TWENTYFIVE LUSK, SAN FRANCISCO CA

Grilled New York, Forest Mushroom Vol Au Vent, Autumn Vegetables, Syrah Sauce 

Pork Belly Confit, Grilled Treviso, Riesling Marinated Golden Raisins
Quince Compote

Martin's Emigh's Lamb, Chanterelles, Bacon, Pear, and Fennel Puree
with Fingerling Potatoes

Twenty Five Lusk is a very modern American restaurant in the heart of Soma in San Francisco. They have a beautiful building thats somewhat hidden from the outer streets so open your eyes when looking for it. You can park on the streets or garage around the block and walk over. They have easy access elevators for those that need them and a beautiful stairway leading upstairs to the dining area. The dining area is absolutely stunning because you are surrounded by glass where you can see out and a beautiful bar on both ends of the restaurant. Their food has a modern twist and the presentation is beautiful along with their creative cocktail list. Twenty Five Lusk has a open kitchen, where you can see the chefs preparing your food and plating.They also offer a lounge downstairs where they have this really cool modern fire pits and seating around them, great for large parties or dates. If you wanted to throw a party there they also have private rooms that you have to reserve ahead of time. They also have these cool wine cellars that are created against the walls that show off racks of wine which gives a nice touch to the rooms. This restaurant is a overall beautiful dining experience, so make your reservations and enjoy!

KOKKARI, SAN FRANCISCO CA

Soutzoukakia, Grilled Lamb Meat Balls with Spiced Tomato Sauce & Greek Yogurt

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Kotopoulo Soulvas, Lemon Oregano Roasted With Winter Root Vegetables 

Arnisia Paidakia, Grilled Lamb Chops with Lemon Oregano Vinaigrette
& Kokkari Potatoes 

PIZZERIA DELFINA, SAN FRANCISCO CA

Salsiccia Pizza

Neopolitan Meatballs in Sugo

Margherita Pizza 

Pizzeria Delfina has 4 locations, 2 in San Francisco, one in the Mission district and the other in Pacific Heights. They also have 2 more locations that is in Burlingame and Palo Alto CA so you have other options than driving to the city. The pizza here is AMAZING! It's an open kitchen where you can see them kneading and flipping the dough right in front of you. They also throw in the toppings, with fresh ingredients and fresh mozzarella and toss it in the oven. I'm not usually not a thin pizza type of gal, but thin or thick this place makes delicious pizzas! The meatballs are also little taste of Italy heaven. The wait here still ranges to 30 mins-an hour wait even after being open for quite some time. The restaurant itself is fairly tiny and only seats at most 30 people so coming in with large parties can be a longer wait. You can order take out as well so if you want some great pizza to enjoy at home that's not the corporate "pizza hut or round table" this is your place! 

PAPILLON, FREMONT CA

Grilled Angus Ribeye in a Marinade of Olive Oil, Roasted Peppers, 

Basil & Roasted Garlic Puree

Chicken Cordon Bleu, Stuffed With Devil Crab Meat, Sun Dried Tomato Vin Blanc

Infamous French Onion Soup in Baked in a Puff Pastry

 

Vanilla Ice Cream with Fresh Berries and Chocolate Cabernet Sauce

BRUXIE GOURMET WAFFLE SANDWICHES, ORANGE CA

S'mores, Belgium Chocolate with Graham cracker & Toasted Marshmellow

Smoked Salmon & Dill Cream Cheese
Micheal Cordon Bleu Smoked Salmon with Herb Cream Cheese
& Cucumbers and Chives

Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Waffle
Chili Honey & Cider Slaw

Roasted Mushroom & Goat Cheese
Laura Chenel's Chèvre Goat Cheese, Fresh Basil, Arugula & Balsamic Reduction

Bruxie's is a must when you're in Orange. Not Orange County but the city Orange. This little hut that serves amazing waffles is located literally across campus from Chapman University!

They have a huge variety of waffles (which I tried most of) that could fulfill any taste bud you're craving for. The line goes fairly quickly and they have tables and benches outside for you to sit and enjoy them. Mind you this isn't a restaurant but rather a hut that serves you in a fast manner with tasty food. It's a great place to try if you're a foodie and easy place to get to. Parking is easy since it's more in a neighborhood with lots of open space. If you want to light up your taste buds, give this place a try!

