Rate-A-Restaurant #198: Blue Fish Sushi

Restaurant: Blue Fish

Location:2261 Honolulu Ave (Montrose)

Type of restaurant: Sushi

We stipulated: It was an overcast day, and we were looking to get out of the house — but not stray too far from Franklin Avenue HQ. Glendale’s Montrose district — particularly Honolulu Ave., which has been dubbed Glendale’s “Old Town,” is a nice stroll on a lazy afternoon. There’s bakeries, a kids’ bookstore, a good old fashioned toy store, coffee shops, etc. And restaurants. Maria had a craving for shrimp tempura — and we hadn’t done sushi in a while. Montrose has several low-cost sushi joints; Blue Fish is a tad pricier than those, but the ambience was probably worth a few extra bucks.

They stipulated: Blue Fish is semi-kid friendly, offering up two non-sushi alternatives for picky kids.

What we ordered: Shrimp tempura roll ($9.95); Dynamite (Baked scallops, lobster, mushrooms and onion on a California roll, $11.95); Spicy tuna rolls ($5.95); California roll ($5.95); Chicken teriyaki bowl for kids ($5.95)

High point: We liked the nice space, and appreciated the price, given the amount of food we received. And let’s face it, any sushi joint that’s also kid-friendly is OK by me. We’re not overly adventurous sushi orderers, since we’re (ahem) cheap — so we usually judge by the spicy tuna roll. And this one was pretty good.

Low point: We ordered way too much, as there was no guidance on the menu. And the Dynamite was way too goopy, unfortunately.

Overall impression: It’s strange that we keep over-ordering lately. We seem to always be assuming that we haven’t chosen enough food — and then we overcompensate. The waitress at Blue Fish didn’t help: When we were finished with our initial, and very large order, she asked us “Is that it?” — in a tone that made it sound like we hadn’t ordered nearly enough.

Chance we’ll go back: It could be a good, quickie way to get sushi when we’re feeling lazy but want to go out to a restaurant. But I don’t see it become one of our regular rotations.

For a complete list of our nearly 200 restaurant reviews, check out our companion Rate-A-Restaurant site.

Rate-A-Restaurant #197: Kyo-chon

(Photo by My Restaurant Tips.)

Restaurant: Kyochon

Location: 3833 W 6th St (Koreatown)

Type of restaurant: Korean Fried Chicken

We stipulated: Maria had been craving chicken, and suggested we stop by a favorite of ours — Koreatown’s BonChon Chicken. I suggested that we try BonChon’s biggest rival, the fellow Korean Fried Chicken chain Kyochon, to finally compare and contrast the two.

They stipulated: Like BonChon, Kyochon offers up the fried chicken in two varieties: Garlic soy sauce or hot sauce. Again, like BonChon, Kyochon offers its chicken as either wings or “sticks” (in other words, chicken legs). Kyochon also offers healthier grilled chicken wings (something BonChon doesn’t).

What we ordered: Combo A: Wings 8 pcs, chicken bulgogi with rice and a soda, $14.99. Also, a 4 pc order of “sticks” (chicken legs), $7.99.

High point: The Kyochon menu is much larger than BonChon’s, and the waiter was helpful in directing us to the combo, which made more sense for the both of us. (Not sure we ultimately needed the chicken legs as well — it was hard to guess how much we needed — and not sure if they mistakenly gave us 6 sticks instead of 4, or if that’s actually the norm.) The food was also served much faster than at BonChon.

Low point: The huge menu, nonetheless, was difficult to figure out. Also, Kyochon doesn’t sell beer — something that actually goes pretty well with the spicy wings — while BonChon does. And I was a little bummed to hear regular English-language pop music on the radio, and ESPN on the TV. BonChon offers up K-Pop music videos, which add to the Korean Fried Chicken experience.

