scott on July 22nd, 2010

In Vietnamese pho soup, beef bones and their rich marrow slowly seep through the simmering stew for hours until the unctuous beef fat gives way to a slick beefy broth that the owners of BP might admire.

Continue reading about Xoia diner

scott on February 14th, 2010

Asahi offers long, silky ribbons of the carby starch whose natural curves bring with every spoonful an array of secret flavors lurking on the bowl’s bottom like a Loch Ness monster of flavor.

Continue reading about Asahi Ramen noodle shop

scott on November 21st, 2009

On the lighter side, there’s Panzerotti that must be Italian for “heart attack.”

Continue reading about Blue Dog

scott on November 9th, 2009

Hell, forget Santa Barbara, this place could be in Portland, Maine were not the chicks attractive and wearing the shortest of skirts in mid-November.

Continue reading about BP Oysterette fish & chips

scott on August 20th, 2009

The line usually snakes around the vibrantly colored tiled shell of a shack; which makes all the more reason to order a tall, frosty PBR from the open-air bar next door to keep you company while waiting.

Continue reading about Loteria Grill – Mexi fresh

scott on August 7th, 2009

This entrée is called Pollo Criollo, and it’s a signature dish of John Hancock proportions.

Continue reading about El Criollo – Cuban excellence

scott on August 5th, 2009

If Burke-Williams served alcohol with their $100 massages, this would be their relaxing signature.

Continue reading about Rivera – tapas extraordinaire

scott on July 27th, 2009

Decadent and delectable.

Continue reading about Craft – Mediterranean Cali

scott on July 27th, 2009

The floor-to-ceiling walls are adorned with colorful, peyote-inspired paintings reminiscent of Frieda Kahlo on a margarita binge.

Continue reading about Border Grill – Mexican

scott on July 27th, 2009

The gimmick of this converted closet is that most of the ingredients – particularly the veggies – come from the Farmer’s Market down the street.

Continue reading about Hatfield’s – Farmer’s Market Cali