Authentic Korean tofu house in Gardena. Overall, the food is good. Galbi is definitely the best part of the meal. But the tofu is awesome. They soon tofu is hooked up with seafood. If I’m in Gardena, then I’ll visit this spot for some good home cooking Korean Food. Open late and weekends!

Groups: up to about 6 … because it gets full in there at lunch

King Tofu House
1425 W Artesia #17
Gardena, CA 90247

310.324.1155

If you are looking for home style Greek food, then you should check out Willy’s Eatery. Willy’s is a mom and pop deli that serves up some great breakfasts and lunch. The owners are Ann and Willy! And yes, they are there everytime! I really liked their signature gyros, but they had one mean chicken sandwich. If you order the meal, it comes with Greek rice and big bowl of salad. The food is reasonably priced and there is indoor and outdoor seating. It’s a small spot, but the owners really worked on making it comfortable. This is one of my many new lunch spots in Anaheim.

Recommend: Lunch Specials

Party Trays and To-Go Orders are available!

Willy’s Eatery
2101 E. Ball Road
Anaheim, CA 92806

714.535.6713

Located in the Belmont Shore neighborhood, this sports bar sits on its own little block a short distance from the beach. The venue is strictly 21+ and they card at both doors. There is a large bar with plenty of seating. It’s so big that you don’t have to search far for an empty table to sit. There is a row of billiards tables located across from the bar that you can rent (they charge by the hour). It’s a great spot to go and hang out with friends and have beers and a good laugh.

Yankee Doodles Sports Bar & Billiards

4100 E Ocean Blvd

Long Beach, CA 90803

562.439.9777

*This is an older location and it has a old Long Beach feel to it. That’s where the dive bar feeling comes from. However, the Santa Monica location is much newer and newer tables and tvs. Choose wisely.

This new grocery store is a great addition to the healthier food industry. Fresh & Easy has a smaller scale of items and simple variety. They have just enough items to make sure you fulfill your shopping list, but they don’t overwhelm you with tons of variety. The name of the store is exactly what they are doing, providing fresh produce and food is prepared daily without preservatives. I like Fresh & Easy’s own line of products, such as their Blue Corn & Chili Lime Crackers … these are spicy little crackers with a jalapeno twist.

They have some excellent meal ideas too. I really enjoyed their large carne burrito; microwave and you’re ready to eat. They also have meals on the go, pre-prepped and easily heated for lunch. And they are only $3.99-4.49.

Fresh & Easy also has a neighborhood-friendly policy, where they limit the number to deliveries to a store to reduce noise, traffic and disruptions in local neighborhoods. Such as delivering late at night when homes are near by. They also has routes that stay clear of school zones during drop-off and pick-up times.

I definelty enjoyed my experience and I will be going back as much as I can.

Long Beach location: Spring St and Palo Verde Ave

Fresh and Easy has many other locations: www.freshandeasy.com

Check out this incredible dive bar! The drinks at this location are great! Everyone has a monkey theme… I had a Breezy Monkey. But if your looking for a good time, try the Green Monster (it’s gonna get you good.)

Karaoke starts at 4pm… and it goes all night on Friday! You can sing your hear away, but you’re on camera… so the people in the back can see whats going on at the stage! Its awesome! There is one large bar and they serve some strong drinks! Don’t expect awesome food… its a bar. But the dumplings were well worth it and the sauce was good.

Advice: get your songs in early, the wait was almost 3 hours on Friday!

Groups: YES!

Brass Monkey

3440 Wilshire Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA

213-381-7047

April 11, 2008:

Riu Palace in Cabo San Lucas is the nicest hotel I’ve ever stayed at. And I loved it there. This 5 star hotel really does capture a Palace feel and its all inclusive. So food and drinks were all included! The rooms are all suites with some sort of ocean view. The mini fridges are hooked up with chilled Coronas, sodas and water. And there are 4 bottles of various types of liquor (rum, tequila, vodka, and wiskey). There are 4 major restaurants with various food varieties: Italian, Japanese, Steak House, and Gourmet (Kyrstal). There are two pools that mirror each other and both have endless ocean view. There is a very nice gym with ocean view and a beautiful spa. I really enjoyed myself at the Riu. There is also a small club that plays House music. Good Times!

The J Lounge in Los Angeles has many mixed reviews online, however, here’s my simple recap. I cannot speak for the restaurant, because I didn’t eat there. But the lounge was definably a good spot to hang out with friends. The lounge is located upstairs and there are many VIP tables for bottle service. There is long really long bar with at least 4 bartenders serving up drinks at any given time. There is an open outdoor patio with seating along the wall, coffee tables, and comfortable lounge couches. You can still hear the music outside; however, you can also still have a conversation without loosing your voice.

Inside, the music is loud and people are dancing in the room right behind the bar. There are some tables available for bottle service in that room too. The dance floor is one huge room and the lighting and music was really good. I was there on a Saturday night, so there was a live Dj playing good music, but I don’t know what happens on other nights. Beware, this place is majority Asian, which may be good or bad for you. The drinks are expensive, so if you’re a heavy drinker… you better pre-party.

I enjoyed my experience there; however, I don’t think I’ll rush back too soon. But I will def go back with friends if the occasion calls for it.

Cover: $15 at door (unless the girl likes you)

Parking: $7 in the lot next to J Lounge (not Valet)

J Lounge

1119 S Olive St

If you like Sushi Studio, then you might also enjoy I Luv Sushi in Lakewood, CA.  Brought to you from the creators of Sushi Studio is a sister location with much more room.  It’s located right across the street from Lakewood Country Club and right next door to Red Orange.  The menu items are exactly the same as the items from Sushi Studio and the specialty sushi dishes are just as good.   Basically, its another location to load up on some good sushi… in Lakewood.   They just opened about a month ago, so they have special coupons on www.myclipper.com.  You can save 30%, but it expires 5/7/08! I will go back if I’m in Lakewood and craving sushi.

Sushi Studio

3215 Carson St.

Lakewood, CA 90712

562.421.8917

This is an Americanized Asian food restaurant.  I got the Ginger Broccoli lunch special with Veggies and Tofu.  It was $7.25, but you can add chicken, beef, or shrimp for a little extra.  They also have a good chicken curry dish.  The portions are good and the rice will fill you right up. They also have tea with a hint of orange or black tea.  Food comes up pretty fast and the drinks are self service.  Take a seat the they will bring your food to your table.  Majority of the seats and tables are inside, however, there are a few tables outside if you want a little sun.
The spot is pretty popular at lunch, so make sure you have enough time!  It slows down a bit when it gets really busy.  But you can call in or order take out.    There is plenty of parking outside and you’re close to many stores.

<>Pei Wei

2777 Pacific Coast Hwy

Torrance, CA 90505

<>I love the half soup and half sandwich special. I love the broccoli cheese soup and the chicken frontega. You also get a side: apple, chips, or fresh bread. The special is only $7.25! Panera also has a yummy fresh lemonade… it tastes great when you make an Arnold Palmer out of it. You will get a small pager after you order your food, however, be aware that it’s kinda scary when it goes off. If its on the counter, it’s really loud.  I’ve tried the harvest salads, but I wasn’t too happy with it.  Kinda simple and bland.
There is indoor and outdoor seating. Also, there is free internet access in the restaurant. It’s really nice to sit outside and there’s a small fountain out there too.

Panera Bread Cafe 4204

20700 Avalon Bouleard S. A-18

Carson, CA 90746

310.436.1545

*There’s another Panera on Pacific Coast Highway in Carson, CA. By Pei Wei (Chinese food)