Neptune’s Net, Malibu

Neptunes Net

42505 Pacific Coast Hwy

Malibu, CA 90265

(310) 457-3095

www.neptunesnet.com

Surprisingly enough, this was actually my first and only visit to Neptune’s Net.  Its a bit of a drive, depending on where you’re coming from, but totally worth it.  The food is a bit pricey and mostly fried, but its one of the cutest little tucked away places in Malibu. I ordered the seafood platter.  Everything tasted really fresh, although I do wish I could have shared this with at least 3 other people.  It most certainly is big enough. I think its a great stop to eat at either before or after the beach. Another perfect place for a Sunday Funday!!

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Crab Catcher Restaurant, San Diego

Crab Catcher Restaurant

1298 Prospect St.

La Jolla, CA 92037

(858) 454-9587

http://www.crabcatcher.com/crab-catcher-market-cafe

For a beautiful and classy restaurant with an ocean view, you must visit Crab Catcher Restaurant. However, let me warn you, there are some downsides.  The food was okay…nothing special about it. I ordered the Eggs Benedict which comes on top of 2 crab cakes.  I thought this would give me the most bang for my buck, and it did. But was it spectacular?? No.  Everything was rather pricey as well, but it just didn’t match the quality. Not worth eating there. On the other hand, the atmosphere was very bougie and felt like I was dining in a beautiful east coast spacious country home which was a nice change. Luckily our table was right in front of the window so we had a perfect view of the ocean, without a reservation either. I HIGHLY recommend you make a reservation in advance and request to sit near the window or on the patio overlooking the ocean.  Although I mentioned some pitfalls, I would still recommend this place, but only for drinks and appetizers because the view alone made it all worth it.  Oh and guess what, they have happy hour from 3pm-9pm!

Crab Enchiladas

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Searsucker, San Diego

Searsucker

611 5th Ave.

San Diego, CA 92101

(619) 233-7327

http://www.searsucker.com/

I was looking for a great restaurant to go to, and a local San Diegoan told me that Searsucker is the place to go.  So happy I listened.  First of all, the place is very energetic and quite a hot spot.  As big as it was, it was still packed with people.  The decor was exactly my taste, very industrial.  This restaurant actually belongs to one of the contestants on Top Chef, which now explains why their menu items were so unique.

Now, for the food.  First off, they bring out their special cheddar puffers, for free, so no need to order it separately.  They were different, but in a good way.  Next, I kid you not but we ordered the “Cowboy Caviar”…which was Buffalo testicles.  What did it taste like?  Well, texture wise, if I had to relate it to something else I’ve eaten, I’d say it was a lot like eating liver, only a little softer.  Luckily they had battered and deep fried it like a chicken nugget which made it way more palettable.  Now, I don’t know if this was done on purpose or not, but they had this special fried lettuce on the side that when eaten, gave the illusion of eating curly hair. I don’t know what kind of lettuce, just the kind that feels like you’re eating hair when you fry it.  Nah, it had to have been on purpose because there are a million other things they could have put on the side, but they chose to put fried lettuce. Who fries lettuce anyway? Truthfully, I was a little grossed out towards the end of eating it, but it was worth trying at least once. Especially if you’re sharing it with others. One piece will do the trick.

The next thing we ordered was the bacon grits.  Deee-lish.  Totally worth it and so flavorful.  I would have had 2 entrees to report on but my sig fig and I got into a fight so we had to call the night short. Boo hoo!  No worries, we worked through it, lol, but not in time to have our dinner entrees of Shark and the ribeye “tomahawk.” Oh well, I guess this just means we’re going to have to go back!

If you’re looking for a place to go in San Diego, I wouldn’t waste your time looking anywhere else. This place has it all, fits any occasion, is right in the heart of the Gas Lamp district. It’s within walking distance of other bars.  Has awesome food and drinks.  Why go anywhere else?!

Bacon Grits

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San Pedro Fish Market and Restaurant, San Pedro

