Sunday, March 20, 2011

Le Pain Quotidien

Stopped by here for breakfast to meet some of wife's friends. This place is located in downtown type area of Claremont. Very classy area, very classy place. European style in that there is a communal table. They serve breakfast lunch and dinner, and they have free wifi.

So today I ordered the Paris Ham and Gruyère Cheese Croissant and wife ordered the Wild Mushroom Omelet.

The croissant priced at 6.95 was crispy and fresh, the ham and cheese were solid and the three mustards they served this with were awesome.

The wild mushroom omelet priced at 9.95 I think it was, was good but little small for that price.

Overall the food I give a 4 star performance, but the price was a little steep. Not a place I would choose on my own, but those who prefer a more authentic European experience, give this place a whirl. A great place to hang out and get some talking down.

Monday, March 14, 2011

On the Border --- the Restaurant, not Literally

We got what we came here for! One of my wife's favorites salsas is here at "On The Border: Mexican Grill". So after receiving a coupon for a free appetizer from Clipper magazine, we set out to enjoy chips and salsa! This is a review for "On the Border: Rancho Cucamonga"

Sunday night, the place was not too busy. Plenty of parking here, its within a strip mall that is large enough to almost rival smaller enclosed malls. There even is a move theater nearby (cheap movie tickets too!)

Hostess and Waiter were amicable.

Here is what we had:
Chips and Salsa, two bowls if it! Yummy!, Yes the chips were slightly too salty, but the salsa is a perfect mix of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and some kick (spiciness). This confirms our previous visit here.


Appetizer: Texas Wings: We split the order to half BBQ and half spicy wings. The BBQ wings had a tangy mesquite flavor to them, and the spicy wings were drenched in tobasco-like sauce. To be truthful, i would have much preferred the fried, crispy wings without the sauce in this case. (There is also ranch sauce provided)

For the main courses, I had the Pepper Jack Chicken Enchiladas, wifey had the Combination with a tostada and pork tamale.

Pepper Jack Enchiladas: This was a large portion of one enchilada, no sauce on top with beans and rice for sides. Taste was ok. Not really spicy as the red bell peppers were more sweet than anything else, and the cheese didn't add that much spice. Black Beans I chose were dry. Rice was ok.

The tostada tasted pretty good, the pork tamale I would have much preferred without the mole like sauce it was drenched in.

Price was ... .well a little steep for Mexican, but then again it is a chain restaurant.
Overall, I give this place 3.5 stars!

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Tokyo Shabu Shabu, Rowland Heights, CA

I am definitely no expert on Shabu Shabu, in this is probably the first time I have eaten pure Shabu Shabu at a restaurant. I have had half and half at Cocary.

We had a party of seven, so we made reservations for 6:00 on a Saturday night. When we got there at 6, the dinner crowd was just starting to filter in. They saved us the corner booth that could fit 10 or so people on 4 burners. Otherwise the place has a "bar" area, where each person has their own burner, but you eat side by side and not in a small area, thus making talking to others abit difficult. They do have 4 person tables available also, sharing two burners I believe.
Considering that we were mostly eating broth, the price was abit steep, the 19.99 for 10 ounces of meat is what I ordered; The angus beef. Kobe beef would cost much more. Also a fusion broth could cost more, and the regular shabu broth is literally hot water. Though, you do have soy sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic if you ask for them.
The meat was good quality, that I will admit, the vegetables were at least not brown nor stale, They weren't super fresh either though.

Oth
er meats you can order in
clude, seafood, pork, chicken, or lamb.


This place is in what used to be a happening place Diamond plaza Fullerton Exit off the 60 fwy. Nowadays this place isnt so hip, but there is a line for shabu shabu. Get there early!

The wait staff was friendly and helpful.

Overall, I feel ripped off eating shabu shabu at a restaurant, I understand their prices, but I would much rather have KBBQ. But for shabu shabu, I would rate this 4 stars.