Mystery Critic
The Best Restaurants Out There - And Much More!
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My Favorite Southern Cal Places for Casual Meals This is an on-going blog of eateries and restaurants in the Southern Callifornia that Mr. Mystery Critic and his family like to get a casual lunch or dinner. Some of these are reviewed but most are not because they are not particular outstanding in any category, but they are decent for a quick bite. American Cafe and Bakery Chinese The Fisherman's Restaurant [San Clemente] - Ths is a cool little Orange County beach town to hang out, play on the beach and watch sunset. Food is not superb here, but the excellent setting makes up for it. Do try their seafood chowder and cajun blackend fish.
 Pink's Hot Dog [Los Angeles] - There's always a line outside of this legendary LA establishment. Yes, it's just a hot dog stand and outgrew itself, now it even has some tables and chairs in the back! I had a great one with all sorts of condiments on it (so much that I forgot what I had). If you're going for a Super Special, you don't need to have dinner. Richard Walkers Pancake House [San Diego and IL] - Well it's only a pancake house.... But not quite!! It's an amazing place to load up before you head to the zoo, beach or legoland. AMAZING pancakes (try apple!), griddle cakes and flap jacks. Downright the best breakfast place in San Diego!
Cafe and Bakery Extraordinary Desserts [San Diego] - The name tells it all - the desserts are truly extraordinary. It's a great place to have some coffe/tea and enjoy a nicely garnished cake - for $15. Yes it costs more than an average entree in San Diego, but it's worth it! This is not meant for a low-carb always-on-diet girl though - they serve good old American-style cakes with a French twist, but the size and calory (let's say 1000 calories to be conservative) is definitely American.
Chinese Wonton Time 雲吞生麵食 [Alhambra] - This is a very cool place - it brings you back to those small noodles joints in Hong Kong. Menu is simple - All kinds of noodles with wonton and some side dishes like Chinese brocchli. Try both wonton noodles with soup or dry - that's the real test of authentic HK flavor!!
Trieu Chau Noodle Shop 潮洲粿條餐室 [Santa Ana] - There must be at least 1000 noodle shops in the the Los Angeles area, but this one is NOT an ordinary noodle shop. It doesn't look fancy, but as soon as you step into it's taste it's special noodles or duck noodles, you won't ever think it's an ordinary noodle shop. Pick anything from the menu with your eyes closed - even the fried noodles were absolutely great!
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