Peter, Gillen, Rosses Point, Sligo, Ireland, Derry, Duke of Rothesay, Aragon, Hastula, IRTS, RNARS, Restaurant reviews, Peter Gillen, 

Dining Out

I like to eat and I also like to cook, I like to eat more than I like to cook so consequently I eat out, or "order in" much more than my bank manager or my cardiologist would like. Why should I worry ?, that's what they are getting paid for.

It is my intention to use this page to list some of my dining adventures, the restaurants that I have tried, those I liked and those that I did not like. I will make some recommendations, but please note that these are very subjective views, your mileage may vary.


My top 5 Restaurants 

 Los Angeles area

 Worldwide
1. Antonello's
1. La Cachette
3. Bistro 45
4. Patina
5. Valentino's
1. Cromlech Lodge
2. Knockmuldowney
3. Antonello's
3. La Cachette
5. Bistro 45


 Kristina's

Overland Blvd
Los Angeles
*** $ - $$

Located in a small strip mall beside a laundromat, this modestly priced Italian restaurant consistently serves good quality food. Almost everything on the menu is worth trying including the pizza's which are remarkably good. The service is friendly and competent. Delivery service and take-out available.

Ye Olde King's Head

 Santa Monica Blvd
Santa Monica
*** $ - $$

This British pub/restaurant serves the usual British fare including fish & chips, bangers & mash etc. Their fish & chips are not as good as Harry Ramsden's but are probably the best in this area. They also serve a good English breakfast......make sure that you order a side of black pudding.

 Pepy's Galley

Venice Blvd
Los Angeles
** $

 Located in the Mar Vista Bowl, this popular diner serves good basic food at a bargain price. Always remember to check the specials board. Try the breakfast burrito. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed.....but be prepared to wait for a table at weekends.

 DC 3

Donald Douglas Loop N
Santa Monica
**** $$ - $$$

Overlooking the runway at Santa Monica airport this eclectic restaurant serves good food at reasonable prices. I recommend the mixed baby green salad followed by the blackened swordfish and make sure that you leave room for some creme brulee for dessert.

 Geo Petrelli's

Sepulveda Blvd
Culver City
**** $$ - $$$

A Culver City landmark this family owned restaurant has been serving choice steaks for over 50 years. I like my steak well done, but rarely (no pun) do I get it the way I want it in other restaurants. Petrelli's have never disappointed me in this regard.. ...they know how to cook steaks.

 Valentino's

Pico Blvd
Santa Monica
**** $$$$

Recently (September 1997) rated the number one restaurant in Los Angeles. I don't agree with that rating, see my review for details. If you are on an expense account, or if someone else is treating you to a meal then it would be a worthwhile experience to try this restaurant. if you do try it please let me know what you think.

Bourbon St. Shrimp

10928 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles
*** $$
Located near the Westside Pavillion Mall, this Cajun restaurant is worth checking out. I don't know much about Cajun food, but an acquaintance who is a self professed expert say's that it is very good. I liked it !, my favourites are the chicken jambalaya and the gumbo. The chicken etouffee is also quite good. The prices are reasonable and the service is fair to good. Take out service is available.

Antonello Ristorante

1611 Sunflower
Santa Ana
**** $$$$
 Rated the top Italian restaurant in Orange County for the past several years this fine restaurant located near the South Coast Plaza is a definite "must try". I recently visited this establishment for the first time and I was immediately impressed with level of service and the quality of the food. Look for an in-depth review in the near future. I am looking forward to my next visit. This restaurant will probably be my number one pick for Southern California.

La Cachette

10506 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles
**** $$$$
This restaurant has been highly rated in the Zagat guide for the past few years. I tried it for the 1st time recently and I can fully endorse the high rating. In fact it is now my joint #1 pick for restaurants in the LA area, (see review) sharing top billing with Antonello's. This is another "must try" restaurant. For a special occasion or if you want to impress that "special someone", this is the place to go. Don't forget your Gold card. I have already started saving for my next visit <g>.

Western Smokehouse

10640 Woodbine Street
Los Angeles
$-$$

If you like your BBQ'd pork ribs dry and devoid of flavour, your BBQ sauce thin and bland, your baked beans very sweet and your cornbread not sweet enough - this is the place for you. Situated in a small strip mall opposite Kristina's (see above) this place looked and smelled promising.....alas, even though I have only tried it once, I don't think it is worth a return visit.

Not recommended



Paul's Cafe

13456 Ventura Blvd
Sherman Oaks
**** $$-$$$
A small bistro style restaurant well worth the trip to the "valley". Excellent food and the $2.00 corkage fee will encourage you to bring your own "special" bottle of wine.I have been there several times in the past year and have never been disappointed. On the negative side - the tables are placed very close together and street parking is hard to find....but of course, there is always valet parking.

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