The rejuvenation downtown is an ongoing evolution of businesses rising to the occasion. But one thing that’s been missing is a good steak at a great price. Steakhouses the way steak houses were meant; an elegant dining experience with great meat that leaves you wanting more. Yes, I know there’s Morton’s at 7th and Fig, and LA Prime atop the Bonaventure, but those have always been the staples for business dining and expense accounts. But now a steakhouse for the masses has emerged. Lala’s Argentine Grill is fast gaining a reputation for fantastic meat and a great spot to grab a great steak for a great price. In a landscape overwhelmed by vegan this and organic that, carnivores can join the downtown scene and look forward to some prime beef.

Lala’s operates out of a locale previous under South American ownership, the old Wooden Spoon. This Brazilian restaurant was a novelty back in the day of modern eating, before foodies ran Bravo TV. Now it’s in the hands of another South American standard, the ‘Gaucho’ restaurant. The Argentines are famous for great meat. Whereas as Americans are famous for huge hulking cowboy steaks, South Americans are famous for meat being served as a refined meal. In Los Angeles, more and more meat palaces have been opening. Churrascaria’s have been popping up around town, and when we head over to the Pantages, Los Balcones is always one of our favorite pre-show stops, with their Peruvian take on a great Ribeye dinner.

We had the opportunity to enjoy two incredible steaks. My Ribeye comes out smothered in onions and garlic and an Anaheim pepper. A perfect char stands up to this onslaught of sauces, and the steak is just thick enough to be a vertical mouthful. The plates is completed with a chosen salad and pommes frites. Honestly, I normally would prefer huge steak fries, but soon enough, I realize I’ve eaten them all.

Nancy pairs her steak with salad and veggie kabob. These guys are doing some serious grilling, and that flavor sticks in the veggies and pairs perfectly with the wine.

As impressive as the steaks are, the wine list is equally tasteful and accommodating. On our dinner was joined by Mendoza terriored Cabernet Sauvignon form Los Heraldos Vineyards. Tasty and elegant, this wine was a perfect blend for our dinner, and one that was equally budget priced, but luxury flavored.

The interior of Lala’s is a clean and modern. A nice take on the small downtown diner look. The booths are backed with head high bars that let in space but also give a sense of privacy, so you don’t feel the people sitting behind you. The wait staff is attentive, fun and friendly, and the overall dining experience was just wonderful. I can’t wait to return for more great flavors. I must try the chicken next time, the Pechuga de Pollo looked so tasty, but steaks first, chicken second! And the Empanadas are great. The ham and cheese was the perfect starter.

Lala’s Argentine Grill

100 W 9th St, Los Angeles, CA

Lala’s has 3 locations: Downtown, Melrose and Studio City.

Oh here we go! Hell’s Kitchen Las Vegas. We finally get to taste some Gordon Ramsay speciality food. Our memories fade back to days of The London and that awesome Beef Wellington. And even more, London held two of my favorite culinary memories: The last time we ate there, we saw and met with Neil deGrasse Tyson, the solar systems most stellar name since Carl Sagan. And then there was the food porn picture incident, where some lady asked the waiter to tell us to stop talking pictures because the flash was bothering her. I mean, yes, its annoying when people do that, using flash in restaurants for Instagram food shots, but we were the only two tables in the place! Whatever!

Anyway, this was Vegas and this was going to be one hell of a party! Wrong! The hostess tries to be as cool and nonchalant as some nightclub hostess. Whatever, you see me you insolent little prick. And then, instead of some cool Vegas waiting area, we’re forced to stand in this lame ass cheesy little roped off line. We could have walked around the lobby…foyer…area in front with a life size video recording of Ramsay saying some weird obnoxious stuff, but it was unclear if our name was being called or if we were waiting in line in the order of arrival. I didn’t want the newcomers to jump us, so we waited in line like the little sheep that we are. Lame.

As we’re being shown to our seats, the kitchen is laid out in huge Red Team Blue Team manner. quite impressive, but unfortunately, that’s the most impressive thing about that space. Just a big hall of a space ala Cheesecake Factory with half the seats removed. And pitchforks. Lot’s of pitchforks. Everywhere pitchforks! I get it already, its Hell’s Kitchen! I know, I just spent purgatory waiting for the place. Oh well, at least when I meet my demise, I’ll be able to look up and say, “I know. I remember this place.”

Good thing though, we are seated in the antechamber, the back room so to speak. At least it’s a little darker, more quiet and you don’t feel like you’re on display. The waiter comes over, finally, and…I don’t know why…but just makes me feel so uncomfortable. Just a real shark-snarkiness about him. I think he or someone must have said something to put me on edge, but either way, I was and he was not making it any better.