Overall impression: Just like BonChon, Kyochon attempts to sell you on the health benefits… of fried chicken. Really. Their slogan: “Healthy food for ecstatic body and soul.” As much as I liked the chicken bulgogi, and we appreciated the better service, the taste just isn’t quite there. I’m not sure which came first in Korea (I believe Kyochon did), but I do know that we enjoyed the taste of BonChon quite a bit more.

Chance we’ll go back: Sorry, Kyochon, but now that we’ve tried both Korean Fried Chicken chains… we’ll be sticking with BonChon.

For a complete list of our more than 190 restaurant reviews, check out our companion Rate-A-Restaurant site.

Rate-A-Restaurant #196: Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse

Restaurant: Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse

Location: 7 S Mickey Mantle Dr. (Oklahoma City)

Type of restaurant: Steakhouse

We stipulated: I was visiting my family in Oklahoma City, where my parents now live (my dad works for the FAA, FYI) — actually, I showed up unannounced in order to surprise my dad for his 60th birthday. After they got over their disappointment that Evan wasn’t a part of the ruse, my parents were still excited enough to see me. For my dad’s 60th, my parents had settled on splurging at Mickey Mantle’s — which, in all actuality, is quite a classy joint.

They stipulated: Like most steakhouses, the ala carte sides and veggies are served family style. Many of the steaks also come in 7 oz or 10 oz portions.

What we ordered: 7 oz. filet mignon ($28.95); 8 oz. prime top sirloin ($21.95); 12 oz. prime top sirloin ($25.95); 7 oz. special spice-rubbed steak with sweet mashed potatoes ($34.00); grilled rosemary zucchini ($7.95); fresh broccoli ($7.95); mashed potatoes ($5.95).

High point: I’m not a steak guy, but when in steakhouse… I just couldn’t fathom getting seafood (although I came close to ordering the ahi tuna; I thought better of it). It was quite good. I got the 7 oz. special, and was pleased — although it hurts to spend that much on a single entree, it was a worthwhile splurge. Also, after I tipped them to my dad’s birthday, the restaurant comped him a cheesecake slice ($7.00, plus $2.90 for “birthday ribbon”).

Low point: The restaurant sat us in what may have been the worst — or one of the worst — tables in the relatively small dining room. We wound up not too far from a door… and could feel a chill throughout the meal.

Overall impression: Oklahoma City is a vast restaurant wasteland. I’ve never been to a city with so few real dining options. And while the idea of “Mickey Mantle’s” sounds rather cheesy on the surface, it’s a legit steakhouse (operated by Dallas-based Kirby’s Steakhouse).

No lie — Mickey Mantle Drive intersects with Flaming Lips Alley in Oklahoma City’s Bricktown. (The Flaming Lips hail from Oklahoma, fyi.)

For a complete list of our more than 190 restaurant reviews, check out our companion Rate-A-Restaurant site.

Rate-A-Restaurant #195: Pann’s

Restaurant: Pann’s

Location: 6710 LaTijera Blvd. (Ladera Heights)

Type of restaurant: Diner

We stipulated: After a quick trip to see my family — and celebrate my Dad’s 60th — I flew back into LAX on the Monday morning following Christmas. Maria and Blogger Preschooler were there to pick me up — and our thoughts immediately turned to a late breakfast. I’ve been wanting to try Pann’s for years — having passed by it on past trips to the airport. I pushed hard — but it didn’t take much to convince the BP, once I mentioned pancakes.

They stipulated: Besides its Googie architecture, Pann’s is known for its biscuits. Baked fresh every 15 minutes, the biscuits — named the best in L.A. last year by Los Angeles Magazine — are popular enough that Pann’s is starting to sell them throughout the day.

What we ordered: Fried chicken wings (4) with biscuits, $9.95; “Good Morning Special”: Two Extra Large Fresh Ranch Eggs, with three bacon strips and biscuits, $8.15; kids’ pancakes.

High point: The biscuits were, indeed, pretty damn good. The people — both the employees and the other patrons — were friendly. And the Googie style building cool inside.

