**** (4 stars)
Tacky Tiki to the max. There aren’t many of these venerable old Tiki bars left, and we need to cherish them. The Tonga room lacks the fancy glassware and smoking drinks of some, but it does have a pond and a barge for the band. Definitely a fun spot for before or after dinner drinks, although I’d skip the pricey buffet.
Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar
950 Mason Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 772-5278
http://www.yelp.com/biz/tonga-room-and-hurricane-bar-san-francisco
*** (3 stars)
Pretty much average Chinese food, which is a bit disappointing given its location in Chinatown, but perhaps it is too close to the tourist corridor. Chow mein included an oddly large amount of noodles turing it almost into lo mein. The lamb ribs were very fatty. Best bet is the pot stickers and the onion pancake.
Hunan House
826 Washington St
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 398-1299
http://www.yelp.com/biz/hunan-house-san-francisco
***** (5 stars)
This intimate restaurant serves a set menu with all tables starting at the same time. The courses progress from light to medium, building to a magnificent piece of true Wagu beef. The food was good, and the service polished in that Michelin approved sort of way, but the thing that made the evening fun was the proprietor’s enthusiasm for the wines on his (very expensive) grand pairing. He has worked hard to collect rare bottles you won’t find elsewhere, and is proud to show off how well they math the food. These are prestige labels, but rather rare and fairly pricey wines that he obviously treasures. This enthusiasm is what elevated the meal to 5 stars for me.
Keiko à Nob Hill
1250 Jones St
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 839-7141
http://www.yelp.com/biz/keiko-%C3%A0-nob-hill-san-francisco-2
**** (4 stars)
I have a sentimental attachment to this place, because I used to go here with my parents in the 1960s, when it was The Sea Lion. In those days the waves splashed against the glass in the bar. Since then rocks have been added to protect against storms, but there is still an amazing view. I’m sure the food is better now, too. A variety of fresh fish selections are available, along with a variety of preparations. On a recent visit we enjoyed a hummus trio appetizer, tuna poke tacos and a roasted basil and black garlic fish presentation. All were excellent, and the greens that came with the entree were scrumptious! It’s a great place for a seaside break from the city.
Duke’s
21150 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265
(310) 317-0777
http://www.yelp.com/biz/dukes-malibu-malibu
**** (4 stars)
If you like English food, this is a great spot for it. Most is authentic, and what’s not authentic is in general an improvement. The BLSt used English bacon, and was a delicious combination of ingredients. The Ploughman’s Platter was more extensive than any I’ve had in England. And the chicken salad had just the right amount of curry.
The decor is really charming, much quainter than most real English pubs.There’s a cozy dining space and also a more traditional pub. There’s also an extensive outside dining area along the sidewalk.
Next door is an English shop where you’ll find many hard to obtain foodstuffs.
Ye Olde Kings Head
116 Santa Monica Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 451-1402
http://www.yelp.com/biz/ye-olde-kings-head-santa-monica
**** (4 stars)
This is a good, but not great restaurant. The preparations are elaborate, and most results are quite tasty, but it is rare that things come together in that transcendental experience where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
The wine list is good if, expectedly, pricey. There are some hard to find gems, although no great depth of vintages.
Service is efficient and accommodating, neither stiff nor particularly friendly.
Atmosphere is understated although the open room and fairly bright lighting aren’t particularly intimate.
A fine restaurant, but after two visits to check it out, not one that beckons me back.
Melisse
1104 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 395-0881
http://www.yelp.com/biz/melisse-santa-monica-2
***** (5 stars)
I can attest to the fact that Stan’s has been making the best donuts on the planet for forty years. My favorite is the glazed buttermilk bar, but anything with buttermilk or maple in the title is a winner. I don’t really understand why anyone would eat a donut from anywhere else. I’ve even ordered them shipped to Florida!
Stan’s Doughnuts
10948 Weyburn Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 208-8660
http://www.yelp.com/biz/stans-doughnuts-los-angeles
***** (5 stars)
This is my favorite spot in Los Angeles, and I have hundreds of candidates for that list. I like to go around 6:30 because the opening act is great dining music. It’s usually piano and bass. The place has amazing acoustics, and you can hear every note perfectly, yet still have a dinner conversation in a normal voice.
And what food! Anything beef is great, but I like the tuna tartare, salads, and enjoy the lamb lollipop appetizer as an entree.
Great wine list–although somewhat pricey, there are a few gems. Check out the Opaque Petite Verdot if you like big, chewy monsters.
Vibrato Grill Jazz
2930 N Beverly Glen Cir
Los Angeles, CA 90077
(310) 474-9400
http://www.yelp.com/biz/vibrato-grill-jazz-los-angeles
***** (5 stars)
Amazing decor, and great food. I love being able to get Thai, Vietnamese and Indian cuisine all in one place. Favorites were the summer rolls, samosas and short rib vermicelli bowl. The two or three course lunch is a great deal. It was our server, Jordan’s, first day, and she did an amazing job.
RockSugar Pan Asian Kitchen
10250 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90067
(310) 552-9988
http://www.yelp.com/biz/rocksugar-pan-asian-kitchen-los-angeles-2
***** (5 stars)
This is one of my favorite tasting rooms in Los Olivos. The big surprise here was the cabernet sauvignon, our favorite wine, at a very reasonable price. It’s great to see such success with this varietal in this region. We ordered a half case shipped home to Florida!
Alta Maria Vineyards
2933 Grand Ave
Los Olivos, CA 93441
(805) 686-1144
http://www.yelp.com/biz/alta-maria-vineyards-los-olivos