Oh well, so much for the Ramsay swag, the menu is rather plain, typical restaurant. Fish, steak, The Wellington, chicken. We start with the Scallops, and for some reason, I love Scallops. And I say that like, I don’t know why I like them, really not much to them, but I always want them when I see them on a menu. Weird, yep, and it’s actually been awhile since I had a good order of them to make it worthwhile.

Well this time, I got it right. First, there’s five to a plat, so plenty to have. Most of the time, there’s only 2 or 3, but with 5, Nancy lets me have a whole one, so I get 3 plump, tender and flavorful. They have just the perfect consistency, the celery root puree blandness was corrected with a touch of bacon fat flavor. The little scallions on top were gone on the second and third pieces, no need, and too sour to not annoy that subtle bacon taste.

So once the food starts coming out, first on the table was the Mac and Cheese. Truth be told, I’m on a MnC pilgrimage. Trying to feed the perfect, or at least something that comes close to the Truffle MnC we had for our Christmas dinner with friends at The Belvedere in The Peninsula years ago. OMG! That let me know MnC is in fact a grown dish that has been watered down for kids, and not the other way around. And so Gordon hits a high note here with his Gouda heavy noodle-rific wonder. But what drives it home is the crispy prosciutto on top. Yes, packs as much flavor as bacon, but in a lighter, crispier dissolves on your tongue manner. And this time, the scallions play the correct role in providing just a tippy top touch of acid. Heaven!

Finally, the Beef Wellington arrives and the presentation is just wonderful. Light and fluffy is the view with the whip potatoes, and I do mean whipped. Oozing with cream, the potatoes are light and delicate as can be. And then it happens…the first bite. And bam! Turns out I was in hell after all. The crust, light and flaky…on top. Gooey down below…please hold your jokes until the end. the meat was cooked to perfection, the mushroom sweater was perfectly uniform. And the flavor, was…gone. Both of us just stared at one another. Where was the flavor? the Scallops. Perfect. Mac and Cheese. Delicious. Beef Wellington. Check please. But of course we powered through it. I’m not that crazy. But it was just so flat. If you’re a carnivore, nowhere beats Vegas. The steak houses here are insane! One of the few places in the world were if you order Kobe, you get Kobe. But this was bland. Perfectly bland. On well. And with that we head out. Not even wanting to try desert, the MnC did us just fine. I miss that original London Wellington. I know Satan, I know.

You know how much I love BBQ! From San Diego’s Phil’s to San Mateo’s Willy’s, whenever i travel, I’m on the look out for BBQ. But what abut at home? Don’t I have it covered. And when I’m in downtown LA, there’s always one spot I love to check out: Sprint Street Smokehouse BBQ.

The food is great, the locale is low key, and the beer is a perfect selection of local and far out brews that compliment the BBQ.

What makes Spring At unique, other than a BBQ spot in LA, is that its in actually Chinatown. At one point, downtown LA actually technically four BBQ spots. Besides Spring St, and sorry if I don’t remember the names, but there was Lee’s(?) on the corner of Figueroa and Sunset. The owner actually had a second satellite location on 7th street, and then there was a spot in Grand Central Market which closed years ago, but now a redesigned front space at GCM has been re-purposed as Horse Thief, a store front of sorts BBQ spot.

So that leaves Spring St. as the only place you can grab some ‘Bones and Brisket’ in a neat sit down spot with TV’s and music. Interestingly, they actually used to host a comedy night here, but no more.

What catches your eye as you enter is the selection of beers available. Of course they feature Angel City, the localest of breweries, but they also feature San Fernando Valley and Ventura County in addition to San Diego and San Marcos brews. But don’t worry, it you feel only foreigners make the good stuff, England, Belgium, Canada and New York are represented. Hey, they might as well be from another country – no one can understand that accent!

Although there are plenty of BBQ spots surrounding Spring St., I’m sorry, but Korean BBQ does not compare. Pork Ribs, Beef Ribs, Brisket and Burnt Ends are what we mean when we say Barbeque!

And in no BBQ spot is worth its Salt Lick if they don’t have their own BBQ sauces to compliment the meat. I normally wait until about half way through the meat before I start adding extra sauce. That way I get to enjoy the flavor of the meat, and then BAM! I kick it up a notch!

And fear not, it’s not all meat. There are plenty of healthy dining options to join the meat elite. Their sides are just awesome! Slaw, mash, the mac and cheese is killer! And yes, the roasted veggies hold their own as a star with the chili being some of the best you’ll taste anywhere. Honestly, I’d order the chili over most menu items in other restaurants. But here, BBQ is king!

