Rate-A-Restaurant #271: King's Highway

Restaurant: King's Highway

Location: Ace Hotel 701 E Palm Canyon Dr. (Palm Springs)

Type of restaurant: Diner



We stipulated: For our last day in Palm Springs, we were looking to do something simple that could fill both our breakfast and lunch needs. Eating L.A.'s Pat suggested King's Highway as a dining spot, and Maria wanted to check out the Ace Hotel anyway.

They stipulated: "We restored the old Denny’s restaurant on the property and made it into King's Highway, serving fresh food for hot days. We use the best ingredients we can find, including local, organic and artisanal products whenever we can. We’re working with a local family-owned business called TKB (The Kid’s Business) for our morning muffins, scones, and pastries. They source as many of their ingredients as they can locally, too. We get organic goats’ milk cheese from the Springhill Cheese Company out of Sonoma Calif., which they only sell at farmers markets (even to us). Our Stumptown Coffee is grown in partnership with growers who get a good price for their beans. We work to build good relationships with producers and distributors, like Prime Smokehouse in Oakland, which makes custom thick cut black pepper bacon for us."



What we ordered: Mike: FISH TACOS 8.00 (Corn tortilla, slaw, salsa verde, crema); Maria: MANCHEGO CHEESE & BEET SALAD 8.00 (Walnuts, shaved fennel, baby spinach); Blogger Kid: AMIGO BRISKET BURGER 12.00 (Jack or sharp cheddar cheese, roasted tomato, pickled onions, fries)

High point: The fish taco was good, although a tad cold. The burger boasted a nice pickled onion relish and full grilled tomato.

Low point: We were led to believe that we were ordering a kids burger for the Blogger Kid. (Perhaps because we said, "Do you have a kids' menu?" And they replied, "We have a burger that's perfect for kids." Not realizing that our waiter was referring to the $12 grown-up burger. Luckily, the Blogger Toddler ate some of it too.)



Overall impression: It's a shame that some of the great-sounding breakfast and dinner items aren't available all day. But overall, I like what they did with the space, as well as the interesting menu. And even though there are no kids items (a major oversight), it's still kid-friendly.



Chance we'll go back: Yes, and we'd recommend it to others coming to Palm Springs, including with small kids.

Rate-A-Restaurant #270: El Mirasol

Restaurant: El Mirasol

Location: 140 E Palm Canyon Dr. (Palm Springs)

Type of restaurant: Mexican



We stipulated: Before heading to Palm Springs, I asked Eating L.A.'s Pat for restaurant recommendations. El Mirasol was on her list, and Mexican sounded just right one evening.

They stipulated: El Mirasol has its own hot sauce, "El Mirasol Doña Diabla Sauce," on the table.



What we ordered: Mike: Pollo en Mole Poblano ($14); Maria: Pork Chile Verde (Trimmed pork meat cut into small chunks and cooked with green chiles and tomatillos; $12.50); Kids plates (not on the menu)

High point: There's a nice spice to the mole, and the standard chips and salsa come with a really nice crunch.

Low point: The beans and cheese are your standard refried slop -- there isn't a black beans option. Also, no drink menu -- which means no specialty margaritas, or anything special.



Overall impression: The mole wasn't quite as good as our own La Cabanita, but it held its own, and I enjoyed the spice. Very kid-friendly as well.



Chance we'll go back: I'd be curious to try another Mexican joint the next time we're in town, but I'd be perfectly happy if we ended up back at El Mirasol as well.

Rate-A-Restaurant #269: Hadley's

Restaurant: Hadley Fruit Orchard

Location: 140 E Palm Canyon Dr. (Palm Springs)

Type of restaurant: Fruits, nuts, shakes



We stipulated: After stopping at the Cabazon outlets, the kids had eaten, but Maria and I were hungry. We immediately got back off the freeway when we saw the Hadley's sign, eager to finally try their famous date shakes.

They stipulated: "Hadley Fruit Orchards was founded by Paul and Peggy Hadley in 1931 in Banning, California. Their neighbors were the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. According to members of the Morongo tribe, Paul Hadley often provided tribal members with fruit and dates, fostering a rapport with Hadley Fruit Orchards that remains to this day." The Morongo tribe bought Hadley's in 1999.



