Category: Restaurant Reviews

An authentic Southern Brazilian Churrascaria, the Fogo de Chao location in Beverly Hills opened its doors in March of 2005 along La Cienega Blvd. The restaurant is really hard to miss – the prominent blue tower at its entrance helps it stand out among other restaurants along the Boulevard. The blue tower also offers an excellent view into the authentic Brazilian process of roasting meats. For about $50 per guest, you’ll enjoy continuous tableside service of fifteen different succulent cuts of beef, pork, lamb, and chicken.

The Food

Traditionally referred to as Churrasco, a Gaucho (a Southern Brazilian Cowboy) would skewer large pieces of meat and then grill them over open flame pits. This Gaucho way of roasting meats has been passed down over the centuries and is an essential element of the Gaucho culture. It is also the foundation of the Fogo de Chao concept.

The Fogo de Chao concept features continuous tableside service by Gaucho chefs bringing you a variety of delicious meats. You’re provided with a small coaster (3rd picture below) – one side is red and the other is green. When you’re ready to be served, signal the Gauchos by flipping your coaster over to the green side. Alternatively, if you need a break, flip the coaster over to the red side and they’ll skip your table. Let the Gaucho know how you like your meat cooked and they’ll slice you a piece right there at the table.

I’ll admit that I was a little skeptical when I first heard about Fogo de Chao. As a huge fan of beef, it was hard to imagine that an all you can eat concept could actually deliver on quality. The first meat to arrive at my table (the meat doesn’t arrive in any particular order) was the Beef Ancho…a succulent and tender piece of rib eye. Next came the Filet Mignon which was just as good (if not better) than the rib eye.

Another fantastic cut of meat (one of their most popular) is the Picanah…a prime cut from the top sirloin. If you’re not a fan of beef, the lamb chops and pork ribs are excellent. They also serve a variety of chicken cuts but I was pretty full by the time those came around.

The Ambiance

As you step inside Fogo de Chao, the first thing you’ll probably notice is the 27-ft tall wine cellar…it’s really an amazing sight. Adorning the walls are colorful murals depicting the scenes of the Gaucho lifestyle and Brazilian culture. The Beverly Hills location seats 280 people and it also offers both semi-private (80 guests) and private (20 guests) dining areas.

The Service

For a restaurant of this size, I was really surprised with the quality of service. The staff and Gauchos were all knowledgeable, attentive and they really strive to ensure that you have a fantastic dining experience.

A local favorite since 1997, Cafe Balcony is a quaint little coffee shop located in West Los Angeles. Tucked away along Rochester Ave (right off of Santa Monica Blvd and Centinela) , this neighborhood gem takes an interesting approach in creating the perfect cup of coffee. Brewed using a unique hand-crafted Siphon (see picture below), the result is a remarkably great tasting cup of coffee that’s always made to order.

The contraption resembles a chemistry set that you may have used in High School. The Siphon is made up of three parts: a burner, a water chamber, and a brewing chamber which holds the freshly ground organic beans. The burner heats up the water and essentially creates a vacuum effect which forces the water into the brewing chamber. The coffee is brewed in the chamber for a few minutes, funneled back down into the water chamber, and then served.

If this all seems a little too scientific for you, don’t worry…they also offer some simpler alternatives. Using the finest Italian coffees from Illy, all of their espresso drinks (lattes, cappuccinos, etc.) are absolutely fantastic.

Cafe Balcony also provides free wireless internet and is open daily till midnight.

NOTE: They don't accept credit cards so remember to bring along some cash.

If you’re looking to enjoy great sushi without putting a dent in your pocketbook, you absolutely must give Sushi Dan a shot. Located on the second floor of the Sunset Plaza complex (above the Virgin Mega Store), Sushi Dan serves a plethora of Japanese specialties with an innovative twist. They have all your favorites…sashimi, specialty rolls, baked rolls, and a fantastic assortment of hot teriyaki meats and udons (Japanese noodle soups).

