Italian

2013 ~ Edition 1
Karl’s Korner
A guide to fine dining
Securities Offered Through LPL Financial; Member FINRA/SIPC
One of my passions is fine dining. This booklet is my first
edition of Karl’s Korner, an accumulation of restaurant
reviews over many years. I hope you find this guide
interesting and useful and if you know anyone who might be
interested in receiving a copy feel free to request one at the
email or phone number below. Bon appétit!
Karl H. Romero, CFP®, AIF®, CFS
1585 E. 17th St., Santa Ana, CA 92705 ▪ 714.547.8787 ▪ Fax 714.547.8080
ww.karlromero.com ▪ karl.romero@lpl.com
Catal
Mediterranean
Food

Ambiance
| 
Anaheim, CA | 1580 Disneyland Dr | (714) 774-4442 |
www.patinagroup.com
Catal in Downtown Disney is a gem. The menu is “Mediterranean”
inspired. Chef Dustin Atoiguie has been creating fabulous dishes for
the past four and a half years. Their signature dish is the
“Compressed Salad” pictured
here. It is a remarkable dish
that you have to see and taste
to believe. Their short-rib dish
is probably the best I have had
anywhere. If you like chicken
as much as I do, you will not
go wrong ordering their
special rotisserie chicken
entree. “Braised Osso Buco” and “Paella” are other dinner favorites.
Priority seating is recommended and can be made in person for
this location on a limited basis. Priority seating can also be
arranged in advance by calling Disney Dining.
Diana
Italian
Food
Ambiance
 | 
Bologna, IT | Via dell'Indipendenza 24 | +39 51 23 1302 |
www.ristorante-diana.it
“The” restaurant in Bologna, Italy! Bologna is the gourmet center of
Italy. Every time you order anything with Bolognese sauce (meat
sauce), know that it
originated in Bologna. After
your selection of your pasta
dish, carts of both boiled
and grilled meats will be
rolled up to your table,
along with a large selection
of grilled vegetables. Diana
is located in the heart of Bologna. This is worth a side trip!
The Hitching
Post II Steakhouse