What we ordered: Mike: Date Shake (small, $3.50); Maria: Banana nut shake (small, $3.50)

High point: The dates don't overpower the shake, and the small size is perfect. You probably wouldn't want more than that.

Low point: Hadley's has fallen victim to long ago becoming an overpriced tourist trap -- rather than feel like a cool little store on the way to Palm Springs.



Overall impression: The banana date shake is probably the better of the two-- but the banana flavor overpowers the dates. For your first time, I'd suggest the date shake -- it's worth doing on the way to or from Palm Springs. But pass on the nuts and dried fruits.



Chance we'll go back: Heading down the 10 on the way to Palm Springs again? If we're in need of a snack.

Rate-A-Restaurant #268: The Los Angeles Brewing Company

Restaurant: Los Angeles Brewing Company

Location: The Chapman Building, 750 S. Broadway (Downtown)

Type of restaurant: Brewpub



We stipulated: Maria and I attended the Los Angeles Conservancy's Saturday night screening of "Chinatown" at the Orpheum Theatre. But before then, we wanted to eat. Time was of the essence: It was 7 p.m., and the movie started at 8 p.m. The Umamicatessan restaurant next door wouldn't have a table for 45 minutes. So we started walking down Broadway, and stumbled across the Los Angeles Brewing Company, which had just opened with a soft launch. (The real launch comes soon.) We looked at the menu, and it had some quick-sounding items. We went inside.



They stipulated: "At The Los Angeles Brewing Company, we thrive on providing our customers with a beer that can satisfy any palettes. From major breweries, micro breweries and local breweries, we have 100 taps dedicated to that task. We will also carry other beers in bottle and can, to further expand the beer selection that we have available for you at The Los Angeles Brewery Company."



What we ordered: Hand Cut Garlic Fries – lemon aioli & sea salt $4; Stuffed Shrooms – potato, chorizo & crispy pork belly $8; Honey habanero hot wings $8

High point: We liked the lemon aioli. It was quite nice for sports bar -- classy, even with all those projection TVs. Great, big downtown space. The Habanero wings had a nice honey touch, although it wasn't spicy enough. Plus, liked the extensive beer list.

Low point: The service was, plain and simple, atrocious. When I asked for a recommendation between the Eagle Rock Brewery beers on tap, the waitress responded, "all I know is the last guy ordered something called Asahi." Also, I asked for another lemon aioli and it never came. Plus, even though we told the waitress we were in a hurry and needed our bill, she never came back. I finally had to hold my credit card in the air to get her attention. Still, she didn't notice. She eventually made it back to the table -- and even though the table was completely cleared, she seemed shocked that I was already handing her a credit card (before the check). Another thing: When we finally got our bill, it was just the credit card slip, nothing itemized. I'm convinced that either I overpaid, or my beer was $15. I'm guessing it's the former, because if it were true they were selling $15 beers on tap, business would collapse.



Overall impression: We've long heard of the "Bringing Back Broadway" renewal efforts, but I've often wondered if Broadway could get a makeover. It's been neglected so long, with its boarded-up theaters and dirty storefronts -- and that task seems daunting. But now maybe we're starting to see that renaissance, with several more theatre makeover plans in the works; the revitalized Cliftons on the way; and new restaurants like the Los Angeles Brewing Co., which is a welcome addition to the street.



Chance we'll go back: Perhaps. I'm hoping the bad service is a fluke. We may be in the same boat and needing some quick food before this summer's Last Remaining Seats!

Rate-A-Restaurant #267: Los Feliz Cafe

Restaurant: Los Feliz Cafe

Location: 3207 Los Feliz Blvd (Atwater Village)

Type of restaurant: Diner



We stipulated: I took the boys on a bike ride on the L.A. River Bike Path, and on the way back via Los Feliz Blvd., we were getting hungry for lunch. My usual standby, the Village, was closed for some reason... and after 15 years of driving by that big "EAT" sign next to the Los Feliz golf course, it was time to finally check it out.



They stipulated: Mostly outdoor seating; seat yourself; a varied menu that includes everything from breakfast items to shawrma.



