LIVIN’ THAT FOODIE LIFE

Calling all foodie adventurers! Ready to embark on a flavor-packed journey that will make your mouth water and your heart sing? Well, we got some recommendations, so grab the keys to your car… or your man’s… or your lady’s! Buckle up buttercup, and prepare for a culinary adventure as we hit the jackpot of eateries! From savory sensations to sweet indulgences – my peeps (mostly Pen – LOL) and I got it all covered. So get ready to feast like never before because deliciousness awaits at every corner! Are you drooling yet? Grab your stretchy pants and get ready to be delighted…

TANTALUM
Website: https://www.tantalumrestaurant.com/
Address: 6272 E. Pacific Coast Hwy. Long Beach, CA 90803
Recommended By: Yalina

Ready for a flavor fusion? Located in Long Beach, CA – Tantalum is where your California dreams meet an Asian twist. When it comes to my favorite dishes, sharing is NOT an option. The Yakiniku Calamari and Wasabi Crusted Filet are MINE – I’m not even sorry! The artful dishes are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. If you sit near the bar, you get a stunning view of Alamitos Bay. With occasional live music, it’s an all-around swoon-worthy ambiance.

Tantalum Inside – An Asian Pear Martini – pic from Yelp by D.W.

Yakiniku Calamari – pic from Yelp by Raymond S.

GALE’S RESTAURANT
Website: https://www.galesrestaurant.com/
Address: 452 S. Fair Oaks Ave. Pasadena, CA 91105
Recommended By: Yalina

If you’ve got a soft spot for cheese (who doesn’t?), Italian food is your go-to. Located in Pasadena, CA – Gale’s Restaurant is a go-to local gem for amazing Northern Italian eats. It’s built and nestled between cozy brick walls and chic marble tables. I would recommend starting things off with their Burrata Salad or steamed artichoke, then dive into their homemade ravioli specials or Tuscan steak, or pizzas. Make sure to save room for dessert and try their Tiramisu and/or their Coconut Cake. Their Coconut Cake is my personal favorite! And most importantly… don’t forget to pair your meal with wine! Buon appetito, bellos and bellas!

Coconut Cake – pic from Yelp by Regis K.

Chicken Goat Cheese and Pesto Pizza – pic from Yelp by Regis K.

Ravioli di Mare (shrimp and crab stuffing with pink lobster and vodka sauce) – pic from Yelp by Nadine C.

GEORGE’S AT THE COVE
Website: https://www.georgesatthecove.com/
Address: 1250 Prospect St. La Jolla, CA 92037
Recommended By: Yalina

If you like California ocean views, San Diego definitely has THAT. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for an excuse to escape reality, this gem in La Jolla has that vibe. La Jolla is one of my favorite places to go to from time to time. Going to George’s at the Cove (or Georgie’s, as I like to call it) is a MUST for me. Mainly because it’s a tradition, and the view just fills my spirit with so much peace. Imagine this: you are on a chic rooftop with a stunning view of the deep blue ocean. The sky glows with a sherbet sunset along the coast. A gentle, cool breeze sweeps by as you toast with a crisp glass of Riesling, perfectly paired with delicious, boujee fish tacos. It’s the ultimate moment of living your best life.

Don’t be ‘shellfish’ and treat yo-self to contemporary California cuisine, with dishes that showcase the freshest local ingredients from their inventive starters to their seafood specialties. George’s at the Cove is more than just a restaurant; it’s a vibe. With its beautiful location, delectable food, changing menu (but the fish tacos are staple!), and good service, it’s the perfect spot to create memorable moments while enjoying the best of La Jolla’s coastal charm. 🍷 🌊

Fun Fact: I helped plan one of my clueless guy friend’s marriage proposals in La Jolla and made their dinner reservations there. The staff really accommodated them and catered to their special celebration. I swear, he still thanks me to this day. She still thinks it was his idea (don’t worry, she won’t read this 😉). I’m a great friend.

Having wine before we dine

Prime Flat Iron – pic from Yelp by Marilyn G.

Crispy Shrimp & The Local Rockfish Tacos – pic from Yelp by Lo S.

Halibut – pic from Yelp by Christopher H.

Burrata and persimmon appetizer – pic from Yelp by Abby Q.

TAKE UR SEAT
Website: https://www.takeurseat.com/
Address: 15871 Pomona Rincon, Chino Hills, CA 91709
Recommended By: Ayin

A classic American brunch restaurant with an Asian twist at the heart of Chino Hills, CA. Although the restaurant is small, the ambiance is very cozy. The modern vibe makes you feel light and ready for a good chat. The staff are very pleasant and attentive. 

More than the place, I keep coming back because of the food. The star of the show is their Cloud Pancakes, which are very, very fluffy, airy, and creamy at the center. The Black Forest Pancake is Superb. Equally tasty is their ‘Turon’ Pancakes as well. The rice bowls are my favorite, too – Belly 2 Belly Rice is a roasted pork belly with poached egg and sautéed spinach; the pork is soft inside but crispy outside. It is a glorified version of a dried Filipino Pork Adobo – so, so good. If you’re up for a more traditional breakfast, they have it, too. Big Five Plate is their version of Denny’s Grand Slam Breakfast. But this time, they replaced the conventional sausage with ‘longanisa.’ If you’re up to pairing your food with a good coffee, this is definitely the place to be – Pandan Latte and Cookie Butter are my faves.