Food
Ambiance
| 
Buellton, CA | 406 E. Hwy 246 | (805) 688-0676 |
www.hitchingpost2.com
We had heard raves about the notorious “Hitching Post” restaurant
in Buellton, not too far from Solvang. What a major disappointment
our meals were! “Denny’s” ambiance with “Morton’s” prices. We
had been looking forward to it
because of what we were told
by the “locals" and others
about the “Hitching Post”
having the best steaks. Our
friend, who accompanied us
with her husband, best
described the flavor and
texture of the steaks. “My
steak tastes like cow!”
exclaimed Nancy. What an
appropriate description!
Natalie’s
Food
Ambiance
American      |     
Camden, ME | 83 Bay View St | (207) 236-7008 |
www.nataliesrestaurant.com
If you get to Camden,
Maine and you are a
“foodie”, this is your kind
of
restaurant!
Large
plates with small portions
dominate the menu. I like
to “graze” or try many
things when I dine. The
cuisine is French with an
emphasis in fresh, local
produce.
The
 | 
Waterfront Restaurant Seafood
Food
Ambiance
Camden, ME | 48 Bay View St | (207) 236-3747 |
www.waterfrontcamden.com
This is the place to savor authentic New England lobster rolls! I
personally prefer the tender New England lobster versus our
Pacific Coast rubbery lobster. You can’t get it any fresher unless
you catch it yourself! You have to go to the town of Camden, Maine
to enjoy this place!
Wagon
Wheel
Food
Ambiance
 | 
Breakfast & Brunch
Carmel, CA | 7156 Carmel Valley Rd | (831) 624-8878 |
This coffee shop served the best breakfast I have ever experienced!
It is located at the Valley Hills Center adjacent to the Quail Lodge in
Carmel Valley, California. Teresa and Matt Blair have created a local
breakfast “hangout” that draws folks in for the food. The morning
we had breakfast, we sat at the counter marveling at the efficiency
of the chef with his two able sous chefs. The chorizo omelet I
devoured definitely begged me to return for an encore! From our
counter vantage point, we could observe the pancakes, waffles and
other delicate egg dishes being served to other eager patrons. If
you are anywhere close to Carmel, this place is worth a diversion.
Le
Colonial
Food
Ambiance
 | 
French-Viatnemese
Chicago, IL | 937 N Rush St | (312) 255-0088 |
www.lecolonialchicago.com
Le Colonial is Chicago’s noted up-scale French-Vietnamese
restaurant which vividly recaptures the beauty, romance and spirit
of French colonial Southeast Asia from the 1920’s. Signature
entrees include Ca Chien Saigon, Vietnamese red snapper with a
light, spicy and sour
sauce;
and,
Thit
Nuong,
barbecued
pork over angel hair
noodles with jumbo
shrimp and eggplant
in a curried coconut
sauce. This is a must
when in Chicago.
Charlie Palmer      |    
at Bloomingdale's American
Food
Ambiance
Costa Mesa, CA | 3333 Bristol St | (714) 352-2525 |
www.charliepalmer.com/charlie-palmer-at-bloomingdales
Based on culinary
tradition with a deep
and lasting infusion
of classical French
cuisine, Palmer’s food
has always been an
extension
of
his
personality
–
generous, robust, and
bold.
Hamamori
 | 
Restaurant and Lounge Sushi
Food
Ambiance
Costa Mesa, CA | 3333 Bear St, Ste 320| (714) 850-0880 |
www.hamamorisushibar.com
A gourmet sushi restaurant featuring modern and traditional
Japanese cuisine, this lounge opened on the third level of Crystal
Court in South Coast Plaza. This is “the” sushi place in Orange
County!
Marche’
Moderne
Food
Ambiance
 | 
French
Costa Mesa, CA | 3333 Bristol St #3001 | (714) 434-7900 |
www.marchemoderne.net
My new favorite restaurant is located on the third floor on the
Nordstrom’s side of South Coast Plaza. Marche’ Moderne replaced
Troque, which used to be another favorite of mine. I did not think
that Troque could be improved upon; I was wrong. Chef
extraordinaire, Forent Marneau, shines with seasonally-inspired
French cuisine that ranges from simple to luxury fare,
complimented by 40 wines by the glass from the cozy bar. A
charming patio offers intimate cabanas for al fresco dining. If you
like fish, try their lightly grilled Skatewing. For beef fans, their
steaks are among the best.
Mesa
American
Food
Ambiance
 | 
Costa Mesa, CA | 725 Baker St | (714) 557-6700 |
mesacostamesa.com
My daughter, Melissa, brought this restaurant to my attention. We
joined Greg, her husband, and Melissa for an excellent dinner. This
is another “large plate small portion” restaurant; but again, all the
better to sample many outstanding dishes! The bruschetta was
among the best I have ever tasted even comparing to what I have
experienced in Italy.
Raya
American
Food
Ambiance
 | 
Dana Point, CA | 1 Ritz-Carlton Drive | (949) 240-2000 |
www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/LagunaNiguel/Dining/Raya
/Default.htm
Since the management change from Ritz Carlton to Marriott years
ago, the restaurants at this hotel have been consistently awful.
Until now! Raya has not been open that long; but, what an
outstanding eatery. It is a fusion of Asian with high-end Mexican
specializing in sea food.
We have been back
several times and were
amazed
each
time.
Suggest you get a table
near
the
windows
around sunset.
Inka
Mamma’s
Food

