Today we took a hike up to Sandstone Peak — the highest peak in the Santa Monica Mountains. And as it happens, the road to the Circle X Ranch where the trail begins, leads us right by Neptune’s Net – a Malibu institution. We stopped in for lunch after our hike. We were hot — it […]
Java Alchemy at Portola Coffee
There are few coffee places that are worth going out of your way for. Portola Coffee is one of those rare exceptions. Portola baristas are the mad scientists of coffee. They roast their own beans on premise. They offer three varietals that change regularly. And you can order your coffee prepared in one of three […]
Peets Coffee in Beverly Hills
Peets Beverly Hills. Quiet caffeination. I have to admit, I’m a Starbucks guy, with the Gold Card to prove it. But this Peets is pretty sweet. Spacious. Quiet. Even the music they play (classical, at the moment) makes for a great place for a meeting. Hell, you can even hear yourself think. Most of the […]
Brunch at Luna Park
Weekend brunch at Luna Park. Is the juice worth the squeeze? Over Labor Day weekend, we wanted to find out. Luna Park is within walking distance for us, and I received an email that their brunch menu would be half-off if you greeted your server with “Happy Labor Day.” Secret handshakes aside, we had been […]
Happy Hour at the Culver Hotel Bar
#TGIF! Happy Hour at the lobby bar in the historic Culver Hotel? Yes, please! You know the drill. The end of a long work week comes and you’re looking for a place to cool down and enjoy an adult beverage. We ran through the list of our usual places, but wanted to try someplace new. […]
South of Nick’s
Upscale Mexican cuisine has arrived in San Clemente with the opening of South of Nick’s. While the official opening is Tuesday, January 10th, I was invited to join them for a preview this weekend. I was not disappointed. South of Nick’s took over the historic property previously occupied by the Gordon James Grill. The new […]
Rocco’s
Remember where Romance Restaurant used to be at 203 N. El Camino Real? Well, longtime San Clemente chef, Rocco Carbonara bought the space last April and turned it into Rocco’s. Carbonara worked for many years as a chef at Carbonara Trattoria, owned by his uncle, Tony Carbonara. Rocco is hoping his local reputation as a […]
Taka-O Sushi
A friend recently told me that Taka-O is her favorite Japanese restaurant. I had been wanting to try it, so that night Jeff and I sat at the sushi bar…and were very disappointed.
Iva Lee’s: Southern and Creole Cuisine and Live Blues
I remember my grandmother’s cooking. Every Sunday we’d sit at her table and eat hearty, warm delicious meals. Pot roast with potatoes, ham with stewed tomatoes, lima beans and corn bread…and don’t get me started on her red velvet cake! Every once in a while, you just need some good, old fashioned comfort food. I […]
Cloud 9 Bakers
Whenever I eat a brownie from Cloud 9 Bakers (which is probably too often), I feel like I’ve died and gone to heaven…or at least to Cloud 9. Lola, owner of Cloud 9 Bakers has created a line of gluten, wheat, dairy and soy free baked goods. Her products are organic and delectable.