What we ordered: Chicken Shawarma Sandwich - $6.50; French Toast - $5.50

High point: The prices are right, and the location -- overlooking the golf course made famous in "Swingers" -- is pleasant.

Low point: The food itself is nothing special. The French toast with the fast food syrup dipping container was particularly disappointing. And then I had to beg for my bill, which is always a pet peeve. (Are you not in a rush to get paid?)



Overall impression: The menu is all over the map -- what is this place trying to be? If it wants to go Middle Eastern, commit to that, rather than offering a bland Chicken Shawarma. But don't put that next to beef tacos, angel hair pasta and chicken wings, and expect to be taken seriously.

Chance we'll go back: No. There are plenty of other nearby breakfast or diner options available.

Rate-A-Restaurant #266: Ink.Sack

Restaurant: Ink.Sack

Location: 8360 Melrose Ave. #107 (La Cienega/Melrose)

Type of restaurant: Sandwiches



We stipulated: I suppose I've been on a gourmet sandwich kick, having recently tried Mendocino Farms for the first time. Now it was time to check out Ink.Sack, the sandwich side business to Michael Voltaggio's Ink.



They stipulated: "The concept is driven by classic flavor profiles that are elevated by premium ingredients and refined techniques. With sandwiches priced and sized to satisfy a palate craving options, ink.sack has established itself as a lunch staple in Los Angeles."



What we ordered: Veggie banh mi (bbq tofu, mushroom spread, pickled vegetables) $4; spicy tuna (miso-cured albacore, sriracha, mayo) $6



High point: The sirarcha sauce gives a nice tang to the spicy tuna sandwich, even though it wasn't really too spicy. The price is also right -- two sandwiches, just $10.



Low point: The size of the sandwiches are a bit confusing. They're too small by themselves, so you've gotta get two -- but then that seems like a bit too much. Nonetheless, you end up eating two.

Overall impression: And hey, it's great to be able to try two different sandwiches and still come to $10, even if your belly is stuffed afterward. These are sloppy, messy but extremely tasty sandwiches. And there are many more still to try.

Chance we'll go back: It's not easy to get over to Melrose and La Cienega for lunch, but I would like to try more sandwiches in the future.

Rate-A-Restaurant #265: Golden Road Brewery

Restaurant: Golden Road

Location: 5410 West San Fernando Rd. (Atwater Village)

Type of restaurant: Brewpub



We stipulated: Golden Road, which consists of a brewery in one building and a full-sized restaurant/pub in another, is a nice bike ride away from our homebase. I've been wanting to grab the family for a ride there since it opened and Saturday was finally our chance.



They stipulated: "Golden Road Brewing was founded in 2011 by Tony Yanow (of local beer-focused restaurants Tony's Darts Away and Mohawk Bend) and Meg Gill (formerly of Oskar Blues Brewery and Speakeasy Ales & Lagers). Before opening Tony's Darts Away in Burbank, Tony consulted with Meg on picking top craft breweries in California for his ambitious state-wide beer list. They immediately realized they shared a vision around building a brewery to deliver fresh beer to locals."



What we ordered: Pulled pork sandwich ("Braised in GRB heff and wild flower honey with shredded cabbage and honey mustard on a croissant") $9; Vegan banh mi ("Deep fried tofu, julienned vegetables, pickled carrots, fresh herbs and sriracha mayo") $7; Pretzel ("Bavarian-style pretzel with spicy Dijon mustard") $7; Fritters ("wild mushroom risotto with vegan pimento cheese") $4; Golden Road Brewing "Point the Way IPA" beer on tap, $5.



High point: Maria liked the risotto fritter, the kids liked the pretzel and I enjoyed the beer -- a nice surprise, considering I normally don't care for the bitter taste of an IPA. But I had heard good things about it, and wanted to give it a shot.



Low point: Unfortunately, as much as I wanted to like the pulled pork sandwich, it's a bad idea to put something like that on a croissant. The croissant becomes to mushy to eat (why not a harder roll?) -- so much so that you can't even pick it up. The pork itself was also a little too fatty. Trim the fat, put it on a hard, crusty roll and you've got something.



