Rate-A-Restaurant #245: Wilshire

Restaurant: Wilshire Restaurant

Location: 2454 Wilshire Blvd. (Santa Monica)

Type of restaurant: New American



We stipulated: I was meeting pal Leslie for lunch; she works in Santa Monica but couldn't travel far that day. I'm s rarely in Santa Monica that it offered a chance to try some place new.

They stipulated: "At Wilshire, our menu is developed around local, organic, and seasonal ingredients, taking advantage of our uniquely rich and diverse farmers markets. Dishes originate from a fusion of American and International influences, presented in a simple and accessible style. We call this "New Urban Cuisine", reflecting the modern sensibilities of supporting sustainable farming, enjoying sophisticated and excellent food, and gathering in a beautiful but casual atmosphere."



What we ordered: Miso marinated cod (shitake mushroom salsa and crispy rice) $24; chicken caesar salad (white anchovy, grilled lemon garlic croutons, parmesan) $15; truffled potato chips $4; flourless chocolate cake (blackpepper ice cream, saba) $10



High point: The cod was nice, and the setting (back patio) is great.

Low point: To us at least, that "blackpepper ice cream" appeared to actually be vanilla ice cream with black pepper sprinkled on top.



Overall impression: Good place for a business lunch.

Chance we'll go back: Too much of a hike west to make it a destination, but wouldn't be opposed to a return visit.

Rate-A-Restaurant #244: The Village

Restaurant: The Village Bakery and Cafe

Location: 3119 Los Feliz Blvd. (Atwater Village)

Type of restaurant: Bakery/Cafe



We stipulated: We were looking for a new, close-by spot for brunch. And we'd heard good things about The Village, located in nearby Atwater Village.

They stipulated: "The Village Bakery and Cafe is a neighborhood place helmed by Barbara Monderine, who as a small child learned to bake and cook at her mother’s side. In the summer of 2009, Barbara acquired LA Bread in Atwater Village--which came complete with a huge commercial kitchen and a four deck French Pavillier oven.

"Combining the best elements of Villa Rosa: top quality sweets made from natural ingredients – and LA Bread: artisanal bread baked fresh daily, Barbara revamped the new location’s cafe menu, expanded her line of pastries and opened up as The Village Bakery and Cafe in October of 2009."



What we ordered: Pastries: Lemon-rosemary-almond-olive oil cake; Corn muffin with raspberry jam

ATWATER SPECIAL -- $9.50 (a grilled potato leek cake topped with parmesan, scrambled eggs, spinach, tomato and crumbed Niman Ranch bacon)



High point: Maria enjoyed the Atwater Special, while the olive oil cake tasted as good as it sounds. (Hey, it sounded good to me.) Also, the self-serve coffee is a winner.

Low point: Also got a discounted day-old scone, which turned out to be stale. (Beware of day-old baked goods, we've learned.)

Overall impression: Great kid-friendly breakfast place with some interesting entrees and baked goods. Pay attention to the specials.

Chance we'll go back: Definitely.

Rate-A-Restaurant #243: Sushi Fiji

Restaurant: Sushi Fuji

Location: 208 E Palm Ave (Burbank)

Type of restaurant: Sushi



We stipulated: Always on the lookout for decent cheap sushi, we decided to give Sushi Fuji a try during one stop in Burbank (likely after an Ikea run).

They stipulated: "Food that takes things to a different level, food that tantalizes the taste buds, food that excites and is a bit on the exotic side." Um, what?



What we ordered: Our standards: Spicy tuna roll, shrimp tempura roll, california roll (for the Blogger Kid), eel roll, shrimp/veggie tempura (also for the kid... and us)

High point: We don't ask much for our cheap sushi, just that it taste, well, like decent sushi. And this was just fine.

Low point: The TVs. Everywhere. There wasn't a seat in the house where you didn't have a TV blaring right at you. Not the most pleasant dining experience. Also: The shrimp/veggie tempura was more veggie than shrimp (it came with just one piece).



Overall impression: Like I said, we're always on the lookout for decent cheap sushi. This qualified... but the dining experience was an absolute turnoff, especially with young kids.

Chance we'll go back: Probably not, as there are plenty of other cheap sushi places to try. Your picks are welcome in the comments.

