knoxy

I miss Northwoods here in Belmont Shore. Awesome place for a cocktail. There is still a Northwoods in Norwalk off Gateway and the 5 Freeway. I prefer "Steak and Stein" - another Clearman's restaurant - in Pico Rivera. I highly recommend it for the old school ambience alone. I recommend ONE HUNDRED PERCENT a steakhouse in Seal Beach on PCH called "Patty's Place." Not many people have heard of Patty's - it is EXCELLENT. The baked pork chop is unlike anything I've ever had. Incredible. Patty is almost always there - it's a great spot. LBC also still has 555 - good place for a nice steak still. I would pass on Madison Downtown - BAD deal there. There is a Brazilian joint called "Greenfield's" also in the LBC on PCH. Ambience is icky - but steak is pretty darn good. On the higher end, I enjoy Mastro's - there is one on Beverly Hills and Costa Mesa - the Newport location is called Mastro's Ocean Club. I also really enjoyed Stonehill Tavern at the St. Regis in Dana Point. Pretty good meal there. Edited to add - I am happy you enjoyed Cut over all - I didn't even think of that. I have it on my list to try... Finally, I love Nic's on Canon in Beverly Hills - one of the best grilled riddichio salads I've ever had - good steaks too.

Thanks for the tip. Sounds like Darioush - who used to have a small shack off Silverado Trail - Cabs were in the low to mid forties at tops - now they are up to $70 a bottle to pay for the tacky ornate building they are in today!

Interesting, I go to Peju often (I like their Provence wine) and haven't ever been offered food there. I know they sell an AWESOME cabernet chocolate. Oh my - if you haven't tried it before - please do. What about Quintessa? I heard that is a good tasting. I am a club member at Chandon - just tried Etoile restaurant for the first time a couple of weeks ago. I haven't tasted there in a long time though - thanks for the reminder. I haven't done J Wines yet - although I have a few bottles here now. I will have to check that out. Healdsburg is a simple drive from Napa. I'm going back in March. I've done Duckhorn (decent wine, horrid experience), but not Paraduxx... thanks for the info. I'm going to check out Nickel, Etude, Pina, and a few others. Does anyone know if Pahlmeyer does tastings? I had an EXCELLENT bottle of Pahlmeyer Red the other day...

FYI - regarding Silver Oak - sounds like you dodged that bullet! For others not so lucky - just know that they don't have a tasting room right now... their normal tasting room is being renovated. They have a fancy trailer for you now (well, not fancy - VERY much a trailer). Hey, I'm all about the wine - but if I'm paying $20 for a taste, I will NOT taste in a trailer. I love Pride Mountain - great tasting, great location, great wine & one of the best picnic spots in Napa. One question - I like a little nibble with my tasting. Any great wineries in the Napa/St. Helena/Yountville general region that offer a little nibble with the wine?

I can't help you in San Diego, but I can possibly help with the OC. We just recently visited Stonehill Tavern at St. Regis. The food was fairly good - the ambience made up for things - it was a great experience overall. The bar at the hotel is beautiful - views from their small restaurant/bar "Motif" are incredible. I was lucky enough to stay there about a month ago - it was by far the best hotel experience I have ever had. I love the Hobbit in Orange County. It's on Chapman in Orange. I've never had a bad meal there. Be forewarned though, you will be there for hours. It's a six-seven course prix fixe meal. Another favorite restaurant of mine in Orange County is at the Montage. Great hotel, great views. Studio is the restaurant there - I highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend it. I am not a huge Sushi fan, but folks seem to love Gen Kai on PCH in Corona del Mar. There is a fairly new Mastro's Ocean Club on PCH at Newport Coast that has an incredible view for a cocktail. Food isn't bad either. I also like Gulfstream on MacArthur and PCH for a cocktail. Great outdoor patio. Hope that helps. Have a LOVELY time!!!

I just went to Redd for the second time Friday. First visit was lunch, Friday was dinner. I cannot recommend it enough. The pork belly is nirvana there. I am so excited for you!

Not at all! I just wasn't sure if you had a chance to check out the restaurants mentioned. Fringale is pretty good - been there twice now. I used to frequent Mistral in Corona del Mar and it's the same chef/owner (before Patty and Ed took the place over). The menu is Prix Fix and about $25 per head (without wine). I had a Boeuf En Daube that knocked my socks off there. I look forward to hearing more of your suggestions! Take care, K

Boar, have you done Fora or Fringale in the LBC yet? You would be surprised - some really incredible dining experiences are coming up in the Shore and Naples now.

Thanks for the welcome! I've been a lurker here for a while - just joined during a trip to Napa about three months ago. Decided to put my money where my lurking is. I look forward to being a more active participant!

From LAX, Sunday would be anywhere from 1/2 hour to 45 mins max... Artesia does have awesome Indian Food. Cerritos has some great asian cuisine as well. I would also consider Long Beach - just a quick trip up the 605 to 7th Street, exit Studebaker left and right on 2nd... you will be in Belmont Shore within about 2-3 miles. About a 20 minute total drive from Norwalk (max). If you make a right on 2nd, then a right on PCH, you will find Enrique's Mexican Food at PCH and Loynes. Best Mexican food ever. Fora on 2nd Street in Naples (right before you hit Belmont Shore) is by far one of my favorite restaurants in Long Beach. Check out their website - not sure if the prices are too steep (was unclear if the cost quoted was per plate or per couple): http://www.fora-naples.com/ Biggs is in the Shore - pretty good "small plates." Their house wine is $10 a bottle and frankly, it's not bad! Stay away from Bono's - it's horrid and the customer service sucks. If you want Italian, let me know and there are about three or four great recommendations. Further down 2nd Street, you will turn into Ocean Avenue. Continuing down Ocean hits Downtown Long Beach - several places to eat down there - mostly chains... depending on what you like.