Helen T.'s Profile

One of the first places I ever ate sushi...quickly became and has stayed a  favorite.  I have turned many a sushi-hater into a fan by taking them here. =D  Although I have found other delicious sushi places over time, nothing ever hits the spot for me quite like a volcano roll from Sankai.  The tuna tataki, crunchy roll, anything raw (especially the yellowtail) and the handrolls are all also very good.

While it is a great lunch spot, be prepared for a crowd during the week as it's near quite a few office buildings.  However, with reasonable prices, the wait is usually worth it or you can always call ahead for pickup/takeout.  As it's a bit hidden the corner of a shopping plaza, it's a much better bet for dinner and weekends since only the locals come.

It's a simple, small, unpretentious restaurant with a courteous staff and friendly sushi chefs...exactly my kind of place. =)  I can't go there as much as I used to (the commute from SF is a *bit* far methinks) but I often think fondly of it and go whenever I am in town.  So go check it out and have some hamachi kama for me!

It's worth it to come here for the hot Nutella alone.  Yes, you read that right...hot Nutella!  If you like hot chocolate or hazelnuts or just sweet yummy goodness in general, then definitely order this.  You will thank me later. =)

The crepes are good, particularly the curry and chicken pesto ones.  Although most people seem to order the regular flour crepes, I recommend the buckwheat ones if you order a savory filling because they add an enjoyable nutty flavor and texture.  But stick with the flour ones for any dessert crepes!

The kebabs and couscous dishes are also delicious.  While crepes and
North African plates seem like an odd combination for a restaurant, Cafe Grillades does both well, not to mention their solid panini and breakfast offerings.

Many entrees come with a side of homestyle fries and small house salad.  The former is nicely crisped yet tender while the latter is a baby field greens mixture with a light vinaigrette--I greatly enjoy eating both.

An excellent brunch place, there are a few tables outside to enjoy the sunshine on a nice place.  Whether you're in the mood for some  domestic bacon and eggs or are feeling like a Francophile and want a fresh crepe to hit the spot, I recommend checking out this cafe.  And don't forget to bring back a hot Nutella for me! ;)

Pros:  Ridiculously high cute factor, huge variety of tchotchkes, friendly staff and easy street parking.

Cons:  Somewhat overpriced and usually pretty crowded.

My shopping list:
rubber duckies
Paul Frank
baby tees
Star Wars (love the adorable new products!)
teeny tiny minis
Sanrio
bendy magnets
Smurfs

Conclusion:  I am way too enamored with cutesy useless stuff! ;)

It's a cool place because they are open late, the staff is helpful and you can sit basically as long as you want.  I don't get the hype about the canned corn dish at all though...Asian food just shouldn't have cheese in it!  I ate a bunch of other random food that was pretty tasty, although I have had better elsewhere.  The soju flows, there's always a good crowd and parking isn't too bad.

I have yet to try the karaoke action upstairs so perhaps I'll return at some point.  In the meantime, there are a few other Korean places I'd rather hit up for food.

You only need to know one phrase here:

"Make it Duke's Style!"

Seriously.  Pick whatever kind of fish you want and ask them to prepare it Duke's Style.  You will totally thank me later.  So many times I've been at other restaurants and wish that somebody, anybody, could make my food Duke's Style.  It's just that good!

Everything else is pretty yummy from what I remember, so have fun ordering whatever you want.  The staff is great too...classic friendly and helpful islander-style service.  The restaurant is right on the beach so the view as well as the practically mandatory post-meal walk is awesome.

I've been craving fresh raw oysters for a while now and decided to go straight to the source this past weekend with a quick jaunt to Hog Island Oyster Company.  I had been once before and had fond memories of eating bushels of yummy bivalves while gazing out at sun-dappled serene waters.  Alas, my second time around did not go quite as sweet.

The oysters are still delicious and the scenery is as beautiful as ever.  But I didn't remember this uninformative & indifferent staff, lack of any beverages for purchase (I've got money...don't they want it??) and a ridiculous $15 price tag for a simple shucking knife!

Later I drove a mere mile or so up the road to Tomales Bay Oyster Company and even though I didn't get buy oysters from them (this time), they were a vast improvement.  They only charge $10 for a shucking knife and they have a drinks vending machine, woohoo!  Clearly I'll have to hit them up on my next trip to Marshall. ;)

So in conclusion, Hog Island is fine if you just want an oyster-fix, but definitely bring your own tools & supplies or prepared to be fleeced.  I also highly recommend going with a bunch of friends so that you can buy a couple of bags of oysters and BBQ/picnic together.

Although it's been a few years since I've had the pleasure of dining at Maya, it's never far from my mind because of these three bliss-inducing dishes:

1) sopa de elote
2) tacos de camarones*
3) crepas de cajeta

My friend used to bartend here (which is how I discovered this gem) and had only complimentary things to say about the management, so I'm glad to know that things are kosher behind-the-scenes.  The service is wonderful, drinks are tasty, large groups/parties are definitely welcome and lots of post-dinner venues are nearby.  Parking is fairly easy during evening hours with the $5 lot across the street as a convenient backup.  Sure the food isn't cheap and it's certainly not traditional Mexican food but your tastebuds won't care about any of that, trust you me. ;)

*Apparently the original tacos de camarones have become the tacos de langosta on the current menu but are still just as delicious.

I almost always order the exact same thing when I come here.  If I'm normal-hungry, I get the banh hoi thom thit nuong (BBQ shrimp & pork with vermicelli...if you order this, make sure you get the rice wrappers).  If I'm famished or just feeling really ambitious, I throw in the banh xeo (Vietnamese crepe) as well.  The waiter never asks me anymore what I want since he knows exactly why I'm there. =)

The pho and sandwiches are also tasty as is most of the rest of the menu.  Add in good service, reasonable prices, convenient location and football on the big screen...what's not to love?! =D

I first discovered the joys of a Diddy Reise ice cream sandwich during my freshman year at UCLA and the love affair has continued ever since then!  I almost always get two chocolate chip walnut cookies with vanilla ice cream, but I've tried all the flavors at some point and pretty much like them all.  I'm such a sucker for cookies...and ice cream...put the two together...oh yeah! =)  Unfortunately I moved away from Southern California years ago but have never forgotten the yummy goodness of these decadent ice cream sandwiches.  Every time I'm back in the Westwood area I make it a point to hit up Diddy Reise and you definitely should too.  Where else can a mere buck fifty bring you and your tastebuds so much happiness?!

I've heard about this place for a long time and finally went...and I likey lots!  The line situation with the bouncers is a bit much (I hate places that hold the line just to build a big crowd in the front), but once you're inside, fun times are there to be had.  The music is good, bartenders are prompt, the crowd has a great vibe, there's a lot of seating and even a VIP section above.  The decor is pretty cool and this would be a fabulous venue for a private party as it is a very nice intimate space.

Harlot seems to be a cross between a lounge and a club so the dress code is a little more upscale than other dance venues...I saw a lot more cocktail dresses and blazers than normal even though everyone still got their usual freak on.  The eye candy is pretty good for both men and women and there is great diversity although the age range is a bit all over the place.  Street parking was actually fairly easy and there's a large private lot right in front if you don't mind paying.

I'll be going back for sure and you should definitely check it out!  Just make sure you have more girls than guys in your group when you go because otherwise you'll never get in.  The bouncers don't seem to let groups of only men in.  But then again, this could be a very convenient excuse for you guys to start flirting with some random hot women while waiting, right?  And ladies, feel free to help those cute boys standing in line get in earlier with you! ;)