Morro Bay June 25, 2016

Lunch at Dorn's.

My parents highly recommended this place. I only got appetizers because I was planning to try out two more places the same day/night. The ahi tuna above is pretentious, raw is more flavorful culinary voodoo mind-game chicanery.

Unimpressive rice,

I spy a kid.

Morro Rock  from Dorn's.

My parents have stayed here in their younger, more passionate years.

Francoli Gourmet Emporio Restaurant - February 24, 2017

Looking at the bar.

 This is definitely an intimate dining experience.

Bread plate with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

The bread plate came with olive bread, which was especially pleasing. Furthermore, olive oil and vinegar makes for a welcome change from the typical butter.

Bruschetta Francoli.

The Bruschetta Francoli was exceptionally balanced and satisfying, particularly for a cold plate.

Salmon with Orange-Cointreau Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, Brussel Sprouts, and Red Cabbage.

The main entree plate was exquisite. I ordered it because Orange-Cointreau was a new flavor for me. It made for a great gravy substitute for the mashed potatoes as well as flavoring the salmon. I actually broke up part of my salmon to mix with the mashed potatoes for extra richness. The brussel sprouts and red cabbage gave no reason for complaint.

I wished I felt rich enough for dessert, but this was a fine experience. However, I prefer bigger restaurants as a rule. 

View from my seat including some of the "shop."

Chocolates.

Wine.

More wine.

View of the bar from my seat.

Artwork and a picture.

Darya Restaurant - February 19, 2017

Darya at Sunset

After visiting relatives in Colorado Springs and dining with them at the Mason Jar in Old Colorado City at sunset, I have come to feel that sunset is by far the best time to begin one's dinner experience. And Darya looks quite fine in this light.

Two More at Sunset

I've passed this place for years, always looking in and awestruck by the elegant atmosphere with tablecloths and columns. As it turned out, this is a Persian restaurant, and this was evident in the foreign languages being spoken by other diners.

Live Keyboard Music.

I was impressed by live music provided by a keyboardist. Furthermore, the flatbread was not only unique but also served warm, warm bread is a plus that many restaurant fail to do.

Flatbread.

Charbroiled Salmon, Sabzi Polo, and Salad.

I played it safe and got things I know I like: salmon, the Persian version of rice pilaf (sabzi polo), and salad. Since I don't like raw tomatoes, I got creative and mashed them with my fork and ate them with the salmon. This is average priced dining, neither cheap nor expensive, though some people undoubtedly will feel it's too expensive for them.

One thing I loved about this place was that I my appetite was satisfied after I was done, unlike most sit-down (or any non-buffet) restaurants. Indeed, usually I need a buffet to feel satisfied. Overall, this is certainly a dining gem in my hometown of Orange, California, which I am immensely proud of.

I'm already thinking of going back for the Lake Superior white fish.

 

Fancy restroom.

Brick oven.

Lounge.

Monterey June 12-13, 2016

June 12

Sandbar & Grill Menu

I was excited to go here since it was a restaurant used in Play Misty for Me, though it has changed quite a bit (I think for the better).

Salmon - Roasted Red Pepper - Tomato Cream Sauce - Scalloped Potatoes

I also got the steamed artichoke appetizer with herb aioli.

June 13

Cannery Row Sculpture in Stereo

Telescope near Monterey Bay Aquarium

Lighthouse Cinema in Pacific Grove

Cafe Lucca - March 12, 2016

Main Entrance - Approaching from the north.

I took all these photos with my iPhone 5.

I love finally giving these local places a chance after years of passing them on my bike.  This was one of the better places, like Mead's Green Door (which I visited earlier in the day).  This place does indeed have an Italian/New York vibe.  I find it interesting that there is a progression of seating options.  There are the outdoor seats, then the outer enclosed seating area, and finally the main room.  The main room is itself broken into a more formal frontal section, and an open self-seating area in back.

It's part table service restaurant and part counter-service.  I made this visit just for the gelato and the photos.  People ordering gelato and perhaps other fare may do it simply by walking up and waiting to be served.  People may be seated more formally and served in that manner too.

Main Entrance panorama!

A Little Closer.

...a little closer.

North wall.

South wall.

South.

North.

Gelato display.

Gelato display.

I enjoyed my tiramisu-butterfinger gelato.  I was impressed by how much I actually received in a relatively small bowl.  Although more expensive than Baskin Robbins, the portions were almost the same as a waffle cone without a huge price difference.  Next time I would like to try the Straciatella gelato.

When I got my gelato in the disposable container my first instinct was to exit, but then I realized that I was there to soak in the ambience.  I'm paying for the right to hang as much as for the gelato, so I came back in and seated myself at the back, which had a vaguely Starbucks vibe due to young adults at the table with laptops.  There was a couple, specifically, and I got the feeling that the girl was uncomfortable with my presence at the table (but it could all be in my mind).  Either way, I heard her making some odd intermittent tapping noises throughout my time there, but it wasn't distracting enough to ruin the experience.  

The restaurant packs much magnificence in a relatively small space between the ceiling design, light fixtures, and artwork. 

View from rear.

 

Main Dining Room Artwork.

The (apparent) owner is a big, hearty man with a thick Italian accent.  When I left he called to me: "Thank you, my friend."  When he scooped my gelato he did so with much gusto.  This is a great place if you want something that has an atmosphere of formality and luxury with the accessibility and convenience of more casual places.

Main Dining Room As Seen From Outer Seating Area.

By the way, the tiramisu gelato used a generic "Magic Shell" formulation that I regularly make and use at home as well.  

My Tiramisu-Butterfinger Gelato with Kitchen in Background.