Joe's Seafood Prime Steak & Stone Crab - Las Vegas

5/5 stars

You guys. Joe's is AHmazing. Stone crab is perhaps the best crab I've ever had. It's meatier than Dungeness and sweet and alllmooost as good as lobster (and that's saying a lot)! And the horseradish mustard the crab is served with is absolutely perfect. I've never had crab with mustard before and it's a terrific idea.

The service was also exceptional which was surprising because this is a tourist joint. I mean, it's right next to the fountains in Caesars Palace. A millions thanks to Neil & Eric for making our night. We were here for my sissy's whirlwind bachelorette party and we only had time for one nice restaurant so I'm relieved Joe's exceeded expectations.

My only word advice: don't get the steak. Trust me. I would complain about how dry my steak was if I wasn't so enamored with the stone crab.

Oh, actually, I have one more piece of advice: Get the mac n' cheese. It's probably the best mac n' cheese I've ever had. Perfect balance of cheeses and the gooeyness is stunning. I'm dying for the recipe!

Pappas Burgers - Houston (Hobby airport)

4/5 stars

Bleeping pleasantly surprised.

We only sat down because my mother-in-law wanted to. I was going to have Wendy's. Boy was I happy when Pappas Burger kicked Wendy's burgers in the butt.

It was just a really, really, really solid burger! Like, a real cheeseburger. Like, something you would make at home! The bread was nice and squishy, the not-too-thick beef patty was cooked perfectly, and it was just an [American cheese] cheesy, drippy mess. American cheese is the only cheese that belongs on burgers, IMO. I slapped on some mayo and ketchup and ate the whole thing even though the burger was the size of a dinner plate.

Service was nice & efficient too!

Eureka! - Cupertino

3/5 stars

New restaurants are popping up all over Cupertino! Growing up here, there was only BJ's. Now Lazy Dog, Alexander's, and Eureka are right next door to each other. It's madness!

Took my parents here for Happy Hour.

Cocktails: The Industry (tequila, pineapple, ginger, orange & cilantro) was very good, but def needed more tequila. The Sour was pretty standard, but bonus: real maraschino cherries! Cocktails were a step up from what you'd get at BJ's or Yard House, but were made pretty weak. I wouldn't order them again. Stick with the beers.

Food: The corn dogs with the porter mustard & glazed brussel sprouts were the winners, but I wouldn't order the following again: the mussels were NOT fresh at all (and too salty) and the nachos were super sparse (i.e., it needed more stuff on it so you didn't feel like you were just eating tortilla chips).

Honestly, if I had to pick, I'd rather go to Lazy Dog. I think their food is better.

The Bywater - Los Gatos

5/5 stars

I am obsessed with this place. 

Since January, if anyone asks me where I want to eat or where they should eat or where their mom should eat... I say TheBywaterTheBywaterTheBywater!!!

The first time we went for my birthday and I was *so* giddy, I want to take this moment to thank the staff for putting up with me. I mean, I literally squealed like a fangirl when David Kinch stood by my seat at the bar. Squealed. Like. A. Pig.

I think the Birthday Gods were kind because we found parking right away and there was NO LINE! Woo! 

Right when we entered, we were ushered to an empty spot near the bar with a great view of the kitchen. We started with half a dozen oysters (my favorites are from St. Simone), and a Hurricane for me (jamaican rum blend, passion fruit, campari, lemon) and a Sazerac for him (rye, armagnac, hermsaint, peychaud's bitters, gomme). Hubby said it was the best Sazerac he's ever had.

Actually, everything you drink at The Bywater will be the best you've ever had. Reason: Tin Roof Drinking Company. Claire & Chad are not rising stars in the cocktail scene, they ARE the stars. They've created a menu highlighting New Orleans ingredients, dazzle, and idiosyncrasies. Yes, they're talented, but they are also super humble and thoughtful. Claire spoiled us and spent the evening talking to us. I had such a wonderful time because of her. She even made me a birthday cocktail: tequila, lemon juice, honey, herbsaint, sparkling cava, and the fluffiest egg whites ever.

