Sushi Roku - Santa Monica

Sushi Roku
1401 Ocean Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-4771
Type: Japanese food / sushi / restaurant
Website
Get directions



So it was my girl and I's 1 year anniversary on New Years' Day. Thanks for the best year of my life honey ;) We had to figure out what we wanted first, and then find out if it was open. What do the both of us love to eat almost any time of the day? Sushi and sushi rolls of course. So we Googled what was the best sushi place around. Pasadena had a few. L.A. had a few. And Santa Monica had a few. After literally about an hour or more of deciding we came to the conclusion that Sushi Roku in Santa Monica was the one. I think it was rated one of the top ten on AOL's Citysearch so we weren't too worried. The people who own Sushi Roku also own other upscale restaurants as Katana, Boa, and Robota Bar.

We didn't make reservations so we had to wait about 15-20 minutes for a table. The place is dark inside so I'm sorry for the horrible pictures. I don't like turning the flash on at restaurants. The items here are the most expensive I've seen so far, but it was for a special occasion. This place doesn't have many of the special baked rolls that I really like, so I had to force myself to eat more of the raw stuff..... and I'm glad I did.

The Chef's Sashimi Plate ($20.00) was very good. It was a small amount of the basic sashimi, but it came with 4 different sauces for you to dip with. Man that was real tasty.

Chef's Sashimi Plate... the bombest sashimi I've had


We got salmon sushi ($5.50) which was good. I ordered miso soup ($4.00) which sucked for the price. It should've come free with all the money you're spending. The toro and jalapeno roll (about $9?) was cool. I don't remember that too much.

Toro and Jalapeno Roll?


We also got the baked lobster roll ($19.00) which I also don't remember too much about. The katana roll ($17.00) was good though.

Katana or Baked Lobster roll?


I think this might be the Katana Roll


The crab dynamite had to be the most expensive appetizer I've eaten at $24.00. It was good and my girlfriend liked it alot. It had a distinctive taste.

This appetizer costs more than many meals (for two) I've eaten


So we drove all the way to Santa Monica from West Covina just to eat. It was late already by the time we were done and everything was closed. Was it worth the drive? I had no complaints. I really liked the sushi at Sushi Roku. I wouldn't come here expecting to get rolls unless you like the basic stuff mostly. The sashimi is where it's at here. After eating at this place, I've been ordering sushi more often. Too bad nothing has come close to it yet, but I'm not a picky sushi eater. I'd come here again, but not any time soon. The total bill for this place was $123 including tax and tip so for sure I can't come here yet. Gotta work overtime now.

Benihana - Anaheim

Benihana
2100 E Ball Rd
Anaheim, CA 92806
(714) 774-4940
Website
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I went to Benihana in Anaheim a couple weeks ago for a friend's birthday. When I found out we were going there, I already knew we were gonna spend some dough.

When we got there at night, there was already a line to get seated. My friends and I lagged as usual, but luckily my other friends were on time and were already seated. My past few experiences with Benihana and other teppan-style places were mediocre. My philosophy for these places are you pay for the show, and not necessarily the food. Was this time gonna prove me wrong? We'll see....

To start off, you get free soup. I don't know what it was, but it was good.

free soup


After ordering our food, we decided to start with some rolls. We got the Alaskan roll ($10.50) which was surprisingly good. The last time I had rolls here, I wasn't very happy.

Alaskan roll (topped with raw salmon)


I got a piece of my friend's tempura or crunchy roll. That was good, but maybe it was cuz I was hungry.

Tempura or Crunchy roll


When the chef arrived, that's when the show starts. They usually do the same tricks with a little variation. I'm not gonna say what they do just in case you haven't been there. It's pretty cool to see it at least once. So after the show, the chef puts your order on your plate and you eat!

I got the hibachi shrimp dinner ($22.00). It's definitely not worth the price, but it was okay. I liked the rice.

Hibachi Shrimp


My friend got the hibachi tuna steak (also $22.00). I definitely wouldn't get that one. It's supposed to be seared tuna, but it was fully cooked and dry. No thanks. I felt sorry for him.

Dry hibachi tuna steak


My other friend got the filet mignon dinner ($23.00). A few of my friends got that and they liked it. I couldn't tell you how it tasted, but I guess it was pretty good.

Filet Mignon


So what did I think after this experience? I still have the same attitude towards these places. You pay for the show, and not really the food. The sushi rolls were decent though. Would I go back? If there's another birthday party to attend.

