Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Giant Artichoke Restaurant, Monterey, Ca.

Giant Artichoke on Cannery Row, Ca.

Well I went down to one of my favorite places and had lunch at one of my new favorite restaurants the other day. The location I'm talking about is Cannery Row in Monterey, Ca. Cannery Row was made famous by the book "Cannery Row" written by the famous American author John Steinbeck, who grew up here. When you stroll down the Row, you'll  still see many of the buildings and structures that were around over a hundred years ago and where a big part of the fishery industry in Central and Northern California was built.

The Giant Artichoke restaurant, where we ate, has many different types of food made from artichokes. The Artichokes are from Castroville, the Artichoke Capital of the world just down the road from here.

We're really lucky to live here in California, and where I live, (The Central Valley and Central Cali Coast) we have the best agriculture and farmland around. Known as "the lettuce bowl of America", it's not just lettuce but a wide variety of great seasonal crops year 'round. I know people who grew up having never tasted or even heard of an artichoke until they came to California. Sad, because they are amazing!





I really enjoyed the various dips, and the fried artichoke bits were a classic. For a tasty and not too heavy dessert try the sweet artichoke bread.  I tend to lay off on too much of the sweet stuff and this was perfect to end off a good meal.

I'll be back with some more blogs on the Central Coast and Monterey in coming months so stay tuned. Til then, 

Bon Appetit!

Monday, March 14, 2016

California's Best Pizza Run #1

California's Best Pizza Run #1


I've always considered pizza one of my very favorite foods.  I also think that I can tell a great pizza from a just "good" one.  Fresh ingredients, great crust, sauce and the right cheese and cook time all matter.  So in my travels I believe I've managed to try a whole lot of different pizza's up and down the state.  Here are some of my favorites.  (I dub this segment #1 because the list is long and getting longer so I just may as well start here:)

Starting in So Cal (my home town of Los Angeles) I have to give the thumbs up to Number one on my list, The Pizza Cookery in Woodland Hills.  I've been coming here for years and the mini spicy pepperonis and the garlic dinner rolls just can't be beat anywhere. The thin, square cut pizza crust is also delectable.  The last couple times we've also tried the gluten free crust and been impressed. Although different from their original, it's really a great alternative for those on a gluten free diet like my daughter.


An LA runner up is Greco's in Van Nuys where the dinner plate size, thin crust pizza is fantastic. Throw in a nice homemade, fresh salad with their special oil and vinegar dressing and it's a meal in a single slice.

Moving up the coast a little bit I came across another great find in Nucci's Pizza in San Luis Obispo, (SLO to the locals), and home to the famous Madonna Inn, Cal Poly University, and Bubblegum Alley, Just off the main drag, I found is what I have to say was the best pizza I've had in SLO. (Sorry Woodstock's) and they've been there for a long time perfecting their art.  A casual and quaint place to bring the family or a date.  I highly recommend it.

Another great place to go  heading toward Northern California and if you happen to find yourself on Pacific Ave. in downtown Santa Cruz is Pleasure Pizza.  Also home of the jumbo sized slices and loaded with a unique variety of toppings. It's a thin crust winner. One piece can usually do most appetites and it's a nice place to hang out on your way to the beach or while shopping on Pacific.

I will return very shortly with round two of our travels up and down the coast in search of the best pizza for 2016 in a couple weeks.

In the mean time, please send me your suggestions here and subscribe.

Til next time.

Ciao.


Foxy's in Glendale is Great!

Foxy's in Glendale is Great!

I'd like to tell you about one of my favorite places to eat when I'm down south (Los Angeles area) and that's Foxy's Diner in Glendale.  Foxy's has been a staple in Glendale for over twenty years.  I've been coming here for over a decade myself and have never been disappointed in the food or the service.

 Whether you're after breakfast, lunch or dinner the menu is extensive and has excellent array of food choices, and unlike many of the restaurants I visit, the food actually comes out looking like the pictures, and tasting just as good. Set with a sixties style vibe, the portions are outstanding in size and prepared to perfection every time

The owner, my friend Sean, comes to work each day looking sharp as a tack in his tie with a smile firmly planted on his face and a pleasant "Hello" for all his customers. FYI, the waitresses are also known to be the prettiest in the city, and it's true. (Just a tip for you single guys!)

So check 'em out next time you're heading to the Americana or the Huntington in Glendale or Pasadena, Ca.