Low point: The place was so packed — it was the holiday week, after all — that we settled for the covered patio seating. So we didn’t quite get the full experience.

Overall impression: When it comes to classic diners, this is the real deal. It’s not cheesy, or living in the past. It’s a living, breathing diner with a large menu and an active clientele. That’s exciting.

Chance we’ll go back: We don’t make it out to that part of town too often, so there’d have to be a reason. Future LAX run?

For a complete list of our more than 190 restaurant reviews, check out our companion Rate-A-Restaurant site.

Rate-A-Restaurant #194: Wurstkuche

Restaurant: Wurstkuche

Location: 800 E 3rd St. (Art District)

Type of restaurant: Sausage/Pub

We stipulated: Maria, Blogger Preschooler and I were meeting with our friend Mika… but Blogger Preschooler and I also wanted to do some downtown ice skating. The solution: Eat downtown. Wurstkuche popped up as I searched for a spot to eat… and the idea of an “exotic grilled sausage” and draft international beer in the Arts District on a chilly holiday week evening appealed.

They stipulated: The sausages are served on a fresh roll with a choice of two toppings: Either carmalized onions, sweet peppers, spicy peppers or sauerkraut. The restaurant also offers several kinds of gourmet mustards: Whole Grain, Dijon, Spicy Brown, Honey Mustard and American Yellow. As for the fries dipping sauces, selections included Chipotle Ketchup, Curry Ketchup, Blue Cheese Walnut and Bacon, BBQ, and more. A few that are on the menu, such as Chipotle Aioli, Sundried Tomato Mayo, Coconut Curry Mayo and Pesto Mayo, weren’t available when we were there.

What we ordered: Mango Jalapeno sausage (chicken and turkey), $6.75; Roasted Red Pepper and Corn sausage (chicken and turkey), $6.75; Chicken Apple and spices sausage, $6.75. Also, large Belgian Fries, $5.50 (comes with two dipping sauces). As for the beer, I pretty much had to get the Schneider Edel Weisse, $11, for obvious reasons.

High point: The idea of a sausage-only restaurant might turn some people off… but these were indeed pretty good. Nice mix of spice in some of them; good crunch to the sausages, which are grilled the proper amount; and I love the availability of some real exotic stuff — think Alligator and Pork, or Rattlesnake and Rabbit — although I wasn’t quite ready to actually try them. Also, it’s cool to see a spot like this, in the Arts District, so crowded on a Tuesday night.

Low point: They totally forgot about my beer — and I had to remind them not once, but several times. But Wurstkuche redeemed itself, offering me up a free second beer as an apology. Not one to pass up free booze, I accepted, and told them to surprise me. They gave me a Delirium Nocturnum, a strong Belgian ale that’s the best beer I’ve had in years (granted, I’m not a huge beer drinker).

Overall impression: The idea of Wurstkuche is cool and out-there, and I’m glad to report that it lived up to what we were looking for. The huge back room, where most of the seating is, remains a work in progress and could use a bit more charm. But other than that, a nice first impression.

Chance we’ll go back: I do believe I’ll be bringing people back to this place — and forcing at least one of them to try the Alligator.

For a complete list of our more than 190 restaurant reviews, check out our companion Rate-A-Restaurant site.

Rate-A-Restaurant #193: Massimo’s Mudspot

Restaurant: Massimo’s Mudspot

Location: 759 S La Brea Ave. (Mid-Wilshire)

Type of restaurant: Coffee

We stipulated: Meeting with my friend Joe for a quick coffee and hang… Mudspot seemed like the good place to do it: Close to work, on the drive home, and a good spot on a rainy, dark evening.

What we ordered: I got a large coffee — $2.95.

High point: Massimo’s Mudspot may be new, but it’s got a comfortable, lived-in vibe that makes it feel like the coffeehouse has been there for years. Its laid-back vibe also couples nicely with all the people taking advantage of free wi-fi to create a large cast of regulars (so it seems). Also, they have Galaga — the coolest 80s vidgame around (sorry, Ms. Pac-Man).

