Rate-A-Restaurant #231: Pitfire Pizza

Restaurant: Pitfire Pizza

Location: 108 W. 2nd St. (at Main) (Downtown)

Type of restaurant: Pizza



We stipulated: We were meeting our friend and "Comic-Con widow" Jess for dinner; that makes for four young kids between us. We needed something kid-friendly -- can't beat pizza -- and a reliable spot for good food but relatively quick service. Jess recommended Pitfire; and although we'd had Pitfire pizza before, we had never visited the downtown location. So we were in.

They stipulated: "We hand-make our food." Also, Pitfire has you order and pay upfront before finding your seat.



What we ordered: Big Sur pizza (wild Gulf shrimp, marinated tomato, Italian parsley, red chile flakes; $10.25); crab cappellini ($12.95); plain mozzarella/tomato sauce pizza ($7.95); Diet Coke ($2.95)



High point: The restaurant put up with our crazy kid shenangians -- can't ask for much more than that. But the menu of diverse pizzas is also a plus. And the crust is strong.

Low point: Maria's pasta dish strangely came out of the kitchen much later than the rest of our dishes.

Overall impression: The pizzas are good, although the prices are a bit on the high end for such a spot. Dinner for just the three of us came to $40 -- that's pretty steep for a pizza place. It's also a little strange that the pizzas come in only one, personal size. But the foot was good -- I liked my pizza, Maria liked her pasta, and Evan managed to stretch his pizza out to two nights.

Chance we'll go back: There's a good chance, but particularly if we get a coupon.

Rate-A-Restaurant #230: Golden State

(Flickr pic by aharvey2k.)

Restaurant: The Golden State

Location: 426 N. Fairfax (Fairfax)

Type of restaurant: American


(Flickr pic by aharvey2k.)

We stipulated: I was meeting up with someone for a work lunch... and I thought Golden State would appeal to his taste, especially thanks to its burger and sausage menu. I'd been wanting to try it to, so I was glad he was up for it.

They stipulated: "The Golden State is a talent show for the best makers of food and drink in California. We love Samir's food. We love Scoops gelato. We love breweries like Craftsman and wineries like Topanga Vineyards. We think products like these deserve a stage of their own. California is an easy place to love. It's where we grew up. It's what we know. And it tastes very good."


(Flickr pic by tannazie.)

What I ordered: turkey burger (ground turkey, lettuce, tomato, housemade aioli and ketchup) with a side order of jalapeno cabbage slaw -- $10. Virgil's Root Beer on draught -- $3.


(Flickr pic by aharvey2k.)

High point: Golden State offers quite a nice sauce selection for its burgers and sausages. Also: dug the spiciness of the jalapeno slaw. Love the fact that the root beer on tap is Virgil's. And the toppings to the burger -- such as red pepper -- added quite a bit of zest to the overall package.

Low point: The burger was strong, but the bun was surprisingly weak. And loved the Virgil's on draught, but overall the soda selection was limited.

Overall impression: Any place that offers up ice cream made by Scoops can't be half-bad.

Chance we'll go back: Yes, a return trip is on my agenda.

Rate-A-Restaurant #229: Four Cafe

Restaurant: Four Cafe

Location: 2122 1/2 Colorado Blvd. (Eagle Rock)

Type of restaurant: American



We stipulated: I had picked up a 30% off dinner coupon from Blackboard Eats for Four Cafe. The coupon was set to expire on July 14 -- so we wanted to try it before it was too late.

They stipulated: "Four Café harvests the freshest organic ingredients the community has to offer, and Chef Michelle Wilton transforms them into inventive yet comforting seasonal dishes. Inspired by a desire to nurture the body and the mind, Four Café is committed to buying locally from Farmers Markets, using a Slow Food cooking approach, and providing a high level of service in a relaxed atmosphere."



What we ordered: Grilled Fish Sandwich -- mahi mahi, heirloom tomato, tarter slaw ($11); Roasted Eggplant Pita -- spiced chickpeas, kale, feta, mint yogurt sauce ($9); kids grilled cheese ($5); peach gingerade -- peach, ginger, agave, sparking water ($3)



High point: That all-natural homemade soda was nice -- a little bit of spice courtesy the ginger, and a richness from the peach. Also, it's nice that the Four Cafe boasts an extensive kids menu -- seven different choices. The owners clearly know who their customers are.

Low point: I loved the bun that my fish sandwich came on, and the mahi mahi was cooked well. Yet it still came off a tad bland, I'm afraid.



Overall impression: The atmosphere to Four Cafe is great -- its homey yet very contemporary. We also love the goal of using fresh ingredients, of patronizing local farmers' markets and constantly shifting the menu. (It's also great that Four Cafe is casual enough that kids are welcome -- just look at that kids menu!) Four Cafe could really turn into something spectacular. It's not there yet, but it could be.



Chance we'll go back: I think we'll return to see how Four Cafe has evolved at some point.

Rate-A-Restaurant #228: Ricky's Fish Tacos

Restaurant: Ricky's Fish Tacos

Location: 1400 N. Virgil (Los Feliz)

Type of restaurant: Taco stand

We stipulated: For a lunch over the holiday weekend, I wanted something that would provide a brief vacation in my mouth. Sites like Pat Saperstein's Eating L.A. had raved about Ricky's... and I had to try the "Authentic Ensenada Style Fish Tacos" myself.

They stipulated: Ricky's isn't a restaurant, but rather a mobile taco stand. Embrace the simplicity. The menu has two items: fresh fish or shrimp tacos. Drinks include aqua frescas such as a watermelon juice.



What we ordered: Fish tacos ($2.50 each); watermelon juice ($1)



High point: Wow. The batter on the fish, fried in front of your eyes. The fresh salsas. The crema. The huge portions. The whole package is incredible.

Low point: Seating is limited, and Ricky's can be hard to find. Just look for the crowd.



Overall impression: I've never been to Ensenada, or Baja, period. But after biting into a Ricky's fish taco, I felt like I had. Sitting there, next to busy Virgil and across the street from Albertson's, I was nonetheless transported to a secluded beach. Now, if they would only be able to serve cerveza...



Chance we'll go back: Without a doubt. I would hit Ricky's once a week if I could... and maybe I will.