The Sunset Plaza location can get a little dark in the evening; it’s great for intimacy but not too helpful when you’re trying to read through the menu. The restaurant is broken up into three sections – an indoor dining area, sports bar, and a heated outdoor patio. Parking is available at the complex but make sure that you get your ticket validated at the restaurant before leaving (otherwise, the parking fee can be pretty hefty).

Sushi Dan currently has two locations in the Los Angeles area. The location shown above (Sunset Plaza) is in West Hollywood while the other is nestled along Ventura Blvd in Studio City. Both locations sport an upbeat vibe, attentive service, and sushi that is surprisingly affordable.

Located along 4th Street in Santa Monica (next door to Benihana), Border Grill is an upbeat and trendy Mexican restaurant with a fantastic vibe. Originally a taco stand along Melrose Ave, Border Grill was relocated to its Santa Monica location in 1990 by owners/chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken. For those of you who used to watch the Food Network in the mid to late 90’s, you may remember them from their show, “Cooking With Too Hot Tamales”. Ok, maybe I was the only one who watched that show; anyhow, let’s start with the ambiance.

The Ambiance

One of the first things you’ll notice as you step inside Border Grill is the vibrant colors; there is definitely no shortage of red, blue, and yellow. A little too bold for some, I think it transitions perfectly into the second thing you’ll notice – the noise. Although it’s bearable, I would suggest going elsewhere if you’re looking for something romantic. But when you combine the vibrant colors and acoustics, what you get is a setting that perfectly complements the food you’re about to enjoy.

The Food

I have frequented Border Grill on quite a few occasions and have always found the food to be full of flavor and consistently good. The cuisine is Contemporary Mexican, which in my interpretation and understanding, is a twist on traditional Mexican fare.

For your appetizer, I would recommend the Green Corn Tamales...they are always flavorful and come out just right. The Tortilla Soup is usually pretty good, but it was a little too salty the last time I had it. For your entrée, the Grilled Skirt Steak is a favorite; it’s infused with garlic, cilantro, and lime and served with a handmade flour tortilla (I’m actually getting a little hungry while writing this).

If you still have room left for desert, go for the Tres Leches cake; it’s served with passion fruit and topped with a sweet pear sauce. The Pastel Ruffians is also a great choice. It’s a fluffy layered pastry with cream cheese and fresh berries.

If you happen to be at Border Grill during Happy Hour, make sure to try the Margaritas or the Sangrias…they’re not always the strongest, but good nonetheless. Happy Hour is from 4pm to 7pm on the weekdays and most drinks can be had for about $3.

Cost & Reservations

Expect to spend about $5-$10 on appetizers and anywhere from $15 to $30 for the main course. It does get busy in the evenings, especially on the weekends, so I suggest that you call ahead to make reservations.

Bay Cities Italian Deli is a gourmet market and deli with a great selection of Italian and Mediterranean specialty foods. Located in Santa Monica along Lincoln Blvd, it has been a local favorite since 1925. Although they have a great selection of imported olive oil, fine coffee, and other Italian goodies, it’s the sandwiches that bring most people into the Deli. Using only the freshest ingredients and the finest Italian products, there are few places in Los Angeles that can match the quality and taste of a Bay Cities sandwich.

If you’ve been to Bay Cities Italian Deli in the past, you’re probably already used to the long lines. On any ordinary day, and depending on how busy it is, you should expect to wait anywhere from 10-20 minutes before you can get your hands on a sandwiches. If you’re in a hurry or want to come by on your lunch break, I would suggest placing your order ahead of time so that you can avoid the wait. You can fax in your order or submit it online, just make sure to do it about 45 minutes before you’re ready to come in.

The Sandwiches

You can create your own sandwich from a great selection of Italian meats and cheeses; alternatively, you can opt for one of their sandwich combos. If it’s your first time, I would suggest going for the latter. Their most popular sandwiches are the Poorboy (with Bologna, Cotto Salami, Swiss Cheese), the Godmother (with Genoa Salami, Mortadella Coppacola, Ham, Prosciutto, Provolone) and the Caprese (with Water Mozzarella, Onion, Tomato, Basil, Oregano, Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, Salt & Pepper).

