Open Sesame- Belmont Shore/Long Beach, Ca.

Overall Rating: 3.25

He said: 3 The only reason to go to this restaurant is if you need some variety to get you away from the standard dishes your used to seeing on every other menu. Although I I appreciated the volume of food (a common trend in Mediterranean restaurants?) it was a bit south of what I was looking for. Not blown away or wowed by anything in particular but if it were to come down to CPK or Open Sesame I would go with the latter just for diversity's sake.

She said: 3.5 This place had such hype to it that I had expected something beyond amazing. And while it was delicious, I didn't run home and tell everyone to go there (as I generally do if I love a place). Everything was good, but I shouldn't have set my expectations so high. I'd go back for lunch.

Price: $$-$$$

Ambiance: small, quiet, dimly-lit

Good for: Small groups, dates

Would we go again?: Maybs

Date visited: 3/9/11 (Wednesday night)

Special notes: Make reservations. They have a small location on the corner, then another one a few doors down. But still, on a busy night you will need to have a table saved.

Restaurant website: http://www.opensesamegrill.com/

Appetizer and Drinks:

- Appetizer: Spicy hummus and pita bread (3.5/5). The bread was warm and the hummus was tasty, although not spicy enough for my (Chariese) liking. I wouldn't have ordered this had I read the menu better and realized that our orders come with pita and hummus. Nonetheless, it was good. They offer a few different beers and wines from various parts of the world. All that and I ordered a Stella, while Kevin ordered some foreign beer.

Main Course:

- Kevin's order (left): Lamb kabob on a bed of basmati rice. (3/5) All I saw was lamb (something that's not very common on most menus) so I went for it. It came with some crazy paste shit that was mediocre and this rice stuff that left me satiated at best. The thing that I liked most about this plate was the amount of food that came with it (I was definitely full afterward) but was not stoked about much of anything else. 

- Chariese's order (right): Chicken Tawook  (3.5/5). I thought this was pretty good. The charbroiled chicken is tender and juicy, and the garlic sauce and hummus are clutch. There's also a little hidden pita hiding under all the chicken, marinating in it's juices. So good. It comes with your choice of salad, and I chose tabouli. Not sure why I did, as I'm not a fan of the stuff, but it was probably good. Kevin took the left overs for lunch and they were a superior selection in the cold-lunch bracket but still less than amazing with the dinner crowd.

Herro.

Plum's Cafe- Costa Mesa, CA

Overall Rating: 4

He said: I was happily surprised by this diner that's been in my backyard for over a decade and I never knew about it. Granted when we indulged I was entirely hung over but the food was just what the doctor ordered. The Dutch Baby is definitely meant to impress newcomers but, as Reese said, it is a bit much for a single individual and in my opinion was too rich (lemon juice, powdered sugar AND syrup? C'mon). We decided to share both dishes as the Baby takes a little less than a half hour so when my eggs benedict came out first I "voluntarily" shared it.

She said: I really liked this place. Everyone's dishes looked delicious, and made me want to go back. We shared the famous Dutch Baby pancake and eggs benedict (see review below), and I was more than full and happy. It's a very unassuming restaurant tucked away in the corner of a strip mall, but it's a little gem.

Price: $$

Ambiance: Family-friendly, cool

Good for: groups, brunch, families, friends, post-party hangover relief

Would we go again?: Heck yes

Date visited: 1/1/2011 (Saturday)

Special notes: Outdoor patio available.

Restaurant website: http://www.plumscafe.com/index.htm

Our order: Their famous Dutch Baby- This is a deep dish pancake with lemon and powdered sugar. It was pretty stinkin' delicious, but I probably wouldn't get it again, unless I was taking someone here for their first time. It's huge and rich and tasty (a la Kobe Bryant; sorry Kev), but it's just a lot to take in for breakfast. But as we went here the day after New Year's Eve, we were looking for something greasy and unhealthy. It's a fun order to share with people, but definitely not to order on your own. Unless you're Kevin. This also takes about 25 minutes for them to make, so either place your order the second that you arrive, or order something else to tide you over.

We also shared their eggs benedict, which was muy delicioso.

Old Vine Cafe- Costa Mesa, CA

Overall Rating: 4.5

He said: 5-Despite our unwritten rule about not visiting the same restaurant twice I have advocated revisiting this place multiple times - the perfect balance between a hearty & filling meal contrasted with a complexity of flavor that is difficult to replicate. My omelet Espana was a little different than what I expected (with the healthy vegetables and what-not) but was delightfully surprised and summarily vacated my plate. Playing clean-up on Reese's Italian Quiche was the cherry on-top as she eats like a 6 year-old and never finishes her meal. Knowing what sort of work they put into their breakfast we HAVE to get back for lunch and/or dinner another time.

