I was married at La Palapa at the beginning of 2011, we had a wonderful experience there. My husband Ryan and I could not wait to go back on our 1 year anniversary. This would be the first time we ever ate there for lunch and we both had high hopes since we loved everything just one year prior.

Ryan and I decided to sit on the patio because it looked a little bit busier and had also been revamped since the last time we had been there. Plus, this location on the beach is just beautiful. The patio now has a fire pit and a few tables that are covered with canopies – it looked more put together than the last time we had been there. Ryan and I sat to the side of the patio, but sadly it must be the spot where all the fumes from the fire pit go because we literally were coughing from the propane smell. It was awful, but after moving and being able to breath again we began to look at our menus.

We decided to start with the ahi Palapa tostadas because we had wanted to serve it at our wedding but thought it might be too difficult for the cocktail hour. For lunch we decided to share the lobster enchiladas and a bloody mary. The bloody mary and ahi arrived pretty quickly, and they were both perfect. I had asked for extra olives and she really gave them to me, always a plus. The ahi was enough for two but left us wanting more – a lot more. The fish was very fresh and the sauce on it was very flavorful it wasn’t the usually soy type of sauce it was a bit more tangy and I can remember this one above a lot of other ones we have had. I’m salivating thinking about it and want to return soon.

The lobster enchiladas had a beautiful presentation. I wish we hadn’t been so hungry and excited that we dived in because I wasn’t able to get a picture, but let me tell you that the lobster was sweet, juicy and there was a lot of it. The beans and rice were also very tasty with the lobster sauce on them, and I would highly recommend them to anyone. I had heard La Palapa does mexican dishes really well and they were right. Next time I think I want to try the pork carnitas, I have read rave reviews about them!

I was a little bummed that they charged me $1 for a side of salsa for the entree though. Otherwise the prices were pretty standard for everything that we wanted to have. The ahi was $13.95 and the enchiladas were $17.95, and both were totally worth it. Now I want to go back and celebrate our anniversary monthly!

The folks at A Slice of New York Pizza in Seal Beach aren’t the chatty type. In fact, they’ve saved themselves the trouble of verbally addressing repeated inquiries by printing a list of frequently asked questions and their accompanying answers on the rear of their take-home menu; their responses don’t exactly paint them as a cheery bunch. The first on their list of most common queries reads “Is this real New York pizza?” with the answer flatly stating, “not even going to answer that.” At first, I found it to be a bit defensive. As if they’re avoiding the question because they’re not completely confident their pizza is 100% New York. But I’m guessing they meant it the other way – as in “of course it’s real New York pizza. Why would you even bother to ask?” But an answer with some measure of descriptiveness would’ve been nice. Something like, “Our pizza is 100% New York. Its thin and crispy crust, elegant layer of sauce, and smooth layer of cheese gives it the trademark foldability adored by all Manhattanites.” Undoubtedly, their actual response is all meant for show, opting for the stereotypically snarky east coast attitude to help carry the illusion that their diners are stepping into an actual New York pizza joint.

Personally, I’ve had the pleasure of stepping into this pizza joint on numerous occasions – no illusion is necessary when it comes to judging their quality. While it may or may not be a close representation of what you would get on the streets of New York, it’s by far one of the best in the area. Personal preference for thin crust over thick leads me to such a bold statement. Biting into a doughy slice of pizza means the taste of the bread dominates the taste of the sauce, cheese, and toppings, being largely responsible for that inevitably heavy, weighed down feeling, cursing your gut for the next several hours. A Slice of New York goes the other way, painting their masterpiece on a thin rail of bread, with an equally thin layer of cheese, and finished with fresh toppings for a great balance of every element, and giving the crust that great crispy, crunchiness in the end.

Unfortunately, there is a drawback – the price. A medium pizza measuring 14 inches will set you back around $15 ($11 for the cheese). Their 18 inch large pizzas are around $18 ($14.50 for the cheese). Compared to the great bargains at a corporate pizza chain, you’ll definitely pay a fairly steep premium at A Slice of New York. If you’re not looking for a whole pie, they do sell pizza by the slice and their all-day special offers two slices of cheese pizza and a drink for $5.99 (an extra 50 cents is tacked on for their other slices).

Be advised, seating is quite limited. A few small booths and a couple tiny tables are all they have to speak of. Considering that icy FAQ and their lack of interest with socializing, perhaps that’s a good thing. But we can cut them some slack. Their pizza is top notch and they’re probably annoyed by people who question its merit. In the end, I would tell these inquisitive people to stop asking questions and just try it. Any further notion to waste time by talking instead of sinking your teeth into that glorious thin crust will rush out of your head faster than a New York minute.

A regular ol’ Wednesday and going out to lunch seemed like a good idea, a complete treat I assure you as I don’t usually allow myself the luxury during a work day. So I called a friend and headed down the street to a little place close to my office. Johnny Rebs’… maybe you have heard of it? A very quaint southern place, and very crowded for 1pm on a weekday

This is the kind of place that has baskets of peanuts on the table and peanut shells on the floor, needless to say feel free to relax. Lunch is casual today.

So we get down to ordering the grub right away as we fear the wait may be long. My friend ordered the Grilled Salmon on spinach with greens and I the Southwest chicken salad with BBQ ranch dressing. We both ordered the hush puppies as sides. Lemonade to drink..…no “martini” lunch here. Just kidding! We do have to return to work after all, but just so you know they do serve beer and wine.

We look around and enjoy the surroundings…old country signs and accessories cover the ALL the walls, ceilings, and gingham cloths on the tables. Even the restrooms add to the ambiance. Go in and you can hear cows baying in the background and chickens clucking, very cute.