Ambiance
| 
Peruvian
Foothill Ranch, CA | 26676 Portola Pkwy | (949) 951-6262
www.inkamamas.com
Tired of going to the same restaurants? Are you just a little
adventurous? How about Peruvian food? My personal trainer has
been telling me for months
to try this place. Wow! They
serve
great
food
at
reasonable prices. There
were so many items on the
menu that I was not familiar
with but looked enticing. I
had
the
“Arroz
con
Mariscos”
–
seasoned
seafood mixed with rice & vegetables cooked in cilantro juice –
served with sarza criolla (red onions marinated in lime).
Brodard
Chateau
Food
Ambiance
 | 
Vietnamese
Garden Grove, CA | 9100 Trask Ave | (7 14) 899-827 3 |
www.brodard.net/chateau
If you hav e never tri ed Vietnames e
food, you have to sample the fare
here. I like Asian food but have now
concluded
that
Vietnames e
definitely has an edge. Vietnames e
cuisine is set apart by herbs, ev erpres ent bus hels of fragrant, mi nty,
lemony herbs that seem to grow
right out of your pl ate. The v ariety
available will entice you back for
more.
Opah

| 
Restaurant & Bar Seafood
Food
Ambiance
Irvine, CA | 13122 Jamboree Road | (7 14) 508-8055 |
opahrestaurant.com
This urban-chic eatery is located in Irvine. The grilled wild salmon
I ordered was generous in size and prepared perfectly. I liked it so
much that I want to go back try some of the other fish entrees.
Lavender
Bistro American
Food
Ambiance
 | 
La Quinta, CA | 7 807 3 Calle Barcelona | (7 60) 564-5353 |
www.lavenderbistro.com
Lavender Bistro is one of La
Quinta’s finest restaurants.
Try the roasted beet salad,
which is sprinkled with goat
cheese and drizzled with
horseradish crème fraiche.
Then, either the oven roasted
pork chop or herb-crusted
New Zealand rack of lamb
would be perfect!
Alessá
Laguna Beach
Food
Ambiance
 | 
Italian
Laguna Beach, CA | 234 Forest Ave | (949) 497-8222 |
alessalaguna.com
Recently opened, this is their third restaurant and probably their
best. They specialize in southern Italian fare. Fun place. Great
service. Reasonable prices for an outstanding menu. Located in
the heart of downtown Laguna Beach.
Nick’s
Laguna Beach
Food
Ambiance
 | 
Amer. - Breakfast & Brunch
Laguna Beach, CA | 440 S Coast Hwy| (949) 376-8595 |
nicksrestaurants.com/nicks-laguna-beach
Nick’s features classic American
comfort food, crave-able bar snacks,
plus unique cocktails and an extensive
wine list at reasonable prices. This is a
great place to have breakfast after
Sunday church. Walk off a fabulous
breakfast by touring the city’s many art
galleries. It is located directly across
the street from the Hotel Laguna Beach.
The Loft
Food
Ambiance
American      |    
Laguna Beach, CA | 30801 S Coast Hwy | (949) 715-6420 |
www.montagelagunabeach.com/laguna-beach-restaurants.php
Unlike the other restaurant at the Montage, The Studio, The Loft
offers outstanding dining selections at reasonable prices. This truly
has to be one of the best “undiscovered” res taurants in Orange
County. I would describe their s tyle as American comfort food. You
won’t be disappointed. Again, I suggest you get a table near the
windows around sunset.
Jizake
Sushi
Food
Ambiance
 | 
Laguna Niguel, CA | 30001 Crown Valley Pkwy, Ste C | (949)
363-9779 | www.jizakeoc.com/index.html
Maybe the best sushi restaurant in Orange County! Even during the
week, if you don’t have a reservation, you won’t get in! Because of
its popularity, everything has to be fresh on a daily basis.
Merriman’s
Hawaiian
Food
Ambiance
 | 
Lahaina, HI | 1 Bay Club Pl | (808) 669-6400 |
www.merrimanshawaii.com
Incredible ambiance! Likewise, the food! Located at Kapalua on the
island of Maui with an oceanside setting at the Bay Club. We
enjoyed it so much we came back two more times! You like fish?
Perhaps a great steak? This is the place.
Bin 189
American

