Mrs. Beasley's Bakery Cafe, Costa Mesa California

On my most recent visit to So. California I decided to fully experience the cupcake rage that is sweeping the nation and just now finally arriving in the midwest. During my visit I tried Yummy, Crumbs, Sprinkles, and Mrs Beasleys. Visiting with three other people, a myriad of options were selected at each and many pictures were taken.

While we hadn't planned on Mrs. Beasleys, after many hours of shopping the Southcoast plaza and planning to head over to the Honda Center to watch the Ducks/Flames a snack was definitely in order. Having already experienced Yummy and Sprinkles, it seemed appropriate to give Mrs. Beasley her chance......alas it did not live up to the standard.

Entirely too much frosting, too little moisture in even the tiny cupcakes, and generally drab in favor (the mint avalanche an exception in that it was quite good) I'm not sure if what I experienced was an old batch or 'the norm' but it was not on par with SoCal's other stellar cupcakeries.

Clearly Mrs. Beasley's is not a 'cupcake only' establishment like Yummy or Sprinkles, but I'd take my cupcake needs elsewhere.......unless of course I just needed a delicious minty option in the middle of a manic spending spree at this gorgeous (and insanely expensive) mall.

All' Angelo, Los Angeles California

I had the good fortune to dine at All' Angelo during my week off in February and can honestly say it was one of the more memorable Italian meals of my life (along with Il Mulino NYC.) First of all, a word to the quality of the staff: Being from out of town, in a rental car, lacking GPS, and running late the owner of the restaurant himself helped to guide me, turn-by-turn, over the phone to the restaurant. There were no open tables at all, the place was incredibly busy, and we were late......yet this level of service was offered with a smile.

Seating was tight as the restaurant is small, but just the same it is very intimate, low light, and charming. Like everywhere else in LA, designer jeans are the fashion of the moment, yet the staff wore tuxedos and I was comfortable in a suit. Bread and water service was prompt and refilled rapidly and although I don't drink, the wine list was extensive.

For our appetizers, my family and I selected the Octopus Carpaccio with Tomatoes in Pizzaiola......the presentation was amazing and the flavor without compare. Thinly sliced and fully flavored, the kaleidoscope of geometrically placed octopus was tender and perfect. I've never had octopus like this and I still crave it daily. I could have eaten this alone and felt justified in my trip to All' Angelo. Our second appetizer was the delightful Timbale of Cauliflower with Mascarpone Sauce. Quite honestly, Cauliflower doesn't taste like this. It was creme brulee made from a veggie. It was light. It was heaven. Alas, it was too small.

For my main, I selected the Risotto Carnaroli with Maine Lobster and Red Bell Peppers. The lobster was tender and perfect, the pasta hand made and al dente perfection. The sauce was mild with just enough punch. While the pricetag seemed a bit heavy compared to other options, the flavors were excellent and I was content with the dish. My aunt, on the other hand, selected an item that may have been the most delectable dish to grace my tongue in the city of LA, the Home-made Chitarra Spaghetti with Langoustines in White Wine Sauce. The Langoustines were flawlessly preparred and the white wine sauce was light and aromatic with a myriad of unexpected subtle effects that overwhelmed the senses. The dish was Italian, it was seafood, both perfected.

For dessert, three items were purchased and shared at the table. The Apricot Creme Brulee with orange Saffron sauce, Honey glazed Apricot and Vanilla Iced Cream was flavorful and airy, but in my opinion lacking flavor from the Apricot. The honey seemed to overwhelm the dish and although it was beautiful, it was not mindblowing. The second dessert, Apple Torte with Raisin Icecream, was similarly good but not mindblowing. Perhaps I am jaded by the quality of other apple desserts I have had in the past, but the shells on the torte were difficult to cut and the apples bland. The icecream was fabulous, however.

The third dessert, pushed heavily by the wait staff and all chowhounders, was Carmelized Meyer Lemon and Polenta Pudding with Lemon Sabayon. In a word; Yowzaz. Spicy, sweet, sour, and smooth......I've never tasted anything like this. Ordered by my mother who absolutely loves lemon dishes, she claims this is the best fruit dessert she has ever tasted. The presentation was equally beautiful as the octopus appetizer.

