Los Angeles County :: The Happy Fork

Feb

2011

Palomino serves up American Bistro food in Westwood

by bradvr · Comments (0)

This American Bistro has valet parking and excellent service. You will find a good selection of standard fare here and some with a little twist. The steak and frites are quite good as are the flatbread pizzas. I enjoyed the proscutto and pesto flatbread, and rotisserie chicken entree. They have a large bar where you can order the complete menu, and a comfortable main dining room with decent noise level even when crowded.

Palomino has valet parking which is a must for Westwood. Check out their website for hours, happy hour specials,and more.

UPDATE: I just found out they are a national chain. We’ll award them extra points for being a chain and being damn good :)

- Posted by fork on the road

Location:10877 Wilshire Blvd,Los Angeles,United States

Categories : 3 Forks, CA, Fork on the Road, Los Angeles County

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Feb

2011

Barney’s Hamburgers

by bradvr · Comments (0)

Who doesn’t love a good burger? But jeeze louise it is hard to find a great burger. Barney’s serves an ok burger and offers lots of twists with add ons and condiments but I would not make this a destination. Instead head to the Apple Pan, just 2 miles away, if you are hankering for a great burger.

Ps: Barney’s does make awfully great shakes though!

- Posted by fork on the road

Location:11660 San Vicente Blvd Brentwood Los Angeles, CA 90049

Categories : Los Angeles County, Southern California, The Happy Fork reviews

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Oct

2007

Border Grill

by bradvr · Comments (0)

This place I really like – The southwestern menu is great, the atmosphere is casual and hip. The web site features information about the chefs, the restaurant, cookbooks and radio show. Also has a listing of upcoming special events at the restaurant with a recipe or two.

Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger create the “world cuisine” featured at The Border Grill and their other restaurant, Ciudad.

House made Guacamole, Ceviche, and Green Corn Tamales are all great starters. Grilled Skirt Steak, Pork Chops and Pescado Veracruzano are mouth watering.

Originally reviewed in 5/31/1998
What To Order: Ceviche

Border Grill
This information was accurate at the time of posting, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead or visit the website to confirm hours, location and other details.

http://www.bordergrill.com
1445 4th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310.451.1655

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $20 to $30
Bar dining, Private room, Reservations, Late night, Bar, Beer and wine
Dinner: Mon 5 pm to 10 pm
Lunch and Dinner: Tue-Thu 11:30 am to 10 pm
Lunch and Dinner: Fri-Sat 11:30 am to 11 pm
Lunch and Dinner: Sun 11:30 am to 10 pm

Categories : 4 Forks, Fork on the Road, Los Angeles County, The Happy Fork reviews

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Sep

2007

Ercole

by bradvr · Comments (0)

In most American cities you will find bars that serve good food. Of course the cuisine is offered in a limited menu of, yes, bar food. As an example, one of my favorites, Joe Jost’s has 5 menu items – all good and all go really well with beer – or root beer.

Ercole’s is an institution in Manhattan Beach and populated by locals – clothing ranges from beach wear to suits. Pool tables in the back and nearly a dozen screens make for a busy atmosphere. They have a grill near the window and you can either come inside and order at the bar, or yell out your order through the ퟙto goퟘ window were the cook will gladly cook your meal just as you like it.

The meals here are Dodger dogs, and hamburgers. The hamburgers are just like your Dad used to make – thick, juicy patties, with thick cut tomato, lettuce, onions, and oozing with sauce and juices. The secret is the fresh ground, high quality meats from the butcher/grocery store next door. I am not using the word butcher lightly – when I was in the grocery store they were splitting a lamb and cutting chops right in plain site.

They server several beers on tap including my current favorite – Stella Atois!

Making one of the best burgers in LA – HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Best Dish: Hamburger
What To Order: Hamburger and dodger dogs, Stella Atois (belgium beer on tap)

Ercole’s
This information was accurate at the time of posting, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead or visit the website to confirm hours, location and other details.

1101 Manhattan Ave

Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
One block north of Ocean Avenue, just South of the pier
(310) 372-1997

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $10 or less
Bar dining, Table seating, Late night, Credit cards, Bar, Casual, Non-smoking, Hole in the wall, Street Parking
Daily: 10 am to 2 am

Categories : 4 Forks, Fork on the Road, Los Angeles County, Southern California, The Happy Fork reviews

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Aug

2006

Sarah

by bradvr · Comments (0)

In a residential area of East LA, Sarah’s is a haven for hearty Mexican food. Here you will find a traditional menu of the Mexican standards – I usually get a carne asada or chicken taco and taquitos. The best thing, and most unique dish at Sarah’s is the salsa – the perfect mix of spice, cut with chunks of avocado.

Street parking, and just minutes from downtown LA, east of Macy. Questionable area in East LA, lunch is a safe bet.

If Sara’s is closed, try the sandwich shop across the street which is very good.
What To Order: Tacos. Housemade Salsa!

Sarah’s Place

This information was accurate at the time of posting, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead or visit the website to confirm hours, location and other details.

Ceasar Chavez at Warren Street
Los Angeles, CA

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $10 or less
Cash only, Casual, Hole in the wall, Street Parking

Categories : Los Angeles County

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Aug

2005

Kate Mantilini

by bradvr · Comments (0)

LA’s classy diner. Gourmet diner food with trendy clientele and friendly service. Open late, and serving home style cooking with the finest ingredients. Here you will find staples such as liver and onions, thick cut pork chops and real mash potatoes, flat iron steak, grilled asparagus and other fresh vegetables and of course the staple that says American Diner – Meatloaf.

