Review: Gui Il Bun Ji BBQ ★★

Our group came on decision to eat KBBQ, after been walking countless hours in the L.A. Auto show.  There is was a lot of selection in K-Town, but we ended up this one, since it got four stars, and also have AYCE!

There was parking spot in the lot, but we were force to pay the $2 valet even though we park ourselves.  There was no waiting despite is Friday night.  The décor is modest, could some remodel.  We choose the $15.99 AYCE option, if you paying credit card it cost $2 more each person.

They got the usual stuff like brisket, beef tongue, and pork belly.  The steak is only one piece for two person.  There were no short ribs in this price.  

Overall, the meat was not bad but for this price cannot be complain.   We told them staff that we choose to paid them in cash, instead they foot us the bill with the added $2 each for credit card.  That was shady business tactics, it was all in Korean text. The staff didn't offer any apology for their mistake, and I don't think we would come back here.  There's such so many choices in Korean town.

2013 L.A. AutoShow

I been to L.A. Auto Show like 7 years in a row, there is always something to see.  It is noticeable that once very impressive variety of selection had decrease.  There is no Ferrari or Lamborghini. There is no top world debut car this year, except mid-rage and entry model.  Best day to come is usually the Friday the first day they open, less crowded and usually there’s discount if you purchased online ahead.  The best part in this year,they let you sit in 2 fix figure car like the Maserati Grand Turismo MR2 and BMW M6. 

Review: The Cheesecake Factory ★★★★

Chargrilled Coulotte Steak

Shrimpt Pasta

Banana Cheesecak

My assumption of cheesecake factory, do they only sell cheesecake? They sell cheesecake but definite not the only thing in their menu.  Their menu is huge, almost 20 pages!  Which was a surprise to me; they got cocktails, pizza, burgers, pasta, tacos, seafood, and of course cheesecake.

I came this place for a friend birthday dinner; Friday night in Santa Anita Mall is the worst time to find parking. Took me almost 20 minutes to find a pot. At the top of that, someone forgot to make the reservation ahead of time; our group had to wait over 2 hours!

The décor was nice; looks like a typical Italian restaurant.  The customer serve was friendly and provided good feedback.  I was the only in the group did not order the pasta.  The price of their pasta cost almost the same as the Steak. I ended up order the Chargrilled Coulotte Steak, which is a U.S.D.D. Prime Sirloin, topped with butter. I choose the mashed potatoes instead the fries.

The steak portion was 12oz that is a good size for $20.  In addition, this is prime grade too.  The steak was tender and good, it was slight undercooked in some section of the steak. The steak was not seasoning that well, but steak sauce solve that problem.  The mashed potatoes were very good, a watch great match with the steak.

I tried some of the pasta that my friends order, was not to impress with it.  Some of the pasta was dried, and the sauce is weak. The free bread was pretty good, soft and fresh. In the dessert, we order the banana cheesecake, which was so gooood !

Overall, I am impressing with this restaurant chain. Good quality food in most part that offer good service and atmosphere. However, you might wanted to book for a reservation in peak hours.

Review: Sun City Seafood ★★ 1/2

Roasted Duck 

Egg Tart

Shrimp Rice Roll

These places have been open for some time, yet it only got less than 70 reviews.    There are so many dim sum places in the area, and is not funny anymore.  This place dim sum can be dirt cheat if you manage to follow the requirement, but reality is confusing especially for first timer.  

Their strength is appearing in the dessert like egg tart was very good.   The BBQ mini dish was disappoint, the service was actually pretty for this type of atmosphere, and the cart lady was friendly.  I do wish the quality was better.  I would give this another chance in the near future.

Review: Rutsu 18 ★★★

SHOYU 

Chewy Noodle

Decor

Rutsu 18 is the newest Japanese restaurant in Alhambra, it replaced Tamaya.  Parking is easy; it got its lot and pretty of parking spot in the street.  The Décor have been remodel but is still unfinished.  All the tables and chairs are wood. 

Customer service is friendly, just what you expect from a typical Japanese restaurant.  However they don't greed you like some other Ramen shop.   There was some mistake from the order but was quickly been fixed.

I order the Shoyu Ramen which is reasonable priced at $7.75.  The portion was a bit small; noodle was the chewy one which is usual for Shoyu.  The broth was good and not too salty or oily.  They got sushi and chicken entrée, but no curry that Tamaya one.  Over all is pretty average, but there's definite room for improvement.

Review: Hooters Baja Burger ★★★

Baja Burger with Curly French Fries

1. Jews do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah.

2. Protestants do not recognize the Pope as the leader of the Christian faith.

3. Baptists do not recognize each other in the liquor store or at Hooters

This was first time I dine in the Hooters.  It wasn't my first choice but I wanted to get something to eat before the Red Bull Flugtag.  The décor remind me a lot like typical sport bars but with more attractive waitress of course.   Don't bother to ask them straight for the number since they likely get that request like every hour.

The menu price is actually on par with typical sport bar and wasn't as pricey as I though.  We ended up order the Baja Burger with curly fries.    The burger was pretty good, the buns was toasted and the patties was cooked it just about right, only wish they did differently.  I would prefer slice of avocado over the guacamole.  The guacamoles tasted like those pre-made package.  The fries were cold and not fresh, we ask for replacement and they did that in a heart beep.

Overall it kinda meet my expectation, just don't expect high hope this place

Review: Omar's Pizzeria ★★★ 2/3

Puttanesca 18" Pizza

Mild Buffalo Wings

"Ideas are like pizza dough, made to be tossed around." ~ Anna Quindlen

I personally don't eat a lot of pizza, however I have heard a lot of good things about this New York Style Pizza place located in Arcadia.  happened to be in the area and decided to give them a try.

Parking is limited in the plaza, but there's several 30 minute ones, which I can attest is more than enough for this place.  Since this is not a full service restaurant, most orders here are likely coming for takeout. The owner was very friendly and even helped me open the door.

This place is famous for their pizza, so I ordered one called The Puttanesca which has artichokes, mushrooms, and olives.  The artichoke was overcooked and there was a lack of cheese, but the pizza dough was excellent. It was done just right. I also tried their Buffalo Wings, They were pretty good. The price was pretty affordable for what you get. 

There isn't a lot of Pizza Places in the area, so if you're in the mood for it, then this place is definitely worth a try.