YUMMY CUPCAKES - Santa Monica

Yummy Cupcakes is located on Wilshire Boulevard, one-half block from the infamous Third Street Promenade. This location's walls have a variety of bold white & pink stripes or brown & pink stripes. Large photographs featuring their delectable cupcakes adorn the walls. The very high ceilings make the space seem much larger than it is. The very friendly counter staff is eager to tell you their favorites - no sampling! :(

There is a monthly flavor calender offering 16 flavors available all month, plus an additional 5 daily flavors. Yummy Cupcakes also offers vegan and sugar-free creations.

I had the "Red Velvet Cocoa" with cream cheese frosting and a "Peanut Butter Cup" with a creamy peanut butter frosting. Both cupcakes were extremely moist with deep rich flavors and an abundance of frosting. Their use of high quality ingredients is very evident. Simply decadent!

One of my favorites was "missing" from the menu - large muffin tops. Hint, hint...

In addition to this location, there is a Yummy Cupcake in Burbank and another soon to open in Brentwood.

Run, don't walk to get your handful of heaven!

Mmm... Mmm... Mmm...

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Entrée

$ 10

$$ 20

$$$ 30

$$$$ 40+

Staff

+ Stop bothering me!

++ Anyone here?

+++ Stopped when in the area.

++++ As needed and friendly.

+++++ Invisibly perfect!

Overall

& “One visit too many!”

&& “Convince me!”

&&& “I’ll be back!”

&&&& “Same table next week!”

SNUG HARBOR - Santa Monica

Snug Harbor opened in 1941 on Wilshire Boulevard. This diner has change hands only 3 times since it inception, the last time was in the 90's. This cozy eatery has a soda fountain-like service counter with 10 single seats and 5 booths in the dining room. My friends, Richard & Roberta, and I chose to sit in their small garden area with 5 umbrella-covered tables. Varying shades of green are the colours du jour throughout the relaxing garden and dining room.

Alejandro's huge personality & speedy service was most appreciated. Following his recommendation, I had "Angie's Yum Yum Chicken Breast" sandwich. This sandwich was added to the menu when it last changed hands at the request of the current owner's daughter. This amazing sandwich has a large grilled chicken breast, 1000 Island dressing, pepper jack cheese, sliced tomato, & basil leaves. The slices of sourdough bread holding this sandwich together were buttered, sprinkled with bits of garlic and grilled creating a crunchy crust. A mound of the most incredible, crispy, sweet potato fries completed this delicious lunch plate!

After living in or visiting Santa Monica for 25+ years, I am surprised to have made my first visit to this little neighborhood gem - only 15 blocks from my former residence. Snug Harbor will definitely be a stop on my next visit to Santa Monica.

Bring extra napkins!

Mmm... Mmm...


$

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Entrée

$ 10

$$ 20

$$$ 30

$$$$ 40+

Staff

+ Stop bothering me!

++ Anyone here?

+++ Stopped when in the area.

++++ As needed and friendly.

+++++ Invisibly perfect!

Overall

& “One visit too many!”

&& “Convince me!”

&&& “I’ll be back!”

&&&& “Same table next week!”

CRAVE - Bloomington (Mall of America)

Crave opened in the former California Cafe space about a year ago on the 3rd floor of the Mall of America. This is one of 3 Crave locations in the Minneapolis area plus another in Orlando. The very large, open space is accented in subdued tones of copper, brown and gold. It features a huge open kitchen, a sushi bar, and a floor-to-ceiling glass octagon wine cellar near the front door. Kudos for the soothing background music that encourages conversation while dining!

Heather, my very friendly server, recommended the brunch. It is an incredible value at $16. The extensive list of all-you-can-eat brunch options includes: a mimosa (only 1 is included), fluffy scrambled eggs with smoked Tillamook cheese, smoked ham, thick slices of applewood smoked bacon, crispy skinned sausage links that pop under the pressure of a fork, homemade buttery hash browns, wheat toast & jam, fresh fruit bowl of melon, blackberries, strawberries, pineapple, and oranges and finally... sticky buns. If that is not enough, there is a French toast bar and a made-to-order omelet bar. An amazing start to a day of shopping!

I recommend the management implement a system to let the bus boys know when their guests are at the French toast or omelet bar. I went to get an omelet and returned to find that my table had been cleared and reset for their next guests. A waiter rushed over to ask if he could assist; I explained what had happened. He apologized, reseated me, and brought another mimosa and a bowl of the fresh fruit. Great recovery! This could be a major snafu if guests go to the omelet bar and return to find other guests seated at their table. They might consider using a marker system similar to Fugo de Chao.

