Fraiche - Rustic French and Italian
312 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 451-.7482
VALUE - 7
As for fine dining, this place isn't super-expensive but still is on the pricey side.
TASTE - 6
I was terribly disappointed in how unimpressive the dishes were, especially for this price point. I went there for dinner and ordered the Steak Frites. For anyone who knows me, they know that I have no problems polishing off a plate of red meat. I could not finish this meal. This dish introduced me to the ugly side of how unflavorful, poorly-prepared French cuisine could be. I absolutely was left wanting more. That "more" was "taste."
PRESENTATION - 7
Their presentation was one of the more redeeming qualities of this establishment, yet again, nothing out of the ordinary. I really thought that their presentation ability would at least mask the taste mediocrity.
AMBIANCE - 8
This was their highest mark. Walking distance from the beach, the location was paramount. The decor was welcoming and the lighting was conducive to intimate conversation.
SERVICE - 4
On the other hand, their service received their poorest marks. Our waiter forgot one of the orders, never suggested any wine pairings with our dishes, and asked me why i didn't like the food because I was eating too slowly. If it weren't for my friend's birthday, I would said something for sure.
WOULD I RETURN? - 5
Eh...50/50. I would come back for the ambiance and company, but not for the crappy service nor food.
SOCIAL INTERACTION - 8
The crowd was chill and laid-back, typical of beach community restaurants, not at all snooty. Guests were hip, sophisticated and understated.
OVERALL RATING - 6.27
This experience left me yearning for a taste of properly seasoned, original French and Italian cuisine. I haven't fully given up on the idea of returning to this place, but it wouldn't be any time soon. I didn't have an especially terrible time, but I wasn't impressed either. If I were to summarize the overall experience with one word, it would be "blah."
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Saturday, March 14, 2009
ManilaTown - Homestyle Filipino Food
ManilaTown - Filipino Restaurant
7242 Canoga Ave, Canoga Park, CA 91303
(818) 888-6448
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 7:30-8 p.m.; Sunday, 7:30-3:00 p.m.
VALUE - 9
As with point-point joints, they have one item, and two items deals. The prices are extremely cheap for homemade Filipino dishes.
TASTE - 7
As far as a typical point-point joint, I think the taste is above average. i don't expect stellar results from food on a hot plate. It's the little subtle touches I believe that makes them a little better than the nearest competition.
PRESENTATION - 7
Again, not expecting much. Styrofoam plates and plastic utensils. They make the best with what they have
AMBIANCE - 8
The layout is very friendly and open. Everytime I visit, it seems like there are always cross-table talk. People seem to be very friendly with each other, and large groups seem to like the set up.
SERVICE - 9
I love that the owner herself is the one who gives me food. She even adds on a little free dessert here and there. She always asks if the food is to my liking. She seems very receptive in making her food and service better.
WOULD I RETURN? - 9
Yes, it's a great place to go for a quick bite. Lots of these dishes take forever to make, which makes it convenient for me if I don't feel like cooking.
SOCIAL INTERACTION - 9
Everyone is extremely friendly and courteous. Everyone seems to know each other.
OVERALL RATING - 8.18
Knowing that this falls under a Filipino point-point joint, I had very few expectations. ManilaTown seems to exceed my expectations and found a way to personalize the few things that they can. I like the food, the prices are extremely reasonable and the service is friendly.
7242 Canoga Ave, Canoga Park, CA 91303
(818) 888-6448
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 7:30-8 p.m.; Sunday, 7:30-3:00 p.m.
VALUE - 9
As with point-point joints, they have one item, and two items deals. The prices are extremely cheap for homemade Filipino dishes.
TASTE - 7
As far as a typical point-point joint, I think the taste is above average. i don't expect stellar results from food on a hot plate. It's the little subtle touches I believe that makes them a little better than the nearest competition.
PRESENTATION - 7
Again, not expecting much. Styrofoam plates and plastic utensils. They make the best with what they have
AMBIANCE - 8
The layout is very friendly and open. Everytime I visit, it seems like there are always cross-table talk. People seem to be very friendly with each other, and large groups seem to like the set up.
SERVICE - 9
I love that the owner herself is the one who gives me food. She even adds on a little free dessert here and there. She always asks if the food is to my liking. She seems very receptive in making her food and service better.
WOULD I RETURN? - 9
Yes, it's a great place to go for a quick bite. Lots of these dishes take forever to make, which makes it convenient for me if I don't feel like cooking.
SOCIAL INTERACTION - 9
Everyone is extremely friendly and courteous. Everyone seems to know each other.