Food
Ambiance
| 
Lake Arrowhead, CA | 27 984 Hwy 189| (909) 337 -4189 |
laresort.com/bin189.asp
Another disaster. The Lake Arrowhead Resort was recently
remodeled beautifully. Their signature restaurant is Bin 189. They
should hav e invested in a real chef. They have some of the strangest
dinner concoctions I have ever seen on a menu. Mixing Thai
elements with Italian and
Mexican jus t doesn’t work.
We were thankful that they
knew how to scramble eggs
at breakfast! Stay at the
Resort; but, avoid the
restaurant.
Russo’s

Neighborhood
Ristorante & Bar Italian
| 
Hatam
Restaurant
| 
Food
Ambiance
Long Beach, CA | 5856 E Naples Plaza | (562) 433-1616 |
russosofnaples.com
If you are in the Long Beach/Belmont Shore area, you need to dine
at Russo’s. This is a
very reasonably priced
neighborhood Italian
restaurant
in
the
“Naples” area of Long
Beach. Jack Russo, the
owner, comes from a
long line of Sicilian
fishermen, most born
and raised in Trappeto, a small fishing village 24 miles from
Palermo. To get a feel for what the province of Trappeto is like, just
look at the large photos in his restaurant.
Food

Ambiance
Middle Eastern
Mission Viejo, CA | 25800 Jeronimo Rd #402 |
(949) 768-0122 | www.hatamcuisine.com
Here is another fine ethnic restaurant. Melissa, my daughter, found
this one on Yelp. We were on our way to a football game and just
wanted a place to “eat”; but,
instead found a fabulous place to
“dine!” Very reasonably priced
Persian/Iranian, Middle Eastern
food is featured here. I had the
“Abas Polo” – Basmati Rice with
raisins, lentils and dates mixed in
and boiled chicken served in a very tasty, slightly tangy sauce.
Trattoria
Mollie Italian
Food
Ambiance
 | 
Montecito, CA | 1250 Coast Village Rd| (805) 565-9381 |
www.tmollie.com
The best meal we had all weekend was enjoyed as we were driving
home. We fueled our cars at Montecito, where we discovered a
great Italian
restaurant,
“Trattoria
Mollie.” WOW!
Pasta aldente!
Sauces
that
screamed
“Italian!” This
is worth a
Sunday drive.
 | 
Estiatorio
Milos Mediterranean-Greek-Seafood
Food
Ambiance
New York, NY | 125 W 55th St | (212) 245-7400 |
milos.ca/restaurants/new-york
Again, while in New York City, I felt like eating “fish.” Wow! Did we
luck out! Our hotel’s Concierge directed us to Estiatorio Milos. The
freshest, most flavorful fish, vegetables and fruits, prepared in the
subtlest way and served in an
elegant, spacious setting, is
why Milos is becoming one of
New York City’s most lauded
restaurants. Feast on savory,
yet simple, dishes and enjoy
impeccable service - all in the
classic Greek tradition.
Il
Gattopardo
Food
Ambiance
 | 
Italian
New York, NY | 13-15 West 54th St | (212) 246-0412 |
ilgattopardonyc.com
Fortunately, this quarter I had the pleasure of eating at another
great NYC Italian restaurant - Il Gattopardo (The Leopard). Chef
Vito Gnazzo lights up
this tiny restaurant
with rustic classics
from Naples and its
surroundings, like the
cabbage
wrapped
meatballs encircling
hard-boiled egg and
mashed potatoes. The
ricotta and wheat
torta, called pastiera, is a rare find. A great bottle of wine from the
Campagnia region of Italy (area around Naples) will compliment
anything selected.
Lattanzi
Ristorante
Food