With 45 sushi selections on the menu, I observed as many guests eating sushi as were eating the brunch. On my next visit, I will be at the sushi bar.

The tables for 2 are too close. I was tempted on several occasions to join the conversation at the next table; at one point, a guest was commenting on how much she enjoyed the sushi but she could not figure out what the thin "pink slices" were on her plate. I wanted to tell her, but I didn't.

Crave is a comfortable, upscale casual eatery. Those behind this restaurant have developed a reputation in the city for being better than average. They also own "The View" near Lake Calhoun - another of my favorites! If you do find yourself at the Mall of America, be certain to visit Crave.

Mmm... Mmm...

Crave.com

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Entrée

$ 10

$$ 20

$$$ 30

$$$$ 40+

Staff

+ Stop bothering me!

++ Anyone here?

+++ Stopped when in the area.

++++ As needed and friendly.

+++++ Invisibly perfect!

Overall

& “One visit too many!”

&& “Convince me!”

&&& “I’ll be back!”

&&&& “Same table next week!”

EATING OUT IN PUERTO VALLARTA

After too many crazy weeks at work, I felt the need for a quick trip back to Puerto Vallarta to relax and spend time with my friends I only see 5-6 times per year. I know, I know; I was in PV less than 7 weeks ago.

I visited many of my favorites plus one new eatery (at least to me) - Blue Chairs Beach Cafe; it won't be on my short list. Enough said.

I enjoyed several breakfasts at either Freddy's Tucan and Langostino's. My daily fix of java came from the Coffee Cup. I spent my evenings between No Way Jose's, Joe Jack's Fish Shack and Trattoria Michel. Always delicious... always accommodating... and always so very friendly. Need I say more?

Generally, I spend the later evenings poolside with friends at my condo sipping something on ice. This trip a few local friends and I walked down the hill on 2 different evenings and sipped several refreshing martinis at Sama Martini Bar's very comfortable sidewalk lounge.

6 days with the tropical breezes and never-ending sun flew by in the blink of an eye. It made leaving easier knowing I would be returning in July!

Mmm... Mmm... Mmm...

Link to prior No Way Jose's!

Link to prior Joe Jack's Fish Shack

Link to prior Trattoria Michel

CRAFTSMAN RESTAURANT & BAR – Minneapolis

Craftsman's name is a giveaway to the design surprises found inside the very comfortable space. The wall sconces, drop lighting, very high ceilings, gorgeous woodwork, stunning wooden bar, comfy highback bar chairs with leather seats, and over-sized slowly moving ceiling fans. The comfortable elements are wrapped in subdued sage green, yellow and burgundy walls.

Our friendly waiter, whose service was stretched between too many tables, explained that the Craftsman is an eco-friendly, sustainable, organic restaurant for the past 5 years.

I started with a "Beet Bloody Mary" - the beet juice is a delicious balance to the expected heat of a Bloody Mary. So refreshing, we each 2!

I had the "Craftsman Breakfast" - 2 eggs scrambled, 2 pieces of Fisher Farms smoked ham and hash. The fluffy eggs arrived with a hash of chopped potatoes, purple cabbage and red onion. Both were exceptional. The ham had great flavor but too much fat. I am surprised the fatty end piece left the kitchen. I prefer smoked cured to sugar cured ham; what I did eat was delicious. The side of sourdough grilled bread was served with an incredible honey... apple flower, I believe.

This very popular Longfellow neighborhood eatery has a large attached outdoor dining area. I am anxious to return for an al fresco dining experience in the garden exploding with color from the numerous large planters. Thomas and I decided to venture outside the downtown area for brunch and try something new. We found the Craftsman and were very pleased we stopped.

Mmm... Mmm...

Craftsman Restaurant & Bar

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Entrée

$ 10

$$ 20

$$$ 30

$$$$ 40+

Staff

+ Stop bothering me!

++ Anyone here?

+++ Stopped when in the area.

++++ As needed and friendly.

+++++ Invisibly perfect!

Overall

& “One visit too many!”

&& “Convince me!”

&&& “I’ll be back!”

&&&& “Same table next week!”

