Zencu + + $ $

Who? CASA
Where? J-Town Plaza

Big portion combo dinner - Tonkatsu was OK. Terrible presentation on the Crispy Spicy Tuna Roll but it tasted somewhat decent. Super slow service despite the fact that there were only two occupied tables in the entire restaurant! Nice sleek interior. Early 90's pop/dance music continually plays.

Weilands + + + $

Who? Andrew, Phil, Michellios, Jiesi, Jason, Fesh, Vivien
Where? 1st and Central

Happy Hour! Not quite as cheap as McCormick's but the food is better. Great Martinis, nice brews on tap and a loud atmosphere. Tall ceilings, dark pubrewery, ESPN loop on TV. The best grilled chicken quesidilla ever! Calamari was also rumoured to be excellent. $5 lot.

Ding Tai Fong + + + + $

Who? Andrew, Howie, Fesh
Where? South Baldwin Av. and Arcadia Av., Arcadia

Fantastic hand kneaded dumplings with a soupy infused filling. Hand pulled noodles are equally good with spicy red beef. Always a wait. Dessert at Phoenix next door.

Gordon Biersch + + + $ $

Who? Rajiv, Andrew
Where? Old Town Pas

Very nice, high-energy brewery & restaurant nestled in the Old Square. Good microbrews to go with well-prepared food. Medium-rare comes out "blue" at the bone.

Outback Steakhouse * * * $$

Who? Themos, Dora, Melania
Where? Arcadia
How much? $29
Zagat: 17, $26

It it by no means a premium steakhouse, but it offers woodranch-level steaks and similar stuff. I tried 3 steaks at once: the porterhouse, the ribeye and the sirloin. I decided that porterhouse was the best, with ribeye in #2 (but also too much fat!) and the sirloin in #3. I realized that sirloin is kind of an "empty" meat in terms of taste, so unless it comes from brazilians I will not choose it again. Salads were great. plus a very rewarding atmosphere (we stayed almost until midnight!). Thumbs up.

Bite + + $ $

Who? Rajiv, Andrew... and friends
Where? Venice Pier

Decent Asian fusion not really worth the price. Even more interesting with no electricity and 5 gay couples.