While the meal was beautiful, delicious, and classy, the bill for four without Alcohol plus tip came out to just under $240 and all told the portions were not that large. Having attended other fine Italian restaurants, I love and respect quality over quantity, but in my experience All' Angelo's dishes were particularly small for their pricetags. As it stands, if I were given a do over, I would still return to All Angelo if only for the atmosphere, octopus, and langoustines. A better dessert menu would be appreciated, but like the main menu I must say there is a certain charm to innovation.

A random added thought: The house coffee at All' Angelo is without a doubt the best cup of restaurant coffee I have ever experienced. Simple, smooth, with a mild hint of chocolate and the most minimal acidity needed to be aromatic and tasteful.

Yummy Cupcakes, Santa Monica California

On my most recent visit to So. California I decided to fully experience the cupcake rage that is sweeping the nation and just now finally arriving in the midwest. During my visit I tried Yummy, Crumbs, Sprinkles, and Mrs Beasleys. Visiting with three other people, a myriad of options were selected at each and many pictures were taken.

Yummy was the second stop on my Cupcake experience and of the "normal" cupcakes (aka, not all kinds of toppings like Crumbs) it was certainly the best. While the store was a tad run down and the server looked like a heroine addict, the quality of the cupcakes and the flavors were top notch. Of the options selected, only the Cookies and Cream was disappointing and this was mostly because the one that we received was too dry. The peanutbutter and jelly, Red Velvet (one with buttercream frosting and one with cocoa,) Black and White, and Banana Cream were all wonderfully moist and full of flavor. My personal favorite was undoubtedly the PB&J with its rich and smooth icing and sticky sweet filling.

While the digs clearly aren't as swanky as Beasley's South Coast Plaza or Crumbs and Sprinkles just off Rodeo, the cupcakes were perfectly sized for one, more affordable than those off Rodeo, and better in flavor than all but Crumbs.

Additionally, for an Ohioan, nothing really beats munching on an amazing dessert while sitting on the beach looking at the Pacific.

Emeril's New Orleans Fish House, Las Vegas Nevada

Unlike many, I do not judge a restaurant by it's "location." Just because something is in Las Vegas doesn't mean I will rate it lower than if it were in Columbus. If possible, I'd give Emeril's Fish House 2.5 stars, but because of the experience and the dessert, I'll bump up.

Went to Emeril's before Frozen Fury X last year, both my buddy and I dressed in LA purple. Although not "fine dining" I worried that we would be underdressed, yet fortunately most of the people in the MGM were there for the same reason. Go Kings Go.

Service was prompt, friendly, attentive, and intelligent. Although clearly not a Kings fan, she knew the right questions to ask and was quite personable. Bread (delicious garlic bread and a not-quite-Mina-quality cornbread) were served promptly and refilled continuously. Drinks and water were also promptly attended to.

For my meal I opted for Cedar Grilled Yellowtail with Potatoes while my buddy selected Filet Oscar. While both presentations were relatively simple, the plating was attractive, the food was very fresh, and portions were adequate for the prices. For a side we split Lobster Mac n' Cheese that was incredibly creamy and cheesy, yet with enough lobster that it wasn't overwhelmed. Definitely the highlight before dessert arrived.

For dessert I was delighted to see two of my favorite items combined, one from the 95% of the time I eat healthy, and the other from the 5% when I don't; Sweet Potato Bread Pudding. Served with a caramel cookie and marscapone icecream I'd say this was one of the 5 best Bread puddings I've tasted, though nowhere near the one at Emeril's Orlando location. My friend choose a flourless chocolate cake with a Godiva liquor milkshake that, although small, was enjoyed greatly by my friend.

All told, I've certainly had better meals, but the place was above average 'dinner out.' Perhaps I overrate it for great presentations of my favorite bread and one of my favorite desserts, but all told I think Emeril is a pretty decent chef who people like to pick on because he is a little over the top. The man can cook. Thats what matters.

Social House, Las Vegas Nevada

"Scenester" sushi bars are generally all about the glitz and less about the fish. One would expect this to be even moreso in Las Vegas. One would be incorrect.

Reservations for the patio overlooking the pirate show were easy on a Thursday night and the crowd was a mixed bag of older rich guys with their wives and younger hipsters wearing True Religion. Like everywhere else in Vegas, however, it isn't as much about how you look as how you spend.

Seating was prompt and the servers were quick......too quick, in my opinion, to suggest the most expensive menu items when my buddy asked for recs. Admittedly, though, he was knowledgable of the menu and knew how to guide my non-sushi-loving friend to some safe choices.

