Nam Vietnamese Kitchen

When Nam was named #3 on the Top 100 Places to Eat in 2026, I had to find out how good it really was. After us, three ladies had facials and were glowing (one didn't want her picture taken), we headed down to Nam. The original is in Gardena, and they opened one in Lomita. Many years ago, I used to frequent this location when it was Stardance Studio. I had many dance lessons and showcases there. Now, it is an open, airy space with lots of light and a nice vibe. 

We planned for each of us to order a dish to share. Before that, we ordered drinks; I had the June Lemon: lemonade wth yuzu and peach purée. I enjoyed this refreshing drink. Cindy had the Lychee Peachee: jasmine green iced tea shaken with peach purée.

Sandi ordered the Nam's Spicy Wontons, which had pork and shrimp, scallions, sesame oil, peanuts, and Szechuan-spicy sauce. Cindy ordered the Truffle Fried Rice; Asian-fusion fried rice with tender pork jowl, drizzled with umami-rich truffle oil, celery paired with shitake mushrooms, Cantonese pork, and chicken sausage. We had to have noodles, so we ordered the Cauliflower Beef Noodles: filet mignon, red onion, cauliflower, and fish sauce.

We loved everything we ordered. The Truffle Fried Rice, although packed with flavor, was thought by all to need a stronger truffle presence. Other than that, we were all very happy and can't wait to return and try their pho and other dishes.

Nam Vietnamese Kitchen is located in Gardena, the original location, and thank God, it has a location in Lomita, California.

Black Angus

When you think of fine dining, especially when it comes to steak and lobster, I'm sure you do not think of Black Angus. Their steak isn't A5 Wagyu, but I assure you you will not be disappointed.

Sandi and I were in Bakersfield. She received a gift card from her family for Black Angus, where we have previously dined and had their Campfire Special Dinner for Two. This time, we ordered something else. 

I was excited to order the Filet Mignon with two Lobster Tails. This came with 2 sides, so I ordered the broccoli and the baked potato. Our server, Isaiah, asked me if I wanted the garlic butter sauce on top of the steak. I could not find a reason to refuse. The steak melted in my mouth. It was so tender and flavorful. The lobster was wonderful; so juicy and tender as well. Not like what you would get elsewhere, wherein the lobster would be overcooked, which is easy to do.

Sandi had the Filet with Baked Potato and Brussels Sprouts. She did not go for any sauce on her steak. She prefers the purist style to fully savor the meat's natural flavors. 

We truly enjoyed our dinner, and this time we really did not have any room for dessert. I failed to mention how we devoured the warm, crusty sweet molasses bread while we waited for our entrées.

Black Angus has locations all over, including out of state. It is unfortunate that the Black Angus in Torrance is now closed. The closest is 14 miles away.

Sodam Boba & Poke Cafe

I am ecstatic to have discovered this Poke place nearby. When my son was home, I asked him to pick up 2 Poke bowls and 1 Spicy Beef Bowl. Though I knew the area, it was not easy to find because it is located next to Subway at the Arjay Plaza in Torrance. Once you've been there, it is easy to locate.

The Spicy Salmon & Tuna Poke Bowl was excellent! For $14.99, you really got your money's worth. When they hand you your order, you will be shocked by how heavy the food is. The salmon and tuna are so very fresh. It comes with rice, spring salad, avocado, cucumbers, imitation crab, seaweed salad,  and furikake. I have ordered this twice in the last 2 weeks. 

Sandi ordered the Spicy Beef Bowl with rice, avocado, spring salad, imitation crab, furikake, and cucumbers. She, too, has had this twice. The portions are huge. She could not finish everything. I managed to almost finish mine.

Sodam Boba & Poke Cafe is so far the best Poke place I have had. The staff is very friendly, and I look forward to a long relationship with this place!

Yoshimi

This was another Japanese restaurant at the Hyatt Regency in Mexico City. After our great experience at Teppan Grill, the other restaurant at the Hotel, we decided to try Yoshimi. The ambiance was stunning with the Cherry Blossom Tree taking center stage. 

We started with the Artichoke Tempura, which was an impressive presentation. This was delicious, though hard to eat. The meat on the bottom part of the leaves was not tender. The bottom of the artichoke was exquisite and tender. 

I ordered the Sashimi Especial; 7 assorted fish and seafood. I did not complain when I counted 11 pieces! I had no problem consuming all of them. Sandi ordered the Tonkotsu Ramen, but she did not care for it. When we informed our server, she apologized and asked what she would rather have.  Sandi went for the Shrimp Tempura. She was delighted and was very happy with that choice.  I always have high regard for restaurants that really do care about their service. When someone does not care for a dish and is willing and happy to replace it, I regard that as a good restaurant. 

