John "The Cook" E.'s Profile

Wow!   What a concept and what great execution.  I ordered the "Bacon Turkey Bravo" on Tomato Basil Bread, with Chips to go.  With the sandwiches you get a choice of a side (Kettle Chips - only 160 calories, or an apple, less calories but wjen I'm bad, I'm BAD!).  Only $6.79 total, "what a deal" I thought, but how good was it going to be?  After only 2 - 3 minutes wait,  I was called and given my order bagged to go.  I noted that the restaurant and kitchen were very busy but the atmosphere was nice and very clean.  The employees were friendly and seemed to enjoy what they were doing.  

Returning to my office I opened the bag and took out a surprisingly large sandwich, that had bread that was notably fresh as it could be and the sandwich was very attractive carrying a large pile of cold fresh smoked turkey breast.  Additionally, there was fresh crisp lettuce, a ripe tomato slice, gouda cheese, bacon and what turns out to be a delicious sauce.  The first bite through the last was a delight.  This is as good as a sandwich can get.  

Bravo to Panera Bread Bakery-Cafe!

I have eaten breakfast here before, but just had my worst experience.  Poor service.   Had to wait 5 minutes for the server to bring coffee then another 5 minutes for Cream for the coffee.  Warm food.  Staff was eating in the back room, which was visible from the dining area, while people were waiting for service.  This location needs a shake-up!

yeah, I can't believe I'm writing a review on a Carl's Jr. either.  However, this is a good, consistent and clean CJs..  Good service.  Great new salad in the Grilled Chicken, walnuts, cranberries and spinach with vinaigrette dressing.  And I am a great fan of the Big Carl.

Fabulous Vietnemese egg rolls and a "killer" bangh mi pork sandwich.  Prices are very reasonable, for example, the Bangh Mi Sandwich is only $4.50 and it is a good sized sandwich.

This is a very nice private club that treats members like VIPs.  The view at night is one of the best in LA.  The food is excellent as well as the service.  The only drawback is allowing cigar smoking in the bar.  If I'm not in the mood to smell a cigar, like before dinner, I don't want to breathe the smoke.

This TJs is the greatest I have ever shopped in, and I have shopped in dozens from here in So Cal., New Mexico and to the right side of CA,  all the way to MA.  The staff is like family and friends, always doing anything they can to help from finding items, tasting foods prepared in the store or new products.  I have had three people, simultaneously discussing with me the perfect recipe I was attempting to create, bringing their knowledge and experience to the kitchen in my mind.

This as you may know was the original TJs store in the 300+ store chain history and "Joe" still shops here, even though he sold out some time ago.  I feel the history and charm inside the walls of the store and the hearts of the Crew Members.  

Each and every visit brings smiles, great food and the most pleasant grocery shopping experience I have ever had.  Whether I am in my marathon mode, in and out of the store in less than 5 minutes, or my explorer mode, find what is new and special and take 30+ min., it is an enjoyable experience.

As for the parking, it looks tough but the traffic moves in and out so fast that spots are constantly opening up.  Wait a few minutes, park and go have a good shopping experience.

The Restaurant is interesting calling itself a California Style Wine Bistro.  Our Server was excellent in attention, speed and knowledge of the food, etc.  

I ordered the Fisherman's Wharf Chowder (without the bread bowl) and received a large bowl of chowder that was very filling but had too much salt flavor.  I also had the Local Corned Beef Reuben Sandwich that seemed to be made of sliced roast beef and not corned beef, far from tasty to me.  I chose French Fries over the side of fresh fruit, which was a mistake.  They were seasoned but tasted like Salty fries only.  Another diner had the French Onion Soup which was reported as very good.

An interesting fact is that the restaurant does not have salt and pepper shakers on the tables.  Based on the taste of the food I had I'd say the chef does diners a great favor, since so many people add salt before tasting their dish.  The chef does not spare salt from what I could tell.

There were 20 of us dining here for lunch and most reported dissatisfaction with the food.  A typical comment was "I've had better..."

We called the restaurant to see if 16 out-of-town diners could get in on a cold (18 degree) night for a 6 PM Dinner.  We were told to make it 6:30 PM and we were in!  We discovered why when we approached the Restaurant (walking in this cold for a So. Cal. resident) was absolute torture, but worth ever shiver after tasting the food!  The area it is in is the theatre district, so everyone was headed to a show after dinner.  As a result we pretty much had the restaurant to ourselves.  So yes, service was excellent.

Now for what we really want to hear about - THE FOOD!  I had the absolute pleasure of having a Real Caesar Salad with anchovies, that was made with a real Caesar Dressing and extra anchovies over the top.  It was an absolutely delicious Caesar better than any I have had in years.  I ordered the Chicken Marsala, which was delightful and perfectly cooked.  

Other winning dishes at the table included: Broiled Seafood Platter with Lobster Tail, Scallops, Oysters Rockefeller, Stuffed Clams, Stuffed Shrimp, and Filet of Sole.  Yes that is a lot of food and can easily be shared by two.  Other noteworthy dishes included: Brolied Sea Bass, and Broiled Jumbo Sea Scallops (and it is a large portion).  

An absolute must for dessert is the Tiramisu which sent many fellow diners into a bit of a taste bud orgasm.  Great Service, nice atmosphere and delicious food.  Also kudos to the wait staff that was very accomodating with people splitting dishes and altering food recipes to please a Vegetarian Diner.  

The website is http://www.bravofranco... and menus are available online.

"The Basement Cafe" is a great alternative to most lunch stops in Glendale.  It is hidden away in the basement and is well worth the short elevator ride down one level. The most notable thing is the cleanliness of the dining area.  It is immaculate.  The owner is a very nice woman and takes great pride in her restaurant and the food served.  I have had the Chicken Vegetable Soup twice and it is a real winner!  All soups are homemade here, and apparently the Red Lentil is a favorite of regulars and a dining partner tried that and said it was fabulous.  Another friend had the Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich which was loaded with tender and juicy meat that was as flavorful as it looked good.  The French Fries are sprinkled with Cayenne Pepper which gives them a tasty bit of a bite.  Prices are very reasonable and the quality and freshness of the food is right up there.

I have discovered a new sandwich ...the BBBLT!  Yes Bacon, Bacon and more Bacon and the traditional elements Lettuce, Tomato surrounded by delicately toasted bread normally found in a BLT.

I've been to Lucky Boy many times and had always gone for the traditional choices of Hamburger, Cheeseburger or Pastrami Sandwich.  However, my last two visits have brought me to taste bud heaven as I enjoyed the BLT (It should be called the BBBLT).

The bacon layer is a good 1/2" thick on the BLT and the bacon is perfectly crisp and flavorful.  All for only $4.83 with tax.  Give it a try and you will see what I mean.