Throughout the course of the meal we selected and sampled the Tempura shrimp with cold udon and sweet sauce, Unagi Avocado Rolls, Kobe Tartare Roll, Jalapeno Hamachi Tartare, Cracklin Scallops with grilled eggplant, Chocolate Lava Cake, and Mochi. Each dish was delicious and my friend raved the Kobe roll so much I actually ate beef for the first time in 7 years (what happens in Vegas, I guess.) Particular standouts were the flawless Scallops and the Cherry Blossom Mochi.

After the pirate show (from an AWESOME angle directly behind and w/o the crowd) we made our way out to the bar area, and although not particularly my 'scene' had a great time. The waitress was friendly (not to mention gorgeous,) the drinks were pricey but tasty, especially the espresso Martini, and the crowd was fun.

All told, for a "scenester" sushi club, the place is nice and the fish is much fresher than most places of the like. If you're looking for a place with a good view of the strip, some dinner time entertainment, a happening scene afterwards, and decent prices (expected Vegas Markup) for the food quality I'd say Social House might fit the bill.

Mesa Grill, Las Vegas Nevada

I don't really like BBQ. I don't really like Southwest Style cooking. I actually don't really like Bobby Flay or his cocky attitude either......I liked Mesa Grill.

While the location may not do it for some, my buddy and I stopped in here for a quick bite to eat while betting on the NFL games as it is in direct view of the Sportsbook at Caesars.

Immediately on being seated we were brought a complimentary bread basket with absolutely amazing jalapeno corn bread, biscuits, and a cheesy garlic bread that was out of this world. I ordered a diet coke which was repeatedly refilled and we were not charged for despite sitting around BSing for nearly 2 hours while my buddy drank two beers that he noted were well priced.

For meals, my buddy ordered the Mesa Burger with Double Cheddar Cheese, Grilled Vidalia Onion, and Horseradish Mustard on a House Roll with Southwest fries.....the burger was enormous and per his word "awesome." I opted for the Thick Cut Ahi Tuna Nachos with spicy aoili and blue corn tortillas. While it appears this amazing dish has since been removed from the menu, I still contest it is one of the 3 best forms of raw tuna I've yet to consume. The portion was large and at only $11 my total bill with tip for 2 baskets of bread, nachos, soda, and 2 hours of hanging out was a mere $15.

While this isn't "5 star" dining, it is one heck of a deal for high quality food in a nice 'bar' setting when in Vegas. In retrospect I wish I'd have ordered dessert, but with dinner reserves at Simon later that evening I didn't want to overindulge.....y'know, after eating the Paris buffet for breakfast.

Nobu, New York New York

"I've eaten at Nobu"

Perhaps 'back in the day' that made you cool, but now with a Nobu in seemingly every city with a population bigger than Columbus and a sushi joint on every corner in Omaha I'm not really sure it makes you anything more than lighter in the wallet.

Don't get me wrong, the fish at Nobu is beuatiful and tasty, but the portion sizes are tiny to the point of humor. As another yelper noted, "If there was ever an argument that a restaurant's quality and quantity are inversely proportional, Nobu would be Exhibit A."

Three mini-sashimi tacos for $18? Sure the lobster was fresh, but for $18 I could buy a fresh lobster and prepare it myself. $6 for a single piece of sea eel? Cheaper and better elsewhere. $4 for Octopus? I get 3 pieces for the same price in LA. On a Saturday night they were also out of Toro ($8 a slice) and Abalone ($7) as well.

Ironically, for a sushi shoppe, the one thing propping Nobu up was their desserts. The Bento Box was decently sized, wonderfully rich, and presented beautifully. Similarly the Coconut Jasmine Bombe was deliciously complex and infinitely smooth with just enough bite from the Jasmine to make it unique. The mochi, served in cherry blossom, green tea, and chocolate was standard fare.

While the crowd was pretty and the platings even prettier, there are simply better sushi options, especially in big cities. Had we not eaten at Il Mulino the night before and still been a little stuffed, the meal itself would have probably led to a late stop at Magnolia for a cupcake. Servers were mostly attentive but somewhat aloof. Overall, certainly not worth the price, even if the area was quite interesting and Alexander Grey's CoSM worth the trip alone.

Perhaps my expectations were too high, but Social House in Vegas, Koi in LA, and even Tyfoon in Columbus were more fun and the fish not much different in quality......yet a whole lot cheaper.

You're paying for a name and an image.