Pei Wei

Place: Pei Wei
Location: 270 N. Beverly Drive. Beverly Hills, CA  90210
Entrée: Chicken Pad Thai

I thought North Beverly Drive only housed restaurants for diners who had time to take a 2 hour lunch. I was pleasantly surprised to see the P.F. Chang's sister restaurant in this area.  Pei Wei is similar to Panda Express in terms of ambiance and pricing.  However, the quality of food is much better and cooked to order.

I haven't had good Pad Thai since I lived in NYC. For less than $10 I got a large bowl. I like my noodles saucy so this was the perfect dish. They don't skimp out on the chicken or tofu either.
A little on the sweet side but nothing a little lemon/lime did not fix.

Even though I was full, I couldn't stop eating (shocking I know) so then I fell into a mini food coma. Good thing the Nepresso store has opened less than a block away (just north of Pei Wei). Tip: Go to the back and they will let you sample anything you like. I went for the Holiday limited edition one (Grand Cru Masala Chai). Delicious!

Happy Eating...

Mercado

Place: Mercado
Location: 1416 Fourth Street. Santa Monica, 90401

I'm back and hungrier than ever.....
Ventured out to Santa Monica last night and ate at the Mexican restaurant Mercado.

Being a Tequila drinker, I was pleasantly surprised by their long list of Tequilas. Started off with the La Pina drink...Drink was kinda bland but if you like spicy drinks, you can give it a try. My date had the Michelada (Modelo Especial beer of choice), now that was amazing, best Michelada outside of Mexico.

On to the food. One cant go to a Mexican restaurant and not get the Guacamole. The chips were sturdy, not that ones that break apart mid-scoop. First bite and...wow! Definitely a must.

Next were the Squash Blossoms (off the menu)...these are beer-battered and filled with oaxaca cheese. Oily yes, fattening yes, but worth it...yes, yes, yes.

Tacos de Jicama con Camaron - deep fried sweet shrimp with Mexican slaw. Was a bit surprised that the tacos didn't come in a corn or flour tortilla but rather a thin slice of jicama. Very tasty. Although deep fried, it didn't feel heavy.

The Ceviche Tropical was refreshing. Didn't come in the standard cup/bowl but rather on a crispy tortilla shell. I like my ceviche on the juicy side so I would have preferred it the standard way with the fish sitting in the juices. Other than that, the dish was light, tasty, and refreshing.

 

Although some of the food was heavy, since they were small portions, we didn't leave feeling heavy AND it left us with room for dessert.

 

We got the Tres Leches cake and the Handsome Coffee. Yes not a typo, the Handsome coffee. The coffee was how I like my men...Bold, fragrant, tasty...and well Handsome. The cake was a good too. Not too sweet. The fresh berries and whipped cream were a nice touch.

 

I would defintely come back here. Next time I want to try the Turkey Leg. The table next to me got it and it looked Medieval. This place is a nice twist on Mexican food. Fun place for a date or with a group.

 

Note: Second location close to the Grove
7910 West Third Street
Los Angeles, California 90048

 

 

 

 

 

9021PHO

 
Place: 9021PHO
Location: 490 N. Beverly Drive 90210 Beverly Hills
Entrees: Pho Chay (Vegetable Noodle Soup)
Price: $8.95

Fee-fi-fo-fum.....no no no its pronounced "fuh"

There are many places to get your Pho fix these days. Many with clever names such as Pho King (get it?!?!?)

I tried 9021PHO (it’s not fo!...but anyway) on a raining day. Not a fan of boiled meats so I opted for the Pho Chay (veggie soup). It comes with Tofu, Straw Mushrooms, Bok-Choy, Baby Corn, Carrots, Onions, Cilantro, and Rice Noodles in a Vegetable Broth. Hey...Its Kosher Friendly!

They serve it with a plate of basil, lime, jalapenos and bean sprouts. I added a handful of the bean sprouts, a lot of time, some basil, and one slice of jalapeno for some heat (yes I know I’m a wuss).

The portion is so large that you can easily split it with someone. For $2 they do it for you.

It's tasty and satisfying and perfect on a cold rainy day....I believe it is raining this weekend.

'til we eat again...stay hungry my friends...