tulips500 "i'm chubbie"

this is our go-to tapas place. decently priced tapas that are quite tasty. the white sangria is always a winner— very refreshing, and the dishes come out fast. be careful about going during fri/sat nite when it can get crowded – wait times can easily run 1-2 hrs.

i’ve walked down san vicente many times on my way to the Farmers Market, but never took note of this unassuming restaurant.

it’s a small, charming restaurant offering a cozy casual elegant dining experience. you’ll find chic italian food momentos everywhere you look, from the italian pasta boxes lining the shelves to the large vino bottles adorning the counters, and the modest bakery-style window display enticing you with sweet italian desserts. pizzicotto feels about as homey italian as you can get, almost akin to a trattoria but a touch upscale. the dim lighting also helps.

the relaxed ambiance combined with the authentic, myriad dish options and friendly, professional service make pizzicotto a definite italian gem.

i’ve been to sor tino down the street, and i prefer pizzicotto. the dishes are tastier, the service is friendlier, and the ambiance is more warming.

dish prices run the gamut, average being about $15.

will definitely be returning again.

i stopped by for the 1st time on a sunday evening after dinner, and the place was packed. (the line was even longer when i left.) the prices are hefty for their beautifully presented and deftly baked desserts. there’s a nice covered outdoor patio (w/heat lamps) and a pleasant cafe interior for couples or large groups. you order at the counter and receive a number, then someone brings you your desserts.

the desserts were delicious, not too sweet or heavy…it’s just the prices that are a mild deterrent.

they only offer 2 frozen yogurt flavors, but the ‘yogurt’ taste is strong and quite refreshing & delicious as it’s real yogurt. it’s not like other frozen yogurts that just taste sweet and sugary. i think i actually prefer red mango over golden spoon (and i’m a huge golden spoon fan). it’s a small store w/a couple booths and seats inside (very trendy), and a small patio outside.

so it’s a total tourist trap, but i have to say lounging at the beach bar isn’t a bad way to spend your evenings if you’re looking to relax and sip tropical drinks. sitting right on the sand, you have the beautiful moanasurfrider hotel on one side and waikiki beach on the other. i enjoyed being here so much that i came back multiple times at night during my short vacation to oahu. they also have a live band play hawaiian music and other audience requests. the food & drinks are expensive, but you don’t really come here for that.

i’ve been to the stove a few times now during family ski trips to mammoth (for breakfast and dinner), and it’s never been a disappointment. the food is nothing fancy, just solid and heavy homecooking. the ambiance is casual and comfortable. my only complaint would be the wait— always crowded and since it’s not a huge place, there’s inevitably a wait.

what a fabulous place to dine if you’re in a large party. the food here is well prepared, full of flavor, and absolutely delicious. the ambience as well is enjoyable (w/live music on saturdays as we discovered), and although casual— quite distinct w/large impressive ethiopian paintings along the walls. everyone shares their dish w/in the party so definitely the perfect place to go with large crowds. you also get to eat w/your hands, making for an even more fun time. service is down-to-earth and very friendly.

after reading rave reviews across multiple sites, i was eager to try matsuya, and i was happy to find a place that i’d gladly return to. casual, cozy, and anything but trendy, matsuya offers a relaxed dining experience. service is super-friendly (so much so i’m convinced our waitor was high on something), and the menu offers a wide variety of raw and cooked dishes. also, open late if you’re looking for a late night meal.

i came here for the first time to grab lunch on a thursday, and it was packed! and despite the rainy weather, the place continued to get new customers. we waited at the bar (very friendly bar staff), where we munched on bread & olive oil til our table was availabe.

service was super friendly, food tasted fresh & delicious, and the ambience, although quite loud w/the crowds & music playing, was alright.

overall, i was very pleased w/my dining experience here, and i’d definitely come back for lunch or dinner.