OVERALL RATING - 8.18
Knowing that this falls under a Filipino point-point joint, I had very few expectations. ManilaTown seems to exceed my expectations and found a way to personalize the few things that they can. I like the food, the prices are extremely reasonable and the service is friendly.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Lemongrass - Canoga Park
22205 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA
818.703.6608
website
VALUE - 9
When it comes to good food, I do not discriminate between fine dining establishments and just great hole-in-the-walls (HITW). This is the latter. If you're just looking for plain 'ol good Asian food, Lemongrass has to be at the top of your list. Aside from having some of the best Thai dishes I've ever tasted and great portions, the prices alone can make it worth your while. As far as HITWs go, this is one of my favorites.
TASTE - 9
This is Thai food made by Thai people for Thai people. Surprisingly authentic for a HITW establishment, I always leave satisfied. I have been to this place so often that I've pretty much ordered everything on their menu. You will gorge yourself. If you're a waify supermodel, don't even bother coming here. Your heart can't take it. The tom kah kai is creamy and substantial, with just the perfect amount of heat. The seafood curry is a hearty oceanic delight chock-full of shrimp, crab, mussels, fish, squid and herbs. The prik king is savory with a kick. For people fortunate enough to be in-the-know, you will definitely order their special spicy catfish, hands down their best dish. Right off the wok, the catfish is crunchy, topped with a spicy-sweet curry sauce. One warning though, do not order this dish to go or for delivery. By the time you eat it, the sauce would've soaked in the fish into a soggy mess. This definitely does not do the dish justice! Of course, no Thai meal is complete without the Thai-iced tea. I know it's going straight to your thighs, but just get it! Guess what, they come in LARGE!
Amazingly, they also carry a plethora of good vegetarian dishes, a rarity in HITWs. Almost every menu item has a tofu or veggy counterpart.
PRESENTATION - 7
Because this is a HITW, I don't expect much. I'm just happy they serve the food in real dishes and silverware. Don't expect and creme brulee volcanoes.
AMBIANCE - 8
The place has a great casual, friendly atmosphere, perfect for conversation, as long as you don't mind seeing passersby through the window.
SERVICE - 8
The waitresses are cordial and will help Thai food virgins on picking the perfect dish.
WOULD I RETURN? - 10
Absolutely. I probably already went back as this review is being published. It's a hidden jem in the San Fernando Valley that truly transcends beyond its 7/11 strip mall location.
SOCIAL INTERACTION - 9
This is a great place to have a casual lunch or dinner with friends. They remember their regulars and treat them extra-special.
OVERALL RATING - 8.82
Lemongrass not only is one of my favorite HITWs, it has become a great fall back restaurant on days where I cannot risk dining on mediocrity. Every menu item is a hit time and time again. Anyone who enjoys plain good food must give this place a try.
818.703.6608
website
VALUE - 9
When it comes to good food, I do not discriminate between fine dining establishments and just great hole-in-the-walls (HITW). This is the latter. If you're just looking for plain 'ol good Asian food, Lemongrass has to be at the top of your list. Aside from having some of the best Thai dishes I've ever tasted and great portions, the prices alone can make it worth your while. As far as HITWs go, this is one of my favorites.
TASTE - 9
This is Thai food made by Thai people for Thai people. Surprisingly authentic for a HITW establishment, I always leave satisfied. I have been to this place so often that I've pretty much ordered everything on their menu. You will gorge yourself. If you're a waify supermodel, don't even bother coming here. Your heart can't take it. The tom kah kai is creamy and substantial, with just the perfect amount of heat. The seafood curry is a hearty oceanic delight chock-full of shrimp, crab, mussels, fish, squid and herbs. The prik king is savory with a kick. For people fortunate enough to be in-the-know, you will definitely order their special spicy catfish, hands down their best dish. Right off the wok, the catfish is crunchy, topped with a spicy-sweet curry sauce. One warning though, do not order this dish to go or for delivery. By the time you eat it, the sauce would've soaked in the fish into a soggy mess. This definitely does not do the dish justice! Of course, no Thai meal is complete without the Thai-iced tea. I know it's going straight to your thighs, but just get it! Guess what, they come in LARGE!
Amazingly, they also carry a plethora of good vegetarian dishes, a rarity in HITWs. Almost every menu item has a tofu or veggy counterpart.
PRESENTATION - 7
Because this is a HITW, I don't expect much. I'm just happy they serve the food in real dishes and silverware. Don't expect and creme brulee volcanoes.
AMBIANCE - 8
The place has a great casual, friendly atmosphere, perfect for conversation, as long as you don't mind seeing passersby through the window.
SERVICE - 8
The waitresses are cordial and will help Thai food virgins on picking the perfect dish.
WOULD I RETURN? - 10
Absolutely. I probably already went back as this review is being published. It's a hidden jem in the San Fernando Valley that truly transcends beyond its 7/11 strip mall location.
