Lindo Michoacan II

Ended up in Anaheim, CA today for some training. While Anaheim is known worldwide for being home to "the happiest place on earth - Disneyland!"... it is also home to Lindo Michoacan II.

Lindo is a quaint little place that serves up authentic Mexican cuisine. I had a couple of street tacos that were FABULOUS! they have 2 locations... 1 in Santa Ana and 1 in Anaheim. If you are looking for a place that will take you South of the Border, LM II is it!

Cochon Butcher || New Orleans

We ate here every day (at least once) during our 6 day trip to New Orleans. Loved the Mac and Cheese, Cubano and Duck Pastrami sliders. Don't miss the pralines with bacon  and the Honey Boo Boo. We tried so many things and it was all so good.

We also ate at Cochon (the restaurant proper)  and tried the alligator and browned butter ice cream, Great service at both the butcher and Cochon.

Looking forward to our next trip to New Orleans!

Lola Gaspar | Santa Ana Artists District, CA

Headed over to Lola Gaspar for lunch today.This is a fun little kitchen and cocktail bar in the artist's district near the civic center in Santa Ana.

We sat inside and started our meal with the bacon wrapped dates stuffed with bleu cheese. Delicious! Next, we ordered the 3 carnitas taco combo which was served with a mound of yellow rice and the grilled pollo piadina with bloomsdale spinach, tomato, cumin yogurt and goat cheese spread in a warm tortilla wrap.

WOW... everything was delicious and fresh.

Eating inside allows you to enjoy their retro-modern look with a large bar. There's also a great little shady patio outside too.

Bring your quarters. Parking is street side with meters. Excellent service, no sign outside and one bathroom for the entire place.

Fillipi's Pizza Grotto || San Diego CA

We will drive an hour and half for Fillippi's Pizza Grotto! And then we will wait in line in a squished Italian market because the food is that delicious. Head to Little Italy for some amazing fettuncini alfredo or maybe some homemade meatballs.

Oh and the ravioli are so good too. And don't miss the pizza. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. If you are in a hurry, get take-out and eat it in your car. Or just decide not to be in a hurry and enjoy the crowds. Just make sure you go there to eat if you are ever in San Diego!

Cherry Cricket || Denver, CO

Don't judge them by their website. It's a little hokey... and green... oh ya, it chirps too.

However, their burgers are tasty and big without any crickets.

I had to try the Peanut Butter and Jelly Burger... very tasty.  This is a casual kind of place that's great for large groups.

Umami Burger || Costa Mesa, CA

Ummai Burger is located in The Camp, an Urban shopping space in the heart of Orange County. Umami will send you a text to your cell phone when your table is ready, so you are free to roam around.

There are lots of great shops at The Camp so the wait doesn't feel to long. My favorite is the Port and Stilton Burger but you really can't go wrong no matter what burger you choose as long as it has meat in it!

Portos Bakery and Cafe || Los Angeles, CA

If you are in the LA area, you must visit Portos. They have every kind of pastry you can imagine, impeccable bakery counter service from servers who memorize your order and the most amazing coconut macaroons on the planet:crunchy browned sugar on the outside and soft and chewy inside!

You can find then in Glendale, Burbank and Downey. Be prepared for a wait. I have never visited Portos at any time during the day where there were no lines. But the lines move fast. Tip: You can order menu items at the bakery counter so choose that line if it's shorter.

Maggio's Pizza || Big Bear Lake, CA

Maggio's Pizza is that kind of place where you feel right at home. Order at the counter and they will bring your food to your table.

We hit the slopes every summer to mountain bike ride and then end up at Maggio's for some great Italian food.

The service is excellent and the homemade ravioli is amazing. Bring your friends and have a good meal but call ahead for big parties. They are always packed!

La Tiendita || San Clemente, California

La Tiendita is my favorite whole-in-the wall, mexican food, in Orange County. They are off the main tourist area and cater to the locals. Their carnita soft tacos with all the extras are especially good after a run along the beach trail.

The dining area is small and this picture at the bottom actually makes it look nicer than it is. There's also a dining patio out back.

Or if you are in the area for breakfast, try their breakfast burrito. Also good for cheap bean burritos and cheap quesadillas. Great service, great prices, great food!

Matts Big Breakfast || Phoenix, Arizona

Matt's breakfast's are big but this whole in the wall is tiny. And it's crowded and it's not open for dinner and you have to go next door to use the restroom. But you have to eat here if you are in Phoenix! The food is high quality and big.

The bacon is good quality thick cut pork. And the jelly is homemade strawberry. Eat here for breakfast or sneak in for an early lunch before they close.

Don't bring your Starbucks, they will stop you at the door. And don't expect to sit together for parties of more than four people!

Pizza Bianco || Phoenix, Arizona

It was late, maybe 9pm when we walked into Pizza Bianco. The place was packed! Not wanting to wait,  we headed to the small bar which really is just a counter.

We had been to the ball game and we were looking for a great dinner. And Pizza Bianco did not disappoint. The bartender was very helpful and we decided on the Wiseguy Pizza. 

It was delicious with all super fresh ingredients and cooked in the wood burning pizza oven. It was great to see our pizza cooking! The place is small so expect a wait. Love the atmosphere as much as the food. 

Alibi Korean BBQ || Los Angeles

Last night we were in LA for the Billabong Design for Humanity Event. We headed over to Alibi for some refreshment and a light dinner. Alibi is an over 21 establishment.

You order at the bar and can choose to sit at the bar or relax in the small lounge area. It has a great modern minimalist vibe. I recommend wearing street clothes, casual is best. Alibi is the test kitchen for the popular Kogi Food Truck.

I enjoyed the Pacman Quesadilla which included all 3 meets, 3 salsas, onions, cheese and slaw. But you really can't go wrong with anything these guys create! The Cuban Mistress Cocktails was refreshing as was the Patch Block Chardonnay. A great place for a relaxing evening. 

photo via