Spring Street Smokehouse

640 N. SPRING ST. 
LOS ANGELES, CA 90012
213.626.0535

So a Travelzoo deal comes across the wire and it’s an “Eat and Greet” opportunity to have some fine Italian cuisine and meet chef Scott Conant of Chopped and pretty much every Food Network show. My wife jumps at the chance to do so and we’re off to Beverly Boulevard restaurant row for some celebrity chef Italian fare at The Ponte.

Most of the restaurants along Beverly Boulevard have rear or side entrance due to the fact that Beverly is a high traffic volume street and there’s really no way to just simply pull up and park. That’s just car culture at its finest. Cool enough, we pull around to the back of the restaurant and drop the car off at the valet. The entry is a classic Italian Villa door. Stepping inside, you are transported into a lovely courtyard dominated by huge, I believe this to be Magnolia, tree. It gives a nice alfresco feel to the dining experience. 

Stepping into the restaurant you step into a maze of fast and frantic servers scurrying about serving the patrons. The back of the restaurant, which is actually the front of the restaurant, you find a large bar with low level Edison lighting. The overall design is slick modern, but a little cramped and claustrophobic. We let the waitress know that we would prefer to sit outside in the patio.

Our waiter, ironically, his name is Chris also, comes over with a huge smile on his face. He walks supposed to be this special tasting menu and we order up. Our amuse-bouche comes out, followed by an appetizer tasting of pasta. Spaghetti al Pomodoro, swirled into a stack that looks less like an appetizer and more like a small entrée. But the pasta is perfect al dente, the sauce tender and sweet and fresh. If this is what the rest of the dinner going to be like we’re in for a treat tonight!

At this point, I will make note of how many times I’ve gone to a celebrity chef restaurant, and in the end, we are thoroughly disappointed. Not tonight. My sirloin comes out and it is fabulous. Sitting on a bed of potatoes and squash, the smile on my face was from ear to ear. The steak was a perfect medium, and so tender and tasty. The squash and potatoes were tender yet firm and full of bright sunny flavor. This Scott guy really knows what he’s doing! Nancy had the Branzino and she was equally pleased with her tasting.

Dessert was a yummy caramel treat, a Caramel Budino. This is basically pudding in a small jar with a caramel layer on top, topped with cookie crumbles. Tasty and a perfect wrap up to the meal. Sorry, I didn’t get any pics, as Chris brought this out just as we were speaking with Scott, and I was pre-occupied so I just started eating. It was soooo good, and by the time I realized it, it was too late.

This was a wonderful dinner, full of character, charm and flavor. The restaurant was interesting, the service impeccable, and the food was fantastic! This rates very high and demands a revisit. Maybe we should just move back downtown to be closer to these restaurants. Just sayin’!

The Ponte Ristorante

8265 Beverly Blvd,
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 746-5130

Memphis Minnie’s stands out as a weird spot for a BBQ joint. In a residential neighborhood of drab gray and cream coloured, densely packed housing, here’s this bright red ‘Bar-B-Que joint’. But even more, Haight Street is famous for it’s hippies and vegan food culture. Good thing for me, that Haight Street is a mile or two up the road. The is lower Haight, low low lower Haight. And this is meat!

Inside the eye catching red is a meat factory of the highest order. Memphis Minnie’s has been in San Francisco for decades, written up all the time in the SF Chronicle mag and various other article about the other San Francsico treat: BBQ.

The meat here is simple, yet effective. The meat seems a little thin on the bone, but makes up for this in flavor. The smoke comes through clean and smooth, like a fine shot of Johnnie Walker Blue. I do like the fact that they offer classic BBQ sides: Collard Greens, Slaw, Fries and Mac and Cheese head the menu. Various other side are offered, but why?

You’re encouraged to eat on-site as this allows you to hand pick your sauces. Again, I like starting off with straight meat, and then work my way up the sauce chain. The Mustard and Texas Red were good choices. The Vinegar, not really my style, but not bad. The Beelzebob Breath is a jalapeno infused, and is more hot than flavorful. it detracts more than enhances. But it is fun with friends seeing who can put the most on the their meat.

The fun of the shop are the old school self promotion walls. This was all the rage back in the day, pictures, posters, magazine articles and City Hall certificates take up what ever space is not already filled with various t-shirts. Some are actual souvenir shirts, others just funny stuff from over the years, joined by a huge Memphis Minnie piggy picture. Good fun spot.

Memphis Minnie’s BBQ Joint and Smokehouse

576 Haight St,
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 864-7675

One of the rising stars of the LA cuisine scene, The Upper West opened in 2010 and quickly became a local favorite. A couple years later, Nick Shipp, the executive chef from Pete’s Café in downtown LA, came over and provided a menu that is out of this world. Pete’s Café, at least when I was living in downtown, was home to my absolute favorite late-night comfort food combo: Blue cheese fries and a Fransikaner hefe-weissbier.

