3 Forks :: 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

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

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

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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Aug

2007

Chez Andre

by bradvr · Comments (0)

A busy bistro in the gold triangle of Paris. Like most bistros the menu is filled with French standards, and in this case, very well executed. The endive salad with roquefort dressing (as in Roquefort, France) was a standout. The rib eye steak and rotisserie chicken are both good choices.

This was my first experience with Paris taxis being called by a restaurant, and to my surprise, finding that the meter started when the cab made it’s way to the restaurant – making for a doubly expensive fare.
What To Order: Endive salad

Chez Andre
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.rest-gj.com
12, rue Marbeuf
Paris 75008 France
01.47.20.59.57

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $20 to $30
Table seating, Patio, Open Every Day, Late night, Credit cards, Bar, Casual, Smoking on patio, Smoking section, Street Parking
Daily:

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

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Aug

2007

La Fourmi Ailee

by bradvr · Comments (0)

La Fourmi Ailee (the mosquito I presume), get the specialty of the house, Demi Canard en croüte de sel, duck cooked in a salted dough cask – very tasty and a good value too (19.80 E) – enough for two if you get a salad or a appetizer. The beef carpaccio or one of their salads would be a good choice.

Their wine list is short but has adequate selection to accompany the meal.

The menu is formatted like a Trader Joe’s newsletter, including education sidebars. Visit their website for an entertaining story on the history of the Latin Quarter area of Paris.

(initially reviewed 06/02)
What To Order: Demi canard en croute

La Fourmi Ailee
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.premiumwanadoo.com/parisresto/VAng/Fourmi/index.php
8, Rue De Fouarre
Paris 75005 France
Near Notre Dame
01.43.29.40.99

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $20 to $30
Table seating, Late night, Open Every Day, Credit cards, Beer and wine, Casual, Prix fixe menu available
Lunch: 11:30 am to 2 pm
Dinner: 7 pm to 12 midnight

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

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Aug

2007

Le Coin Gourmand

by bradvr · Comments (0)

Check the chalkboard for daily specials – they are in French and the staff speaks limited English so bring you dictionary!
What To Order: Salad with goat cheese and roasted tomato

Le Coin Gourmand
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.

23, rue Moliere
Paris France
01.47.03.95.72

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $10 or less
Table seating, Credit cards, Beer and wine, Casual

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

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