Avra Beverly Hills

I  can't say enough about this restaurant. We have been going there for their most affordable lunch specials. You get generous portions of everything, and their fish is superb.

Sugar, Zohreh, Sandi, and I were there last week. Since Sugar offers to drive each time, we all happily just hop in her car and head to Beverly Hills. 

I looked at my last blog to refresh my memory on what I ordered. We enjoyed the Greek Tomatini cocktail. It had vodka, basil, dry vermouth, white balsamic, tomato, and black pepper. They served their delicious hummus with regular pita bread and a crunchy one as well. 

For our appetizers, Sandi and Zohreh ordered the Spanakopita. Sugar had the Fish Souvlaki: 2 grilled, skewered Chilean sea bass. I always ordered the Spanakopita, so I wanted to try something else. I had the Salmon Tartare: salmon with peppers, cilantro, and shallots, paired with very good potato chips. I would definitely order that again. 

We had several choices for our entée. Sandi ordered the Fish of the Day, which was Dorado. The rest of us ordered the same thing, but with the whole Dorado, including the head. Our server Simon recommended it highly. This was served with Swiss chard.  The only reason why Sandi didn't go for it is that she dislikes seeing the head. After tasting our fish, Sandi thought it was much better than her headless fish.

Everyone was too full to eat their desserts. I had the Orange cake, and I devoured it. Our server, Simon, was such a delight. We have always had great service, and their servers are always fun to talk to.

Avra is located at 233 N. Beverly Dr. in Beverly Hills, California.

BO-beau Kitchen + roof tap

We were spending one night in Long Beach, so we decided to make the most of it and choose a restaurant we had never been to.  I looked at the menu, and the pictures of the restaurant and the main dining room's ambiance looked very attractive. Unfortunately, I was informed that only the rooftop (they spell it roof tap) was available. 

The manager, Marilyn, was kind enough to explain to me about the parking, which I had to do with a QR code, but it wasn't clear enough but was nice enough to help me figure it out. So right there, I thought we were in good hands. 

Our server, Hugo, was just as kind and engaging. Sandi ordered the Philly Cheesesteak: shaved ribeye, grilled onions, pepperoncini, bell peppers, wild mushrooms, and American cheese. It was a generous portion. It was also served with a basket of French fries. I took a bite of the sandwich, and it was truly delicious.

I opted for the Duck Pappardelle with peas, wild mushrooms, and Asiago cheese. That was exceptionally good. The duck was shredded and was very tender. The pappardelle was aldente. Believe it or not, I didn't even ask for Parmesan cheese. 

We didn't order dessert because we wanted to get back to the hotel and have a drink at their rooftop restaurant. 

We had a problem with OpenTable. My $40 reward Mastercard was being rejected. Hugo was apologetic but called Marilyn. She tried several times, even at a different register, and the card kept getting declined. I finally said I would contact OpenTable the following day. I thought she went above and beyond to try once again to help me out. I was very impressed by this caring, outstanding service.

I would highly recommend this restaurant. Apparently, they open the main dining room on certain nights. BO-beau Kitchen + roof tap is located at 144 Pine Ave. in Long Beach, California.

Au Revoir Crème de la Crêpe

After so many years, Crème de la Crêpe in Rolling Hills Estates closed its doors last night. It was sad for a lot of us. I had my 70th birthday party there, and we all had a blast dancing and enjoying the special menu that Joelle, the owner, had planned. They always had very good French food and were open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Last night, Sugar, Zohreh, Sandi, and I went one last time to enjoy the food. Our favorite was the Chicken in mustard sauce. I guarantee you cannot get chicken you can cut with a fork anywhere else. Generous portions of veggies and scalloped potatoes.

Sugar ordered their salmon, which she always enjoys. Of course, we had our fill of their incredible French bread and butter. Mateo and David took good care of us. 

For dessert, we ordered the Grand Marnier Crêpe, which I wasn't aware had coconut. Other than that, it was delicious.

There are still 2 locations; one is in Redondo Beach and the other in Long Beach. Palos Verdes doesn't have many good restaurants, and this one will surely be missed.

Joelle, a big thank you for your service and hard work. Hope you take some time to relax and enjoy your time with Dopey! (her dog).