Sandbar Cocina and Tequila Bar - State St. in Santa Barbara, CA

This being my first trip to Santa Barbara, which turned out to be a culinary oasis, it was quite difficult to decide which eatery would be the winner for lunch. In this case I am guilty of judging the book by its fancy cover...or shall I say the restaurant by the decor.

Pictured above: Addicting chips and salsa, patio view, chicken tacos, carne asada tacos, the lovely Wilson family, fajitas salad carbon. For complete menu check out Sandbar Menu.

• Cuisine: Mexican- tequilla bar, tacos, burritos, salads, tostadas...you get it.

• Favorite Food Items: Carne Asada Tacos, Fajitas Salad Carbon

• Price: $$- Specialty tacos come ala carte which isn't too bad at $3-5 a piece, rice/beans are an extra $1.50. Some tacos and burritos come as meals running around $8-9. Specials peak around $14. Happy hour prices apply to some food items as well which can make for a pretty good deal. Food is delicious though including the free chips and salsa so I'd say it's worth the price you pay. 

• Ambience:  The Sandbar is set up to give off a tropical beachy vibe. Both indoor and "outdoor" seating are provided. We were privileged enough to get a high top table on the patio in the shade. Views of multiple televisions, crazy spanish decorations, and unique photos spread throughout. 

• Dress Code: Trendy-Casual. With many fun events that occur nightly at this place outfit choice may vary. When grabbing a quick bite for lunch with friends you might get away with a tank top, shorts and flip flops. At night however you might feel out of place if you don't dress it up a little.

• Shell's Rating: 4 out of 5 -The atmosphere and amazing tacos would be enough to bring me back again, but I would be crazy not to return for "2 Legit Taco Tuesdays" featuring a variety of 90's themed music and great deals. I mean the entire cast of Saved by the Bell was on the promotional flyer...how much more legit can you get? Each day has a fun promotion so be sure to check out their calendar online before hitting up the Sandbar.

TAPS Fish house and Brewery -Shopes at Dos Lagos - Corona, CA

I have known about this restaurant for a few years now, I have driven past it's Brea location many times and never given it a chance, seeing as I am not a big fish fan. What drew me in this time you may ask? Their widely varied and amazingly priced happy hour menu! From small plates, to Big plates, to BIGGER plates, I would highly recommend you give it a shot too. Although this menu is only available in the bar, the main menu seemed large could be ordered from there as well.

Pictured above: Buffalo Chicken Lollipops, Warm Pretzels, Bread and Olive Oil/Balsamic Spread

For complete menu visit: Taps Fish House and Brewery

• Cuisine: Seafood, Pizzas, Share-able plates

• Favorite Food Items: Warm Pretzels and Dip, French Fries, Mushroom Pizza

• Price: $$-$$$$- Items ranged in price from $2 for some happy hour small plates, but can get pretty pricey if you are hoping to get the surf and turn for $65.99.

• Ambience: The dining hall is beautiful rich dark wood with and open kitchen to sneak a peak of the "behind the scenes" action. One open room is scattered with tables, white table clothes and high vaulted ceilings. The bar is spacious and has high-tops, small tables, and a few large comfy booths.

• Dress Code: Casual attire is more than acceptable in the bar or patio section.Business casual would be appropriate in the main dining hall, but dressing up wouldn't make you out of place either.

• Shell's Rating: 3 out of 5- given I have only tried the happy hour menu I would suggest this place if you are in the area and looking for something cheap and new to fill you up. The portions are quite large so be careful not to let your eyes get bigger than your stomach. On the upside you have could have take-out for days.

  

Barrio - Nicolette Ave. - Minneapolis, MN

This place is on my top places to visit whenever I go home. The atmosphere alone will draw you in, not to mention their guacamole is to die for. If you are in the area, I would suggest you make this one of your stops to grab a drink or a quick bite from their small plates menu.

Pictures include: chicken enchilada, made to order guac, views of the inside of the Minneapolis location.
For full menu check out this link: Barrio

• Cuisine: Latin- tequilla bar, small plates (tacos, enchiladas,etc.), large plates

• Favorite Food Items: Made to order guacamole, chicken enchilada, chicken and black bean tostada

• Price: $$- Tacos and small plates are certainly quite affordable. Large plates are little more pricy but if you are looking to get full I would recommend splitting some appetizers and a large plate. Prices range from $4 for a taco or enchilada un up to $22 for a pork tenderloin platter.

• Ambience: Barrio has a couple locations, (Minneapolis, St. Paul, Edina), but the Minneapolis chapter takes the cake. A small space with lots of character. The room has high ceilings, dim lights, upstairs and downstairs dining, bar seating and a patio for those warm nights. The bar has a huge wax candle that has melted and molded its way onto the counter top giving off an intimate vibe. On the wall directly across the bar black and white western films are played on a white screen for all to enjoy.