Rate-A-Restaurant #242: Bombay Cafe

Restaurant: Bombay Cafe

Location: 12021 Pico Blvd. (West L.A.)

Type of restaurant: Indian



We stipulated: We happened to be on the westside (a rare visit for us) and Indian sounded appealing.

They stipulated: "Featuring home style dishes from the North, South and center of India, the menu includes several vegetarian items as well as 'street food' introduced to Los Angeles by Bombay Cafe. All are designed to communicate our enthusiasm for one of the world's greatest cuisines."



What we ordered: Palak paneer ($8.95), naan ($4), mirch-masala tikka (chicken) ($13.95), rice ($5.95)



High point: The naan was nice -- thin and buttery. And the paneer was a winner, with a nice sweetness to it.

Low point: The chicken tikka was too dry and a bit tough. (Nice minty dip sauce though.)



Overall impression: It's hard to come by decent Indian food in Los Angeles proper. (We still swear by Electric Lotus, but even that is hit or miss.) I'm afraid the Bombay Cafe is too pricy for its small portions. Two orders of naan equaled $8 -- that's just wrong.

Chance we'll go back: Unlikely -- it's not close to us, and the high prices turned us off.

Rate-A-Restaurant #241: Lemonade

Restaurant: Lemonade

Location: 9001 Beverly Blvd. (West Hollywood)

Type of restaurant: Cafeteria-style lunch



We stipulated: My friend/colleague Joe had been raving about Lemonade for some time. He was in town, so I tagged along to finally check it out.



They stipulated:
"The modern twist on a nostalgic concept is part lemonade stand, part grade-school cafeteria - come lunchtime, you'll grab a tray and slide it down the counter to examine your options. Unlike those early years, though, you'll actually want to build a meal from what you see under the glass - you might find a Grilled Cheese with Ham and Quince on Pumpernickel, which could work with a Snap Pea and Edamame Salad and a Lemon Meringue Pie. With numerous vegetable options, salads, braises and stews, there is no shortage of options to choose from."



What we ordered: I split my order, allowing for smaller portions of a wide variety of salads: Watermelon/radish/ahi tuna/snap peas/sesame; Chicken/butternut squash/grapes/oregano; Chicken/jicama/tarragon/green goddess; Lobster/soba noodle/Lebanese couscous/sesame; Forbidden rice/hearts of palm/mushroom/green chili; Couscous/mushrooms/parmesan lemon truffle.

High point: The sheer variety of unique, tasty salads. And the flavored lemonades aren't bad either.

Low point: If you're not careful, Lemonade can get pricy. Make sure you split your salads and don't go overboard.



Overall impression: Pretty unique concept, and I love the simplicity of the cafeteria format. And with offerings constantly changing, there's always something new and interesting with Lemonade's salads and entrees. But again, it can get pricy if you're not careful, so it's not a spot you can frequent.



Chance we'll go back: I'm probably overdue another trip.

Rate-A-Restaurant #240: Tinga

Restaurant: Tinga Taqueria

Location: 142 South La Brea Avenue (3rd/Fairfax/La Brea)

Type of restaurant: Tacos



We stipulated: I was meeting up with Just Jenn for lunch, and in charge of picking the place. Can't go wrong with a new taco joint, and I had read some pretty good reviews online. (One blogger even deemed it the best tacos she'd ever had. That seems a bit too thick, but one blogger's "best tacos ever" must still be in the range of "really good tacos," right?)



What we ordered:
TINGA - two tostadas with spicy stewed chicken, crema, shredded lettuce, pickled red onion, $7.50

PECHUGA - lemon brined chicken breast, salsa verde, Potatoes and queso fresco $6.50


High point: The signature Tinga tostada was quite tasty, with the right amount of spice. (Actually, who am I kidding? I'd love more spice. But still good.) The salsa that came with the chips was also solid.

Low point: More chips, please!


Overall impression: Much like Eagle Rock's Cacao eatery, I can approve of a fast casual taco joint expanding the definition of what can go on top of a tortilla. Tasty, and while a tad pricy, not overboard.

Chance we'll go back: I don't see many opportunities to do so, particularly once my office moves. But I would like to try everything on the menu... so it's quite possible.