Las Marias - La Puente

Las Marias
1445 N Hacienda Blvd
La Puente, CA 91744
(626) 918-6861
Type: Mexican food / restaurant

Map



Oh man. Another undiscovered gem... til now. Las Marias is on the northern part of Hacienda Blvd. It's in the same plaza as Auto Zone. I think it's been around for a while cuz the sign looks a little old school-ish. The main thing I like about this place is that it's open 24 hours a day. Another reason why I like it is that it's close by to my house. I don't need to drive to Molca Salsa if I'm craving Mexican food in the middle of the night anymore. The last reason why I like the place is that the food's not bad. I can easily say it's the best 24 hour or late night Mexican food place I've been to. They have breakfast dishes, burritos, tacos, meat, and seafood. I've been here twice already and I'm happy to be finally sharing this place with everybody.

So anyways, like many Mexican restaurants, they give you free chips and salsa while you're ordering.

free


The first time I went here I got some kind of fish fillet thing (not the garlic). It was okay. I think that cost about $10 - $12. This time, I decided to get the shrimp burrito (around $8.99). As you can see in the picture, it's pretty big-- although I finished it in one sitting. I wouldn't mind getting it again, but I'll try other things over there first.

Shrimp Burrito


The first time we went here, my girl got the fish fillets with garlic sauce. That was bomb. That also was around $10 or $12. This time she decided to get the garlic fish whole. That was also real good, but I prefer the fillets because it's easier to eat, and there's no bones. I also really liked the taste of it better than the whole fish.

Garlic Fish (whole)


If you're ever in the area of La Puente, West Covina, or Baldwin Park, and you're craving some late night quality-Mexican food, Las Marias is the spot... for now. I'm open to suggestions.

Hole Mole - Long Beach

Hole Mole
5109E Pacific Coast Hwy
Long Beach, CA 90804
(562) 985-1005
Type: Mexican food / restaurant
Website
Map



I can't believe I haven't posted a review for this place yet. Hole Mole is one of the spots to go to for cheap Mexican food. There's like 2 or 3 in Long Beach alone. The one on PCH is in the same plaza as 7-11.

I love this place mostly cuz of the prices. I guess they're supposed to be known for their fish tacos. They have $0.99 fish tacos on Tuesdays. I usually get the breakfast quesadillas which cost less than 2 or 3 dollars, and that should get you full enough. You might not even finish it.

Last time I went, I got the fish burrito ($3.85) and my girlfriend got the vegi breakfast burrito ($3.65). They were both good.

Burrito (I forgot which one)


I've been here so many times and will go here again if I'm in town. Check this place out.

Cheesecake Factory - Brea

Cheesecake Factory
120 Brea Mall
Brea, CA 92821
(714) 255-0115
Type: Italian food / restaurant / Other
Website
Get directions

Hours:
Mon - Thurs: 11am - 11:30pm
Fri - Sat: 11am - 12:30am
Sun: 10am - 11pm



Another chain restaurant? So what?! If something's good, then why hate? Although I'm not exactly saying that Cheesecake Factory is good, you shouldn't stay away from chains just cuz they're chains. Many times places become chains because... get this-- they're actually pretty good *gasp*. Nobody is gonna open the same restaurant somewhere else if people think the original place sucks. It just doesn't make business sense

So on that note, back to the review.

I've been to Cheesecake Factory a few times. Maybe like 5-7 times overall. Many times it was for a birthday or special occasion. Other times we just felt like eating there. My last time was because I got a $50 gift certificate from my bosses.

Great thing about this place: free bread. Load up on these if you're trying to save money and just get an appetizer or something.

Free brizzead


Another reason I like this place: the calamari ($8.95). The squid's not too thick, and the tartar sauce or whatever it is is great.

calamari


One thing I don't like about some Cheesecake Factorys are there aren't that many booth seats. I like eating and taking my pictures in private. I don't like sitting almost elbow to elbow with strangers when I eat. I know. I should be more social and open. Whatever. This place also can get packed during peak hours, so if you don't have a reservation, expect to wait maybe 15-30 minutes for a seat.

They have a happy hour for the bar menus on weekdays, from maybe 4-6pm.

The crabcake sandwich ($12.95) that I ordered was okay. It was big, but I for surely wouldn't get that again. It tasted better as a leftover when I had nothing else to eat at home.

Crapcake Sandwich... just kidding. It wasn't that bad but not great.


The bistro shrimp pasta ($16.95) was real good the first time I tried it. The two times after that were let-downs. I tried them at different places, and they were not good in their own ways.