• Dress Code: Trendy-Casual. I would consider nice jeans and fancy top to be acceptable with a pair of heels or ballet flats. Think "going out for a night on the town" attire. Men could get away with a graphic tee here as long as its coupled with a nice pair of jeans and a styled look. 

• Shell's Rating: 4 out of 5 -Although the guacamole is amazing, they don't seem to fill the bowl as much as they should, but that's a not a game stopper. The scenery alone will draw me back to this place. They are open late as well which is a plus when downtown. Service has been pretty decent but it is popular so if you don't make a reservation you will be waiting...or if you get lucky you can grab a seat in the bar for full menu and happy hour service.

Harvard Square Cafe - Bonita Ave. in Claremont, CA

Harvard Square Cafe has a lot of taste and charm. This place is located near a variety of unique shops, business, coffee shops and other adorable restaurants. The menu is tailored to an audience with a more "refined" palate. This would not be a restaurant for the picky eater or small children. I would like to return sometime to try some other items off the menu.

Pictured above: Restaurant and patio, Eggs Benedict (again no ham, + avocado and spinach) and the highly recommended baked brie.
See the whole menu for this restaurant here: Harvard Square Cafe

• Cuisine: "French Inspired" Dishes- open for brunch, lunch and dinner- pasta, salads, sandwiches.

• Favorite Food Items: Baked Brie Plate - consists of a small salad, grapes, apples, and brie cheese baked in a warm, flakey pastry dough.

• Price: $$$- Brunch and Lunch prices range from $7 on up to $18, where as dinner starts as low as $7 and goes up to $30. Most dishes range from $11-20 between the two meals.  

• Ambience: Diners at the cafe have the option of dining inside in a quaint dining room filled with garden paintings and ivy, or outside on the patio where you can do so great people watching or catch some rays on a nice summer day.

• Dress Code: Business Casual to Dressy. I would feel comfortable wearing a sundress, or a skirt or nice shorts and a dressy top. For men I would suggest a nice pair of jeans or khaki's and a collared shirt. Flip flops would be alright for both sexes on a warm day. I would rule out loud graphic t-shirts and exercise clothes.

• Shell's Rating: 3 out of 5 -Many of the food items seemed a bit overpriced, but I will need to return to this place sometime to try a larger selection. I also would rate it a 3 out of 5 because there are many other restaurants within a closer drive that I would choose to go to first, but if I was in the claremont neighborhood I would certainly go back and try something new...and then shop around town, seeing as it is located in a fun community. 

Martha Green's Eating Room - E Citrus Ave. - Redlands, CA

If you make a visit to the Inland Empire and somehow don't make it to Martha Green's, you will have truly missed out on the most savory meals you would have ever had in your life. I have been to Martha's countless times and have tried a variety of items off of her menu.  The building is not that big so if you have a larger group be prepared to wait a while, but I promise it will be worth your time.

Pictured from top to bottom: Customized Eggs Benedict with no ham, add spinach and avocado; Veggie Breakfast Skillet. Check out more menu items from Martha's here: MArtha's Menu

• Cuisine: Traditional breakfast, soup, sandwiches and wraps, bakery (bread + sweets)

• Favorite Food Items: HANDS DOWN the BEST Eggs Benedict I've ever had (I sub out the ham and add spinach and avocado) with home fries.

• Price: $$- Most items come with a choice of side and you will leave full for around $10-12 including tip. I think the items are reasonably priced for all the food you get. Items in the bakery are also decently priced. Only kicker is they will not take a credit card in the bakery without a service charge unless your item is over $10, so make sure if you are in the mood for a cookie, brownie or cupcake to have cash on you.

• Ambience:This establishment gives off a vibe that makes you feel like you are dining in the home of a friend. With brightly colored walls, fruit and roosters adorning any open area; this is a cozy place to grab breakfast or have tea and sweets and catch up with friends. 

• Dress Code: I'm going to go ahead and say just about anything goes here. I have gone wearing lounge pants and a t-shirt with flip flops and I have also stopped by for a bite to eat after church (dress and heels). I felt comfortable wearing both extremes.

• Shell's Rating: 4 out of 5 - I will give this a 4 because the lunch items at Martha's are good, but not my favorite. Sometimes the service is a little slow but overall this place has a friendly atmosphere and delicious breakfast food. If I am in the mood for my eggs bene I wouldn't even DREAM of going anywhere but Martha's. 

Cafe Sevilla - Riverside @ Mission Inn Exit

Cafe Sevilla is a great place to try a variety of different foods and won't have to break the bank. Apparently I have been on a tapas kick lately, because that's exactly what this place features. I had the pleasure of dining during happy hour at this cozy spot upstairs with Mrs. Thomas and Mrs. Keeney, (this is a great place for girls night out). Thankfully Danika had a coupon she found online for spend $35 and get $25 off...amazing deal or what!? SO I would recommend printing that out before you head over. Even without the coupon though, the happy hour prices would be hard to beat.