Black Forest Pancakes – pic from Yelp by Evan M.

Belly 2 Belly

Big Five – pic from Yelp by Marc R.

Pandan Latte

Turon Pancakes – pic from Yelp

BO.RE.KAS – Borekas Sephardic Pastries
Website: https://www.bo-re-kas.com/
Address: 15030 Ventura Blvd Ste. 25 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Recommended By: Pen

I’ve been reading about this place online for months and when my husband and I decided to try it… BEST DECISION EVER! Let me tell you, this place is not just hype, THEY DELIVER!!!

They have the freshest pastries. They’re buttery and flakey, with your choice of filling – potato with brown sugar, cheese & spinach, onion, fungi & truffle, zaatar & cheese, and on some occasions if you are lucky – chocolate. All are beyond YUM! Each order comes with a sliced boiled egg, and the yummiest tomato sauce!!! Oh, and don’t sleep on the iced Turkish coffee! ☕

For sure worth going to the valley for. 😉 But as a bonus, this place is literally just outside our village.

Freshly baked pastry with Potato and Brown Sugar and Spinach and Cheese – perfect breakfast (or any time of the day meal), I must say.

ANAJAK THAI
Website: https://www.anajakthai.com/
Address: 14704 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Recommended By: Pen

Thai food has always been my favorite, but I had a hard time convincing my then-fiancé to eat at a Thai place because he said he did not like it. What he does not like, I don’t understand because it is just so good! As I read about Anajak Thai, I realized that this might be the place that would change his mind. And I WAS RIGHT!!!! After months of looking for a reservation at this place, I finally scored one on a Saturday afternoon, and boy oh boy, was it worth the wait. The food was delish (all the things we ordered), and they had an extensive wine selection to boot!!! Five stars and will definitely go back for more!

Crispy Garden Rolls

Dungeness Crab Fried Rice

Thai River Prawns with Green Curry

Massaman Brisket, Nantes Carrots and Russian Bananas

MANUELA
Website: https://manuela-la.com/
Address: 907 E. 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA, 90013
Recommended By: Pen

One of the first places I’ve tried in LA, Manuela not only boasts a beautiful ambiance and décor, but also good food and cocktails. Made from the freshest ingredients from Southern California suppliers, their food is top-notch. I’ve brought friends and guests here, and they all looooveee it, without fail.

Bonus points for the fact that you can explore the museum next door and all the surrounding places in the area (ice cream, brewery, etc.).

French Toast & Quiche

Shrimp & Grits

Chilaquiles with Fried Egg

BESTIA
Website: https://bestiala.com/
Address: 2121 E. 7th Pl. Los Angeles, CA 90021
Recommended By: Pen

LIFE-changing! I mean, for someone who lives to eat and eats to live, this is hands down one of the best places I have ever tried. It was such a treat to experience this spot one special night with great friends. I enjoyed their Roasted Marrow Bone (spinach gnocchetti, porcini breadcrumbs, white sesame, aged balsamic) — by “enjoy” I mean if I could have this weekly, I would… or wait, let me think… maybe even daily? But that would be too hedonistic of me. Kidding aside, this is a must-try for those times you want to celebrate or even treat yourself to a GREAT MEAL. Please do try this place. Ambiance, service, and the rest of the menu get 10 fingers up!

24 oz Pure Black Beef Rib Eye

Roasted Marrow Bone with Spinach Gnochetti

Squid Ink Spaghetti with Lobster

HATCH
Website: https://www.hatchyalater.com/
Address: 700 W. 7th St. Ste G600 Los Angeles, CA 90017
Recommended By: Pen

Back when my colleagues and I would stay at work late and get those hunger pangs at night, we would go to Hatch and have one of the best meals that would both fill our tummies and satisfy our taste buds – who does not love Japanese food? Also, Japanese with a twist is a bonus! From their skewers (yakitori) to my ultimate favorite Corn Tempura and Black Rice – you will for sure enjoy each meal. I’ve also brought friends here and they all agree that it is a must try.

Bone Marrow

Salmon Skewer

Half Dozen Fresh Oysters

PINE AND CRANE
Website: https://www.pineandcrane.com/dtla
Address: 1120 S. Grand Ave. Unit 101, Los Angeles, CA
Recommended By: Pen

 Taiwanese comfort food. Three words that send me straight to heaven. That’s it. Pine and Crane is my childhood and adulthood in one. Just yummeh in my belleh with all the sentimental feels of home. It reminds me of my ultimate fave destination (Taipei) and food trips with my dad. It’s like a warm hug for when you need it. ❤️

Potstickers – with Kurobuta Pork

Minced Pork on Rice

Hakka Mochi