Archive | June, 2011

Hula’s Island Grill Monterey, Ca

21 Jun

Hula’s Island Grill has been a staple restaurant on Lighthouse in since it opened 14 years ago.  All night Happy hour on Tuesday’s and half price wine night on Wednesday’s make it a great option for those less desired nights out on the town.
This is a burger, Hawaiian/Asian fusion restaurant with a menu that can go toe to toe with any casual dining restaurant in the state.  Great Burgers and fish options.  When I was there I had the Spicy edamame which uses Serrano Peppers to get the dish really rockin’ some spice.  
Trader Vic’s fish sandwich is bursting with flavor and the sweet potato fries are fantastic with their ginger dipping sauce.  This is a must hit for out of towners with a south pacific/Hawaiian craving to satiate…Here is a picture painted above the boys urinal, lol.
Ambiance/Décor – 4.1 nice, a bit tight
Initial Greeting/Seating – 2.5 hostess was a b word
Wait Staff – 4 pretty on top of things
Food Presentation – 4
Food Quality – 4.2 the food was very good
Price – 3.5 – moderate pricey
Overall rating (out of 5 stars) – 4.2 – very good
Hula's Island Grill on Urbanspoon

Fishwife Restaurant Pacific Grove, Ca

21 Jun
This particular restaurant is situated in Pacific Grove just outside the Pebble Beach Gate near Asilomar State Beach.  A beautiful setting indeed.  The restaurant is known for their, guess what, fish.  Yes they cook up some fresh local seafood and it is nice, not fantastic.  You want top of the line pay-through-the-nose seafood, go to Roy’s at Spanish bay, this is local kick back sort of place.
The venue is nice, can be a little tight, but they do cook up some pretty good food.  The place always has business and the prices are reasonable/average for a sea food restaurant.  I had the Portofino recommended by the bar tender.  It was really good.  Lots of fresh fish, Scallops, Calamari, shrimp over a bed of linguine. Sort of like a cioppino with a hint of Cajun spices and pasta.  I would recommend it! 
Ambiance/Décor – 3.5 could use some updates
Initial Greeting/Seating – 4.5 nice hostesses
Wait Staff – 4.5 thin
Food Presentation – 4
Food Quality – 4 the food was very good
Price – 3.5 – moderate pricey
Overall rating (out of 5 stars) – 3.8 – very good

Fishwife at Asilomar Beach/ Beachcomber Inn on Urbanspoon

Tilly Gort’s Cafe Pacific Grove, Ca

21 Jun
Tilly Gort’s is an inexpensive casual little Café specializing in Vegetarian Options.  They have won the Best of Monterey County for Vegetarian food for the last couple of decades straight as evidenced by the collection of the awards adorning their walls.  This place has been in operation for like 50 years as well.  I love to go in for a veggie burger or a sandwich.  They switch up the greasy fries of most restaurants with a side of Chips and Salsa.  Its pretty darn good.   I definitely recommend it if you want something healthy/casual and not so expensive as the coastal communities can be…
Ambiance/Décor – 3.5 a cute but a in need of some updates.
Initial Greeting/Seating – 3.5
Wait Staff – 3.5 thin
Food Presentation – 4
Food Quality – 4 the food was very good
Payment – 4 don’t take AMEX
Overall rating (out of 5 stars) – 3.0 – good
Tillie Gort's Market on Urbanspoon

Red House Café Pacific Grove, Ca

21 Jun
Red house café is a cute little restaurant on Lighthouse ave in Pacific Grove, they serve breakfast Lunch and Dinner.  I have been for dinner and was not totally enthralled with the food or the price range, this spot is much more popular for their breakfast, but there is often a wait during busy times of week, like sunday morning…
 
I had the Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict for around 12 bucks.  It was amazingly good, one of the best renditions of the dish I have ever had.  The eggs were properly poached and the dish was served over, get this, a croissant.  MMM.  A little on the pricier side of things, but the gourmet style breakfast satisfies. 
I had the Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict for around 12 bucks.  It was amazingly good, one of the best renditions of the dish I have ever had.  The eggs were properly poached and the dish was served over, get this, a croissant.  MMM.  A little on the pricier side of things, but the gourmet style breakfast satisfies. 
Red House Cafe on Urbanspoon

