trail, Boca Raton, FL 33431
(561) 392-5595

Cuisine Type: Italian

Mario’s of Boca has been a mainstay in Boca Raton for over 21 years. During the week, the restaurant wows the crowds with its famous lunch buffet. On Sundays, a sumptuous brunch takes center stage. The ample tables almost groan under the weight of eggs, pancakes, bagels, lox, breakfast meats and other standard brunch fare. Mario’s signature salads are also in evidence, including the ever-popular Gorgonzola house salad. Garlic rolls and breadsticks make a great accompaniment to the salad. Pizza and pasta are plentiful on the buffet table, so be sure and save some room. End your brunch with the sweet taste of dessert

by Ed Attanasio

COTE SUD
4238 18th Street
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 255-6565

This wonderfully little cozy restaurant serving French bistro style food has been one of the best kept secrets in San Francisco for a long time. Nestled in the Castro District, Cote Sud caters to an eclectic crowd of folks who love great food without the crazy San Francisco prices. For just $27.50, you can get a three-course menu that is exceptional. With a wine list consisting of more than 180 vintages, you’ll always find the right vino to accentuate your meal. Specialties of the house include the Medallion de Rotl de Porc, an amazing dish of roasted natural pork medallions with a walnut crust and a tarragon sauce; the Lapin, a braised rabbit with an olive and cream sauce; and the Roasted Rack of Lamb. Everything is superb, memorable and priced right at Cote Sud.