Bistro Shrimp Pasta


So, was this chain restaurant worthy of my defense? Maybe for you. I myself wouldn't go back unless I got another GC or it was F-R-E-E. Pricey place. I'll hit up a sushi joint if I feel like spending that much again. Bye bye.

Happy Family - Rowland Heights

Happy Family Vegetarian Cuisine
18425 E. Colima Rd., 2nd Floor
Rowland Heights, CA 91748
Tel: (626) 965-9923
Fax: (626) 965-9953
Type: Asian / Vegetarian / restaurant / food
Website
Map

located on the 2nd floor of the building




If you're vegetarian, and you live in the San Gabriel Valley, I hope you already know about Happy Family in Rowland Heights. If not, you'll thank me after you actually go and sit down and eat there. My friends told me about this place years ago, and now I'm passing it on to you guys.

Happy Family is located on the 2nd floor of some shopping plaza on Colima and Batson Ave. Sorry, I don't know the name of the plaza, but there's a Little Bean store in the same vicinity. It's a vegetarian restaurant with mostly Chinese dishes. They have plenty of imitation meat and seafood. They have lunch specials for nice prices for a vegetarian place.

When I went there, we ordered the Vege Deep Fry House Chicken ($5.25) lunch special. I always love ordering that cuz they give a good amount of the "chicken." I usually have leftovers-- and not cuz it's nasty.

vege deep fry house chicken lunch special


I think when you order the lunch specials, or maybe even if you order anything when you sit in the restuarant, they give you free soup. Can't complain about that.

free soup


We also ordered the hand roll ($1.75 each) just to try it. It's good and cheap enough for me to get the next time I come here.

Hand Roll


The Mongolian Beef was a little pricey at $8.95. The good thing was like every order here is that they gave a lot. Enough for two meals or more. I can't find the picture of that, but it looks like any other veggie meat. That was good as well. We had leftovers and my brother killed it when I got home. He said it was good.

Finally, another dish I like ordering here is the deep fried oyster mushroom ($8 something). I think they put MSG, but I don't give a dayum! Some parts are a little crispy, but I can't explain it. It's good though.

deep fried oyster mushroom


I recommend this place even if you're not vegetarian. I think a lot of people go here who aren't vegetarian cuz it's obviously bomb. There's a bunch of stuff to pick from the menu. I can't guarantee you're gonna order something great, but I know my batting average has been pretty good here.

Red Lobster - Rowland Heights

Red Lobster
17601 Castleton St.
Rowland Heights, CA 91748
(626) 965-5112
Type: Seafood restaurant
Website
Map

When I was really young, I thought going to Red Lobster was for really rich people or for very special occasions. 20 or so years later, I find myself eating here-- paying for my own bill. Am I super rich now? Yeah right? Was it a special occasion? Every meal with my girl is a special occasion! heheh.

The real reason we came here was because the season for white elephants and gift cards just passed. I received a $25 gift card to this place so of course I had to put it to use the next day. We got there in the afternoon around maybe 4. The place wasn't packed at all, but there were spots of customers here and there.

Main thing I love about Red Lobster-- the biscuits. They're pretty plain, but they're just so good when they're hot. Plus, it's free, and you can keep ordering more and more.

FREE biscuits!

We ordered mostly appetizers: We got the "create your own appetizer" which consisted of calamari and stuffed mushrooms. The calamari was cool. It came with breaded broccoli. The mushrooms were cool, but they looked a hundred times better on the menu. I hate when that happens. That little combo cost $9.50. We also ordered the lobster and seafood artichoke dip ($8.99). I liked it, but I've had better. The jumbo shrimp cocktail( $7.99) was good. It's ridiculous how you only get so many shrimps and it cost so much. I know that's how it is at most places. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.

calamari & stuffed mushrooms


lobster and seafood artichoke dip


jumbo shrimp cocktail... good but not enough

I needed some kind of soup to wash all the appetizers down. The lobster bisque ($5.50 for a small bowl) was okay. Very small for the price.

lobster bisque soup


The only regular meal we got was the crunchy fried fish sandwich ($7.50). It sounded good while ordering, but after the appetizers and bisquits, it was pretty wack. I think it tasted better as a leftover a few hours later.

crunchy fried fish sandwich... better as leftovers


All those appetizers and biscuits, you better believe we were full. I should've eaten more biscuits so I would have more leftovers for a complete second meal, but the calamari was pretty good. Would I go here again? Umm...... I probably would if I had to for somebody's birthday or something. I wouldn't choose to go here for the hell of it though. Give me another gift card though, and I'll be there. I'll even offer to drive.