JOE JACK’S FISH SHACK – Puerto Vallarta

I am not certain how many visits I have made to Joe Jack’s Fish Shack, located in the Zona Romantica area of Vallarta - the most energized area of PV with the south side's beach, restaurants, bars, lounges and beach side cafes. I have thoroughly enjoyed each meal.

I typically ask for a table up in the rooftop dining area. This evening my favorite server, Guillermo a.k.a. Memo, was working the first floor dining room. The deep red walls, high ceilings, large mirrors and exposed brick surround a small bar that cozily seats 6.

It has become a tradition of mine to have at least one Mermaid Martini - a very refreshing, addictive concoction of Alize, Absolut Citron & fresh lime juice.

Tonight I asked Memo to order for me. He suggested Octopus a la Plancha (grilled baby octopus) for dinner. This entrée was so popular as a daily special it now has a permanent place on the menu.

The baby octopus is steamed then marinated in EVOO, salt, pepper & a bit of garlic. Each octopus is individually marinated with a serving of potato chunks, slices of chorizo, whole green beans, black olives and whole roasted tomatoes; the “dinner in a bag” marinates all day until ordered by a guest. The dinner is grilled caramelizing the octopus. The marinade is reduced to a wonderful, deep brown sauce exploding with big flavors. The sauce is poured over the grilled octopus, etc and served in a large flat bowl. Fantastic!

Joe Jack’s Fish Shack continues to be one of my must-do eateries in Puerto Vallarta. I plan on returning in April!

Mmm... Mmm... Mmm...

Link to prior Joe Jack's visit

JoeJack'sFishShack.com

$$

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Entrée

$ 10

$$ 20

$$$ 30

$$$$ 40+

Staff

+ Stop bothering me!

++ Anyone here?

+++ Stopped when in the area.

++++ As needed and friendly.

+++++ Invisibly perfect!

Overall

& “One visit too many!”

&& “Convince me!”

&&& “I’ll be back!”

&&&& “Same table next week!”

NO WAY JOSE! RESTAURANT & BAR - Puerto Vallarta

No Way José! located on the edge of Zona Romatica area on 5 de Febrero (first street to the left after crossing over the Rio Cuale from el centro). This area of Vallarta is the older, charming Puerto Vallarta. Zona Romantica is Vallarta's most energized neighborhood with the south side beach, restaurants, bars, lounges and beach side cafes.

The menu features contemporary Mexican cuisine with the freshest ingredients bursting with flavor & fine dining quality.

After a day at the pool and a late afternoon massage, I was too relaxed to spend any time in the kitchen preparing dinner. Instead, I headed down the hill from my condo to one of my favorites – No Way Jose! with its soothing jewel toned walls, linen covered tables accented with tiny vases of fresh flowers and of course, Julie's smile and Jose's laughter.

Daniel, as charming and friendly as always, ordered for me this evening. Why make a decision if I don’t have to? He even ordered my martinis for me, refreshing pomegranate martinis with a spoonful of pomegranate seeds at the bottom of the goblet. Great, spot-on service the entire evening.

He chose the Tortilla Soup ($4US) for me as my starter. The generous serving of the classic comfort food had slivers of guillo chilies, chunks of avocado, sour cream and ranchero cheese. The tortilla strips retained their firm texture to the very last spoonful. The tomato based soup with chicken stock, jalapenos, cilantro and a pinch of cumin will have you asking for more!

For dinner, I had the Flank Steak Don José ($11US) – perfectly charred and so tender I cut it with my fork, no knife necessary. The steak was generously surrounded by grilled peppers, onions, and thin slices of chorizo sausage. The sides of freshly made guacamole and refried beans plus warm flour tortillas completed this fantastic entrée. Suggestion… add thin strips of the cactus used in your infamous nopal soup to the grilled vegetables served with the flank steak.

After another superb dinner, I was asked to join the owners, Jose & Julie, and friends from the States at their table. After another martini, several shots of Jose’s favorite tequila and 2 hours of stories & laughter, I decided to call it quits. Aah, another perfect day in paradise! I wish my return in April was not so far away.

Mmm... Mmm... Mmm...

Link to prior No Way Jose! visit

No Way Jose! Restaurant.com

$

++++

&&&&

Entrée

$ 10

$$ 20

$$$ 30

$$$$ 40+

Staff

+ Stop bothering me!

++ Anyone here?

+++ Stopped when in the area.

++++ As needed and friendly.

+++++ Invisibly perfect!

Overall

& “One visit too many!”

&& “Convince me!”

&&& “I’ll be back!”

&&&& “Same table next week!”