Yangtze Restaurant
1333 3rd Street Promenade
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 260-1994

This is an interesting Asian Fusion restaurant on the promenade, which makes for kind of a mixed bag. It is Thai, Chinese and Japanese with a Sushi bar. Half price Sushi at the Sushi bar as well. I have to say the Sushi is OK, and seems to be the best thing here, with the main dishes not impressing much.

Houston's
202 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310-576-7558

GOOGLE MAP

This excellent chain opened up down in Santa Monica a few years ago, on the South East Corner of 2nd Street and Wilshire, 1 block West of the 3rd street promenade right at the top of it. It has a main dining room with a bar, and a sushi car upstairs where the bathrooms are. I don't recommend it for the Sushi, but the burgers are excellent. Actually this has been my grandmother and grandfather's favorite restaurant. We used to go to the one in Georgetown in Washington D.C. when she worked for Reagan, and when my dad worked for Bush Senior, and then the one in Century City, but since this one has opened my family usually goes here when we go out to eat. Well worth checking out. You can park with their valet or in the parking structure on 2nd street just down the block.

I have to admit it that horrible documentary called MONDOVINO made me interested in trying a Mondavi even if it is portrayed as the big monster. And I got a 10 discount on any bottle that was over $10 from Ralph's in their wine club, so I figure why not try a $20 bottle of Mondavi Pinot Noir. I have to admit I have not developed my palette for Pinot's yet. I mean I like them, but haven't figured out why people go so wild for them as of yet. That being said this is a good dry wine.

1850 N. Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 667-0062

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One of the few 24 hour diners in Los Angeles, and since it is in near the Dresden, you get yourself quite a hip retro place. It has seats inside and seats outside (so you will wait unless you want to sit at the counter and you want to sit inside). There is some valet parking, or you can try and find street parking.

5065 W. Sunset Blvd.

Los Angeles, C 90027

(323) 665-7842GOOGLE MAP

Strangely the Zankou web site, doesn't list the original restaurant, which is in a little strip mall at the corner of Normandie and Sunset. If you like roasted chicken, you can't beat this place. The chicken is so moist, it just comes apart with a touch, and the garlic sauce is to die for. The menu is short and easy, and this one has more items than the rest. You really can't beat this place for some good chicken.

Romano's Macaroni Grill
102 E. Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91502-1715
(818) 729-9405

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In the same structure as the Burbank 16 theaters in Burbank, this is a tasty and inexpensive Italian chain restaurant. Certainly not as good as Magionos, but quite taste, and with an honor system where they leave large bottles of wine on the table, so you can help yourself without bothering the waitress, which is interesting.

The Water Grill
544 South Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 891-0900

GOOGLE MAP

I have often heard this place called the best seafood restaurant in California, and after eating their I must say that is probably accurate. While quite expensive, this place is fantastic. The service is top notch, the food amazing, with gorgeous presentation and an extensive wine list. If you like seafood you must try this place out, but expect to drop some serious money. For my mom and I with a glass of wine each and appetizers it was over $180 with tip!