Now, Nick is here at The Upper West and things are looking and tasting good. The overall design of the restaurant is SOHO lofty. The walls are just enough white to house pictures, and contrast to exposed beams giving it a touch of industrial. The walls are covered with local artwork, but not haphazardly plopped on the wall. They are displayed in a much more comfortable gallery feel. The seating area is spacious bistro with dark toned-wood. This gives is cohesive feel of deep casual with light airiness, aided by to the 15 foot glass walls framing the forward building along Pico Boulevard. Another interesting aspect of the restaurant, in contrast to most others, their private room is actually at the front is at the front of the restaurant and surrounded by glass. This allows a dual purpose for having it as open seating on days when it’s not needed as a private room, but also being able to close it off as a private room that has sunlight and city life exposed. I like this design. Too often, for big birthday parties, they put you in the back room and you feel like you’re in a cave. This setting up front, lets you feel like you’re enjoying the light and the liveliness like everyone else.

The food is fantastic. Anything that’s going to garner a Santa Monica Best Happy Hour vote has to be. Our first trip to The Upper West started off with happy hour, and of course I had to have the Bar Burger, and Nancy tried the Mini Mac & Cheese and Braised Brisket Tacos. And in  the process, I was introduced to the Allagash Curieux beer. The beer is quite interesting as it’s aged in bourbon barrels. Who ages beer? But this allows the Tripel to finish with a taste bourbon to it. Quite nice actually, glad someone actually thought of it. All of it was all an absolute hit.

After this tasting, we had to go back, and we did. Inviting friends for a couples night, we ventured to the entrée world. Nancy’s desire for Octopus was not to be denied here, and my lust for a good steak was equally satisfied. I am not an Octopus man, but I have to admit, this Octopus, had more flavor to it than Octopus to it. Quite tasty actually, and I was intrigued by the ever-present little suckers. Not a problem. And even though I enjoyed the Octopus, it was nowhere as good as my Sirloin. With a touch of Adobo glaze and steak fries dusted in Furikake powder,  the Furiake leaves a hint of seafood from a ponzu-greentea-seaweed blend, that is a nice twist on an old classic.

But I digress. I’ve skipped over our entry to dinner, the Curry Chicken salad that is as tasty as any I’ve had. So much so that I can’t seem to get enough, and I’m scraping the bowl for more. And this had happened only twice in my lifetime, and I can’t remember the last time.

The food is fantastic, meeting and exceeding the flavor expectations, but another added grace is the service. Our waiter, Robert La Croix, is excellent. I always get a kick out of the waiter taking the order without writing it down, and getting everything perfect on delivery. To round out the full effect of an Upper West restaurant, he checks in on us consistently, and we are never far from our requests being met.

And now, I have a new restaurant favorite, and look forward to exploring the rest of the menu.

Wine drinking in the US has risen some 12% over the last 5 years. That’s amazing because that was my first trip visiting Temecula looking for a wedding venue. Comparing this current trip, I’d say wine visits have increased more in the 50% range. Since 2012, Temecula has added another 7 wineries, bringing the total to around 47 wineries in an area of about 20 square miles. That’s my estimation, as I’m measuring from Hart Winery, the first Winery from the south entrance on Rancho California Road, to Chapin Family Vineyards to the north, which is. 5 miles as the crow flies, and from Vindemia in the west to Renzoni Vineyards to the east, a 4 mile trek across Anza Road to the De Portola Wine Trail, and this is where we will start today’s tasting adventure.

Robert Renzoni Vineyards has everything you would want in a vineyard visit: great wines, good food and a bocce ball court. The exterior of the tasting room is a remodel of Italian vineyard homes of the family’s northern Italian origins. Inside is a cavernous room to accommodate several hundred tasters. The private tasting room is a bit more intimate with seating arrangements both indoor and outdoor. The tables are pub style indoors, and high tables outdoors. Food offerings are light casual fare: salads, pizzas, and a few pasta dishes. I can highly recommend the Pork Belly Mac & Cheese. Bowtie pasta combined with a four-cheese blend is spectacular. The perfect adult Mac & Cheese accompanied by little bits of pork belly. Pork Belly, in case you’re unfamiliar with the food, is a vertical slice of bacon. Instead of having a slice of bacon that has lean strips of meat surrounded by the bacon fat, it’s a stack with fat on top and thick chunks of meat on the bottom. When it’s diced in small chunks like that, it gives a wonderful texture and flavor to any dish. Accompanying the Pork Belly Mac & Cheese on this outing, we added a Chicken Caesar salad, and a Julia‘s Favorite pizza. The Julia’s Favorite is a Neapolitan style with three cheeses, a light marinara sauce known as Mama’s Own, and some tasty pepperoni. Sitting out doors on the member’s patio is this perfect 75° weather is just a slice of heaven. Renzoni has one of the better views for outdoor dining as it looks across De Portola Road, across a few ranches, up a valley of hills to other vineyards and blue skies.