The sandwiches are a little on the pricey side, so expect to pay around $8 (depending the combination and size). Once you have your sandwich, you can either take it with you or enjoy it outside on the patio.

Located in Westwood, Coffee Zinio is a cozy neighborhood Café that’s nestled along Westwood Blvd – about a block north of Santa Monica Blvd.

Since it’s a Persian Café and located in a predominantly Persian neighborhood, you’ll hear lots of people speaking Farsi. Don’t worry though…the staff is always courteous, helpful, and they really do their best to make you feel welcome. There are about a half dozen tables to choose from inside; alternatively, you can opt to sit outside on the patio. Smoking is allowed on the patio, so if cigarettes and/or hookah smoke bother you, I suggest sitting indoors.

If you're hungry, Coffee Zinio serves fantastic Panini sandwiches, an assortment of fresh pastries, and fine Persian Teas. In the evening, the upbeat atmosphere makes it the perfect spot to hang out with some friends or a date; if you're into smoking hookah, they have a variety of flavors for you to choose from. For the Soccer (football) enthusiast, they have a large Plasma TV with satellite coverage from around the world.

If you can’t find any parking along Westwood Blvd, you can park for free in the parking lot right next door to the Café (right below Ross).

Bordering Beverly Hills, Al Gelato is a small Italian eatery nestled along Robertson Blvd. As you may have already guessed, their specialty is homemade Italian Gelato – a thick and creamy spin on American-style Ice Cream. If you come in for the Gelato and are overwhelmed by the options (there are usually about 25 on display), they’ll be more than happy to let you sample the flavors; I would suggest sampling either the Pistachio or Coffee Crunch flavors first. But there is much more to Al Gelato than just the deserts; their food is quite good.

The Food

I love coming to Al Gelato for the pasta, but I’ll admit…the taste isn’t for everyone. The marinara sauce is thick and creamy, but what sets it apart from typical Italian fare you’ll find in Los Angeles is that it’s on the sweet side. If you’re not a fan of marinara sauce, give their pesto a shot…it’s a little extra, but worth it. Their most popular pasta dish is the Rigatoni – served in either a full or half portion. The portions are hearty and will probably fill you up, but the full is only a few dollars more and you can take it home with you.

If you’re a meatball fan, good news for you; their meatballs are huge and are complemented perfectly by the sweet marinara sauce. All of the food is accompanied by freshly baked bread that is delivered warm right to your table; it’s also great for soaking up that left over marinara sauce. If you do decide to take some food home with you, leave the bread behind – it’s not very good after a few hours

For desert, there is the Gelato of course. If you’re not in the mood for Gelato or maybe want something to accompany it, they have a variety of homemade Italian desserts, including crispy cannolis, creamy tiramisu, and a fantastic apple pie.

The Service

This is really a toss-up and it depends on what mood you catch them in. The staff has been there for years and on some days they’re absolutely great. However, on other days – they can come off as a little obnoxious or snotty. Since I’ve been eating here for years, I’ve learned to just let it go; plus, the food and desert make up for it.

NOTE: Al Gelato only accepts cash. If you forget, there’s a gas station a few blocks away and an ATM machine at the 7-Eleven on Olympic and La Cienega.

Located along Swarthmore Ave, A La Tarte Bistro is a cozy French cafe in the Pacific Palisades. There are about a half dozen tables that spill onto the sidewalk and another half dozen inside. It gets somewhat stuffy inside the restaurant, especially on a warm day, so you’ll probably be more comfortable sitting outside. Great people watching, a little sun, and the cool ocean breeze…what more could you ask for?

The best time to visit A La Tarte Bistro is on the weekends…especially on Sunday during the Farmers’ Market from 8am to 1:30pm. It does get busy on Sunday because of the Farmers’ Market – so you may have to wait a little for a table outside (the tables inside are usually free). The service is always friendly and accommodating, but if they’re shorthanded or if it’s especially busy, they make take a little while.