Las Brisas - Laguna Beach

Las Brisas
361 Cliff Drive
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949.497.5434
Type: Mexican food / restaruant
Website
Map





So I finally took notes on some of the restaurants I visited. My first victim is Las Brisas in Laguna Beach. It's a classy Mexican seafood restaurant. I was in the area and so my girl and I wanted to eat at a place with a good seaside view. She said she's been to Las Brisas before, and said it was good, so there we were.

It was the day after Christmas so we had to wait about 15 minutes for a table next to a window. I didn't want any birds shitting on me or my food outside. We ordered a beer each-- which cost $6 per bottle. It was just some regular Pacifico and Stella beers. The only time I'll usually pay for a $6 bottle of regular beer is at a club. Never do that again.

We finally get our table, and the view is great. The pictures don't do the actual scene justice. The part of the restaurant facing the beach is full of tall/wide windows.

I love when you get free bread or some kind of appetizer right away, even while you're still ordering your food. The waiter gave us bread with butter, kind of like what they do at Cheesecake Factory or similar places. I always end up eating a whole mess of bread before the food comes.

So we ordered the calamari ($10) to start off with. For calamari, I like the squid to be thin cuz it gets chewy the thicker it gets. These were a little thick for me. The sauce that covered it was good, but overall, I've tasted better and cheaper.

decent calamari


Then there's the seafood enchilada with the fish of the day-- which was yellowtail. The yellowtail was pretty good, but the enchilada was "ehh" to me.

16 dollars of "ehh"


The red snapper filet-- also $16, was a little better. The sauce was good. It's not worth its price though.

red snapper filet... better if a lot cheaper


As I write this review, I've come to the conclusion that the prices of the meals are bumped up a few dollars because you get a nice view. Sure the food is presented nicely, but I just wasn't feeling their delivery. I'm sure a lot of people love it here, but my girl and I were a little disappointed with the food. The good thing is that we ate so much bread that we took home most of the food to eat later. So in a sense, we paid for two meals! Yay!

Would I go back here? I'll try other places first, or if I really have to be here, I'll try totally different things than what we got that day.

cheers for six dollar beers! ....sike

Restaurant.com - website

www.Restaurant.com

Maybe I'm the last person with computer access to know about this site-- but just in case you didn't know, restaurant.com is a great place to find some deals for your next food outing. My co-worker told me about it and he was surprised I didn't know. He thought everybody knew.

The way it works is you find a restaurant you want to go to. If they're affiliated with restaurant.com, you can buy, let's say a $25 gift certificate for $10 out of your pocket. Now there's a catch, but it's better than nothing. You usually have to order a minimum amount to be able to use the certificate. For a $25 gift certificate, you would probably have to order from $35 to $50 worth of food. When you buy the certificate, you print it out and present the coupon before ordering. Many times they add an 18% gratuity. There's still some great deals to be had, especially if you eat out a lot and spend the minimum anyways.

I would also suggest that you sign up for the new offers/promotions. My co-worker said they give great deals now and then.

Osuna's - Walnut

Osuna's Mexican Restaurant
18746 E. Amar Rd.
Walnut, CA 91789
626-810-4101
Type: Mexican food / restaurant
Website
Map

Osuna's is located in the same plaza as Albertson's on the corner of Nogales and Amar. I've been here a few times, but it's always been to-go. The prices are a little high, so I don't come here too often. The only things I've tasted from here are the garlic fish, shrimp burrito, and lobster burrito. All the items you get to-go come with beans, some salad, and a small bag of chips and some salsa.

The filet of fish in garlic sauce seemed really plain to me. It cost about $10.85 plus tax. My girlfriend thought the same as well. I don't know why, but every time we order fish in garlic sauce at different places, it comes out really bland. We probably won't order those anymore unless it's restaurant's special dish they're known for.

filet of fish in garlic sauce... never again.


Then we come to the lobster burrito. I know that $8.25 is a lot to pay for a burrito. But this isn't a regular taco stand or Taco Bell burrito. You can't eat this burrito with just your hands and expect it to keep it's shape. This thing's stuffed full of small lobster tails. I mean almost every bite you're gonna get a piece of lobster. I hate it when restaurants get all shiesty with their ingredients. Osuna's hooks it up in this dish. Their shrimp burritos are similar too. But I'll always come back for the lobster burritos here.

gotta try their lobster burritos


Nearby cities: West Covina, La Puente, Diamond Bar, Covina, Rowland Heights