We leave Renzoni to head to our second stop, SC Cellars. This will be our first visit to Scott and Colleen’s place. Although SC Cellars is not a private winery, you have to be ‘in the know’ to go there. No flashy road markers. No neon sign touting their happy hour. Just a small 8×10 sign on a fence at the end of a cul de sac that says “Come On In”. It’s small, independent and quiet. The tasting room is the size of a large living room, because it is a large living room. With 4 or 5 chairs at the bar, a couple of couches strewn about for more seating, and a patio on the backside of the building, this is a small house doubling as a tasting room. The gates to the property are normally closed, this is as much to keep the property Beagle, Molly, inside the vineyard, as it is to maintain a shush of privacy. You see the sign on the gate that says “Open, come on in”, and it’s simply a matter of well, opening and going in. Colleen normally host the tasting desk. They are in fact open five days a week so you can go by anytime during normal business hours. They grow their own grapes and have a few vines strewn about the property. My favorite here was there Syrah. Flavorful with Cherries and Blackberries. My wife picked up a bottle of their Sangria, and is looking forward to a summer party with the sangria been chilled by frozen fruit pieces. That’s her thing. It was nice with just the four of us sitting and chatting about wine, and saying hi to her husband Scott as he comes in and checks on a few items. Then Molly scratches at the door to be let out, and we do so, and soon hear her barking up a storm as she chases the wild rabbits around the property. You’re not eating these vines today.

Now it’s time to head over to Ponte Family Vineyard and Inn to pick up our members shipment. Ponte will always hold a special place in our hearts as it’s where we were married. Adding to that, they have outstanding wines. Their Barbera is the best in the valley in my opinion. They have a wonderful blend that seems to be a member’s favorite, The Angry Wife. Interestingly enough, this title is available in both red and white blends. The recipes for the blending are kept secret, but some say its a Cab, Cab Franc and Merlot, to give it a Bordeaux feel. The white may be a Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio blend to give it a light, crisp, sweet flavor. All of Ponte’s grapes are grown on property, and the vines are viewable from all over the property.

Ponte has two sides to its property: The Inn has been expanded to 90 rooms and with newly constructed wing and the new swimming pool. This location houses the Bouquet restaurant, The Cellar Lounge and marriage location #1. The Cellar Lounge is a members only, private underground cellar that also serves liquor and beer. As of this writing I believe they are still the only vineyard in Temecula that serves liquor on property. The other side of the vineyard is the main tasting room for the public, another tasting house for members. And both are large, the public room containing a containing gift shop as well can handle about 200 people, whereas the private members only tasting room will handle about 50 with inside and outside seating vineyard seating. Nestled within the tasting room acreage is The Restaurant at Ponte. Arguably the best food in Temecula. The Restaurant at Ponte has received numerous awards for it’s incredible menu of seasonal Mediterranean inspired American fare. Everything from an incredible hamburgers, wonderfully hearty chicken and steak dishes, lamb, duck, seafood and pizzas, The Restaurant at Ponte has everything your flavor buds are craving. Add to that spectacular service, The Restaurant at Ponte is a must see, do, eat in Temecula.

It’s getting a little late in the day, and we’ve had our fair share of wines, but this is Temecula, so let’s head over to Avensole Winery for one more glass before heading home and catch the sunset from the hilltop. We get there and we can see the members only dining patio is full, notice several tuxedos milling about the main tasting room and realize they are closed for a wedding. Well, it’s that time of year and weddings are huge in Temecula. Several wineries begin closing around 5pm to prepare for weddings. Who wouldn’t want to get married at a vineyard with these incredibly beautiful surroundings? I know I do… and I did. Oh well it’s 5:30pm anyway so let’s call it a day… oh wait, let’s give Callaway a visit, they’re open until 6:00pm!

We had down Rancho California and stop at Callaway Vineyard and Winery, maybe time for a glass of Mourvedre, one of our favorites. Callaway is actually the first vineyard we contacted about hosting our wedding. I actually like the modern twist in the design of Callaway. Aged metal is contrasted with modern wood finishes and concrete. It gives the location a nouveau rustic feel. Callaway also has both public and member only tasting rooms, and the Meritage bistro for dining offers a seasonal farm-to-table menu that just looks delicious, and tastes even better. The last time we ate here, the meatball sandwich was just perfect. Next time, for sure I’m digging into the Volcano Lamb Shank! But again, it’s May and wedding season is in full swing, so they are closed as of 5 o’clock for a wedding party. OK, you win, this time, we are actually heading home. With our bounty of wine, I’m looking forward to sitting out on the back patio this summer and enjoying some fine wines with our outdoor dining. We love offering our friends our Temecula wines and they love them as well.