The Food

Since I only visit A La Tarte Bistro for Breakfast, I can’t really comment on their Lunch menu; although I can probably speculate that it’s of similar quality. If you’re a fan of French Toast, you are in for a real treat. Their Pain Perdu is not what you’d normally expect from French Toast, since it’s baked rather than fried/grilled – but it’s as good as it gets. If you’re there on a Sunday, your order will also come with fresh fruit, homemade jam, and a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice. The Brunch portion is huge and can probably accommodate two people (depending on how hungry you are).

If you’re not in the mood for French Toast, the Eggs Benedict is also fantastic; it’s served on their rustic French bread as opposed to the traditional English muffin.

The cost is reasonable and you’ll probably end up leaving around $40 with tax and tip for two people.

Note

You should note that they automatically add a 15% gratuity to your check…regardless of how many people are in your party. They do have sign posted inside which mentions that they will be adding gratuity in spirit of the customary European tradition. I always find this funny because in Europe, gratuity and taxes are included into the price of an individual menu item and not added in the end. Regardless, the service is great so you would’ve likely given it to them anyways.

Nestled along a narrow street right off of the Venice Beach Boardwalk, Piccolo Ristorante is a cozy little Italian restaurant that’s only a stones throw away from the water. With only about a dozen tables in total, 10 inside and 2 outside, the atmosphere at this neighborhood spot is awfully romantic.

Piccolo Ristorante opens its doors at 5pm and doesn’t accept reservations, so you’ll have to either come in early or be prepared for about an hour wait (depending on how busy it is of course). If you find yourself on the waiting list then you have a few options. There is a neighborhood bar right around the corner where you can enjoy some drinks and live music. You can also hang out inside the restaurant, but you’ll have to settle for sitting on the steps (with a bottle of wine of course).

All of its dishes are prepared using only the freshest ingredients and accentuate the flavors of Northern Italy. Their wine list isn’t particularly amazing, but they do have a pretty good selection of Italian wines. The food at Piccolo Ristorante has always been consistent, but I wasn’t crazy about it the last time I visited. Their signature dish – the Potatoes and Fig Tortellini was excellent, but the rest of the food came out a little too salty (something everyone in my party noticed). I’m not one of those people who complain and send the food back, so I did end up eating it all. Since this wasn’t my first time at the restaurant and I was happy in the past, I’ll just treat this as an isolated incident.

The food is not cheap; a bottle of wine, 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, and dessert will run you about $150 (with tip).

Getting Here

Parking in Venice Beach can be a little tricky, so your best bet is to park at the lot on Rose Ave & Speedway for $4. After parking your car, take the Boardwalk a few blocks south and then make a left on Dudley Street; Piccolo Ristorante will be on your left.

Gone are the days of purchasing a 12’’ sub, fries and a drink for $4 plus tax. Roll Inn Sandwich used to be one of my favorite spots to visit after a night at the bar or club…it was open late, cheap, and the food hit the spot. I haven’t eaten at Roll In for years and last night a friend called me and said, “Ron, lets get that $4 sub in Westwood”. Hungry and a little short on cash, I gladly obliged.

The first thing I noticed on their window was a sign that read something along the lines of, “We Now Serve Very Expensive Bread”. I was never really a fan of the old bread so I was thrilled that they changed it up…but how much of that cost would be passed on to me? I ordered my usual foot-long steak sub and diet cola…I decided to skip the fries this time. The cashier punched in my order and the total came to $7.25. Wow, that must really be expensive bread.

Turns out that the management recently changed; that’s probably one of the reasons for the the price increase. The quality of the meat hasn’t changed (it’s still chewy and fatty), but the bread was surprisingly good. My friend went with the Chicken Kabob sandwich which I found to be a little dry. The best part of my experience was trying to get enough napkins…they only hand them out to you one at a time.

In the past, I would’ve been willing to deal with the parking in Westwood for $4, but with the price increase…it’s no longer worth the effort.