We also had the:

PRAH-LEEN (bourbon, pecan, banana & lime): tastes like pie

Frappé (herbsaint, apple & lime): this has a very distinct taste (anise) and if you want a cocktail you've probably never tasted before, get this one

Irish Channel (whisky, cognac, nitro cold brew coffee, cynar & spice mix): it goes really well with the butterscotch pudding

Shrimp Po' Boy: BEST SANDWICH IN THE BAY AREA (possibly the world)

Red Beans & Rice: succulent, tastes like bacon

Butterscotch Pudding: I'm christinepuddin and I adore pudding

Now you wanna hear about my other visits here? (I told you I was obsessed.) I'll keep it short and just tell you that we were spoiled silly by the awesome Jeremy & Nikki. This is what we had:

West Indy Sour (cabernet wine, cognac, all-spice dram & lime) 

No Mayo (gin, aperol, St-Germain, lime & champagne)

3 Dots and a Dash (2 types of rum, falernum, lime, all-spice dram, bitters, honey, oj, and tiki love)

The Maguey Sour (the only mezcal I've ever liked, orgeat, lemon, egg white & benedictine)

And because it was almost-Valentine's Day (and because it's SO hard to get): Old Rip Van Winkle 10 year... and in case you were wondering, hubby said that Pappy wasn't just hype ;)

Three Restaurant & Bar - San Mateo

2/5 stars

Meh. I really wanted to like this place, but I just can't rate this place 3 stars.

First off, our server clearly didn't want to be there. He was just going through the motions. He was also extremely uninformed. I asked him to recommend a cocktail made with one of the infused liquors on the chalkboard, but he just waved at the menu and told me to pick something from there. Then, when my cousin ordered an old fashioned and asked him what bourbons were available, he just gave us a blank stare. He didn't even know if they had Bulleit!

Unfortunately, it just never got better. The old fashioned tasted watered down. And the yolk in my egg sandwich was cooked through. A hard-boiled egg sandwich makes me a sad panda. Apparently if you want a nice, runny yolk, ya gotta ask. The bun wasn't toasted either. And, the sandwich didn't come with potatoes, fruit, or fries. Pretty expensive for just a mediocre sandwich.

And they moved us mid-brunch to another table because they needed our table for a large party.

Sigh.

(2015)

Gramercy Tavern - New York, NY

5/5 stars

I've been wantingwantingwanting to dine at Gramercy Tavern for 5 years and one of my dearest friends made my foodie dreams come true last Monday. We dined in the tavern area and I ADORED it. There are no faults.

What does a NY restaurant look like in your head? Because in mine, it looks and tastes like Gramercy Tavern. Dark wood. A gorgeous bar. Waiters in suits. Women in cocktail dresses. Mirrors. Dried flowers. New American cuisine.

My friend and I decided to create our own tasting menu and it.was.magical.

I can't recommend the raw & roasted vegetables enough. It was served with 3 dipping sauces: grenada pepper, cauliflower caper, and walnut miso. I'm not one to order raw vegetables (are you?) but I was just so curious about this plate. It. Was. Amazing. First of all, it was a feast for your eyes. The colors just popped. But most of all, it was just sooo fun meticulously sampling the vegetables, comparing raw to roasted, and trying all the sauces.

Then we shared the sea bass with pole beans, cucumber, and lobster and the grilled pork shoulder, fingerling potatoes, cabbage, and scallions. Everything was cooked and seasoned perfectly and did you know that pole beans + cucumber + lobster go together? I think it was the dill that tied the three together. It tasted like a lobster salad. Everything was impeccably fresh. Gramercy Tavern is a fine example of farm-to-table.

I'm not quite how sure we managed it, but we didn't say no to dessert. My friend knows I can't say no to pumpkin anything so we got the pumpkin spice sundae with walnuts, specullos cookie butter, and cinnamon MASHMALLOW FLUFF. Honestly, I would've ordered the whole dessert menu if given the chance.