Buonasera!

Some 20, maybe 25 years ago, I did an all-inclusive vacation in Cozumel, Mexico, and the food was just horrible. Every morning we would wake up, walk past the line at the breakfast buffet and out to the front door to the taco stand outside our hotel. Then we would drink beer all day, get dressed for the evening and walk off the grounds again and go to one of the restaurants in town. Ever since then I’ve never really figured myself as a resortist.

A resortist is someone who spends all their time at the resort. They don’t venture outside the walls, don’t waste time running all over town exploring offerings beyond the confines of their compound. And I’ve heard of people doing this, especially at all-inclusives in Mexico, Jamaica, or other Caribbean destinations. In this sense, I didn’t become a resortist until just this last get-away at Mandalay Bay.   Whereas normally we check into our hotel, enjoy the room, and then the next day, we’re out and about, seeing the sight at other hotels, this time we did things a little different. This may have been aided by the fact that we did not drive and instead flew into Vegas. So without a car, we were less prompted to leave the Mandalay Bay resort. And for good reason. Mandalay Bay is huge, a true resort. All sorts of dining options, casino options, drinking options. You name it, and they have an option for it.

So for one of the first times ever, we stayed, for the most part, entirely within the confines of Mandalay Bay. Friday night we land at McCarran Airport and head over to The ‘Bay. We check in and are feeling a little snacky, so we stopped at the convenience store at the base of the hotel elevators. We pick up a bag of chips and some cookies to enjoy with our bottle of champagne that we picked up at the airport. Comparing prices here, there about the same as what we paid for the airport so we could’ve paid for the whole thing right here. Oh well, we have a quick snack and since it’s still relatively early, 11:00pm, it’s down to the casino tables.

The next morning  we wake up and head down to The Beach. This is one thing I truly love about Mandalay Bay, The Beach is one of three pools and the Mandalay Bay resort for folio. It’s an actual beach, a couple of million cubic feet of sand imported from Southern California to give a true beach feeling around a man-made lake with a wave generator. We hang out, cabana girl comes over, we order some beers, some Hamburger sliders and fries. That should hold us until evening.

For dinner we get dressed up head down once again to try our luck. We spend a few hours trying to find a hot slot machine, but it eludes us. Nancy is in the mood for Chinese food so we had upstairs with wander over to the Luxor Casino, which is connected to Mandalay Bay, and head to Chopstix, Asian fair on the second level. The restaurant is quiet, but I do like the fact that it is open to the walkway in the Luxor. This gives both a little alfresco feeling and a chance to watch people milling about. The food is just average is good for Chinese, but it gets the job done.

For breakfast Saturday morning, we head downstairs and Nancy wants to take a look at the offerings in the Mandalay Shops between Mandalay and Luxor. They have everything along the walkway: Burger Bar for fantastic burgers by Hubert Keller; Hussong’s Cantina for Mexican memories best forgotten (remember that time in Mexico and we were do shots and…); Boiler Room by Rick Moonen for classic comfort food; but we’re in the mood for breakfast, so I’m thinking the luck of the Irish be with us, and we stop at Ri Ra for breakfast. What could be better prior to heading out to Exotics Racing for one in the McLaren, then a good Irish breakfast with a nice cold Smithwick‘s? I order the Benedict, and it is perfect. Nancy has a Salmon Bagel, and she’s in heaven with it as well. The guys next to us order the Irish Bangers, and they can’t stop high-fiving each other as to how good their food is. That’s a good sign, looks like it’s a thumbs up.

After a hard day of racing, we make a stop back at the Cosmopolitan, and spend a couple of hours trying to find a hot slot machine. And we do! But of course as soon as it pays off, we feed the hungry little monster a good chunk of our winnings, so we decide it’s best to leave and head back to Mandalay Bay for dinner tonight before we lose it all.

For dinner Saturday night it’s Red Square, the Russian vodka ice bar that has a pretty tasty restaurant behind it. Where we sit down and are immediately greeted by the servers. I order nice the big tasty Gorba Chop, (a pork chop named after Gorbachov, get it?) and Nancy has the sirloin. Unfortunately, when the Gorba comes out and it seems to have spent a little too much time in the brine. The salt was too much for me and I had to send it back. The waiter graciously takes the plate and I order the SVO Chicken. The chicken comes up and it is quite tasty and a good replacement for the Gorba Chop. Nancy’s sirloin is just perfect, very tasty, and I’m kicking myself as to why I just didn’t order that. But when we go out dining, we always like to try different things, and this was Nancy’s turn to have steak since Lent was over!

