EN SUSHI

I hate soggy sushi rolls. En Sushi's weren't mushy like Blowfish Sushi, but wet enough to make you wonder if they can't make the rice properly or if they were defrosting the fish...

We had the Tuna Fever roll (something was missing and the spicy tuna tasted like Korean sushi chefs' spicy tuna), Unagi & Avocado roll (i've had better), Albacore Jalapeno roll (wasn't spicy! jalapeno tasted like green pepper), mackeral sushi (uber fishy taste), and albacore sushi (best thing). Their green tea tempura ice cream was not bad either.

En Sushi chefs can definitely use a knife. I've never seen a tomato sliced so perfectly in my Cold Tofu dish.

Hmmm...looking at all the yelp reviews...only come here for happy hours so at least you won't feel so bad paying for soggy rolls or you won't feel the sogginess at all...

Address: 1972 Hillhurst Ave Los Angeles, CA 90027
Phone#: (323) 664-1891
Rating: 2.3 out of 5

MEXICO CITY

Mexico City is a slight upgrade version of the Acapulco Mexican Restaurants only because it's not a chain. I noticed that a few Yelpers love their Chicken Mole, so I decided to order it. This was my 2nd time having Chicken Mole, and that night, I realized I hate the Mole sauce. For those who never had Chicken Mole, I highly recommend you to sample the Mole sauce before ordering.

I understand that it's not Mexico City's fault that I hated my dish, but B ordered the Plato Mexica (chicken taco, chicken tostado, cheese enchailada and quesadilla with guacamole) and everything tasted like those Mexican food in the frozen section at the grocery store. Their guacamole was weak. Don't order their Sangria--even when it's just $3.95/glass. It's so NOT worth it. The waiter was kind enough for me to change my drink with no attitude --guess he had their Sangria too...

I will say that they make their drinks STRONG, and their chips are good although company thought they were too thick.

Oh, prepare to yell at your companion if the restaurant is full.

Address: 2121 Hillhurst Ave Los Angeles, CA 90027
Phone#: (323) 661-7227
Rating: 2 out of 5

SANDBAG'S GOURMET SANDWICHES

You know those days where you are starving and you're contemplating for hours because you want to pick the perfect lunch that will make your day, and when you finally do pick on something, it's disgusting and taste like dog shit? Well, today was one of those days.

With a title like "Sandbag's Gourmet Sandwiches", I was expecting them to have outstanding sandwiches. I ordered the Sundowner (breast of turkey, mayo, herb stuffing, lettuce, cranberries on a sub roll). I know, I know, shouldn't I have been afraid with "herb stuffing" on my sandwich? I love turkey stuffing on Thanksgiving. I love cranberries. I love turkey. What could go wrong? Everything. It was pretty gross --should've been called "the Downer." I didn't realized that the "breast of turkey" was a "breast of turkey" --notice it's single, so on enormous sub roll, I had solamenta uno slice. The herb stuffing looked and tasted like vomit. It would have been nice if the cranberries weren't canned cranberries....after all, it 'tis a gourmet sandwich shop...not.

Never again. The free burnt cookie didn't help at all.

Address: 6404 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90048
Phone#: (323) 655-4250
Rating: 1 out of 5

THE GARAGE

I was all excited to hear about the new pizza joint from Thrilllist, but to my disappointment Garage's thin slice pizza can't hold its topping. We ordered the 18 Wheeler (pepperoni, roma tomato, red onions, mushrooms, black olives, bell pepper -w/out the sausages) and it just collapsed. I should have asked for chopsticks. Plus the vegetables could have baked a little longer. The crust was good -better than Tomato Pie.

I have to try their Garlic Margarita or Whiteboy (or a pizza that doesn't have a lot of toppings) next time or their pizza of the day.

They only serve pizza and pop in a can - no salads or sides.

It would have been cool if the restaurant was in a garage but it's in a mall--at least they have parking and open until 3am.

Update 8/13/08:

Dear Garage Pizza,

I had pizza from Nicky D's over the weekend and realized I should have rated you higher. Although I need to try Hard Times again and Michelangelo Pizzeria Ristorante, and I need to use a chopstick to eat your pizza, you're the best in Silverlake.

The Hungry Hippo

Address: 4339 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90029
Phone#: (323) 668-1190
Rating: 4 out of 5

TWO BOOTS TO GO WEST

HOORAH! OMG, there's gonna be a Two Boots in Los Angeles - my favorite pizza! I miss Two Boots pizza! It's been too long...when are you going to move to Los Angeles? I love the crust! I can't wait to have a slice of the Newman and Tony Clifton!

Address: 201 W 11th St New York, NY 10014
Phone#: (212) 633-9096
Rating: 5 out of 5

CAFE TROPICAL

I'm addicted to their turkey, cheese croissantwich (filling and under $4). It's SOOOOOO GOOD!

