The Lush Guide

So, you know that we hate chain restaurants as a matter of principle. Ok, so now that we've got that out of the way, I must eat my words and send you to Gulfstream. A chain of three restaurants is more like a cluster really, right? Anyway, this "concept" restaurant focuses on fresh seafood. The kitchen is totally open and the waitress is quick to tell you that there are no freezers on the premises, although they do serve ice cream so there might be one somewhere in the back. They claim that the fish is served within 24 hours of being caught.

In celebration of Georges' birthday, we reserved a table at Brussels Bistro, a cozy restaurant nestled below street level on Laguna Beach's bustling Forest Avenue. The restaurant claims to import many items from Belgium, so we decided to put it to the test, especially since Georges had just returned from Brussels two weeks ago.



The restaurant is small and simple--a six-seat bar and about ten wooden tables inside and two tables on the patio. The decor features photos of Brussels and one graphic with the names of famous Belgians as diverse as Jean Claude van Damme and Olivier Theyskens. We were impressed by the selection of Belgian beers, including the namesake Hoegaarden. Unfortunately, the keg had just been changed and the Hoegaarden was not cold, so we enjoyed a Leffe Blond.



To evaluate the authenticity of the kitchen, we ordered the appetizer platter, which included cheese and shrimp croquettes (3 of each), Belgian fries with two dipping sauces, cubes of Gouda cheese and a small mixed green salad. Georges pronounced it all very good. If you've never had a shrimp croquette, they are yummy, if not a a tad rich. And there were three

One does not usually travel to a shopping mall for French bistro fare, but Fashion Island is not your typical shopping mall. In the middle of Newport Beach's business district, Fashion Island is an outdoor shopping center loaded with upscale shops and a UN of dining options. The carousel and koi pond provide diversions for the younger set. But I digress, we're looking for lunch. After much discussion and examination of the directory, we decide to try Bistro Rouge. We go to the location, and discover French 75 in its place. One glance at the menu and we decide to take a chance. Who can resist steak frites? Read More...

The Hitching Post in Buellton, California is best-known outside of California for its appearance in the hit movie Sideways. However, it's Santa Maria-style, red-oak grilled steaks are not just a big-screen illusion. Read More...

still more

Maine lobster is a sublime treat, especially for a transplanted New Englander. We've had the pacific lobster, a one-clawed aberration and affront to nature. However, the icon of summer evenings growing up was the shiny red shelled creature from the cold Atlantic. What's a girl to do? While we love luxury, we don't appreciate paying 100% or more markup for our treats. So, we travel to South San Francisco, just past the San Francisco International Airport to the New England Lobster Company. NELC is one of the largest distributors of lobsters in the bay area. For the lobster-lover, this little warehouse in the shadow of SFO gets fiesty little lobsters delivered every day. The American Airlines cargo containers line the driveway.

The Details: New England Lobster Company, 170 Mitchell Avenue, South San Francisco.

Sometimes all I want is a great roast chicken, mashed potatoes and crisp green beans, or a caesar salad and a perfectly cooked pizza, or in summer a creative and satisfying main dish salad with an undiscovered white wine served by the glass. And I'd like to spend less than $20 for an entree. And that $13 glass of wine? Too much for a once-a-week restaurant. Do I ask for too much?