Taix * * * , + + + + + $$

Who? Adam M and Andrew
Where? Alvarado and Sunset
How much? $25
Zagat: * * *, $27

Andrew's Take: This is one great date place... but even then, it's actually too intense for a first date. Not knowing what we were in for, Adam and I entered the dimly lit restaurant to words like: "Whoa... ", ... "Uh..." It was actually quite funny because there was a woman who heard us talking and chimed in with... "Yea... it's our first time here too."

But the food is excellent and is served either a la carte or with an ensemble meal. With the meal, for $20, you can get some very tasty clam chowder with a garden salad, your main entree and some sorbet. When they bring the soup to your table, they bring out the whole pot - and you wonder if you're supposed to eat it all because they just leave it there with a ladle. The paella I had was very flavourful and generous with little ocean goodies. If the meal is coupled with a bottle of wine, general good times can be had... It is because of all these reasons that this place gets the coveted 5+ rating. Service is very pleasant. Valet is $2.50 and necessary since there is no parking anywhere to be found around.

Themo's Take: This is a nice french restaurant (circa 1927). It serves good food, but there are some details that force a 3 star rating instead of a 4 star one: the lights are too dim; the mashed potato is not "real"; the portions are not great. The quality of teh meats is above average though, which makes it a restaurant worth trying.

Maggiano's Little Italy * * * * $$

Who? Themos, Erdem, Bing, Xiaodong
Where? 16th Street Mall, Denver, CO (Also at the Grove in LA)
How much? $15
Zagat: * * *, $27

The best thing in italian restaurants is the beggining: the bread and oil (or combinations and variations of them). Maggiano's has low (extremely low!) lit atmosphere, Sinatra music (or similar) and very friendly service. After Xiaodong mistakingly ordered and ate the $27 filet mignion, he pointed out that he has ordered the $21 10oz one although they brought him the 16oz one. They immediately charged him for the 10oz filet. Overall the portions were very generous, not suited for asians :-)

Koji's Japan + + + $$

Who? Lots of CASA people
Where? Hollywood and Highland

Decent shabu shabu.

Bravo Pizzeria * * $

Who? Themos, Panos, Sotiris, Xouros, Dafni
Where? Main Street, Santa Monica
How much? $3
Zagat: * * *, $21

This Zagat-rated place has really great pizza, with fresh ingedients and big selections. However I cannot place more than 2 stars because 1) It's not italian, but NY style instead 2) It's not a restaurant, but rather a on-the-go and/or delivery place. The huge plus is that they stay up very late (=after midnight) so it's an excellent option if you are hungry and happen to be around.

Rock Bottom * * $$

Who? Themos, Ivan, Dimitri, Alexandra
Where? Long Beach
How much? $10

These guys are serious about their beer (of course, that's my worst drink ever). I like American Style restaurants because they have huge booths and a good balance between noisy atmosphere, music, and friendly staff. The food was not great but then again, when did an american restaurant had good food? Or, who goes to american restaurants for the food anyway?!

JJ Cafe + + + $

Where? Monterey Park
Who? SiGung and Lo Han Kung Fu Club

California Pizza Kitchen + + + + $$

Where? Fig and 7
Who? MichelleP, Shusan, Howie, Kenny, Andrew

Pizza is good.