I love their fresh squeeze O.J. too. Their coffee is STRONG.


Address: 2900 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90026
Phone#: (323) 661-8391
Rating: 4 out of 5

BAR PINTXO

1 star because Bar Pintxo have good wine.

What was supposed to be a "20 minute wait," turned into a 45 minute wait, and had the hostess said it was going to be a 45 min wait, I would have dined elsewhere. Now, that's not why I'm giving a poor rating; I don't believe in giving a restaurant a 1 star if I have to wait for ever (after all, if there are that many people waiting, the food must be good). I WILL give a 1 star when people who are AFTER me on the wait list are seated BEFORE me. 3 couples who were after me, were seated before me. WHAT THE HELL IS THE WAIT LIST FOR? When I was finally seated, the guy who signed up after me FINISHED his meal, and when I complained to the hostess, her explanation was that area was not really an eating area (which seemed like a total lie because a couple before me was there....). Don't you think I would rather be seated instead of waiting for 45 minutes? I mean there's no real good seating section (it's tiny, packed like sardines). Furthermore, the hostess was offering some people who have been waiting only a fraction of my waiting time. Hello? Where's my wine???

Enough about me ranting and raving about my horrible experience with the hostess; let's talk about the food now. In a nutshell, the food looks better than how it tastes...

Chorizo & fried quail eggs: It was served on cold BURNT toast...who eats charcoal? cold dish.
Esparragos blancos con romesco: don't order it. cold dish.
Crimini mushroom jamon & diced vegetables: 2nd best dish
Dates wrapped in bacon with cabrales cheese: This was the best item out of the 6 dishes, but bacon could have been crispier. cold dish.
Tortilla Espanola: It's more like a quiche. Very rich. actually a warm dish.
Croquetas de Pollo y Jamon: disappointing

I won't be coming back here.

Address: 109 Santa Monica Blvd Santa Monica, CA 90407
Phone#: (310) 458-2012
Rating: 1 out of 5

THE CHICKEN LADY

I took my Chicken loving co-worker who's always ragging on me for being on Yelp. Well, now he knows the power of Yelp! Without Yelp, I wouldn't have known of the Chicken Lady and then he would've missed out on her too.

I probably would have given the Chicken Lady a 4 star if my waitress hadn't spilled water on me....and if my order was right. We ordered the Lime Cilantro Chicken Fingers & the Chicken Tenders but ended up with the Thai Chicken Fingers. The Chicken Lady corrected our order, so I guess I can't complain too much because we kind of got the buy 2 and get one 1 free deal...nonetheless, it's true want the Chicken Lady Lovers have been saying about her chicken, and that mac is SO GOOD! The Chicken Pasta's was disappointing...


Definitely do take out with the Chicken Lady! Oh and she closes at 2:30pm on weekdays and only offers pop & water.

Address: 416 S San Vicente Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048
Phone#:(310) 652-7487
Rating: 3.7 out of 5

MELISSE

Wow...where do I begin with my review...well, I guess I'll start with how I was able to dine here with my measly salary. When one gets the opportunity to dine for free, one needs to pick Melisse, and that's what I did!

When we (Shaz, B & I) arrived, the maitre de was on the phone, but he immediately set the phone aside to take care of us -- I like this place...oh, and you're not allowed to talk on your cell phone, I'm really liking this place. Our hostess pointed out a little ottoman next to our chair where we can rest our purses. How cute!

I was hoping that we could have 2 tasting menus because I didn't mentioned my boss that I was going to bring B...(sigh), no, everyone had to order a tasting menus or none at all. Obvious you get more for your bucks if you order the tasting menu as opposed to ala carte, and believe me at Melisse you have to get all you can for your $$$$ or someone's else $$$$$.

Shaz and B had the regular tasting menu ($105) and I had the vegetarian ($85 --trying to save some bucks). Here's a list of what we ate in order:

CHOICE OF BREAD
Shaz: olive bread (my favorite out of the 3)
bf : bacon bread (subtle taste of bacon on the finishing, oily)
Me: basil brioche (was expecting the basil to have a stronger taste)

FIRST COURSE
Shaz: foie gras with poached peach and huckleberry sorbet (didn't try the foie gras but the poached pear was yummy)
B : heirloom tomato salad, olives, basil, zebra tomato gazpacho, roncal pannini (had a strange clear gelatin thingy...nonetheless, the salad was delicious)
Me: tomatoes soup with raspberry sorbet (I didn't write it down, on-line menu is different. presentation is amazing, they pour the soup in front of you)

SECOND COURSE
Shaz: john dory "st. pierre," purple artichokes, scallion mousseline, shellfish sauce (didn't get to try that because I'm allergic to crustacean )
B: line caught wild king salmon, summer bean ragout, rich tomato broth (salmon on the raw side...liked the tomato broth)
Me: carnaroli risotto chanterelle mushrooms, macerated sweet cherry tomatoes, basil (yummy! my favorite dish, risotto has a nice buttery taste)

ANOTHER ROUND OF SELECTED BREAD

ENTRÉE

Shaz: liberty farms duck breast, glazed radish, wilted spinach, cherry sauce (not a duck fan but damn that duck was tasty!)
B : prime rib eye and short rib stuffed tomato, fourme d'ambert, potato boulangere, whole grain mustard chutney (potato was beautifully thinly sliced and stacked, rib eye - perfect)
Me: buratta cheese, tomato and mushroom tarte herb emulsion, summer ragout (Yum! Love buratta cheese and mushroom!)