The house made deserts are always a crowd pleaser. Apple pie, chocolate cakes, pecan pie are all yummy.

Kate’s is open late and popular and a prime spot for star gazing.
What To Order: Pork chops, chocolate cake, roast turkey

Kate Mantilini
This information was accurate at the time of posting, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead or visit the website to confirm hours, location and other details.

None
9109 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA
310-278-3699

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: dinner, per person, no drinks
Table seating, Counter, Private room, Open Every Day, Late night, Breakfast, Credit cards, Bar, Exceptional wine list, Casual, Nonsmoking, Notable atmosphere, Valet parking available, Valet parking only, Street Parking
Daily: Mon-Thu 7:30 am to 1 am
Daily: Fri 7:30 am to 2 am
Daily: Sat 11 am to 2 am
Daily: Sun 10 am to 12 midnight

Categories : 4 Forks, Fork on the Road, Los Angeles County, The Happy Fork reviews

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Feb

2002

Le Dome

by bradvr · Comments (0)

Le Dome was once one of my favorite places in LA for fine dining. In fact, their Walnut Torte was a mainstay of my diet. However over the years the tastes and decor have both faded. Today It is worthy of a drink or two along with some people watching but little else.

Le Dome

This information was accurate at the time of posting, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead or visit the website to confirm hours, location and other details.

8720 Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, CA
213-659-6919

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $30 to $50
Bar dining, Private room, Table seating, Credit cards, Bar, Snappy Casual, Non-smoking, Street Parking, Valet parking only

Categories : Los Angeles County

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Dec

2001

Spaghettini Italian Grill

by bradvr · Comments (0)

I have to eat my words – in years past I used to dread going to Spaghettini’s – slow service, high prices and mediocre food. But times have changed, or maybe I have. My recent experiences at Spaghettini were fantastic – outstanding and speedy service, and wonderful dishes all around.

Pasta, Brick Oven Pizza, Chops and Chicken, Seafood
What To Order: Orecchietta pasta with broccoli rabe ($24) – just wonderful, Parmesan Crusted Sea bass is a perfectly cooked filet in a thin Parmesan crust topped with lemon butter sauce, served with garlic-mashed potatoes ($27)

Spaghettini Italian Grill

This information was accurate at the time of posting, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead or visit the website to confirm hours, location and other details.

http://www.Spaghettini.com/
3005 Old Ranch Parkway
Seal Beach, CA 90740
Just North of the 405 Fwy at Seal Beach Blvd.
562-596-2199

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $20 to $30
Bar dining, Private room, Table seating, Reservations, Late night, Credit cards, Bar, Beer and wine, Exceptional wine list, Snappy Casual, Entertainment, Catering, Limited parking
Lunch: Mon-Fri 11 am to 2:30 pm
Dinner: Mon-Fri 5 pm to 10 pm
Dinner: Fri-Sat 5 pm to 11 pm
Dinner: Sun 5 pm to 9:30 pm
Brunch: Sun 10 am to 3 pm

Categories : 1 Fork, Fork on the Road, Los Angeles County, The Happy Fork reviews

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Dec

2001

Los Chilies Locos

by bradvr · Comments (0)

Sparkling clean and well managed, this little joint serves up excellent home style Mexican food. Try any of the soft tacos or burritos – my favorites are the chili Verde, chili Colorado, or chicken. Fresh ingredients, quick and friendly service make for a perfect meal.

For a unimposing little taco shop, Los Chilies has an impressive and large menu. Next trip I have to try the El Panzon – their proclaimed house special, a burrito with Chile Relleno and your choice of meat, and rice, and beans, and pico de gallo, and Salsa Picante! I am rarely that hungry, but if I try it I will let you know.

Fast service. Get your car washed while you have your meal – a true California multi-tasking experience!
What To Order: Chili Verde tacos, chili Colorado tacos, Taquitos with avocado salsa
Notable Staff: Marco & Sergio

Los Chilies Locos

This information was accurate at the time of posting, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead or visit the website to confirm hours, location and other details.

loschileslocos@easy.com
121 W. Duarte Road
Monrovia, CA 91016
Just south of the 210 Fwy. at Myrtle road (next to a really good car wash)
626.359.9099

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $10 or less
Patio, Late night, Cash only, Casual, Smoking on patio, Catering
Daily: 9 am to 10 pm

Categories : 3 Forks, Fork on the Road, Los Angeles County, The Happy Fork reviews

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Nov

2001

Poquito Mas

by bradvr · Comments (0)

Homemade style Mexican food, many healthy and tasty items on the menu.

A unique tradition at Poquito Mas is there offering “free tortilla soup” to any customer on rainy days.
What To Order: Seared ahi taco, tortilla soup, burritos

Poquito Mas

This information was accurate at the time of posting, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead or visit the website to confirm hours, location and other details.

http://www.PoquitoMas.com/
24405 Town Center Drive
Valencia, CA 91355
Off the 5 Fwy at Magic Mountain Parkway. Next to the Hyatt Hotel.
661-255-7555

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $10 or less
Patio, Late night, Credit cards, Beer and wine, Casual