Ambiance
| 
Italian
New York, NY | 361 W 46th St | (212) 315-0980 |
lattanzinyc.com
When you are in NYC trying to locate something different in Italian
dining before or after the “theatre,” this is your place! Lattanzi is
located in the theatre district. The menu items look familiar; but,
the preparation is anything but typical. For their Jewish patrons,
they have a very special menu to meet their dietary needs. Among
the items we savored were the “Mozzarella E Pomodoro”
(homemade mozzarella and fresh tomato), Insalata Di Carciofi
Funghe Parmigiano (artichokes, mushrooms, parmesan), and
Grigliata Mista Di Carni (mixed gill of lamb, chicken and veal).
Basilic
Food
Ambiance
Swiss French      |     
Newport Beach, CA | 217 Marine Ave | (949) 673-0570 |
www.basilicrestaurant.com
I have two great restaurants to recommend! According to the 2005
Zagat Survey, “Basilic is so tiny you can miss it if you’re not careful.
This hidden gem on Balboa
Island is a slightly quirky
bastion of French- Swiss bliss,
where visits begin with a
warm welcome from urbane
chef-owner Bernard Althaus.
Not only is the classy cuisine
extraordinary,
but
the
exceptional service adds to
the complete dining experience.” The first Tuesday of each month,
Traditional Swiss Raclette, a cheese fondue from the Canton of
Valais in Switzerland, is served. Their “Seafood Risotto” and
“Sauteed Sliced Veal Tenderloin Zurich Style” will not disappoint
you. Dinner is served at Basilic Tuesdays through Saturdays.
R+D
Kitchen
Food

Ambiance
| 
American
Newport Beach, CA | 555 Newport Center Dr |
(949) 219-0555 | www.hillstone.com
You want great hearty food at reasonable prices with no “corkage
fee?” Run! Don’t walk! I was recently introduced to this restaurant
and was very impressed. It is
located in Fashion Island across
from Nieman Marcus Department
Store. Café R & D is part of the
Houston’s/Bandera chain. Their
menu choices are limited but of
high quality. Try the “deviled egg” appetizers to start. Assuming
you are in the mood for a cheeseburger, they serve one of the best.
They take reservations for parties of 5 or less after 5 PM.
Garlic
Jo’s Asian Fusion-Steakhouse
Food
|
Ambiance
Newport Beach, CA | 2332 West Coast Hwy |
(949) 673-8444 | www.garlic-jos.us
Awful! It describes itself as a “steakhouse Asian Fusion”
combination. I thought anything with garlic always tasted good!
Great disappointment.
Gulfstream
American-Seafood
Food

Ambiance
| 
Newport Beach, CA | 850 Avocado Ave | (949) 718-0188 |
www.hillstone.com
Located at the corner of MacArthur and Pacific Coast Highway on
the site of the old A&W drive through. They have a limited but
excellent
menu.
Their fried chicken
salad
is
remarkable.
Are
you in the mood for
wild salmon or
steak?
Their
servings are ample
and very tasty!
Il Barone
Ristorante
Food
Ambiance
 | 
Italian
Newport Beach, CA | 4251 Martingale Way |
(949) 955-2755 | www.ilbaroneristorante.com
This may be the best Italian restaurant in Orange County! Franco
Barone used to be the chef at Antonellos. He now brings his own
flair and style to his fabulous restaurant. Very high quality at
reasonable prices. The dishes are authentic Italian.
The
Dock
Food

Ambiance
| 
American
Newport Beach, CA | 281 6 Lafayette Rd | (949) 67 3-3625 |
www.eatatthedock.com
Located where the ori ginal Le Que s tood, the “Arches” took ov er
serving v ery poor, barely edible offerings. The Dock is the latest
occupant. M ediocre American entrees served in a great location.
Much better than the Arches but no Le Que. Go there for the quiet,
waterside location, hors d'oeuv res and a glass of wine.
Wildfish
Seafood Grille
Food

Ambiance
| 
Seafood
Newport Beach, CA | 1370 Bison Ave | (949) 720-9925 |
www.wildfishseafoodgrille.com
Now, what about a good, local restaurant? I have one for you. If you
like fresh seafood, try the Wildfish Seafood Grille in Newport
Beach. “The only thing primitive about the Wildfish Seafood Grill is
the swimming fresh seafood - mostly caught the day before and
shipped next day.” Veteran restaurateurs Guy Villavaso and Larry
Foles
(Z’Tejas,
Edgewater Grill)
have created a first
class
seafoodsteakhouse combo,
which
attracts
food-loving
couples.
Gabbi’s
 | 
Mexican Kitchen Mexican
Food
Ambiance
Orange, CA | 141 S Glassell St | (714) 633-3038 |
www.gabbipatrick.com/gabbis-mexican-kitchen
Fabulous fresh Mexican food! So many familiar dishes done in a
gourmet style. I have
eaten there several
times to try different
dishes. Try the Torte
de
elote;
mole
Oaxaquena: flatiron
steak over a cheese
enchilada. They are
located off the circle
in old Orange.
Renata's
Cafe Italiano