SELECTION OF FINE CHEESES (waiter was really generous and gave us 3 goat cheeses, gouda, swiss (I think) and one of those weird gym locker soupy cheese in a container because it melts really fast -don't pick this one)

DESSERT

Shaz: chocolate, chocolate, chocolate (my favorite!!! came with some kind of a chocolate Popsicle, chocolate mousse, mocha mousse/ice cream, and I think another item...mocha was the best)
B & me: charentais melon parfait, lemongrass sorbet, tapioca and (it was good, but something was off...maybe it was the lemongrass???)

DRINKS

I had the Pinot Bianca ($19/glass). If you're a Pinot Grigio/Bianca drinker, don't order it (I don't know what it's called...but they only have (1) Pinot Bianca by the glass) because it's too sweet -tastes more like a Riesling.

The service was A+. I've never dined with the Queen or President, but I imagine my dining experience at Melisse is pretty darn close. For each course, you had the entire restaurant staff taking your dishes out (ok, not really, just half) and someone explaining what each dish was.

I love Melisse! Wonder what the boss will say when he sees the receipt...

Address: 1104 Wilshire Blvd Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: (310) 395-0881
Rating: 5 out of 5

MISS T'S BARCADE

I can't believe I've never heard of this bar until last night, and it's so close to my home! My colleague said that we should go to this "t" bar. I was like, huh? A bar that serves tea? He said, "Naw man, it's a bar, bar that has tripped-out old-school arcades." He's a hipster.

We got there and it was dead, but the funny thing was that it didn't bother me at all. It's true, they have all the cool video games that I used to play on my Atari back in the 80s. Joust! Centipede! Asteroids! Donkey Kong! Pac Man! Awesome! And as Aunny points out, it's only 25 cents to play, but beware, I think they speed up the ghosts on Pac Man and you die faster or maybe it's the alcohol kicking in...they also have action figurines on the walls.

I didn't noticed any funny smell, and I wasn't hungry (kitchen was closed anyways), although the bartender offered me a slice of his pizza. The bartender was really nice; he let us chilled and finished our drinks after closing hours.

What's holding it from being a 5 star is that it's not a full bar. Only beer, wine, and soju. I don't drink piss water, and they only had chardoney. I don't know why bars only have chardoneys? Pinot Grigio is the way to go. Nonetheless, I would go back! I have to make sure my score is still in the top 10 for Asteroids. And who knows, I might want to practice to be the King of Kong.

Address: 371 N. Western Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90004
Phone#: (323) 465-5045
Rating: 4 out of 5

RIBS USA

It's so hard to tell the quality of the meat when it's swimming in the BBQ sauce --you know it's like loading up the wasabi on sushi. Nonetheless, RIBS USA's ribs were finger licking good. Would it be wrong for me to ask the sauce on the side the next time I go...?

The corn on the cob should be sweeter and the corn bread is just corn bread. The pulled pork is yummy.

What I like about Ribs USA was not the peanut shells all over the floor, but for an additional $4.95 with an entree order, you can have 3 Baby Back Ribs or 2 Beef Ribs or 5 Shrimps. I'm such a sucker for deals.

Address: 2711 W Olive Ave Burbank, CA 91505
Phone#: (818) 841-8872
Rating: 3 out of 5

CAMEO BAR AT VICEROY

For those who smoke, there IS a place where you can smoke and have a drink in Santa Monica, and it's at the Cameo Bar.

I was there for a birthday shindig over the weekend, and all I got to say for those who are 1st timers here, reserve a table outside or if you're there early (let's say 9pm), you could prob get a table/sitting section outside --don't sit inside. Party is outside.

Address: 1819 Ocean Ave Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone#: (310) 260-7505
Rating: 4 out of 5

TOSHI SUSHI

When I read the Yelp reviews of Toshi Sushi, I just had to try it out --I mean "Sushican" and "Miguel the Mexican Chef?" I was curious....and to my surprise, it was really good and omg, spicy!!!