Our fears of a long wait were unfounded though as our food came out relatively quickly. Not really big portions either but for lunch sufficient and tasty. My salad was crisp and flavorful with a very tasty BBQ ranch dressing that was delicious. Fritos were tossed into the salad which at first glance I thought was a bit odd, but it worked as it added some nice salty crunch to the salad. My friend’s salmon looked a bit plain on the plate with all those greens, but she assured me it was good. My disappointment was the hush puppies though. I usually enjoy these totally southern deep fried corn meal delicacies, however not today. They were just not very good… so sad.

For something different with a little southern charm I would recommend this place next time you feel a bit peck-ish and are in the Bixby Knolls area, stop by. Tell’ em you heard about them from me, Kathi, your cougar here at LB food review…..Bon Appetit!

It is hard to break out and go some place new, especially when you are busy and just want something comfortable. This last Sunday Dianne and I wanted to go out for Breakfast and after throwing out all the staples, we decided on something different… Kafe Neo. We both enjoy going there for dinner, and every time we see the Breakfast menu and say we have to try it out. We finally did and here are my thoughts.

To go some place new and just eat the same thing that you would someplace else is not very adventurous. So after looking at everything on the menu and evaluating what I should order, I chose the Lamb Chops and Eggs, not something that appears on the standard greasy spoon menu. Dianne decided on the Breakfast Burrito that was filled with potatoes, feta, and Greek sausage. I had a cup of coffee to start while D went for the hair of the dog mimosa. The coffee was really good. The waitress explained that it is a very unique blend and very few places serve it. I got the name and wrote it down but for the life of me I cannot find it, so I guess that you are going to have to go and try it for yourself. Dianne’s momo was doing the job and the food was soon to come.

The food arrived in due time and looked fantastic. The plating was very pleasing as were the smells that were emanating from our plates. We slowed down for a sec to make sure that we took good pictures and then it was time to enjoy. My Lamb Chops were perfectly cooked at Medium Rare. The meat was super tender, just red at the center, and practically fell off the bone. The seasoning that was applied was a perfect companion for the robust lamb flavor while not overpowering it at all. The eggs were large and full of wonderful creamy yoke. I would have to say that the potatoes were just ok, but the rest of the plate made up for it. As a toast lover I was impressed with the freshness of the bread and the fact that it was toasted to perfection.. This may sound funny, but too many places either burn or come darn close with their bread. Dianne thoroughly enjoyed her burrito. It was stuffed with fluffy eggs, a good amount of feta, and the Greek sausage that gave it a little different twist that set it apart from the run of the mill.

Next time you are looking for a new spot to have breakfast and chill, try out Kafe Neo. They have great service, reasonable prices, and if you so wish a nice outdoor patio to help take in all that is the LBC.

Until Next Time, Keep Eating Long Beach,

Cliv

Have you seen that cute little corner restaurant on PCH and Clark? The one that seems impossible to turn into and even harder to park in? Yea, that one!

The Crooked Duck opened a few months ago, and being that I live pretty close, I would drive by all the time and the name interested me. I had a small hope that everything they served had duck (I was wrong, but they do have a chili). For my birthday, my friend Teresa who knew I had been dying to try the place suggested we go there for lunch. Success! All my chit-chatting about it worked!

Teresa and I went in the afternoon on a weekday and the patio was crowded! I thought that was a great sign. We asked for a table on the patio and we were seated right away. We looked over the extensive menu and also laughed about the origin of the name (a duck was hit while someone was water skiing and was left crooked; don’t worry, the duck lives!). Some might say it’s a little dark, but I am a fan. Our server was quick and attentive and everyone said hello.

When we saw that they offered a mango mimosa, we couldn’t say no. Sure, it was a weekday lunch, but we were celebrating a birthday after all. Our server went over the specials with us and Teresa knew right away she had to order the tomato basil soup with a half grilled cheese sandwich. At first, I was unsure why anyone would order a grilled cheese sandwich anywhere other than in her own kitchen, but then I learned what was in it. This grilled cheese had three types of cheese: swiss, cheddar and jack. But that’s not all: inside there is also tomato and basil. Sounded like she couldn’t go wrong. She also decided to add a side salad to her meal.

Due to my garlic allergy, it was a little bit more difficult for me to decide what to have, but the server was very helpful (which is a nice change of pace compared to other places I have been lately). She checked with the cooks and let me know what I would be able to have and modify. I decided to order the Chicken Cobb Salad – they made the chicken for me in a separate pan and changed the seasoning so that no garlic would be included. They really went above and beyond for me.

Our food arrived and we were both very happy. Teresa’s side salad looked delicious and had way more than most side salads I have seen: gorgonzola, candied walnuts, croutons, and mango de gallo topped with herb balsamic vinaigrette. Her tomato soup smelled fantastic, and she said that it was much creamier than others she has tried and that the basil in her grilled cheese really made it the perfect combination.

My cobb salad arrived and it was much larger than I had anticipated. I ate it all, it was delicious. The chicken was a bit overcooked, I think that probably was because of the special instructions for the chef, and it didn’t make the salad any less tasty. The salad was a standard cobb but used gorgonzola instead of blue cheese. It also had a lot more avocado then the restaurant chains usually include. Overall, this was a cute little place that had very tasty food.

The prices did seem a little out of whack for the food they were offering ($12.95 for my cobb salad & $8.95 for a cup of soup and half sandwich), but I would return again and I hope to go in for breakfast (that menu looked amazing). I would even deal with soju instead of vodka in my Bloody Mary, and that’s saying something!