If you could only have either chocolate or cheese for the rest of your life — in addition to all other foods, that is — which would you pick? Any kinds of chocolate or any kinds of cheese ... just not both. I love...

Sounds worth a visit once they get settled. I wonder if those tomatillos in the boar dish were actually tiny Thai eggplant? I love the peppery bitterness of that vegetable and would make a trip just for that. I wish more Thai...

I haven’t liked Mark’s Las Olas in a long time (though Mark’s in the Park isn’t bad, up in Boca Raton). For a great meal for your dad, I’d recommend Casa d’Angelo on US-1 north of Sunrise for...

Cristina, you’re right! Tlayuda! I was drawing a complete blank on the name – thanks.

Good thing you’re a step ahead of me, which saves me from typing a long writeup on these places. :) I just went there for the first time last weekend. I must say I was not as impressed with the ramen. I tried the Tonkatsu...

. Making up Plan B on the fly, I turned to my mother and said, “Didn't you say you wanted to check out the new Chinatown on Irving Street?” “Ok, I'm bored with Clement, let's go to Irving”, she answered....

's pain au chocolat but I’m sure it’s very good as are the hand-made chocolates. 420 N. La Cienega north of the Beverly Center. L’Artisan du Chocolat makes very fresh and flavorful chocolates. It’s on the...

I can’t believe it. I’m stumped. The in-laws are coming in this weekend, and I need to make a reservation for Saturday night. Parameters are: not a chain restaurant, not very fancy or pricey (ie, not 2941, Maestro,...

was reserved unless you put your name down for elevated chair seating near the bar, or sit at the counter watching the kitchen area. Our waiter was great in answering all our questions about the menu, also very detailed with his...

'm nitpicking, but that’s kind of annoying- it’s intrusive and seems unprofessional. The waiter says it’s to help the runner place the right food at your table but they seem to do fine at every other restaurant...

can squeeze in at least one lunch & dinner off site while we’re there – yeah! After El Bulli the night before the conference, I think we’ll be ready for some real basic food at Cal Pep! Also, trying to make lunch...

illuminate us. If you’re into Japanese food at all, you should try and visit Mitsuwa, a full-fledged Japanese grocery store near Schaumberg in Arlington Heights (linked below.) There’s a food court with fairly mediocre...

. Meanwhile, all afternoon, I’m dialing Restaurant Mandich, and keep getting the machine. I conclude that Mandich is probably closed for Xmas Week (like Dick and Jenny’s and Jacques Imo’s). Finally about 5:30 I...

If you really want some great Cajun food in a REALLY lively environment, try Jacque Imo’s. You can make a reservation if there are 5 or more; if not, be prepared to wait about an 1 1/2 hours (yes, it’s THAT popular,...

A few weeks ago, my Auntie Helen treated me to a lovely, lovely dinner at Merenda, the first time for both of us at this Cow Hollow neighborhood restaurant. She had stopped by earlier in the day to make the reservation in person,...