SOCIAL INTERACTION - 9
This is a great place to have a casual lunch or dinner with friends. They remember their regulars and treat them extra-special.
OVERALL RATING - 8.82
Lemongrass not only is one of my favorite HITWs, it has become a great fall back restaurant on days where I cannot risk dining on mediocrity. Every menu item is a hit time and time again. Anyone who enjoys plain good food must give this place a try.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Blair's - Silverlake
2903 Rowena Ave., Los Angeles, CA
323.660.1882 Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 5-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 5-11 p.m.
website
VALUE - 8
The prices were above average, but I found the dishes well worth it.
TASTE - 8.5
I took the advice of previous reviews and ordered trademark dishes like the crab cakes, short ribs and macaroni and cheese side. I was not disappointed. The crab cakes were perfectly prepared with the right amount of cream and full on flavor The short ribs, obviously a crowd favorite, was falling off the bone. The sweetness and smokiness of the glaze was superb. I did notice that the red meat portions were a lot heartier than the fish counterparts. As for the truffle mac and cheese, hands down one of the best mac and cheese I've ever tasted. The weakest of the whole meal to me was dessert. I found the selection typical of many fine dining establishments, not really delving too much into the creative realm.
PRESENTATION - 7.5
Overall, this was probably their lowest score. I didn't really find the plating to be too ostentatious, but fits well within the simple, but elegant theme. The only reason why I scored it low is because I found the everything to be too monochromatic and lack originality.
AMBIANCE - 8.5
I thought the intimate setting was great. I found the lighting one shade too dark but overall, the decor, clientele and theme were not pretentious. Though I tend to favor minimalist, modern contemporary decor.
SERVICE - 9.5
The simplicity yet abundance of flavor of the dishes were only enhanced by the friendly service. I'm not a big fan of stuffy waiters/actors who act like they are better than the restaurant patrons. This is definitely not the case. The wait staff were real people. They were courteous, knowledgeable, but did not treat themselves too seriously.
WOULD I RETURN? - 9
Absolutely! This is a place I can see myself return to on a whim.
SOCIAL INTERACTION - 9
Overall, this is a great place to have a quiet dinner with friends. Along with their wine list, I was impressed by their selection of international beers. The casual yet elegant setting beckons for quiet celebrations and intimate3rd dates.
OVERALL RATING - 8.41
I love the Silverlake area and I love little diamonds found in its restaurants. Blair's is one that does not disappoint. I liked the mac and cheese so much that I might actually be revisiting the establishment just to see if I can bump up their ratings a bit. For a non-pretentious, fine dining experience, Blair's is becoming one of my favorites.
website
VALUE - 8
The prices were above average, but I found the dishes well worth it.
TASTE - 8.5
I took the advice of previous reviews and ordered trademark dishes like the crab cakes, short ribs and macaroni and cheese side. I was not disappointed. The crab cakes were perfectly prepared with the right amount of cream and full on flavor The short ribs, obviously a crowd favorite, was falling off the bone. The sweetness and smokiness of the glaze was superb. I did notice that the red meat portions were a lot heartier than the fish counterparts. As for the truffle mac and cheese, hands down one of the best mac and cheese I've ever tasted. The weakest of the whole meal to me was dessert. I found the selection typical of many fine dining establishments, not really delving too much into the creative realm.
PRESENTATION - 7.5
Overall, this was probably their lowest score. I didn't really find the plating to be too ostentatious, but fits well within the simple, but elegant theme. The only reason why I scored it low is because I found the everything to be too monochromatic and lack originality.
AMBIANCE - 8.5
I thought the intimate setting was great. I found the lighting one shade too dark but overall, the decor, clientele and theme were not pretentious. Though I tend to favor minimalist, modern contemporary decor.
SERVICE - 9.5
The simplicity yet abundance of flavor of the dishes were only enhanced by the friendly service. I'm not a big fan of stuffy waiters/actors who act like they are better than the restaurant patrons. This is definitely not the case. The wait staff were real people. They were courteous, knowledgeable, but did not treat themselves too seriously.
WOULD I RETURN? - 9
Absolutely! This is a place I can see myself return to on a whim.
SOCIAL INTERACTION - 9
Overall, this is a great place to have a quiet dinner with friends. Along with their wine list, I was impressed by their selection of international beers. The casual yet elegant setting beckons for quiet celebrations and intimate3rd dates.
OVERALL RATING - 8.41
I love the Silverlake area and I love little diamonds found in its restaurants. Blair's is one that does not disappoint. I liked the mac and cheese so much that I might actually be revisiting the establishment just to see if I can bump up their ratings a bit. For a non-pretentious, fine dining experience, Blair's is becoming one of my favorites.
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