Category

Food of the Week

Duck Santa Barbara

Downey’s Duck [CLOSED]

At Downey’s is a seasonal Santa Barbara institution that dates to 1982 on State Street. Chef John Downey and wife/front of house partner Liz present seasonal dishes with local ingredients in a classy setting...
Read More
Japanese Food Santa Barbara

Yoichi’s Sashimi

For awhile, Viticole Wine founder Brian McClintic MS had been telling me that Yoichi’s is Santa Barbara’s best restaurant. Since I trust him, I bookmarked Yoichi’s and hopped for an opportunity to go. Finally,...
Read More
Japanese Food Kyoto

Tempura Matsu Karasumi

Repeated efforts, which ultimately included pleading, resulted in a prized table at Kyoto’s Tempura Matsu, a kaiseki-style restaurant in Kyoto near Arashiyama that trusted advisors highly recommended. Chef Toshio Matsuno took over Tempura Matsu...
Read More
Oxtail Los Angeles

Leona Braised Oxtail [CLOSED]

Famed New York City based chef Marcus Samuelsson appeared at Leona in support of Red Rooster Cookbook, cooking alongside Nyesha Arrington, who Samuelsson called “the future.” Arrington’s star continues to rise in L.A., progressing...
Read More
Lobster Los Angeles

Elite Lobster with Rice Cakes [CLOSED]

Chinese banquet dining is serious business in the San Gabriel Valley, though a lot of non-Chinese diners might never know. Most of these meals take place in private rooms, drawing from negotiated, unprinted menus....
Read More
Fish And Chips San Diego

Pacific Standard Fish & Chips [CLOSED]

Hotel restaurants get a bad rap, and in many cases, the stigma is well deserved, with lowest common denominator menus that feel like they’re better suited to Bar Mitzvahs or weddings. Thankfully, the operators...
Read More