ARCADIA MODERN STEAKHOUSE MICHAEL MINA RESTAURANT, SAN JOSE CA

Snake River Farms Wagyu Flat Iron Steak with a Pinot Sauce on the side

Lobster Corn Dogs, whole grain mustard & Fennel

Niman Ranch Lamb Sliders, Pork Belly, Pickled Onions & Arugula
Served with Duck Fat Fries with 3 dipping sauces

Truffled Mac & Cheese

Cheese Platter :Gold Brie, cow marin french cheese from Petaluma.
Medolie, Goat laura chanel's chèvre, from Sonoma
Sheep A go-go, Sheep bleating heart cheese, from Sonoma County
Shafts Blue, Cow shaft's cheese co. From Roseville
California Crottin, Goat hill farm from Sebastopol

Wild Pacific Salmon, Green Curry, Baby Carrots, Crispy Rice Noodles

Complimentary Birthday Dessert, Light pound cake like bread with Coffee gelato & chocolate

Arcadia is a Michael Mina restaurant and is one of my favorite steak houses and one I continue to go to and know I'll always have a great experience with the food and service. Arcadia is located downtown San Jose inside the Marriott hotel next to the bar Tanq. You can valet your car and get validation for eating in the restaurant which makes it easy. Or you can park anywhere downtown and walk over. Downtown is fun place to walk around especially during summer when they have Music in the Park or Holiday time when they have Christmas in the Park which is located right across the street from Arcadia. The restaurant has a semi open kitchen where you can still look in to see the chefs at work but not completely open like other restaurants. The food here is nothing but amazing. I tried my first wagyu steak at a Michael Mina restaurant and he never disappoints. The steaks are like butter in the cut and the way it melts in your mouth. Instead of bread you are served duck fat fries which come with 3 different dipping sauces. I was disappointed at first because I absolutely LOVE bread, but it was a interesting and pleasant change. All of their steaks are cooked to perfection and always have great choices for appetizers. My absolute favorite side/appetizer would be the oysters and the truffled mac and cheese. I could literally eat it everyday. It's not too gooey and cheesy like most mac n cheeses but it's light with a touch of truffle. It's a God send. For desserts my favorite would be the beignets. Weird right? It's so fluffy and has a touch of cinnamon and comes with a Macallan 18 scotch dipping sauce. You will thank me later for trying this. Arcadia could be a dressy place but I've also seen guests in jeans (it's connected to the hotel, so I'm guessing it was hotel guests) But when you know the food is this great, it's always nicer to dress to the occasion.
Michael Mina has another restaurant in San Francisco called Bourbon Steakhouse. Another one of my favorites. If you haven't tried any of his restaurants this is where to begin! The prices are a little bit more decent than the location in SF. But it'll be well worth every penny!

ASAHI SUSHI, RIVERSIDE CA

Nichelle Roll: Baked scallops, lobster wrapped with salmon topped with a house baked
sauce and scallions next to Baked Mussels with House sauce and tobiko and scallions

Asahi Roll: Shrimp tempura, Spicy Kani topped with salmon, Tuna and Spicy mayo and spicy Jalapeño sauce and Scallions

Sal Roll: Spicy Albacore inside topped with Albacore on top with Jalapeños & Sriracha

Corona Roll: Salmon, Tuna, Yellowtail wrapped in Soy paper topped with Spicy Mayo

Asahi sushi is hands down the BEST all you can eat restaurant, ever, period. For $20 at lunch and $25 for dinner you get ANY rolls, ANY nigiri and ANY craving satisfied. They also have tempura and chicken teriyaki options for those that don't eat raw fish. I've been here more times than I could count on my fingers, it's that good! There is always a wait so be prepared for that, especially those with larger parties. Asahi's location is in a Lucky's plaza in the corner. Because business has succeeded they've open another location in Corona CA which is about 20 minutes from the on in Riverside. At the end you will always received a cup of green tea ice cream or orange slices.This is the best bang for your buck! Sushi lovers, you won't have any regrets!