We were overwhelmed with all of Miguel's special rolls, that we ended up over ordering. We had the Yellow Tar Tar (sesame oil, spicy oil on avocado and cucumber roll), Miguel Angel Roll (albacore on top of spicy tuna rill w/fried green onion chilli and ponzu), the Pancho Villa roll (REALLY SPICY-HOT! I was crying), and the Dragon Roll. Each rolls were around $10-12--normal prices and huge! The next time we head to Toshi Sushi, I think we'll just ordered 2 special rolls so I have room to try the Tempura green tea ice cream. I'll have to try the Whitefish Angel roll next time.

Oh, when you're looking for the restaurant, just pay attention to address --the outside sign is a different name --they never bother to change it.

Address: 2804 Hyperion Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90027
Phone#: (323) 666-1019
Rating: 4 out of 5

SUGARFISH

I dined at sugarFISH with my friend Schmata, Schmata's friend last weekend. It was an adventure for us as we don't hang out on the westside that often, and I'll admit it it was slightly difficult finding the restaurant for me. Well, now I know it's in the mall (yea! free parking), where Ralph's is on the other end, behind Bank of America...

The interior looks like those Pinkberry places with sliding door bathrooms.

We sat at the bar; the bar that had no alcohol at the time. They are getting their liquor license today, so they will have saki and beer. Schmata just kept saying, "I want saki." It was hilarious. Our server was a good sport.

I was annoyed that we couldn't share...you have to order a Trust Me and then order the additional. Nonetheless, the fish is very fresh and yummy! I We loved the tuna and halibut.

In a nutshell, if you're on the Westside and want good basic sushi, Sugarfish is the place to eat at!

Address: 4722 1/4 Admiralty Way Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Phone#: (310) 306-6300
Rating: 4 out of 5

THE COUNTER

I was disappointed with the Counter....but before I dive into why I wasn't impress, let me start with the pros....the service was great. Our waitress was sweet and attentive; she allowed me to go get my Starbucks coffee since they don't have an espresso machine and offered me her love gratis...and the wait was not that long --then again, it was a Sunday and everyone was trickling back into LA from their 4th of July weekend trip.

Like 25 Degrees or vice versa, you can build your own burger, but 25 Degrees offered more interesting combinations if you are overwhelmed from building your own burger. The Counter's burger doesn't come with fries or onions rings like 25 Degrees, so I guess, if you can eat all your food, 25 Degrees is cheaper (burgers @ The Counter is around $9-10 + onion rings/fries - $5 = $14-15, while 25 Degrees is $12 for burger + onion rings/fries --oh, I save $$ on gas if I go to 25 Degrees cuz it's closer or I can take the subway to there).

I ordered the burger in the bowl, which is more like a burger with a big salad...should I come here again, I'll know to split it with someone. Their onion rings were really soggy...not like 25 Degrees, which were pretty amazing (lightly battered and crispy). The burger was good, but I have to admit for medium rare, it was pretty rare...brown on the outside and RED on the inside. My company ordered it medium well, and it was medium rare. Hmm.....

Oh, swell, I can check this place off my list.

Address: 2901 Ocean Park Blvd Santa Monica, CA 90405
Phone#: (310) 399-8383
Rating: 3 out of 5

PEACH CAFE

Since it's the 4th of July weekend, I figured that the drive to Monrovia would be less painful to see if all the rave was true about Peach Cafe. It's true, Peach Cafe's blueberry pancakes are f'ing good. They're so fluffy! I didn't bother putting syrup on my pancakes. The Croissant French toast was pretty good. Oh and I love the cheese sauce with Peach Cafe's benedict! I was disappointed with the Open-Face HBAB as I was expecting the brie to be spread evenly on the ham instead of clumps here and there...they should also put apple slice with the sandwich. Their Bourbon sweet potatoes were interesting...(I'm not a sweet potatoes fan, but my company liked it). As you can see..I went crazy and tried to order everything...

My company wished their coffee was as good as their food. I'm not a coffee expert, so I was content with my drink.

Service - 5 star -no complaint at all, but then again, it wasn't packed.

Address: 141 E Colorado Blvd Monrovia, CA 91016
Phone#: (626) 599-9092
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

25 DEGREES

I wanted to make my own 25 Degrees' burger...but um, it was a bit overwhelming so I ordered #2 (burrata cheese, pesto, crispy tomatoes, proscuitto), which hit the spot for me, and I LOVE their onion rings! It's lightly battered. I just wished they gave us the option to have a salad instead of fries/onion rings because their portions are huge.

I dined at the bar, so service was fine.

In a nutshell, if you're craving a good burger and it's late, head to 25 Degrees.

Update 8/16/08:
Came here Friday with colleagues, and have to say, I LOVE THEIR BURGERS and they have the BEST onion rings. Their thyme fries are yummy too, but Father's Office sweet potato fries are better. Def order their beet salad with burrata cheese.

Address: 7000 Hollywood Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90028
Phone#: (323) 785-7244
Rating: 5 out of 5