Overall impression: Great place to bike to -- and the bike racks were full, a testament to the location. Plus, it's extremely kid-friendly, which is great (the young ones will enjoy being so close to the train tracks). The food itself is just OK (there's room for improvement, and perhaps they'll get there), but the beers are good. I also love that it's in such an industrial area, and close to both the river and the train tracks. Something about that environment that makes it feel down-to-earth.



Chance we'll go back: Yep, I need to try the GRB Heff, and plus I've got to do more bike rides!

Rate-A-Restaurant #264: Mendocino Farms

Restaurant: Mendocino Farms

Location: 300 South Grand Ave. (Downtown); other locations

Type of restaurant: Sandwiches

We stipulated: I've been dying to try Mendocino Farms for a long time... but we are usually in downtown on the *weekends* when Mendocino Farms' two locations there (geared toward weekday business folks) are closed. So when I found myself in downtown one recent Friday afternoon, I knew I had to make a line straight for Mendocino Farms' California Plaza location to see what the fuss was all about.



They stipulated: "We like to try to reconstruct “Fine Dining” entrees to the sandwich level and take classic regional sandwiches and give them a modern interpretation. Mendocino Farms pays tribute to the county in Northern California that is known for its support of the Slow Food Movement and Sustainable Farming... Sophisticated wine country inspired ingredients composed with a fine dining approach to flavor pairing make Mendocino Farms the premier eco-artisan sandwich concept."



What we ordered: Mike -- "A Sandwich Study of Heat (Turkey Avocado)" $9.50 (fresh local farm turkey, avocado, chili aioli, jalapeno relish, tomato, romaine lettuce on panini grilled rustic white bread. "Ask your server how to make it daringly hot" -- and I did.)

Maria -- "Steak Blt" $9.50 (carved steak, applewood bacon, romaine lettuce, roasted tomatoes, herb aioli, caramelized onions on toasted rustic white bread)

spicy potato salad (for me)



High point: That potato salad was great, and I loved the spicy kick I got from my sandwich. They did not lie -- it was hot. Just like I like it.



Low point: It's so difficult to get to Mendocino Farms on the weekday; as downtown becomes more of a weekend destination, I wish they would consider weekend hours.



Overall impression: As far as sandwiches go, this is up there in a gourmet class. I also appreciate Mendocino Farms' seasonal sandwiches, as they try hard to keep from becoming too dull or routine.



Chance we'll go back: It may be tough, but I would like to try more sandwiches.

Rate-A-Restaurant #263: Tacos Villa Corona

Restaurant: Tacos Villa Corona

Location: 3185 Glendale Blvd. (Atwater Village)

Type of restaurant: Mexican

We stipulated: I've been driving by Tacos Villa Corona for years -- every day, as a matter of fact, to and from work. But with spots like Yuca's and Senor Fish close by, we haven't bothered to stop here. Anthony Bourdain's recent televised stop at Tacos Villa Corona finally convinced us to check it out.

They stipulated: Tacos Villa Corona is known for its breakfast burritos. The burritos can be made with either papas or fried tortilla strips. Tacos Villa Corona also has the unique option of adding spinach to your taco or burrito for a $1. Also, cheese comes on everything unless you specifically ask them to leave it off.



What we ordered: Breakfast burrito with eggs, chorizo, papas and spinach (no cheese), $7. Breakfast burrito with bacon, eggs and papas, $6. Chicken taco. Papas taco.



High point: The homemade hot salsa adds a nice spice (although left a bad garlic aftertaste). The sauce mixed in with the chicken on the taco gave it a kick. The spinach option lets you pretend you're being healthy. The burritos are hefty but if eaten on an empty stomach, don't necessarily weigh you down.

Low point: There's no place to sit at the tiny hole-in-the wall, but luckily there are tables nearby, either in front of Kaldi coffeehouse or across the street. Also, perhaps because I ordered mine without cheese, I felt like my breakfast burrito was missing something. Perhaps the chorizo wasn't as flavorful as I would have liked, or perhaps I'm so accustomed to Trader Joe's Soy Chorizo that regular chorizo doesn't do it for me anymore.



Overall impression: Breakfast burritos may be their signature, but the tacos are what will bring me back.

Chance we'll go back: We have already, and probably will again.