Food
Ambiance
| 
Italian
Orange, CA | 227 E Chapman Ave| (714) 771-4740 |
www.renatascafe.com
Mediocre “Franco American” style Italian food. If you are desperate
for Italian food and like to sit in crowded patios, this could be the
place to “fuel up.” Restaurant is located off the circle in old Orange.
Il Vineto
Venetian
Food
Ambiance
 | 
Rome, IT | Via Vittorio Veneto 6 | +39 06
486617 |
Wonderful small enoteca in Rome, Italy. It seems
that most trattorias
have been replaced
by
enotecas.
Enotecas offer a
limited menu for
food, but have a
vast offering of
wines by the glass.
Il Vineto is located
across the street
from the American
Embassy.
54 Mint
Italian
Food

Ambiance
| 
San Francisco, CA | 16 Mint Plaza | (415) 543-5100 |
www.54mint.com
54 Mint is one of San Francisco’s newest Italian restaurants. It is
located across the street from Nordstrom’s. They offer Italian
country style cooking at its best. It’s fun to go there and just graze
through the various cheeses, olives, cold cuts and breads.
A-16
Italian
Food
Ambiance
 | 
San Francisco, CA | 2355 Chestnut St | (415) 771-2216 |
www.a16sf.com
A-16 is the name of a San Francisco restaurant named after a
highway that runs through the Campania area of Italy. Few
restaurants concentrate on
a single area of Italy and
produce results as delicious
as this restaurant does!
Pizzaiolos pull perfect pizza
pies from a wood-fired
oven, and patrons gather at
the bar sipping wines from southern Italy. Pizza Margherita with a
slightly blistered crust and a carafe of Southern Italian red wine is a
great way to enjoy a leisurely afternoon in San Francisco!
Bob’s Steak
& Chop House
Food
Ambiance
 | 
Steakhouse
San Francisco, CA | 500 California St | (415) 273-3085 |
www.bobs-steakandchop.com
I love a great steak! I do believe Bob’s Steak & Chop House in San
Francisco will easily give Morton’s, Ruth’s Chris and any other
steakhouse a “run
for their money.”
Bob’s is located
in a beautifully
restored historic
building on the
cable car line at
the base of Nob
Hill. This DIRoNa award-winning restaurant is located at the corner
of California and Montgomery Streets inside the Omni San
Francisco Hotel. Meat lovers agonize over entree choices, like
prime aged filet mignon, and rack of lamb with a flamed exterior
and rosy, succulent center.
Café
De La Presse
Food