The dessert menu did not look too exciting, so we skipped it. 

Teppan Grill

Sandi and I decided to have dinner at the Teppan Grill at the Hyatt Regency in Mexico City, where we were staying. She is a Hyatt member, so they issued a 15% discount at any of the hotel's restaurants. The atmosphere was striking the moment you walked in; they had a ceiling-to-floor display of fine wines. 

We were seated at the large stainless-steel table where they did the cooking. Think Benihana but without the show and a lot classier. Sandi ordered the Sirloin Steak over one marrow, spicy serrano, sesame sauce, vegetables in rice vinegar, and totopos, garlic-fried rice.

I, on the other hand, was very hungry, so I opted for the Tasting Menu, which included Roasted Edamame with chili, soy, and sesame oil. Then came the Fire Roll, which included shrimp tempura, tuna, salmon, hamachi, sea bass, asparagus, siracha mayonnaise, and eel sauce with shrimp. This arrived in foil, and the server lit a fire and swayed the foil over it. I enjoyed that one! 

After the Fire Roll came the Surf & Turf: beef tenderloin, catch of the day, shrimp, and 3 types of vegetables. Needless to say, the beef melted in your mouth, and the fish couldn't be fresher.  We were impressed with the spinach, which he rolled and cut into little squares. 

I was getting full at this point, but had something else coming. Fried rice with huitlacoche and garlic. I, of course, had Sandi try everything. 

My dessert, included in the Tasting Menu, was Coffee jelly, vanilla ice cream, and coffee liqueur, a wonderful finale. Sandi ordered something Chocolate with pears, which was delicious as well.

Teppan Grill was a great experience. We were surprised by the quality of the food, as most hotel restaurants are usually overpriced and nothing exciting. This was an exception.

Loma Linda-Reforma

This restaurant in Mexico City was recommended by my son's friend. We made reservations and had dinner there. We were ushered upstairs, which is where the vibe was! The tables in the main dining room were full. There was another area, quieter, and that's where we ended up. As we studied the menu, we both looked at each other because we smelled cigarette smoke. Turns out, this was the smoking section. We immediately asked our server if we could switch tables. The manager came by and asked if we minded going downstairs, as there were no other tables. We didn't mind. Fewer people, no smoke inhalation, so everything was dandy.

Sandi and I ordered the Loin Medallions in mustard, oak-aged sherry sauce. For our side, we were intrigued by the Souffle Potatoes, so we ordered that. The medallions were tender and juicy. The sauce complemented the flavor of the meat. The soufflé potatoes were puffed up and airy. This was more of a gimmick; it was good but not outstanding. Another side we ordered was Corn with Trufa oil and Parmesan cheese. That was outstanding. We were very happy with our meal. The service was not too good. We had to wait to even get the attention of the many servers. 

For dessert, we thought we would split an order of Crepes with Cajeta, a thickened syrup made from sweetened, caramelized goat's milk. Tasted like dulce de leche. It was way too heavy, rich, and sweet, unlike any crepe I have had before. This was a disappointment. 

The food was very good at Loma Linda, though I think they need to improve on service and maybe alter their dessert menu. 

El Zarape Tacqueria

This is by far the best El Pastor Tacos we have ever had in our lives. This was recommended by Hugo from the Concierge counter at the Hyatt Regency. We had planned to go to El Califa de Leon, a Michelin-starred taco stand, but he explained the differences and highly recommended El Zarape, which was close to the hotel. 

When Sandi and I went, we had to stand in line. Not too many seats outside were available, and they were all taken. When I finally caught the attention of one of the very busy servers, I ordered 4 orders of the El Pastor tacos for the two of us. There was a big, puffy item that was on the covered counter that looked interesting, so I ordered one to split. I asked her what it was, and she said it was a Quesadilla.

When a space was available, Sandi acquired 2 seats. We were both in 7th heaven. These tacos with pineapple were unbelievably and incredibly delicioso! We were under a red umbrella, so unfortunately, my pictures were all red. Sandi and I wanted to go back, but Hugo told us they were closed on Sundays. I asked Hugo to take pictures the next time he was there, and so he did. 

I have to mention that we tried El Califa de Leon, the Michelin-starred taco stand. We thought it had to be even better than El Zarape. Boy, were we so disappointed. They only took cash, no credit cards. We asked a local what the best thing to order was, and he suggested the Castilla Rib, so I ordered 4 for both of us. The meat was tough! We had to put a lot of the brown sauce for flavor. Apparently, they lost their star in 2026, and I can see why. Hugo was absolutely right; El Zarape Tacqueria is the best!

If you ever visit Mexico City, be sure to try the El Pastor Tacos at El Zarape.