Salinas Fish House Salinas, Ca

21 Jun
If you are looking for great Oak Grilled fish (they do have other preparations) then look no further than this long time establishment.  With three locations in Monterey (fish house) and Carmel Valley you can always expect consistent fabulous sea food from these locations.
I tried the Oak Grilled Octopus then followed it up with the Oak Grilled Fresh Caught Monterey Bay King Salmon over a bed of local Salinas valley greens with the avocado Vinaigrette dressing.  It was great will definitely be going back.
As for the ambiance the Monterey location is small so expect outside waiting during peak times and tight quarters inside.  Salinas is roomy with a large balcony.  The décor is dated and needs some paint, but alas the food is there.  4.5 stars on the food, 3 on Décor for me…
Salinas Valley Fish House on Urbanspoon

Valhalla Table Costa Mesa California

7 Jun
Valhalla Table is a great little burger and Sausage joint.  House made sausage, great burgers and some fun craft beers.   

Wow, I had the Manwich which makes me feel like a girly man to be sure.  This thing must have been six thousand calories…it had about a half pound Mid Rare Pattie, a butter flied house made sausage, and Apple wood Smoke Bacon…topped with cheese, tomatoes butter leaf lettuce and a sunny side up FRIED EGG!!!
Whollie Jeez this thing was good, and huge, and ridiculous.  
But mostly good.  Loved it.  As for Greg the magnanimous Bar Keep slash burger hero!  Good recommendation from him on both food and drink!  Go here if you are in Costa Mesa!

The Crow Bar Newport Beach California

7 Jun
The Crow Bar, was a great little spot for dinner, they are apparently open for breakfast as well, I suppose I will have to go back for that. I stumbled upon this place whilst searching for some Italian Cuisine; I was headed for a place next door called Rothschild’s.  The latter seemed a bit formal for a dinner alone (as I was traveling once again…Winning) so I headed past the Panini Café which looked nice for super casual, and hit The Crow Bar as a middle suited alternative. 
The place turned out to be a huge success in my log, great food, Fantastic wines by the class menu; I truly enjoyed my 06 Temranillo, especially with my Ice Cube Salad (Iceberg Wedge) and my Flat bread!  
The Flat bread was awesome, one of the best I have had.  The crust had proper snap, then it was topped with oven dried tomatoes and BURRATA!!!! Yes Burrata was on top, with Fresh Basil (Well the menu said Basil).  Soooo good.  Must visit.
If you want to go for heavier fare they have great burgers too…their signature…the “Black Label” Burger.  This burger is an 8 ounce blend of 21 day dry aged prime rib eye, with bone marrow butter and caramelized onions – on a buttermilk bun!  I am going back for that, maybe ill to the special which pairs that sandwich with a 2001 Harlan Estate 100 point wine!  Only 995!  A thousand bucks for a meal, nice deal!
Also, Try the Duck Fat Fries with Truffle Aioli! 

Roam Artisan Burgers – San Francisco CA 2011

7 Jun

resSo I was in the Bay area on business a week or so ago, and by business I mean wandering around half drunk looking for new indulgences food and drink wise, I stumbled upon this Gem!

This is a very enjoyable establishment, going to be featured on the food network’s Meat and Potatoes on July 4th.  The Burger that I had at this establishment was called the Tejano, this also happens to be the burger that will be featured on the food network.  This is a Burger Pattie of your choice (Beef pasture grass fed, turkey free range, Bison, all natural, or organic house made veggie)

This concoction includes Pepper Jack Cheese, jalapeño Relish, Avocado, Tomato, herb ranch and the kicker, With Corn Strips.  Yes the corn strips definitely give a fun juxtaposition of texture in this mouth watering burger, and the jalapeño relish was great, I would have preferred it spicier.  A must visit at 8 buck a sandwich it beats all surrounding restaurants price and quality wise.  Plus try some sides!  Check out RoamBurgers.com or check them out on the food network, click here for the schedule!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/meat-potatoes/burger-mania/index.html

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