SUNDRIED TOMATO CAFE

My cousin had her birthday dinner there last night, and I was not impressed. I don't know if it was the 2.5 hours drive (rush hour) from LA to LB that might have had some influence...and the last thing I wanted was to be cramed into a table; we were squished (I was tucking my elbows in the whole time).

I had ordered the three cheese pasta (I didn't see the 4 cheese pasta on the menu...) and was extremly disappointed. The bowties tasted like regular pasta from the store. The cheeses (blue, chedder and maybe swiss?) were piled on top of the pasta...I kinda like my cheeses piled up for a salad, but for pasta, it should be mixed already, no? My cheese pasta tastes better (trader joe's bowtie, spicy jack cheese, chicken, and sundried tomoto --try it!). Their spring rolls are more like eggrolls...(it's really annoying when people don't know the difference between eggrolls and spring rolls). Nonetheless, the "spring rolls" tasted better than the 3 cheese pasta.

If I had to say something positive about the restaurant, I would say that they do have good service.

Address: 361 Forest AveLaguna Beach, CA 92651
Phone#: (949) 494-3312
Rating: 3 out of 5

LAS BRISAS RESTAURANT

Despite the many bad reviews on this restaurant, I actually had a good time there with my friend. We were supposed to dine at Madison Square & Garden Cafe, but due to today's sporadic weather...they decided to close early. The only breakfast place w/in walking distance was the Cottage House and it was about a 30-min wait. We decided to head to Las Brisas and were seated immediately with a beautiful view of the ocean. I was disappointed that that the cut off time for breakfast is 11am there; in fact that's when most restaurants in Laguna stop serving breakfast (what's up with that? don't they know that's when drinkers get up in the morning?)

Luckily we're not big eaters, so the Picaedillo Atun and the Playa Azul suffice. The Atun was served w/ delicious marinated vegetable, and for the Playa Azul, we had Chicken Tamale (yum), Steak soft taco (meat was perfect) and rice. I wanted to try their guacamole dip, but not for $10. Overall, they serve good "Americanized" Mexican food. If I had to pick on something besides their breakfast hours, their orange juice is not freshly squeezed... The next time I am there, going to try their salad w/the soft shell taco (looks amazing) and profiteroles (didn't have room for dessert. :( ) The bill came out to $42 (including tip) --I guess that's why I am still able to give it a good review. Crowd wise, you have the tourists, yuppies, couples, and the married men w/ their mistresses (yup, I saw one --shame on you!)

For service, hands down, 5 star.

Address: 361 Cliff Dr. Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Phone#: (949) 497-5434
Rating: 4 out of 5

LITTLE NEXT DOOR

The food is excellent but the service can be better. I had brunch their last Sunday with some friends. As annoyed I was with two of my friends for showing up 30-45 minutes late because they had to make sure their make-up were perfect, the servers/host didn't help by asking me every 10 minutes if my friends were going to show up --they made me feel that my friend and I were hogging a 4 top table.

Ok, switching to their food & drinks, I ordered...Chai (OMG, so good --comes lightly sweetened) Fresh squeeze OJ (good, but definitely on the pricy side...$5.50) Frech Ham Eggs Benedict with Organic Mixed Greens (I'm so happy to have found another place that has good eggs benedict $12.00)

Now back to service, okay, we were tired and couldn't really add, but we knew that one of us overpaid. The server wasn't really helping us and personally, we think he wanted to keep the money. We asked for the cash back so we can figure out the amount, but he said he couldn't do it as he closed out our tab...I don't see why he couldn't give us the money back and let us figure it on our own..maybe he has adding problems too. Needless to say after 15 minutes arguing about the bill with the server, the bill was settled. AMEN.

A few days later I ordered a Nicoise salad to go --YUM again, but I requested no olives. Lo and behold, there were 15 small olives in my salad. (no deliveries, but takes pick up orders)

Address: 8142 W 3rd StLos Angeles, CA 90048
Phone#: (323) 951-1010
Rating: 4 out of 5

BONA VISTA LOUNGE

1 star because I have to give it a star --nothing to do with the service. My stomach couldn't handle the revolving room after working 10 hours. Another star because the view is really pretty. I've been told the best time to come is when the sun is setting--that's if you can handle the dizzy spells.Parking after 10pm on a weeknight: 7th & Fig (by the mall) parking meter = free Drinks cost: 1 vod/cran & 1 dirty martini = $26 (including tip)

Address: 404 S Figueroa St Los Angeles, CA 90071
Phone#:(213) 624-1000
Rating: 2 out of 5