Low point: $2.95 for a large coffee? And for a large coffee that was just servicable? Definitely on the pricey side.

Overall impression: Mudspot definitely fills the void in that neighborhood for a hip coffeehouse to hang your hat. The drinks are still a work in progress.

Chance we’ll go back: Mudspot won’t be a regular gathering spot — it’s not quite close enough to the office to make that happen — but it will be a possibility if I need to meet someone at a coffeehouse before or after work.

For a complete list of our more than 190 restaurant reviews, check out our companion Rate-A-Restaurant site.

Rate-A-Restaurant #192: Tomato Pie

Restaurant: Tomato Pie Pizza Joint

Location: 2457 Hyperion (Silver Lake)

Type of restaurant: Pizza

We stipulated: As I continued to slowly creep through Friday evening traffic, I called up Maria and suggested that we meet somewhere for dinner. I’d been in the mood for pizza — and suggested one of the many newish joints that had popped up in Silver Lake and vicinity in recent times. We looked at Garage Pizza and Tomato Pie — but chose Tomato Pie, perhaps because of its nicer logo.

What we ordered: Evan got a slice of cheese pizza, while Maria and I split a medium Pesto Pie ($14.50) — fresh garlic pesto base, chicken, sundried tomato and artichoke hearts. Also: An order of 10 hot wings — baked, not fried ($6.50).

High point: Pizza was solid — and heats up well for leftovers. The baked wings were nice too, and boasted a decent spice.

Low point: Even though we were the only ones there, service was slow — so much so that the wings came out at the same time as our pizza, even though it’s an appetizer.

Overall impression: Tomato Pie makes a decent pizza, but I’m not quite sure it’s worth the slightly expensive prices.

Chance we’ll go back: Probably not any time soon. For economical pizza, we usually hit Crispy Crust… and for sit-down pizza, Casa Bianca.

For a complete list of our more than 190 restaurant reviews, check out our companion Rate-A-Restaurant site.

Rate-A-Restaurant #191: Larchmont Grill

Restaurant: Larchmont Grill

Location: 5750 Melrose (Larchmont)

Type of restaurant: California

We stipulated: My friend Joe had been meaning to take me out for my birthday for months; we finally settled on a day. Larchmont was close to him and on the way home for me, and I’ve been curious to try it.

What we ordered: Mexico City jalapeno burger: raw red onion, cilantro, diced tomato, pepperjack cheese with a touch of cayenne & shredded lettuce on a sesame seed bun (with sweet potato fries); starter: homemade corn soup.

High point: Service was friendly, and that corn soup was excellent.

Low point: At the same time, I was told by the waiter that the Mexico jalapeno burger could be made with turkey meat. So I ordered it — but what I got was, well, just a turkey burger. Later, the waiter told me he’d been misinformed — the burger couldn’t be made with turkey, so I didn’t get the “Mexico City” recipe. He knocked $2 off the price, but I still wish ultimately I’d known beforehand, to order something else.

Overall impression: Unbeknownst to us, we had arrived on Larchmont’s Burger night (Wednesdays), when the restaurant offers up options such as Kobe beef burgers, salmon burgers, grilled tofu and portobello burgers, lamb burgers, pineapple teriyaki burgers, and more. Nice idea.. but the menu, which reads, “turkey burgers and butter lettuce wrapped protein burgers available,” made it vague — so did that mean turkey could be substituted, or just that you could get a plain turkey burger? That’s where the confusion set in.

Chance we’ll go back: You know, it was a pleasant enough experience, but I’m not sure there was a compelling reason to put the Larchmont on the “return” list.

For a complete list of our more than 190 restaurant reviews, check out our companion Rate-A-Restaurant site.

