Restaurants & Bars

Sloppy Jo's Lunchroom

Sloppy Jo — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 14:08:08 -0700

With no-fuss lunches, free wifi and Etch-a-Sketches on hand, Sloppy Jo's Lunchroom in Highland Park's Ravinia district is bound to be a popular hangout for nannies and parents with kids in tow. The eats are simple and cheap (nothing exceeds a few bucks), including the namesake Sloppy Jo, tuna salad sandwiches and hot dogs (available plain, Cheesy or Sloppy). You can even score a Fluffernutter sandwich or a Sloppy Jo Frito Pie. Side dishes are reminiscent of your cafeteria days: chips, tater tots, or a treat of the day. A soup of the day will feature in cooler months, replaced by ice cream (on a sugar or pretzel cone) and floats during the summer. The Tootsie Rolls tossed in with every order only add to the charm.

Simon LA

ieatcupcakes — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 16:02:58 -0800

While most hotels are not worthy destinations for a night out with the girls, or for a leisurely fine dining experience, Simon LA, the restaurant at the Solfitel Hotel in Los Angeles, is making a name for itself as a trendy hot spot for both jet-setters and locals alike. Head Chef, Kerry Simon, of Iron Chef fame, has crafted a fun, accessible menu that offers an innovative take on American comfort food in a happening environment that is undeniably chic.

The modern decor is sophisticated, yet warm, creating a space where the attractive clientele and industry hobnobbers are happy to linger. Even if the food wasn't good, the ambiance at Simon LA would be worth a gander -- it is the type of restaurant that transports it's diners into a different world, a world where dainty starlets dig into Kobe beef sliders, and power agents make deals over oozing gratins of baked mac 'n cheese. Other palate pleasers on the menu include the tuna dynamite appetizer, the tender braised short ribs, a thai red chicken curry, and the prime steaks. The lunch menu is equally appealing, but offers ladies who lunch lighter options like the Belgian endive and organic watercress salad or turkey burger.

While spotting the new hot celeb cozying up to her latest beau in the corner booth is always a possibility at Simon LA, the main attraction at the restaurant is the infamous junk food platter. Diabetics and lettuce eaters beware -- this behemoth of cotton candy, mini hostess cupcakes, fluffy pink snoballs, donut holes, ice cream, caramel corn, and mini cookies, is enough to send even the girthiest diners into a month-long sugar coma. Fortunately, since Simon LA is located in a hotel, there are plenty of beds available to do just that.

Dr. Teas's

ieatcupcakes — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 10:27:53 -0800

For a Zen girl looking to replenish her soul, Dr. Teas Herbal Emporium is akin to a plate of warm chocolate chip cookies served with a glass of icy cold milk. Stepping into the open-air, Earthy space on Melrose Ave., one can't help but be transfixed by the serene atmosphere, soothing music and tranquil garden that invites patrons to take some time to saver their tea beverages at one of the many tables lining the outdoor patio.

Bustling employees are eager to help customers navigate the book-sized menu that includes delectable white teas like blueberry or cantaloup and lychee, fragrant green teas, oolong teas, roibos and any other variety a tea lover could possibly desire. Tea can be served hot, cold, in a cup to go, or in a teapot for those looking to linger with a book or good friend in the garden. On warmer days, trendy, health-conscious Los Angelos go wild for the Tea Frosteas, a low calorie tea drink blended with sweet agave syrup, ice and their favorite tea flaver. Popular choices include drinks that are carefully concocted to resemble the taste of orange sherbert, blueberry pie, a pina colada, or a mocha. All drinks have less than 50 calories, making it a delicious, yet healthy indulgence that won't require a trip to the gym later in the day.

For those that need a little substenance on the side of their tea, Dr. Tea's also offers a small menu of options from macrobiotic eatery M Cafe de Chaya, as well as baked goods that include lavender cupcakes, chocolate chip cookies and other freshly prepared items. While prices are steep, the quality of the tea leaves and creative blends make it worth the wallet strain. Especially when a girl needs her soul repaired (without the plate of cookies).

The Balcony Bar at Sundance Cinema Kabuki - Nicki McGrath

RockinItNikitaStyle — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 16:57:39 -0800

The newly opened Balcony Bar at Sundance Cinemas Kabuki in Japan-town was worth the wait and the estimated six million spent on creating such a luxury. The marriage between Japanese decor and comfort designed perfectly for an intimate outing make seeing a movie a heck of a lot more interesting. Modestly priced appetizers and drinks can be enjoyed along with a hospitable staff in the lounge area before going into the balcony theater. Or if you like, take your drink and food with you and enjoy it along with your feature. Large comfy seats that recline and side tables make you feel more at home. If you've dragged your other half along for a chic flick your guilt will subside when you buy them the alcoholic beverage of their choice. Or if like me, you have a hard time with horror, drink a glass of Pinot and unwind a bit before digging your nails into your partner's arm. Leg room and comfortable hand holding go a long way for a first or even fiftieth date. My final take on the Balcony Bar? I only wish there were more like it because I have no doubt there will be a boom in Kabuki's popularity.

Churchill's Pub & Restaurant : A Touch of Britain in the Deep South

NoraNora — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 08:51:50 -0800

I've been to Churchill's Pub twice and each time was a different experience. The first time my husband and I went alone. We were seated in a cosy room with a fireplace and dark wooden tables and booths. This room was called the study. We both commented on how we actually felt as if we were in a pub in England. We were told, then, that all the furniture was actually imported from England. The food was delicious and the drinks were cheap, as we were there during Happy Hour.
I was just in Savannah last week with my family and for dinner, I suggested that we return to Churchill's. This time, we sat in the parlour, which was an open room with large tables near the window, looking out onto busy Bay Street. The food once again, was spot on. I had a delectable blackened steak which was a touch spicy and cooked to perfection. The mashed potatoes and sauteed vegetables tasted like Heaven. My brother ordered the Roasted Salmon. He said it was the best Salmon he'd ever had. My husband and father ordered more traditional British fare by having fish and chips and the Northumberland stew. My mother had a Pear Salad topped with blackened chicken. She said it was incredible, especially for a salad.
I like that the service is very good at Churchill's without being overwhelming. We were there for a good two hours, drinking while we talked and then eating when we were good and hungry. There's also a large seating area by the bar, a basement with a pool table, and a rooftop terrace.
Churchill's is a great place to go either for an intimate dinner or a fun night out with family and friends.