Flavor – As Good as it Gets. I know you will enjoy the natural charm, service, and delicious food at Flavor of India. Most seating is on their festively heated enclosed patio, which twinkles with "itzy‑bitzy" lights. One could think of it as romantic for dating, and along with a big "A" in the window, it's homey and warm with time‑honored paintings and conventional background music. For more intimacy, check out the elevated dining with lots of privacy, also window-curtained cozy room inside.

“Once upon a time,” a family of Bayou country kinfolks with a vision to open an eatery did so in1994 after finding a 600 square foot shack on  Venice Blvd. They named it Uncle Darrow’s, and featured their Cajun/Creole family recipes covering many generations, luring the likes of Whoopi, Roseanne, Johnnie Cochran, and Quincy Jones. It has since been replaced with their newest one at 2560 S. Lincoln Blvd., Marina del Rey, a stones throw from Costco on Washington Blvd.

"A spectacular 180-Degree view of the Pacific Ocean complemented by waterfalls and tropical plants creates a romantic Mediterranean-meets-Malibu atmosphere." It's true! It's all true!  There just may be no more gorgeous setting for any restaurant in Southern California than Geoffrey's in Malibu. And there just may be no finer food served anywhere than there, as well. Jeff Peterson, its owner for almost the past decade, and Executive Chef Bijan Shokatfard have truly mastered the art of culinary excellence at prices a tad more expensive, but certainly not out of the realm of possibility. You will impress mightily anyone who has never basked in such glory while dining. I'd suggest you go in the late afternoon or early evening

India's Tandoori is family-run, and intimately warm, also friendly; a neighborhood eatery that attracts people from other areas for excellent unique cooking. Indian food is excitingly flavorful, along with being healthy, and no one makes vegetables as delicious as these marvelous chefs. In addition, every item on India's Tandoori's menu is approved by the American Heart Association. All foods skewered in those wonderful clay tandoori ovens are desirable because the chicken, fish, and meats are fired from 500 to 700 degrees

As you open the massive, beautiful glass door and make your entrance into the Alessio Ristorante in Thousand Oaks, your eye captures a large, dimly lit, two-part restaurant: one side a huge bar and relaxation area and the other side; booths, tables and a huge fireplace beckoning you to come in and stay awhile. Their G.M., Jay Anthony, is never too far away and either he, or their genial hostess,  will lead you to the most right table which will start to make you happy you came.

Certain Restaurateurs can be counted on to deliver, again and again. Names like Puck, Splichal and Drago open restaurant after restaurant with almost guaranteed success waiting for them. Now, add Michel Richard, who pioneered French/California cuisine at his Citrus, partnering with Jeffrey Chodorow at the most beautiful, reawakened Citrus at Social which occupies the old Hollywood Athletic Club space on Sunset.

Under the caring eyes and mostly deft touches of Chef Jeffrey and General Manager Michael Cronin, the Sherman Oaks Pomodoro on Ventura Boulevard presented a preview of coming attractions at Special Dinners held every six weeks. Twenty-six attentive foodies gathered together one Tuesday, to sample the five course dinner of dishes about to be added to their rather extensive menu. At twenty dollars, including a glass of wine, one could say this was a huge success. Almost!

There's something wonderful to be said about the neighborhood Italian restaurant. It usually has something to do with keeping prices low, great, substantial food, served cheerfully and graciously, an array of many delicious recipes, much appreciated by busy people, unable to cook for themselves.

The restaurant adjacent to the Pasadena Playhouse has undergone several incarnations. The latest to come along more than six months ago is the Caravan Serai, featuring Persian, Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine.

Billingsley's is family owned and operated; still going strong in the same location for over 60-years. I believe their success is due to excellent value, good food, and the nostalgic charm of the 40s and 50s. It all began with Glenn Billingsley Sr. who opened the West LA location in 1946 as (Billingsley's Golden Bull). At one time he had seven Golden Bulls, three Outrigger Polynesian restaurants and catering service for Continental Airlines.