Mako "I'll try that" S.'s Profile

The first thing I noticed was the awesome view of LA and then the giant terra cotta pots. Nope, it wasn't the alcohol from their "jungle juice" that was playing tricks on my eyes. The giant pots were really there. As for the Leprechaun I saw sitting on top of the pot, well, I can't explain that and I probably need to see a doctor.

Again, I tried this place out because of the Dine LA event, and between 3 people, we were able to choose two appetizers, two entrees, and two desserts for a fixed price of $28 each for lunch. We chose the Calamari Salad and Black Bean and Chickpea Dumplings for our appetizers and they were delicious. I've never had dumplings filled with black bean, but it works out great. It was almost like eating a small fried burrito.

As for our entrees we went with the Miso Cured Alaskan Butterfish and Cuban BBQ Chicken. The butterfish was soft, buttery, and almost melts in your mouth. This was probably my favorite dish. The BBQ chicken didn't really stand out.

We ended our meal with a Cuban Opera. Nope, I didn't have to wear a suit to enjoy this, nor was there any singing involved. Apparently Cuban Opera here means a rich chocolate cake layered with milk chocolate butter cream and coffee mousse with coffee brittle ice cream. If I knew this before, I would have gone to the opera many times. The Mexican Donuts followed and I managed to eat 7 out of the 10 they gave us. Sure, I might be one step closer to diabetes, but it was worth it.

I tried this place out because they were participating in the Dine LA Restaurant week (if you're interested, go here http://discoverlosange...), and honestly, I was sort of disappointed that my appetizer was better than my main dish. My meal started off awesome with bread choices as far as my eyes can see, which is like 2 feet. The walnut bread was my favorite. Since it was Dine LA week, our 3 course dinner was fixed to $44 per person.

I went with the crab ravioli for my appetizer, which made me want to hug the chef, but the glass window between the dining area and kitchen kept me from getting a restraining order.

My main course was the Kurobuta Pork, and I am sad to say that I thought it could of used a little bit more seasoning, and it was a little undercooked. I'm not sure if that's how you normally cook it, but I always thought you have to cook pork thoroughly? Anyhow, it wasn't too bad and I still ate the whole thing.

My desert however, was amazing. I literally heard the song from Popeye in my head when I bit into this wonderful round cake-like thing. Medjool Date Cake, ( with creme fraiche and coffee toffee sauce) I will remember you forever....on second thought I think I'll just call it a coffee cake because I can remember it better.

I'm sad that my main dish was such a disappointment when my appetizer and desert were so friggin delicious. It's like I was missing a patty in my burger (referring to my McDonald's review) I'm sure there are other great things on the menu, so I will be willing to try this place again.

Coming from someone who hasen't really tried any Korean tofu place aside from BCD, I know many of you will argue that there are tons of places that are better, but as far as Tofu places in Gardena, this place is pretty damn good. My Soon do bu was very flavorful, and our waitress was very attentive with our sides dishes and water. It got to the point where she was shocked when we didn't want anymore side dishes. Even then, she managed to convince us to take two more extra dishes. Now that's service!

I felt like I finally found my Golden Ticket to the Chocolate factory when I became a Elite member for the first time ever. I can't speak for my previous life. Who knows, maybe I was a Yelp 1621 Elite member, and I attended the first Thanksgiving, which of course was probably hosted by Yelp.

That aside, the sliders were delicious and the board games were awesome fun. I never imagined that Hungry Hungry Hippos was this hard to set up. It took 4 adults 20 minutes to figure out how to put the parts together. I can't imagine how long it will take 5 year olds to figure it out.

I've never really had great luck at McDonald's over the years. They forget to hand me a straw with my drink once in a while, they've called the manager to the drive through speaker because they couldn't hear my friend say "OREO McFlurry", and every now and then my order is incorrect. I expect that from a fast food restaurant. But when they forget to include meat in my damn cheeseburger, that's when I have to put my foot down. Or in this case, my half eaten bun with cheese. You people put meat in between the bun all friggin day! Isn't that like page one in the McDonald's employee manual?? This should come next after breathing for you people. Breath in and out, put meat in bun, blink eye. You cannot imagine the disappointment you feel when you're craving a burger and bite into lies.

I was so wronged that I had to drive back to tell them. In the end I was given a new cheeseburger with a free apple pie.....but how can I trust this McDonald's ever again?

I kept calling this place the Grey Elephant, which was why I couldn't find it on Google maps. Now I know it's not. I've been coming to this plaza since I was a child, but I've never heard of this jazz bar until Jhi C. invited me out to drink here. Upon finding out that I was engaged, the bar tender whipped us a i think it was called "sex with a crocodile" shot, which was awesome. The place had great live jazz music in a separate room next to the bar, and there was a neat clock on the wall which I mistook for giant chopsticks at first....until I realized that every time I looked over, they were in a different position.

I was drawn to this place after my girlfriend watched "The Best Thing I ever ate" on Food Network, and watched Aida scarf down a Blueberry Pancake, followed by guzzling a can of beer. (Ok, I imagined that part, but who wouldn't want to see that?) So I tried it myself and hot damn, it didn't disappoint. The pancakes were soft on the inside (almost melts in your mouth), and the sides were slightly crunchy.  We shared the pancakes with an order of Corned Beef Hash, which was flavored perfectly. My only complain had to be when the waitress took away my house-shaped pure maple syrup can before I could look at all the pictures on there. Sure I could have thrown a tantrum and cry out loud on the floor, but I think I'm finally too old to be doing that. Last week was the last time I will be doing that again.

I don't know why I haven't written about this place before. I've been eating here for the past 4 years and I'd have to say that this place makes the best damn Nabeyaki udon ever. Think of all the great things from your childhood, like your first video game system, tea party set, amusement parks, and Santa Claus, and then boil everything into a iron pot to create an explosion of flavor in your mouth. (aside from Santa Claus juices, it also includes shrimp tempura, half-boiled egg, chicken, shiitake, seaweed, and vegetables). Watanabe Ken agrees with me. I don't know him personally, but his picture is up on the monument of  photos of Japanese celebrities that have visited the restaurant, and I bet they all had the Nabeyaki Udon.

Go there during Halloween when the waitresses wear the skimpiest costumes that by some strange force will make men want to tip more.

The only "fine dining" place in Disneyland, and the only place that can turn your lunch into an evening dinner in New Orleans by using a transportation portal. I think the price of the food is way over priced, but think of it as paying for the atmosphere and protection from local pirates, and you won't feel so bad about paying so much. I have only tried three dishes here, and my favorite has to be the Buccaneer's Beef Short Ribs. A very tasty piece of slow roasted Zinfandel demi glaze rib, with potatoes and vegetables.

This is my favorite music venue. At night the place is lit up nicely and you're surrounded by trees to make you feel like you're enjoying music in the forest without the fear of bears or starvation. I freaked out when the area was on fire a while ago, but I'm glad that my precious Greek Theater was okay. I've enjoyed two shows here (Incubus and Jason Mraz), and the sound is amazing. Like any music venue it's good to go early and leave before everyone to avoid traffic, but since it's a single road all the way up and down from the theater, it's sometimes hard to avoid.