Tuesday, July 24, 2007

BUBBA GUMPS, Monterey

Overrated. Decent food, slow but courteous service. Lush drinks that were to die for. We took home souvenir mugs and I'd have to say that was the best part.

Bought the mugs, don't need to go back.

EL TORITO, Monterey

Best Mexican food I've ever had. And I've had some good ones. I ordered Steak and Shrimp fajitas. Delicious!! Never had any mexican this good before. Hubby loved his, and child liked his as well.

And it was oceanside to boot. We enjoyed watching the harbor seals veg out on the rocks below. Right down the street from Monterey Bay Aquarium on Cannery Row. Definitely must go!

STEAKHOUSE at the Peppermill, Reno

Wow. What a wonderful experience this was.

Great private booth settings. Our waiter was wonderful. He moved my silverware around to accomodate where I was sitting! Totally felt waited on! Wonderful apps. Great breads and spreads. Lobster Bisque to die for. Top notch steak/potatoes/veggies and deserts. But he forgot our salads. He honestly had a 10 for service until that moment. We were so full though, we couldn't have made room for salad if we tried.

Loved the meal - definitely in my Top 5 dinners ever.

Others you may ask:
PF Changs, Vegas
Ricardo's, Lacey
Metropolitan Grill, Seattle
El Torito, Monterey

ANTHONY'S HEARTHFIRE GRILL, Olympia

It's Anthony's spin-off restaurant. They took over where Genoa's used to be on the water. Great location and ambience inside and out. Accoustics a bit noisy on the inside, so we opted for table outside. Wonderful setting. Quiet and peaceful. Service a bit slow, but didn't matter as we relaxed with the views.

Food was good, not great, but good. Poor choices for kids menu, either that, or my son ordered the wrong thing. My strawberry daiquiri was terrible. They brought me another one, just as bad. It tasted like an unflavored, but strawberry colored slushi. Would have appreciated better service.

Would go back, but don't expect service or menu like original Anthony's. If you want something different, try this one, but if you want authentic Anthony's, go back to the other one.

CLUBSIDE CAFE, Olympia

I admit I found this place a little too late. I knew about it, but delayed going. Darn.

Wonderful food, good service, diner setting. Have been a couple times now. Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches are yummo! Very authentic. But word on the street is they are filing bankruptcy and have cut back hours dramatically. If you can still get in for lunch - you'll enjoy. Haven't tried their breakfasts yet, but need to do it soon, just in case they leave!

JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE, Lacey

Yummy!!! This saves us a 40 minute drive to Sakura every two months or so.

The setting is classy and nice. Chefs are funny, entertaining, good at what they do, and best of all - make great food. The sauces are different from Sakura's, but very likable.

Setting, food, service - all great. Definitely a great place to go for a night out, birthday, anniversary, or just to enjoy a good meal! Finally, a good restaurant, close to home!