Mesa Grill

Mom and I went to Las Vegas on Tuesday to get her car fixed. While we were there we did our usual mall run, looked at the sights, and did some research to find a restaurant we wanted to try. We have been to gems such as Tom Colicchio's Craftsteak and Emeril Lagasse's creole / cajun restaurant Emeril's. Both were beyond excellent. This time we decided to visit a restaurant owned by one of mom's favorite Food Network chefs; Bobby Flay.

The name of his place is Mesa Grill and, as clearly apparent from the name, the food is inspired from the flavors of the southwest. Mom had a smoked chicken and black bean quesadilla with avocado and toasted garlic creme friache, and I had the new mexican spice rubbed pork tenderloin with ancho chile sauce and a sweet potato tamale. Both dishes were as close to perfection as they could be. Each had the perfect balance of spices and fresh ingredients allowing for the chef's vision to be truly realised. The servings were generous and the prices were reasonable. Our experience at Mesa Grill was so delightful that the next time we go to Las Vegas we may break our tradition of finding a new restauraunt and go back to Mesa Grill. Amé la comida!!!!

Mesa Grill - Las Vegas

Anasazi Steakhouse and Gallery

Tonight, for dinner, mom invited Terry and me out for a lovely meal. The best way to describe the Anasazi experience is to call it a steakhouse with a twist. They serve the usual selection of meats but the twist comes when the meal is served. Each dish has the choice of being served precooked on a regular plate or on a hot rock. The rock is about 700 degrees and acts as your own personal searing pan. We all chose to have our meals served on the hot rock and boy am I glad we did. I felt like each of my senses were truly activated during the meal. I saw my meat beautifully displayed on the rock, felt the heat radiating from my dish, heard the sizzle of my food as I cut and cook it myself, smelled the steam and smoke wafting up from my dish, and tasted premium food cooked exactly to my liking (because I cooked it myself). It was a truly interactive event that only added to my enjoyment of the meal. Now, every time I go to visit mom in St. George, I am going to make a stop and give myself, and my senses, a treat.

Nummmmm!

Anasazi Steakhouse and Gallery

Hamilton's Tavern

I have heard of putting hair on the dog, but a dog in a bar, now that is odd! Terry was feeling a tad under the weather yesterday and craved calories. We decided to try Hamilton's Tavern near my home. When we arrived, the place was wall to wall people, music filled the room, and several people were sitting there with their dogs. Having never been there before I was taken back a bit, but after a few moments it seemed almost natural and comforting to have the precious pooches there with their owners.

We sat down at a table and waited for someone to come around to take our order. After a few, however, Terry started to feel as if he just wanted to eat and go. Luckily, the kitchen is next door and we were able to order directly from there and eat at a quiet table outside. I ordered the American style hamburger, as I wasn't really in the mood for experimentation last night, and Terry ordered the Witchfyre burger complete with grilled onions, jalapenos, peppencinis, roasted Anaheim chiles, lettuce, tomato, provolone, and salsaroja. In addition to the burger, Terry also tried the Volcano wings. Both of us dug in and were completely satisfied with our food. It was just good honest food for a reasonable price.

Hamilton's is one of those places I know we will revisit again and again. Next time, when both of us are in the mood for a good old fashioned tavern, we will make our way down the street and into Hamilton's.


Hamilton's Tavern

Burger Lounge

After a wonderful weekend watching Terry and his team curl we decided to take Monday "off." We slept in, went for coffee, took a walk around the city, watched movies, and even got the chance to sit on his porch and take in the beautiful San Diego weather. Even though one of his passions is cooking Terry was exhausted, so for dinner I took my sweetheart to the Burger Lounge. It was a nice break for my darling chef.

The Burger Lounge has a small, but tasty menu. They have a grass-fed beef burger, a turkey burger, and a veggie burger made of quinoa. They also have chicken tenders, tossed salads, onion rings, fries, and even CUPCAKES. Terry and I both decided to have the grass-fed burger with a side of half and half (onion rings and french fries). While I was not wowed and amazed by the burger I did find it very tasty. It was juicy, well seasoned, and tasted very fresh so it is well worth the reasonable price. What did amaze me were the fries and onion rings. They were both crisp, perfectly seasoned, and had a light non-greasy taste. They were definitely the highlight of our simple dinner and are a reason to go back for more.


Burger Lounge
mmm mmm good!

Ricon Taurino - Spicy goodness

This weekend I competed in the 3rd annual Hollywood bonspiel. We finished second overall, but that isn't the story. 

Bobbi and I decided that it was time for spicy goodness on  Sunday. Right accross the street from the arena we found a taco shop. And let me say, the pastor and the pollo were as GOOD as any anywhere .(Yes, that includes El Gordo's in Chula Vista.. )  Pastor was very spicy, and even more tasty. The chicken was fresh and not heavy. And the spicy, smoky red sauce was just awesome.  Not the usual cheese soaked lard that you get in an 'ertos kinda place, just real honest home made Mexican food.

You want good food in this hood, go here. Just brush up on your Spanish.

(Side note.. Next review will be something NOT mexican food!)

Rincon Taurino

Panorama City
8708 Van Nuys Blvd
Panorama City, CA