It’s Sunday already, time to head home, but we figure one last meal before heading out for flight later in the afternoon. We decide to walk over to the Four Seasons and try the breakfast buffet at Veranda. The Veranda is advertised as the Italian restaurant offering, but since several people recommended it, we decide to see what it’s like for breakfast. After we walk in, we grab our plates, and are met with a disappointing array of heat lamps and chafing dishes. This is not the buffet I was expecting for $39 a person. There aren’t many times when I am truly disappointed by food offerings, but this actually was one of them. The food was very disappointing, although the restaurant itself is beautiful and the service is awesome. Very attentive in serving our Mimosa‘s. They just kind a left off the fact that they actually charge for the Mimosa‘s, not included in the $39 price tag. I tried the cute little skillets of Corned Beef Hash, and a little Chilaquiles, but  they look much better than they taste. This was unfortunately heat lamp food that comes across dry and flavorless. The one saving grace was the fact that they do have a omelette bar, but limited on the options. I do nothing more than order a Denver omelette: diced ham, onions, bell peppers, mushrooms and cheese. No crab, lobster, caviar, or any of the kitschy stuff that make Las Vegas buffets so spectacular. Oh well we had a great time every where else.

Before leaving we step outside to the Four Seasons pool, and bask in the sunshine. I look to Nancy and I realize this is our first trip being resortist. We spent pretty much 90% of our time in one resort location. And to be honest I rather enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to returning your June and being the resort is at the Aria Resort and Casino. They have such great offerings as Julian Serrano tapas, Javier’s for Mexican, Lemongrass for Asian, Carbone for italian, Bardot for French…oh my! And that’s not even including next-door at Crystal’s, where there’s Mastro’s Ocean Club, Wolfgang Puck has 2 locations, The Pub and much more. But that’s the point, as a resortist, I’m staying put in the Aria and enjoying everything within the confines of my castle.

Smokestack Barbecue, which resides in the Magnolia Brewing Company building brings together my two favorite things: Beer and BBQ. Walking in you just know this is going to be a memorable spot. The place is done up in an old San Francisco warehouse. Full-on 1920s exposed mortar, aged support stacks that are holding up the 30 foot ceiling above us.

Bleached faded benches from a 1950s yard sale that were left out in the rain, the place oozes character and charm. It’s total retro throwback to a backyard garage, rusted and stained from years of good ole backyard BBQ use.

The bar is an interesting and fascinating set up. A mix between pre-prohibition saloon and an absinthe haberdashery, it is flooded with light from huge factory windows that are not at all conducive to nursing a hangover the next morning. This leans towards that comment about the shabby nobility in being drunk by mid afternoon.

As I’ve mentioned before, unfortunately, the food did not live up to the expectation. Although the menu is extensive, a little to foodie for barbecue spot in my opinion, my spare ribs seem to Dryden and on the verge of jerky. Granted this was one single visit in the middle the day in the middle of the week, so of course I must do right by them and visit again. Consider the arm twisted.

But as always in these matters, it’s the beer that saved the day. They’ve got a great menu, and my Midtown Amber Ale worked out just perfectly for this…meal. this was a launch as I would never combined barbecue and work for lunch. So next time I’m in San Francisco on oh cool spring evening, Smokehouse BBQ, here I come.

A wise man once said, “A day with bad barbecue is still a good day.”

And I wholeheartedly agree. Now whether or not somebody actually said it, it’s still my belief. And whenever I travel I always do my best to search out a barbecue spot. On recent travels to San Francisco, I’ve had a chance to rack up quite a few barbecue stays. Over a three day conference, I was able to hit a couple of spots. Of course my wife called me crazy, but then if you love barbecue you know I’m crazy like a fox baby!

San Francisco is a foodie mecca. But I was actually surprised at the variety of barbecue locations. Everything from mom and pop little shops, to art-trendy, food as a conversation piece hang out joints.

