Takeout :: The Happy Fork

Jul

2012

Renzo’s Taste of Peru hits the spot…time and time again

by bradvr · Comments (0)

Renzo should give seminars to other strip mall spots on “how to run a restaurant”. Just pick most any lunch spot – franchise or independent, in most any town, and you will see less then ideal efficiency and inconsistent offerings. My point is that when Renzo opened, they had many rough edges, but over time they have worked out the kinks and evolved into wonderful lunch spot. Today for example, witnessed nearly a hundred covers – dine in and to-go combined – during the lunch rush. Everyone transaction, appeared to be handled with efficiency and a smile – urning out dozens of todays special plate (garlic shrimp with rice and salad – picture below), along with a variety of wraps, sandwiches and other entrees to happy customers.

The complimentary toasted corn nuts, bread basket with house made Peruvian Salsa and Inca Cola are icing on the cake. Do check it out for lunch sometime soon, but do get there early so you can sit and watch the machine at work.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location: 2222 Michelson Drive, #200, Irvine, CA 92612

Categories : 3 Forks, CA, Fork on the Road, Orange County

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Jul

2012

Charlie’s Cafe hits the spot in Norfolk, Virginia

by bradvr · Comments (0)

Good southern breakfast in Norfolk Virginia

Chicken fajita omelette with home fries was a hit (would suggest housemade biscuits over wheat toast).

- Posted using BlogPress from iPhone

Location:1800 Granby St Norfolk, VA 23517

Categories : 3 Forks, Fork on the Road, Southeastern U.S., 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.