Ambiance
| 
French
San Francisco, CA | 352 Grant Ave | (415) 398-2680 |
www.cafedelapresse.com
For centuries, cafes the world
over have provided patrons with
entertainment that draws on all
walks of life. In these gathering
places of art, politics, fashion,
and every day events, café-goers
partake in a unique convergence
of
eclectic
culture
and
traditional cuisine. Great place
for lunch.
Cotogna
Italian
Food
Ambiance
 | 
San Francisco, CA | 490 Pacific Ave | (415) 775-8508 |
www.cotognasf.com
This is another great Italian restaurant in San Francisco. It’s
located in the financial district. I enjoyed the “Burrata with Beets,”
“Gnocchi with fresh peas and Dungeness Crab,” and a fabulous
“Rotisserie Pork loin with fennel and sweet peas.”
Farallon
Seafood
Food
Ambiance
 | 
San Francisco, CA | 450 Post St #4 | (415) 956-6969 |
www.farallonrestaurant.com
Few restaurants offer the whimsical appeal of Farallon, what with
its jellyfish light fixtures that hang from the ceiling in the bar, the
white plastered nook of a room that feels like the inside of a
nautical shell, and the
painted mosaic dome
over the main dining
room that used to be the
ceiling for the Elks Club
pool.
This
is
an
extraordinary
“fish”
restaurant. I could not decide what I wanted off the menu so I
decided on their tasting menu. What a treat!
Fleur
de Lys
Food
Ambiance
 | 
French
San Francisco, CA | 777 Sutter St | (415) 673-7779 |
www.hubertkeller.com/restaurants/fleur-de-lys.html
When you are in SFC and you have an evening set aside for a great,
romantic (what else?) French restaurant, Fleurs De Lys is where
you must dine. Beautiful decor, great ambience, and the ability to
carry a low-toned conversation and actually to hear your dining
companion all describe this place. Have you noticed how many new
trendy restaurants are being built with such awful acoustics? Fleur
de Lys is one of the oldest restaurants at the top of San Francisco’s
best restaurant list. It keeps its high rank thanks to the passion and
talent of Chef Hubert Keller
(pictured with my wife Lorelei
and I), who has been behind the
stoves since 1986. The FrenchCalifornian cuisine will not
disappoint you!
Hakkasan
Cantonese
Food
Ambiance
 | 
San Francisco, CA | 1 Kearny St | (415) 829-8148 |
hakkasan.com/sanfrancisco
Finally a great “Chinese” restaurant in San Francisco! One would
think that with the many Chinese restaurants in the city, there
would be several meeting
my expectations. Not so.
Their course emphasis is
duck. If you are not a fan
of duck, there are plenty
of succulent alternatives
prepared to give you
fond memories.
Jardiniére
French-American
Food
Ambiance
 | 
San Francisco, CA | 300 Grove St | (415) 861-5555 |
www.jardiniere.com
Housed in a beautiful landmark building in San Francisco’s Civic
Center, Jardinière features award winning French-Californian
cuisine of chef and co-owner Traci Des Jardins in the warm, elegant
two-story interior designed by co-owner Paul Kuleto. Definitely
reserve
a
table on the
second floor
so you can
people watch
the locals at
the bar below.
What’s good?
Try
the
salmon grilled
perfectly with capers in a light lemon sauce.
Kokkari
Estiatorio
Food
Ambiance
 | 
Mediterranean-Greek
San Francisco, CA | 200 Jackson St | (415) 981-0983 |
www.kokkari.com/home
The first name of the restaurant makes one think this is a Japanese
restaurant; but, no! Greek food is not easy to come by in San
Francisco, but at this sweeping, comfortable restaurant, complete
with roaring fireplace where suckling pig is spit-roasted, you can
feast like Zeus. Chef Erik
Cosselmon does the expected
Greek classics beautifully, but
the more adventurous diner
can enjoy the likes of goat stew,
grilled octopus, whole fish and
house-made headcheese.
Ozumo
Food
Sushi-Asian Fusion
Ambiance
 | 
San Francisco, CA | 161 Steuart St | (415) 882-1333 |
www.ozumosanfrancisco.com
Yes! This is a Japanese, sushi restaurant…and what a great dining
experience! The menu is contemporary and authentic. Dishes are
prepared with bold, intense flavors with an emphasis on high
quality,
fresh
ingredients. Seasonal
fish are flown in daily
from
the
finest
markets
and
purveyors around the
world and showcased
in sushi, sashimi,
tempura and hand
rolls. There is no protocol on ordering from the menu; izakaya style
means that dishes are designed to be shared at the table or enjoyed
individually.
Salt
House
Food