The prime example of this would be Smokestack barbecue, which resides in the Magnolia Brewing Company building. Walking in you just know this is going to be an incredible barbecue spot. The place is done up in an old San Francisco warehouse. Full-on 1950s exposed mortar, aged support stacks that are holding up the 30 foot ceiling above us. Bleached faded  benches from a 1950s yard sale that were left out in the rain, the place oozes character and charm. It’s total retro throwback to a backyard garage, rusted and stained from years of good ole boy use. Unfortunately the food is nowhere near as interesting. The collar greens were tough and rubbery, as were the spareribs, which seemed to have been left out for the last couple of days. The sauces served were kind of useless. Sorry, I don’t do Vinegar. And mustard is for ham and sandwiches, which left their BBQ sauce, that was sort of plain, sort of…just not quite there. The beer was good though.  @SFSmokestack

What I did like about the place is that the music is booming with 1950s and 60s soul Gospel. Cranking out James Brown, the predominate sound, was a great sound system and the benches that you’re sitting on were vibrating with his funk, but unfortunately the meat just does not live up to the hype.

Smokehouse Bar-B-Que

2698 3rd St, 

San Francisco, CA

(415) 864-7468

Well that was lunch, for dinner that night I venture over to Baby Blues in south south San Francisco. Now here’s the Texas juke joint that’s got the right flavor.  My ribs that were meaty, could’ve used an ounce more but OK, and sauces on the table had 4 flavors that bring it all to life. I know there’s a lot of people out there who swear never eat barbecue with sauce, but not me. I grew up with barbecue sauce and I’ll die with barbecue sauce.

And these sauces are to die for. I had a hard time trying to decide which was my favorite, the Molasses has a spicy sweetness to it that was just yummy, but the XXX, oh yeah, that hit the spot! Spicy, tangy, but full of smoke flavor so it retained its BBQ heritage. Can I have some tri-tip with these please? The sides were pretty good too. I chose Collard Greens and Mac & Cheese. And I was surprised, it actually tasted like Mac & Cheese. All too often, you show up at a BBQ joint around 9pm, and the M&C is dead to rights. But Baby Blues kept it real and it was still tasty and tender, and no Kraft Velveeta fake cheese taste. That was real Texas BBQ M&C flavor. OK, I’m getting hungry again…  @BabyBluesBBQSF

Baby Blues BBQ

3149 Mission St
San Francisco, CA

(415) 896-4250

For lunch the next day, I went in search of The Famous Rib Shack, but they’re closed on Tuesdays so I instead head over to Chicago for Ribs. This is really good chain restaurant BBQ. The ribs are huge, the sauce spicy, and the sides are flavorful. I have to admit it, I enjoyed it, but that may have been due to the fact that I just sat out on the back patio with the perfect sun warming my aching body. Then again, it may have been the 20 ounce beer as well. The M&C was a little Kraft-y, but the greens were good and the corn bread wonderful. With the exception of the distance from the office, this would be #1 on the list to revisit. With the sun, the beer and the BBQ, this is a killer combination. So next time, I’ll  just have to schedule a 2 hour lunch meeting to cover travel time @ChicagoForRibs1

Windy City Pizza and BBQ

35 Bovet Rd
San Mateo, CA 94402

(650) 578-1942

Finally, I head over that night to The Famous Rib Shack. This is down home mom and  daughter barbecue spot is a throw-back to the old BBQ spots we used to go to as a kid. Nothing fancy, no hipster memorabilia on the walls, except maybe someone’s little league trophy. It just reminds you of the little barbecue shop down the street when you were growing up. So I step up and order some baby back‘s collar greens and barbecue beans, what came out was nothing short of spectacular. The bones were so huge juicy tender and flavorful, spicy barbecue sauce with red chili pepper flakes visible, oh boy, screams of joy! The meat is tender the sides are flavorful and mom is a total sweetheart. The cornbread is top with honey, only true Carolinians do that, and I just love the old school red and white tray liners. I don’t think I’ve seen anything like that since living in Houston.  But I highly recommend it as a stop if you are anywhere near SFO.

The Famous Rib Shack

223 El Camino Real
San Bruno, CA 94066

(650) 952-2809

Of all the pleasant surprises I’ve been afforded in life, Armadillo Willy’s is in the Top 10. This spot was a surprise due to the fact that it’s San Mateo location is right next door to my office! Yeehaa! So now, anytime I have to head up north for a team meeting, I get my BBQ fix on! This was good BBQ. The ribs are meaty and flavorful. The sauce is standard, but they put on just enough to compliment, but not over power the meat, which can stand on its own. The Tri Tip was so juicy, and cut it with a fork if you have to. I was disappointed that they had no classic sides such as M&C or Collard Greens, but with meat like this, I’ll get over it. This is a chain store “inspired” by Texas BBQ, and I would have to say, they do Texas proud. For convenience, this is my San Mateo go-to for BBQ. I prefer the classic sides, but if The Famous Rib shack is not open, or I don’t have the time allotment, AW is my spot!   @ArmadilloWillys

Armadillo Willy’s

2260 Bridgepointe Pkwy
San Mateo, CA 94404

(650) 571-7427