She said:  4-One of our favorite hidden gems, this place is g-r-e-a-t. The ambiance is so so wonderful, and makes you feel so at ease. The staff is warm and not all up in yo grill. We sat at the bar stools at the front of the restaurant, making it outdoor/indoor seating, and loved it. I loved the creative menus, and the fact that you were given your own carafe of water at your table (pictured below). I ordered the quiche and coffee, both of which were perfect (see review below). I've recommended this place to multiple people, and will definitely be back.

Price: $$

Ambiance: Casual, quiet, relaxing

Good for: All ages; small restaurant- not good for large groups. Impressing your friends with your knowledge of restaurants that can't be seen from the street.

Would we go again?: Heck yes

Date visited: 1/23/2011 (Saturday)

Special notes: Management had set out a flier for a five-course "dining experience" that sounded excellent after having experienced their bfast so I suspect they do specials every now and again. They also have a tasting menu and pretty extensive wine list. We'll be baahck.

Restaurant website: http://www.oldvinecafe.com/

Chariese's order (pictured above): Italian Quiche (Italian sausage and gouda cheese). I really liked this, and even though it looks small, it's very filling (Kevin happily scarfed down my left overs). The crust was perfectly flaky, and the sausage and cheese were a perfect combo. The side of potatoes and dried fruit really complimented the cheesy and meaty quiche. I probably wouldn't order this for breakfast again (it was a little heavy {not true} for my preferred fruit and oatmeal breakfast), but I had zero complaints. The coffee came with a little nummy cookie which was delicious.

Kevin's order: Omelet España (Prosciutto, Artichoke, Red Bell Peppers, Mushrooms & Fresh Manchego Cheese) - LOTS of food that you can either scarf or take your time to analyze and appreciate. Our selections were both fail-safes but expect that other selections are just as delicious as our pre-ordering intelligence gathering produced some tasty sights.

Upper West- Santa Monica, CA

Overall Rating: 3

He Said: I have probably driven past this restaurant more times than I care to recognize and the only reason I made it was because she recommended it (as always). The parking situation is a little hectic (if you don't care to pay for the valet you have to battle for parking on busy Pico). Once we were seated the service was attentive, the drinks "good" and the food somewhat forgettable. If I were out for drinks with a larger group of friends or got a late-night hankering for something to eat (as most food is more agreeable when under the influence) I would promote this spot. I would not reorder either of our selections and would instead try the Seared Tuna.

She said: While the food was good at Upper West, I think it's their great drink specials, fun atmosphere and eclectic menu that would bring me back. I had their corn chowder (see review below) and we split a bottle of wine because we're drunkards young and fun. The waiter (young hipster type in late 20's) was super attentive and friendly.

Price: $$

Ambiance: Dark, cozy, busy

Good for: Mid-20's/30's crowd, dinner date, drinks

Would we go again?: Probably/maybe with a group of friends

Date visited: 2/8/2011 (Tuesday)

Special notes: Their happy hour goes until 10 (!!) on Mondays! And all wine bottles are 50% off on Tuesdays! They have a cool indoor patio type of room where they show classic movies. It seemed like a fun place to chat, drink and mingle.

Restaurant website:  http://www.theupperwest.com/

 Kevin's order: Meatloaf sandwich because he's white with a side of french fries.

Chariese's order: Roasted corn soup with black bean falafel. I thought it was good; the falafel added an unexpectedly tasty touch. I probably wouldn't order it again, but I was satisfied. I'm not much of a meatloaf lover, but preferred Kevin's order to mine (as per usual). Especially the fries.

La Galette Creperie - San Clemente, CA

Overall Rating: 4

He said: 4- High on taste and low on quantity: you're definitely not going to walk away stuffed but if you take your time with this meal you will be satiated nonetheless. I regret the "Sunday Brunch" selection and would have preferred the bacon & egg option but her berry crepe was BITCHIN'!

She said: 4- must-go if you're in the area. So delicious and so cute. Get the berry crepe!!

Price: $$

Ambiance: Casual, beautiful ocean front views, small and cozy

Good for: All ages; small restaurant- not good for large groups

Would we go again?: Heck yes

Date visited: 2/21/2011 (Monday, holiday)

Special notes: Cash only, but there is an ATM two doors down

Restaurant website: http://www.lagalettecreperie.com/index.php

Outdoor ocean front dining (there is also indoor seating).

Chariese's order: Berry Crepe with creme fraiche and a latte

OMGSOINLOVE.  This is hands-down the best crepe that I've ever had, Kevin agreed. The creme fraiche that filled the crepe, blended so well with the fresh berries. And with my mouth. I was so sad to finish. Next time, I'm not sharing with Kevin and his huge bites. Sorry bout it. Latte was good, nothing too extraordinary.

Kevin's order: The Sunday Brunch (smoked salmon-filled crepe with a dill creme and red onion), a latte and coffee.

Kevin's a meat-eater, and calls any meal that lacks meat, "rabbit food". Even with this, he still enjoyed my GurLy CrEpE to his fishy one. Although it was tasty, it paled in comparison.