Pictured above: Cheese Platter, Cous Cous, & Chicken Skewer

Check out their menu here: Cafe Sevilla Menus

There are also locations in Long Beach and San Diego

• Cuisine: Spanish Tapas

• Favorite Food Items: Four Cheese Platter, Cous Cous, and Aioli with Fresh Bread

• Price: $$- Depending on which menu you order off of the prices will vary. Happy hour prices range from $4 a plate on up to $14 for a sampler. Main menu prices range from $5 up to $29 for some of your more expensive meats. Over all, I felt I was full and got my money's worth.

• Ambience: You will be dining in a really rustic, older building with lots of character. Downstairs you will find white table clothes, high ceilings and lots of windows. Upstairs you will find wooden floors, unfinished ceilings and spanish art adoring the brick walls. Only downfall would be the temperature upstairs. There are no ceiling fans and I did not feel that the AC was flowing at all. 

• Dress Code: Trendy Casual-If you are going on a hot summer day/night be SURE TO DRESS for the heat. Clare and I were absolutely roasting. The three of us wore summer sun dresses but I feel had it been cooler outside I would have also felt comfortable wearing nice jeans a cute top. Guys could get away with wearing casual attire but I would say stick with nice pants/shorts and no flip flops.

• Shell's Rating: 4 out of 5 - Everything we ate was fantastic...seriously. I didn't give out the full 5 points due to the warm atmosphere and I wouldn't recommend going here if you are a picky eater. Although the food is amazing, members of your dining party that are hard to please may have trouble with the exotic food selection.

ZENGO @ Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica

The meaning behind the name of this astounding beach city gem, is simply, " Give and Take". I somehow found myself dining at yet another "Tapas" style restaurant. Although this time, the theme of the food consists more of asian/spanish fusion. Bottom line... there were so many items on the menu that looked intriguing that I can't wait to go back to try them.

Photos Top to Bottom: inside dining area, outside patio, AMAZING crunchy tofu
Link to check out the full menu and photos of Zengo! :-)

• Cuisine: Japanese/Asian/ Spanish Fusion

• Favorite Food Items: Crunchy Tofu, Beef Short Rib Udon Noodles

• Price: $$$- Most main dish items ranged between 10-13 dollars and were meant to be shared. Side dish items ranged from about 4-6 dollars. If you want to be full when you leave I'd say you would average about $30 a person.

• Ambience: Located at the Nordstrom's end of the famous Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, this unique restaurant on the roof level above Nike. There is both inside and outside dining. Even on a cool night, the roof has many space heaters and an art sculpture that burns fire to keep guests warm and the view of the city below makes for a really fun atmosphere outside. Inside is decorated with beautiful dark wood and dim lighting- making it more of an intimate setting.

• Dress Code: Trendy Casual- This place is hip enough to get away with wearing jeans and a fun tank top or t-shirt, but I would not feel appropriate walking in right after laying at the beach. It's also nice enough where I wouldn't feel out of place wearing a cocktail type dress. As for guys, Nice jeans and a polo or button up would be okay, and as long as it's a "classy" looking graphic t-shirt you should be fine as well.

• Shell's Rating: 5 out of 5 - I honestly really enjoyed every item we ordered and the decorations mixed with rooftop location really make this place a great place to dine!

CLEO @ Hollywood and Vine

One of my favorite past times is without a doubt trying out new restaurants. Eating is such a social activity and it truly brings joy to my life. Great food, splendid company, enjoyable conversation...it's really hard to beat. So you can count me to find the new restaurant in town or a hidden gem tucked away on the far side of town. That is actually why I am writing today. For many, the thought of making just ONE more decision after a long day at work or school causes utter exhaustion.

This is where I have decided to come in. I am going to use my blog from time to time to review restaurants I have found to be both pleasant and disastrous. Hopefully my recommendations can help create many new favorite places and fun food experiences for a few, or at least help me to decide what I want for my next meal :-)

DISCLAIMER: Any restaurant review's given here are in MY OWN OPINION! The information given is completely based on my experience and therefore my own interpretation of who might enjoy such each place. I have no affiliation with any restaurant or anyone else in the food industry... this is just a fun hobby of mine.

So here goes...

Above Photo: Cleo Dining Room

                                                               http://www.cleorestaurant.com

•  Cuisine: Modern Mediterranean Fusion-- Amazing Tapas Selection

• Favorite Food Item/s: Grilled Hanger Steak and hummus with tahini 

•  Price: $$ - Between the 3 of us dining at this gem, we ordered 7 plates and were pretty full...ended up splitting the bill, including drinks  and tip?? Grand total $23.00.... not too shabby 

• Ambience: Romantic/Trendy/ Fun for a night out/Better for parties size 2-5

• Dress Code: As a girl I would feel comfortable wearing dressy jeans with heels or cute flats, and a more dressy top, however I would also feel okay wearing a nice dress as well. This place would be a no-no for graphic t-shirts, baseball caps, or sweatshirts. As for the guys- Nice jeans, nice shoes, plain shirt, polo, or button up would be fine.

• Shell's Rating:  4 out of 5