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Archive for May, 2011

Happy Cinco De Saint Patso: It’s A Bit Like Festivus.

May 5th, 2011 No comments

Enjoyed this Wet Burrito previously at Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant, but plan to see an Irish Pub on Cinco De Mayo — Went out for Mexican on St. Patrick’s Day this year.  It could be a good plan, as it helps to avoid a wait, but I almost always prefer Mexican food.  Cinco De Saint Patso is like Festivus only in that it’s a made up holiday.  Have a great one!

Bite These Crab Claw Appetizers Gently Cuz They’ll Bite You Back.

May 4th, 2011 No comments

At some point the real Crab Claw Shell begins hidden under the breaded, pressed fake and real Crab combination.  Be careful when nearing the end of the Claw, as Crab Shells are hard.  Don’t get too happy — And there really isn’t need, since they’re not that remarkable, other than the fact they are different.  Although flawed, I appreciate the creativity of ’em and other unique offerings at Fresh & Easy, newly opened within walking distance.  Bite at your own risk.

The Capital Grille At South Coast Plaza: God Bless American Beef.

May 3rd, 2011 No comments

Guest Blogger, Bonnie wrote that she had “the most fabulous lunch” at The Capital Grille at South Coast Plaza — Too bad she didn’t have her camera on-hand to do her glowing report justice.  I told her to keep it on her person.  From a camera phone one photo barely survived.  We’ll hopefully supplement it by going again.  Until then, her review can be read below…

“Like a good book, a good menu is hard to put down, making it tricky to eat your Porterhouse.”  Quote from The Capital Grille’s Menu

On a whim, we decided to try The Capital Grille at South Coast Plaza. Here is how they describe each guest’s desired experience:

 “Each and every contact with a guest is an opportunity to provide food and service that exceeds their expectations, thereby creating an Exceptionally Distinctive Guest Experience. At The Capital Grille, EDGE is how we work together every day, thereby creating an extraordinary atmosphere for our guests and our team members.”

And true to their word, we had an EDGE! Our exceptional lunch was made so by our outstanding server, Laura Kirchner and Manager Shannon Jones, who graciously welcomed us at our table.

Although it was still technically lunch time, we opted to order our steaks from the dinner menu. Thus, we ended up with a bone-in, 18 ounce Dry Aged Sirloin and a 14 ounce Dry Aged Sirloin which is also known as a New York Strip Steak. Both were absolutely delicious and perfectly prepared. 

From the lunch menu, my nephew – who was celebrating his 13th birthday – ordered the very sophisticated Crab and Lobster Stuffed Shrimp and pronounced it suburb. As for the Parmesan Truffle Fries he had this to say: “The truffles bring out the taste in the French Fries and with every bite, the flavor counterbalances and contrasts each other for taste perfection.” Well put, Bryan!

We were also treated to the finest Sautéed Spinach with Garlic that I have ever had. I would go back for that side dish alone. (In fact, I am going to go to their newest restaurant in the Beverly Center this upcoming week and I will order it again). Other delicious sides were the Creamed Spinach and Sam’s Mashed Potatoes.

Our server, Laura, made sure to treat Bryan with a special birthday dessert consisting of Coconut Cream Pie with Caramel Rum Sauce and Macaroon-style Crust. And she also treated us to a Flourless Chocolate Espresso Cake which was wonderful. 

Lunch lived up to their motto and was truly an Exceptional, Distinctive, Guest Experience (EDGE) thanks to Laura, Shannon and the Chefs in The Capital Grille kitchen. I look forward to an equally distinctive dining experience at their newest restaurant in Beverly Hills later on this week!

Thanks Bonnie – I hope to SEE it sometime!  Semi-related, but not really, and partly because I’m a patriot (and The Capital Grille made me think of it), I post this photo of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial taken by my friend and DC Correspondent Steven Woo.  It’s so beautiful.

 

Lazing On A Sunny Afternoon: On The Patio At The Gulfstream.

May 1st, 2011 No comments

We’re here ’cause I love to live so pleasantly, live this life of luxury, lazing on a Sunny Afternoon‘ at the Gulfstream in Newport Beach, corner of PCH and MacArthur/Avocado.

The Gulfstream in the Corona Del Mar Plaza has a huge outdoor patio — On one side you seat yourself for Starters, Desserts and/or Drinks only, and the other side serves the full menu at seated tables.  This sunny day we thoroughly enjoyed the Grilled Artichokes with Remoulade.

And the Dip Trio with Guacamole, Hummus and Smoked Trout Dip.

All with a Hot Fudge Sundae at the end is a great time.

It’s comfortable, casual and upscale.

At the Gulfstream in the springtime…