Rate-A-Restaurant #190: Butter Tart

Restaurant: Butter Tart

Location: 4126 Verdugo Road (Glassell Park)

Type of restaurant: Coffee and baked goods

We stipulated: A few months ago, Maria and I finally took in our dusty, decrepit bikes to get tuned up. It was an ambitious move: Neither of us had ridden bikes in years; hell, since the birth of Evan, neither of us do much exercise, period. We bought a bike trailer from Target for the Blogger Preschooler to ride along… and a few Saturdays ago, we took our maiden voyage — to a Coffee Bean in north Glendale. Since then, we’ve been on the lookout for other Saturday morning destinations. When we heard that a new boutique coffee shop had opened up nearby, it seemed like a perfect time to head on over.

What we ordered: “Colossal Coffee Cake,” $2.95; Bacon Butter Tart, $2; Large Coffee, $2; medium coffee, $1.45

High point: They don’t lie, that slice of coffee cake was indeed colossal — plenty for me to share with Evan, and even Maria (who found herself having to share the Bacon Butter Tart with our 3 1/2 year-old bacon fiend). Both were buttery good, and went well with the Groundworks coffee.

Low point: Strangely, the large coffee and medium coffee mugs seemed to be nearly the same size. I’m wondering if I should order my coffee “to go” next time. Also, it’s too bad the hours are so limited (Butter Tart is closed by 11 a.m. on weekdays and noon on weekends), although I get why they want to wait and test demand before being open longer.

Overall impression: What a needed and perfect addition to this part of the South Glendale/Adams Hill/South Eagle Rock/North Glassell Park region. The well-designed spot (love the cardboard moose heads) is bright and inviting, and the music was right on, a cool mix of indie, chill out and more. Then, of course, are the baked goods: All homemade, and all worth the bike ride over. (Hey, we earned those treats. It’s all a wash, right?) Some of the items may be a tad too buttery, but that’s quibbling. We’re so psyched to have Butter Tart nearby that we’ll be spreading the word.

Chance we’ll go back: You may see us there almost every weekend. Butter Tart’s Karena told us that bike racks are coming, which will help us concentrate on what’s on our plate, instead of keeping an eye on our bikes outside.

For a complete list of our more than 190 restaurant reviews, check out our companion Rate-A-Restaurant site.

Rate-A-Restaurant #189: Open Sesame

Restaurant: Open Sesame

Location: 5215 and 5201 E. 2nd St. (Long Beach)

Type of restaurant: Mediterranean

We stipulated: My parents were in town, and we were heading down to Long Beach to visit my high school pal Anthony, his wife Candice and their two kids (including Evan’s little g.f.). Anthony and Candice suggested Open Sesame.

What we ordered: Appetizer: Baba ghannouj (fire roasted eggplant, delicately mixed with garlic, lemon juice and tahini sauce sprinkled with sumac (sourberry) and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil), $6.25. Entrees: Chicken Shawarma (tender marinated chicken breast and thigh cooked on an upright spit then sliced, served with hummus, garlic sauce, wild cucumber pickles, pita and choice of salad), $11.99. Also: Beef shawarma pita (marinated beef cooked on an upright spit then thinly sliced and rolled into a pita, with tomato, onion, parsley, sumac, wild cucumber pickles and garlic sauce), $6.99.

High point: With a party of eight and no reservation, we sprung ourselves on them — and yet still managed to get a table fairly promptly. I also liked the constant stream of pita bread, and the garlic paste was excellent.

Low point: We were hoping to sit in the main restaurant, but had to settle for the satellite location. The hummus was also of a questionable flavor. And the fact that rice didn’t automatically come with the shawarma — it was $1.50 extra.

Overall impression: Nice menu, and decent food. But nothing too memorable about Open Sesame.

Chance we’ll go back: If we’re in Long Beach, perhaps. But we won’t make a special trip for it.

For a complete list of our nearly 190 restaurant reviews, check out our companion Rate-A-Restaurant site.