Ambiance
| 
American
San Francisco, CA | 545 Mission St | (415) 543-8900 |
salthousesf.com
This eatery is a 75-seat tavern housed in an old printing press
warehouse built in the 1930s with exposed brick, original
hardwood floors, 12-foot windows and oversized rusted iron
girders. They feature contemporary American fare, ranging from
raw bar plateaus to house made charcuterie, appetizers, and
heartier main dishes. They have
wines from all over the world, as
well as custom blended wines on
tap and an extensive cocktail list.
They serve everything until late in
the night.
Sears
Fine Food
Food
Ambiance
 | 
American-Breakfast & Brunch
San Francisco, CA | 439 Powell St | (415) 986-0700 |
searsfinefood.com
This is a fabulous breakfast place near Union Square! They are the
home of the legendary Dollar Size Pancakes. I very rarely eat a large
breakfast. This was worth every calorie!
The
Playground
Food
Ambiance
 | 
American
Santa Ana, CA | 220 E 4th St #102 | (714) 560-4444 |
playgrounddtsa.com
Again, something different. American food prepared like you have
never experienced. How about a starter of cauliflower with butter,
pesto, and bread crumbs
in Parmesan cheese or
tempura
zucchini
drizzled with honey in
Cayenne pepper? All I
can say is you have to try
it! Restaurant is located
in the little Tijuana area
of Santa Ana.
Michael's
Restaurant
Food
Ambiance
 | 
American
Santa Monica, CA | 1147 3rd St | (310) 451-0843 |
www.michaelssantamonica.com
California cuisine at its best! I enjoyed an exquisitely prepared pork
chop. If you are in the mood for gourmet “comfort” food, you need
to dine here. For our Orange County readers, Michael’s is definitely
worth the drive to Santa Monica.
Rose Canyon
Cantina & Grill
Food

Ambiance
| 
Mexican
Trabuco Canyon, CA | 20722 Rose Canyon Rd |
(949) 766-6939 | www.rosecanyoncantina.com
Go here for the ambiance! If you like Mexican food and margaritas,
you will certainly
enjoy Rose’s. It is
located
deep
in
Trabuco
Canyon
among
the
Oak
Trees. Go with a
group of friends and
definitely
reserve
seating on the patio.
Food

The Winery

Restaurant & Wine Bar
Food
Steakhouse-Wine Bar
|
Ambiance
Ambiance
| 
Tustin, CA | 2647 Park Ave | (714) 258-7600 |
www.thewineryrestaurant.net
If the bartenders look familiar to you, then you have been to
Morton’s in Costa
Mesa! The duck
breast I ordered
was tougher than
shoe leather and
lacking in taste. I
punished them
though! I went back the next day for lunch and enjoyed an excellent
roasted chicken salad.
The Grill At
The Antlers Inn
Food
Ambiance
 | 
American-Sushi
Twin Peaks, CA | 26125 California 189 (909) 336-2600 |
www.thegrillatantlersinn.com
What a find! This is an oasis of great food regardless of your palette
at very reasonable prices. The owner/chef is a transplanted LA
restaurateur, who has really done the extraordinary with the
ordinary. Located in Twin Peaks near Blue Jay and Lake
Arrowhead.
 | 
CinCin
Ristorante + Bar Contemporary Italian
Food
Ambiance
Vancouver, BC V6E 3V5, Canada| 1154 Robson St |
(604) 688-7388 | cincin.net
Incredible Italian dining! Ricardo Ferreira brings over 16 years of
hospitality experience amassed in leading restaurants throughout
Vancouver and the UK to
CinCin. The word “authentic”
is used way to too much to
describe
most
Italian
restaurants – not so with
CinCin. Utilizing fresh, local
produce along with wild fish
caught that morning, the chef creates his daily masterpieces.
Antico
 | 
Pignolo Ristorante Italian
Food
Ambiance
Venezia, IT| Calle Specchieri 451 | +39 041 522 8123 |
www.anticopignolo.com
“The fish” restaurant of Venice, Italy! We always enjoy the great
service of our maitre friend, Ectoré. Ask for the grilled sea bass,
which is simply dusted with salt and pepper and nothing else.
Ectoré will drip a little olive oil on the meat after he filets it. The
restaurant building was built in 1200 in the space where the horses
of the ducal stables had been shod. From 1600 to 1700 it was used
as a bakery for a convent. Antico Pingolo was conceived in 1930.