The Happy Fork reviews :: The Happy Fork

Mar

2011

Javier’s satisfies Newport Beach crowd with elegant Mexican cuisine

by bradvr · Comments (0)

The original Javiers in Laguna was a great place to people watch, grab a beer and eat vey good Mexican food at good prices. The original Laguna Beach location is closed, replaced by large, upscale spots in Irvine and nearby Crystal Cove. The food is still excellent as is the people watching, but the prices are higher and the cuisine a bit more refined.

Get their Carnitas plate, mole, crispy tacos (I like the beef), and any of their Margaritas. Check their website for hours and other locations.

- Posted by fork on the road

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

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Feb

2011

Renzo’s – a taste of Peru

by bradvr · Comments (0)

Renzo’s offers it’s take on Peruvian food to fit the local business crowds. Not always authentic, but always tasty. As an example, the beef Saltado had the subtle flavors but was served in a wrap. Ceviche, soups, and pork dishes are the things to order.

Open every day except Sunday. Check website for hours

- Posted by fork on the road

Location:2222 Michelson Dr Ste 200 Irvine, CA 92612

Categories : 2 Forks, CA, Fork on the Road, Orange County, Southern California, Uncategorized

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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

Salmerron’s El Tapatio has been serving excellent Mexican food since 1963

by bradvr · Comments (0)

For over 25 years, El Tapatio in Santa Ana has been my go to place hearty, consistent, Mexican food. Not your Baja Style or Tex Mex or overly creative spot, but traditional fare, far better then any of the chain Mexican spots. The dining room used to be tiny, but years ago they expanded into the building next door, yet still maintain high standards, fair prices, and friendly service. The decor is dated, and sometimes the music or the sports on TV are too loud, but it is most always comfortable and relaxing, however this is not a formal date place or one to impress clients (though I take mine here all the time!).

The dishes to get here are the traditional standards such as Chili Verde, Carnitas – plate or tacos, Chicken Mole, or any of the combo plates. My favorite is the crispy beef taco and chili relleno. The tortilla shell is hand formed, the shredded beef flavorful, and the chili relleno bursts with flavor (see photo). In Santa Ana we have our pick of American style mexican spots and this is one of my favorites. Other dishes to try are the shrimp diablo and the fajitas.

The secret to longevity in the restaurant business is consistency and El Tapatio is consistent. Gloria, one of the waitresses, has been there over 25 years and greets every diner with a smile and is truly happy to work there.

Location: Sameron’s el tapatio restaurant 1214 E Pomona St Santa Ana, CA 92707 (714) 835-4264

Categories : 4 Forks, CA, Fork on the Road, Home Cooking, Orange County, Southern California, The Happy Fork reviews

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Feb

2011

Beijing Express for quick and cheap American style Chinese takeout

by bradvr · Comments (0)

Truly a hole in the wall joint. Great prices and good flavors can be found here. The new owners are just getting started at this cook to order spot, and I expect even better things from them in the near future (like decor). The cook/owner hales from the Hilton in San Gabriel and that means good roots. Again, a take out place with a few tables and a good choice if you are nearby downtown Santa Ana.

BBQ Pork and Broccoli Shrimp combo

No website, so call for hours. They speak very little English and they don’t prepare anything that is not on the picture menu.

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

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Feb

2011

Anepalco’s Café humble location surprises with extraordinary Latin cuisine

by bradvr · Comments (1)

Anepalco’s Café has been hiding (from me anyway) in a tiny strip shopping center near St. Joseph Hospital in Orange for over 2 years. Shame on me for not finding it sooner. They serve outstanding and creative breakfasts, sandwiches and french press coffee. I didn’t try any juice, but it appears that offer fresh juices, hot coco and more. On my next visit I want to try the Cubano Sandwich and the name sake, Anepalco slow cooked pork Sandwich.

The pictures below are of our recent Sunday brunch. Both dishes tasted as good as they are described and as they looked – even better!
Huevos Divorciados was simply corn tortillas, ham, bacon, two eggs, red onion, avocado, covered with green sauce and “phosphorescent” red sauce, and sprinkled with cojita cheese. It had little bursts of spice and very complex flavors. The other very good dish I tried was Anepalco’s Chilaquiles. Scrambled egg served atop tortilla chips with red sauce, cotija cheese, sour cream, avocado mousse, and pico de gallo.

[Show as slideshow]

They have limited hours for lunch and breakfast. M-F 8 to 3:30 and Sat-Sun 8 to 2:00PM. Visit their website for more details. It is easy to get to and just off the 22 Fwy. Look for it on Main Street, just south of the Chapman.

Categories : 4 Forks, CA, Fork on the Road, Orange County, Southern California

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Feb

2011

Venticello Ristorante serves stand out Italian in Nob Hill

by bradvr · Comments (0)

Venticello Ristorante design is intimate and comfortable, with a kitchen staff that serves superior and innovative northern Italian cuisine. On this night we had a wonderful corner table by the window with a nice view of the bay to compliment our outstanding meal.

We were a group of four and created a virtual tasting menu featuring mushroom ravioli, roast lamb, gnocchi, pizza with arugula and panchetta. The wine list is diverse and compatible with most budgets. I found a 2004 Barberro for $ 42 which rounded out the meal. Overall, this spot is one of my new favorites in San Francisco.

Venticello is only a 5 minute cab ride from Union Square and, if the weather is nice, a great 15 minute walk. If you are walking, plan your route carefully if hills are not your friend.

The restaurant seats 115 but it’s design can accommodate various group sizes for private events and would be great for business dinners.

Location:
Venticello Ristorante
1257 Taylor St
(between Clay St & Washington St)
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 922-2545

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Categories : 4 Forks, CA, Fork on the Road, Northern California

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Feb

2011

Max’s Restaurant serves deli food to locals and tourists

by bradvr · Comments (0)

For lunch they serve all the expected deli choices. I enjoyed the turkey with cranberry cream cheese and their matzo ball soup. The soup hit the spot, but wouldn’t qualify as grandmas best. The sandwich with wax bean salad was outstanding and large enough to split.

Above is a pic of a cup of their matzo ball soup.

Their website is way overdone and difficult to use but lists locations and has menus to view.

- Posted by fork on the road

Categories : 3 Forks, CA, Fork on the Road, Northern California, The Happy Fork reviews

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Feb

2011

Lori’s Diner serves home cooking in the fog city

by bradvr · Comments (0)

I didn’t find time for any meals at Lori’s Diner on this trip, but all of my past experiences have been good ones. They serve tasty breakfasts and traditional diner food – burgers, patti melts, milk shakes and more. There are a few locations in San Francisco, including the SFO Airport so you are bound to bump into one. If you dining solo, the counter is the place to be. Some locations open 24 hours.

- posted by fork on the road

Location:336 mason street, san Francisco, ca 94102

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

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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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