San Pedro Fish Market and Restaurant

1190 Nagoya Way

San Pedro, CA 90731

(310) 832-4251

www.sanpedrofish.com

Ok People…If you never been to the San Pedro Fish Market and Restaurant, this is something you definitely want to put on your to do list.  It is such a sight to see.  Yes, it is a bit of a drive, but once you get there, you’ll find it was well worth it.  When you walk in, its an immediate SENSORY OVERLOAD.  There are tons of people milling around.  Lines can be rather long so be prepared.  What you do is first, you stand in line to pick out your seafood.  Then you stand in another line to have your selection cooked for you.  As far as I know, The most common selection as you’ll see is the shrimp. We ordered 1 pound for two people and it was more than enough.  I think it could have easily fed 4. The most common way to have your shrimp cooked is in their meadly of vegetables and tomato sauce.  You’ll see tons of tables with trays of this stuff.  In addition to shrimp, I wanted to try something I’ve never had before, so I opted for shark meat.  I’ll be honest, not a huge fan of it.  It was kind of like eating a very dense white fish.  I probably would have liked it more if it was prepared in a nice stew or sauce, but since this one was grilled, it was just ok.  It did not have a lot of flavor.  Neither did the butter bread, I wouldn’t get that either. I WOULD however, follow the lead of the many other families who were picnicking and brought their own side dishes like rice, beans, and salad.

But the most amazing part of the whole experience is the veiw of the water and sailboats as you eat your meal.  The view, a good meal, and a cup of Michelado makes for an amazing sunday funday.  After lunch, there’s even a free trolly you can ride that will take you around the city and stops at local museums 

My boo picking out some lobster and crab

Tray of shrimp cooked in their special sauce

Shark meat and butter bread

Michelado

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Fig & Olive, West Hollywood

Fig & Olive

8490 Melrose Place

West Hollywood, CA 90069

(310) 360-9100

www.figandolive.com

Once again, I found myself surrounded by some of the best looking people.  It was like I stepped into a whole new world where handsome men in suits and tiny little barbie dolls co-mingle in one centralized spot. I mean, we literally met a Christian Grey look-a-like.  I loved the people watching aspect of Fig & Olive and the ambiance of the restaurant as a whole.  I haven’t been back since but I’m so dying to go for date night.  The food was delicious and I loved the presentation.  One thing I didn’t quite like was that almost all the dishes I tried were a bit salty (and I’m a big salt eater).  So I would perhaps be mindful of that when ordering. Otherwise, this is THE perfect place to go for on your next date!

Scallops

Penne Funghi Tartufo

Beef Carpaccio

Filet Mignon

Truffle Fries

Chocolate Soufflé

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Cafe Roma, Beverly Hills

Cafe Roma

350 North Canon Drive

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

http://www.cafferomabeverlyhills.com/

I love coming to Cafe Roma. Its the perfect local spot to people watch and catch some happy hour drinks and small bites.  I actually love their happy hour because they’ve got a great happy hour food selection.  Included on their happy hour menu is a few carpaccio selections like beef and salmon, which is good if you’re looking for low-carb options. I went there a few times after work just to grab a drink and a quick bite, and once after dinner because they are open late.  If you’ve never been I’d say its definitely worth checking out.

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Providence, Los Angeles

Providence

5955 Melrose Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90038

(323) 460-4170

http://providencela.com/

Providence is hands down the most interesting of all culinary experiences I’ve ever experienced.  We did the full-blown 9 course meal, $300+ per person plus the wine pairing with each course.  Although the plates are teeny tiny, trust me, you will get full, especially with all that wine.  I loved experiencing all their different and unique offerings like baked salmon skin and uni egg.  I especially enjoyed the Greyhound Shot with was grapefruit and vodka in a jelly like sphere that made you feel like you were eating an egg yolk, except the taste was exceptional.  Its not just food, this is science people.  Not just science in their food, but in the way they provide service.  I sat their watching the servers walk around the room like clockwork.  Refilling glasses, fixing people’s napkins while they were away, checking in on tables.  It was fascinating to watch.

So why should you go here? Well, if you are a big time foodie and are ok with dropping some serious cash to enjoy an out of this world experience, then I’d say this is for you. Oh, and a little advance warning, be sure to arrive on time and expect to spend a good 3 hours!

Greyhound Shot

Sturgeon Seaweed Rice Taco

Salmon skin crackers with a Smoked Salmon Creme Fraiche

Abalone and Squid with Chorizo Skewers

Uni Egg

Chocolate Mousse and Figs with ice cream

Petite Fours

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Hide Sushi, Los Angeles

Hide Sushi Japanese Restaurant

2040 Sawtelle Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90025

(310) 477-7242

www.hidesushi.com

Went here once for date night.  I liked the ambiance. The restaurant in general is very traditional, so there wasn’t anything fancy on the menu. You’re not going to find cheese, mayo, or anything fried really.  Which is why, after having a few plates and realizing my cravings were not going to be met, we ended up leaving and going to Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles!  A girl needs to eat! Also, keep in mind this is a cash only place. Parking can also be a B**** in that area, but they do have valet parking.  I’m sure this place is great if you want authentic japanese cuisine, but I’ll take my fried onions and spicy mayo, thank you!

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