Fork on the Road :: The Happy Fork

Feb

2011

Brodard Chateau

by bradvr · Comments (2)

A few decades ago Garden Grove officially received the nickname Little Saigon to recognize the Vietnam influence on the community. One beneficial outcome for us foodies is the plethora of good Asian eateries, Brodard Chateau being one of the nicest ones.

This weeks lunch coincided with Chinese New Year which explained this shrine on display in the restaurant foyer.

The actual lunch was wonderful and included the mouth watering duck spring roll, shrimp crepe appetizer, and salt and pepper calamari. Next trip I would get the salt and pepper shrimp and bring more friends so I can share more dishes!

Visit their website for hours and location

- Posted by fork on the road

Location:San Diego Fwy,Inglewood,United States

Categories : 3 Forks, Orange County, Southern California, The Happy Fork reviews

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Feb

2011

Pei Wei finds its way onto my fork

by bradvr · Comments (0)

I am a fan of very few national sit down chain restaurants. The ones that I like are Macaroni Grill, Houstons, Mortons, and PF Changs, the later being the parent company to Pei Wei.

Pei Wei serves street style Asian food and does it efficiently and with robust flavors. Having a location a few blocks from my office helps too.

You can get brown rice with any dish (recommended) and they serve excellent unsweetened, but flavorful ice tea, and provide good quality chop sticks.

Dishes to try:

Pei Wei Spicy Chicken, Lettuce wraps, Honey Seared Shrimp, Chil Ramen, Korean BBQ Beef, mandarin orange tea, crab wonton, brown rice.

Visit their website for locations near you and hours.

-Posted by Bradvr

Location:Barranca Pkwy,Irvine,United States

Categories : 3 Forks, Fork on the Road, Orange County, Southern California, The Happy Fork reviews

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Feb

2011

Cafe Hiro – Japanese fusion in Cypress

by bradvr · Comments (0)

Cafe Hiro is one of the standout kitchens in Orange county where you can count on an inspired meal on every visit. Be sure to check the daily specials when ordering. Service is friendly and efficient. Open for lunch and dinner.

: Mushroom Pasta

: Banana Cream Pudding

Try one of his infused pastas. This one above features mushroom pasta with eggplant and bonita flakes, but another must try is their signature dish, Sea Urchin “Uni” Spaghetti. The Chilean Sea Bass and Beef Tongue Stew are also excellent. At Cafe Hiro shy away from the ordinary and be adventurous with your selections. You will not be disappointed.

As usual, check the website for hours and other logistics.

- Posted from Fork on the Road

Location

Categories : 3 Forks, CA, Fork on the Road, Orange County, Scandinavia and the Baltic's, 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

2007

Maverick Eatery and Wine Bar

by bradvr · Comments (0)

Americana cuisine cook expertly in a fun atmosphere. Friendly service (heck, my Nephew Mike is a partner in the place), with a menu that is very conducive to plate swapping!

Creative names and ingredients make the menu irresistible – Baltimore crab puffs, and beet carpaccio salad (balsamic braised red beets with beef carpaccio), and the grilled flat iron steak are all good choices.

The wine list reflects Mikes love and knowledge of the vines. Enjoy his guidance and suggestions when selecting one of the boutique winery offerings.

The location is questionable and nearby street parking is not likely so my recommendation to take a taxi.

Get on their mailing list and get invited to their fried chicken feast, guest chef and winemaker dinners, and more!
Notable Staff: Scott Youkillis

Maverick Eatery and Wine Bar
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.

sfmaverick.com
3316 17th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
Between Mission and Valencia
415-863-3061

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $20 to $30
Table seating, Community seating, Credit cards, Beer and wine, Exceptional wine list, Snappy Casual, Non-smoking, Tasting menu, Prix fixe menu available, Street Parking, Catering

Categories : 4 Forks, Fork on the Road, Northern California, The Happy Fork reviews

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Aug

2007

Pete’s Mexican Food

by bradvr · Comments (0)

An institution in Huntington Beach, Pete’s serves their take on mexican food. Get the chicken or ground beef taco – tasty ingredients, shells crisped on the grill. The carne asada burrito includes avocado, lettuce and tomato.
Notable Staff: Carlos and Jenny Gonzales

Pete’s Mexican Food
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.

213 5th Street
Huntington Beach, CA
One block from PCH
714.960.8797

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $10 or less

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

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Aug

2007

Al Dar

by bradvr · Comments (0)

Serving Lebanese cuisine in both a deli and adjoining full service sit down restaurant. I only tried the deli side, but enjoyed grape leaves, eggplant dip, and schwarma. Their housemade pita bread is excellent, as is their Lebanese style ice cream (gelato style). Also freshly made on premises. If you aren’t in the mood for ice-cream, choose any of their Mediterranean desserts – they have dozens of choices.

Al Dar
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.

8, Rue Frederic – Sauton
Paris 75005 France
One block North of Victor Hugo.Metro Maubert Reciprocity
01.43.25.17.15

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $10 or less

Categories : 2 Forks, Europe, Fork on the Road, The Happy Fork reviews

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Aug

2007

Ma Bourgogne

by bradvr · Comments (0)

Seating is divided between a casual brasserie upstairs and a formal restaurant downstairs. The current owners have run the place for the last couple of years and luckily have kept many of the original recipes. including their method for Beef Bourgogne. The Aloxe Corton at 42 Euro complimented the bold beef dish and also recommended.
What To Order: Beef Bourgogne
Notable Staff: Nicolas Pasqua

Ma Bourgogne
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.

www.mabourgogne.com
133 bd Haussmann
Paris 75008 France
8th Arondishment, Metro Miromesnil
01.45.63.50.61

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $10 to $20
Table seating, Credit cards, Bar, Casual, Smoking section, Romantic Spot, Prix fixe menu available, Street Parking

Categories : 4 Forks, Europe, Fork on the Road, The Happy Fork reviews

Comments (0)

Aug

2007

Oliviers & Co.

by bradvr · Comments (0)

Friendly service and wonderful tastings offered throughout the store. Many of their offerings are created under noteworthy chef supervision. My favorite recent selection was the cherry infused balsamic vinegar. Yum!
What To Order: Flavored balsamic vinegars, olive tapenades

Oliviers & Co.
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.

www.oliviers-co.com
Locations throughout Paris
Paris France
0800.03.28.96

Credit cards

Categories : 3 Forks, Europe, Fork on the Road, The Happy Fork reviews

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