Oh, and finally, the cocktails. If I hadn't been so sleepy from taking the red-eye from CA to NY, I would've ordered something stronger than the Orange Blossom (sparkling wine, elderflower, orange bitters), but it was a lovely, light drink. I stole sips from my friend's Concord Crush (Tito's vodka, concord grapes, and lime) and it was one of the best cocktails I've ever had. It's a dangerous, thick, grape juice.

This may be one of my favorite restaurants in the world.

(2015)

CabbyShack - Plymouth, MA

4/5 stars

I liked it here! Yes, it's touristy. But yes! It has a great view of the water. A view of the water makes everything better.

I liked this place so much we came here twice during our short visit to Plymouth. The first time, I ordered a 2lb lobster and a rum drink that was served in a little plastic bucket. Man, nothing makes you feel like you're on vacation than drinking rum in a bucket! The lobster was a beast and totally satisfying. Also, +1 to the whole-belly clams.

The 2nd time, I ordered the lobster scampi. The lobster:pasta ratio was awesome, as in, there was more lobster than pasta. The lobster came riding the pasta like a king on a throne. It was scrumptious.

Oh, and the clam chowder was really, really good. Beware, it comes with a pool of butter floating on top...

Service is super, place gets super busy.

(2015)

Steins Beer Garden - Mountain View

3/5 stars

Steins isn't exactly what you'd find in Belgium, but it's not bad. The interior is a bit cold and industrial-feeling, but the beer list is long-ish.

I went with a large party recently and our server was super attentive. So brownie points for that. Also, the pretzel was hot and fresh and you can't really go wrong with the truffle, parmesan fries. Those things are addicting. The Mountain View Mule tasted like a mule and the fried chicken sandwich was HUGE. A tad too greasy, but hey, it's fried chicken. It was way better than the overcooked flank steak. I wish it didn't come pre-sliced. Meat loses its juiciness that way.

It's a loud place so I wouldn't come here if you want to hold a conversation with your dinner companion/s.

(2015)

The Porch Restaurant and Bar - Sacramento

4/5 stars

A fatty's playground :)

My in-laws and I started our Christmas together here. It was a warm, cozy, fried & boozy affair.

IN A MOUTHFUL: Tasty fried chicken + fabulous punch bowls served in pretty, crystal punch bowls. It's my kind of combination.

To start, we ordered the fried green tomatoes with, as if it needed it, strips of applewood bacon. Talk about gluttonous.

I got the buttermilk fried free range chicken with the cauliflower and mashed potatoes and gravy. The gravy was excellent. The cauliflower almost stole the show. The accompanying buttermilk biscuit topped with sugar was unusual, but delicious. It was even MORE delicious when smothered with the honey butter. I'm glad I don't have that butter at home. I'd weigh a lot more.

The sister-in-law and I shared both the punches:

TEXAS 2-STEP
Cayenne infused rum, Marie Brizard Peach liquere, lemon juice, sweet tea, sprite

WHISKEY SOUR PUNCH
Four Roses Yellow Label, Fruit Lab Hibiscus liquere, sweet & sour, pineapple juice, Sierra Mist

They were both very good. So good that I replicated the whiskey sour punch for Christmas dinner.

I'll definitely come back when I'm passing through Sac.

(2015)

The New World Tavern - Plymouth, MA

3/5 stars

VERY impressive beer list. 32 beers on tap and an advertised 100 in bottles.

We came here w/ my craft beer-loving hubby and Uncle and they both seemed to really enjoy themselves. Sampler of 5 was only $10! I had the special cocktail: a pineapple margarita. It was only okay (pineapple was canned) - should've stuck w/ the beer sampler.

Food was fairly overpriced. I had the cranberry and ponzu glazed wings. I liked the cranberry buffalo wings a lot, but could've used more cranberry and they could've been fried less dry. I also tasted the New World pizza and the waffle fries. I would order both again next time. I'd stay away from the beet salad, though. The portion size was ridiculously tiny.

I would def return. It was a clean, laid-back place (with good service!) to hang out with my Plymouth family who I don't get to see very often.

(2013)

Original Gravity Public House - San Jose

3/5 stars

Went here with a group of friends to celebrate my hubby-who-worships-beer. It's *very* hard to find a place that can pour him 5 beers he's never had before. Original Gravity won that challenge.

