smoopybean

Alhambra has some fantastic Italian food. Charlie’s Trio Cafe is one of the little gems hidden here.

From an interesting martini list, to the pasta, I have yet to have a bad meal at Charlies. I recommend the pasta Diablo, the artichoke appetizer.

This place is fun to visit at least once. The line is always long, but it moves quickly.

The price really can’t be beat either.

Try the ice cream sandwiches. They’re only a dollar, so why not?

Generally, you go here for the fabulous selection of beer, and not so much for the food.

Hidden in one of those strip malls in San Gabriel, Sam’s restaurant is a great place to whet your appetite with something new to drink. His beer selection is probably the best in town, and if you REALLY like what you drink? You can buy some to take home with you.

The food is okay. Typical sandwich fare. But it’s always fresh, and served with flair.

This place is great for breakfast! From the ambiance, right down to the food. The zucchini bread is fabulous. Sometimes, I go just to buy a loaf of the stuff.

One thing though: if you go, plan for a slow moving day. I’ve never been able to get in and out of the place in less than an hour.

Lovebird’s has the distinct advantage of serving lots of vegetarian friendly foods. The “fake meat” sandwiches give this cafe a distinct advantage for the vegetarian shopper.

I’m not as in love with the bakery items, but it’s good for lunch, and they’re not too slow either.

It’s a Taco Bell. Service is friendly and fast.

Sometimes, their tostadas are not saucy enough. Compare that to the Taco Bell on Rosemead, which over sauces them, it’s not bad.

I’m not sure what the hype is about, actually. I thought that a place with such a long wait would serve better pizza, but it wasn’t the case.

It’s not authentic Italian style pizza, the vegetables aren’t remotely fresh (canned green peppers? YUCK!), and the crust is more corn meal than wheat.

If this is the style of pizza you like, go for it. Otherwise, there are better thin crust pizzas out there. Just not here.

I went to Carousel for a party, and they had one of the most extensive menus I’ve seen for a Mediterranean restaurant.

I didn’t really like their falafel much, and their mint tea was the bagged variety. But the ambiance is great, some of the appetizers were fabulous, and the service was good.