The beer list was quite original (pun intended) with the prices ranging from acceptable to high. The wine pours were generous. Cons were: no gluten-free beer or cider for my friends who can't have wheat and VERY VERY BIG CON (in my eyes): the duck fat fries DID NOT taste like they were fried in duck fat. Moar duck fat please!

The sauces were pretty awesome (I really liked the sundried tomato and garlic one). The sausages were good (solid amount of oozing cheese), but they were no Rosamunde. Don't get the sauerkraut. It was basically shredded cabbage. Definitely needed more time pickling.

Seating is limited inside, but they can probably fit about 30 people in the outdoor space in the back. Service was meh.

I am not sure if we'll come back because it just wasn't my vibe.

(2013)

The Tipsy Pig - San Francisco

4/5 stars

Cute bartenders? Check.

Best burger in SF? (according to the Best Pastry Chef @Google) Check.

Vodka strawberry cocktails in MASON JARS? (seriously, who doesn't love mason jars?) Check.

Delivers your check in an utterly charming way (a used book)? Check.

And if the Tipsy Pig is not the best restaurant name ever, I don't know what is. The Sober Pig?

Winner, winner.

(2012)

Yard House - San Jose

3/5 stars

My fiance and I have the best luck here. 3x we've gotten a seat in 20 minutes or less. Sometimes, it takes us longer to find a parking spot at Santana Row!

The beers are why you should come. I really like the small appetizer plates (the truffle fries and deviled eggs, especially) - and the prices for them are reasonable - but the rest of the menu is fairly standard (up to expensive ... they have lobster on the menu ... I don't really understand). Overall, it's pretty much what you'd get at BJs or any other American brewery. But don't order their wings unless you like A LOT A LOT of salt. It's probably their way of getting you to drink more beer.

So back to the beers. There are over a 100 and they're gorgeous. So many different types for you to try, you could really learn something. The bartenders are fairly knowledgeable about what they're pouring, but my fiance has them beat. He knows more than they do about the beers and always manages to stump them. He should get a free beer every time that happens :-)

(2011)

Serendipity 3 - Las Vegas

4/5 stars

I went here because of John Cusack!

No idea there was a Serendipty in Vegas, but I'm super glad there is.

And even though tall, dark, and handsome wasn't there, the famous frozen hot chocolate was. I'm so happy it wasn't over-hyped. Tasted like ... creamy, slushy Ovaltine. With real whip cream. If I had enough room, I would've wanted another one.

It's way expensive ($16.50 for a burger!), but it's Vegas. At least the portions are HUGE. The boy ordered the steak sandwich and it was as long as his arm (it was really good, too). I had the uber juicy burger with avocado, brie (my favorite cheese on a burger - you don't see it often as an option), and caramelized onions. The onion rings were crispy and the batter was tasty, but I didn't think it went with the parmesan that was dusted on top. Big con was that the french fries were OVERLY salted. AND because it was sea salt there were huge chunks of salt everywhere.

The outdoor area is nice, the indoors is fun and flirty, and the fried oreos are ... sin. Try one. And one is pretty much enough.

(2011)

Bleacher Bar - Boston, MA

5/5 stars

5 stars for the view of 2nd and 3rd base! A must-see for a Red Sox fan.

No comment on the food or beer. Or the chaos that must be during an actual game.

(2010)

Smokeeaters - Santa Clara

5/5 stars

I went to school across the street but never ate here. Not when it was Cluck U or University Chicken. Now ... I can't stay away!

Hello. My name is Christine and I'm a buffalo wing addict.

It's the mild, tangy, lip-smacking sauce. It's the Red Sox on the TV. It's the celery+ranch. It's the high quality chicken and the light batter.

Am so, so, sooo stoked that they're opening a place in Cupertino!

(2010)

Farmerbrown - San Francisco

3/5 stars

My girls and I had brunch here before the Cartier (*tiaras*) exhibit at the Legion of Honor. I can't complain when starting a day with fried chicken and mimosas!

The fried chicken was solid - not too greasy or heavy on the batter. They were fried almost lightly. The pieces were small, which I appreciated. No giant, hormone-pumped chickens here! If you wait for fresh-out-of-the-fryer, it's worth it. Mixed it up with some ketchup and maple syrup and I felt all Southern. The real winner of the meal, though, was the biscuit. Melt-in-your-mouth, you could eat them plain, or with fresh jam, or smothered in incredibly tasty sausage gravy. I can't say this about the chicken confidently, but those buttery, flaky biscuits were probably some of the best I've ever had.

Brunch also came with pancakes, bacon, scrambled eggs, grits, fruit, and dessert (sweet potato pie or a really dark, dense chocolate cake). I was a little disappointed that the red velvet wasn't available and that they stopped serving all-you-can-drink mimosas.

My only complaint is that the buffet could've looked a lot nicer and that they threw in drumsticks instead of just wings / breasts. $16 for all-you-can-eat ... worth the price? depends on how much you eat.

The service was friendly and I really enjoyed the vibe and the live jazz. A great concept.

(2010)

South Pine Cafe - Nevada City

4/5 stars

Pear cider mimosa? How about an olallieberry one? and lobster on the menu?

Hello, Sunday brunch.

PROS: fresh food, creative menu, super friendly service, BEST HOMEMADE BREAKFAST SAUSAGE PATTY KNOWN TO MAN

CONS: slightly pricey, toast can be overbuttered, expect to wait!

(2009)

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse - Cupertino

4/5 stars

I don't normally review chains but ...

When my hole-in-the-walls are closed. When San Francisco is too far away. When the beau and I want "know the menu/know what we're going to get" and a GOOD BEER LIST, we go here. We've started to fall back on BJ's so often, it's kinda grown on us. We kinda heart it.

++ They've got a more than decent beer list - with a whole page of Belgiums. I LOVE their berry cider and Jeremiah Red combination. They compliment each other so well.

++ Solid food! If you don't know what you want to eat, but at least know you want American food, this place is great. My favorites: chili (it's made with beer ... how can you can go wrong?), the Santa Fe salad with shrimp, their burgers, the California chicken sandwich, the steak cut fries, the buffalo wings (fried and drizzled with mild hot sauce), their HUGE baked potatoes (where else can you order a baked potato as a meal?), the fresh tortilla chips and fire roasted salsa, and their hot-outta-the-oven pizookies (deep dish cookie topped with ice cream).

++ The service is always friendly, but sometimes, it's awesome. The other night we tipped almost 25% - I think her name was Jackie - she was so fast, generous, and attentive.

Minuses: Being the only brewery (and the only restaurant open past midnight) in Cupertino, the wait can be awful (45+ min). Parking is a PAIN. I don't like being forced to valet. Also, sometimes, the service can be really slow.

(2009)

Honey’s Sit-N-Eat - Philadelphia

5/5 stars

Yelp, I don't know what I did before I met you. You make eating whilst travelling so much better.

I was in Philly for the weekend and I wasn't stuck dining at chains or tourist traps because I had my trusty iPhone and my trusty Yelp. It was Saturday and we needed brunch, STAT!

FOOD: Erm. I had a little too much free champagne to drink the night before so I needed something greasy so I ordered a custom omelette that was not only GENIUS and one of the TASTIEST OMELETTES EVER, but ... it was also the FATTIEST omelette ever and I probably hurted my heart. Oops.

I asked for pastrami and BOY, did I get pastrami. Half-a-pound of slightly sweet/maple, perfect pastrami. On top of my pastrami, there was a pile of sliced avocado, tomatoes, and ... *dramatic pause* Velveeta cheese. I've never been to a breakfast place that serves Velveeta before! This was one makes-your-tastebuds-water omelette.

I also ordered:

* orange juice - fresh-squeezed, delicious
* FRIED GREEN TOMATOES were soooo good, served with a side of homemade ranch
* a potato and onion latke - it was too fried, oily, and salty for me

ATMOSPHERE: Honey's was local, eclectic, laidback, homemade, and our waitress was super friendly, chatty, and tattoo'd. Thanks, Honey, for a great breakfast!

(2009)