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What they Claim:
“Expert mixologist and general manager,
Mike Rosa has created a breath-taking
array of beverages using advanced
mixology techniques that serve to enhance
Chef Bailey’s cuisine – or that can be
enjoyed by themselves after a relaxing
day at the beach.”
What We Found:
Okay, so maybe we’re a little partial to
the island moniker, but this place is hands
down my home away from home. It’s
conveniently located on the “ma’kai” side
of the Promenade making it a great pau
hana spot for all those lucky enough to
work in the area. Although no comparison
to Hawaii, there’s something special about
the ferris wheel adorned sunsets here.
Happy Hour seals the deal from 4-7pm.
Cocktails are small but delicious living up
to the “hype.” With an array of surprising
combinations it made it difficult to choose,
but our favorite was the Cucumber Smash
(pictured above).
101 Broadway Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 434-1511
www.makailounge.com
“Expert mixologist and general manager,
Mike Rosa has created a breath-taking
array of beverages using advanced
mixology techniques that serve to enhance
Chef Bailey’s cuisine – or that can be
enjoyed by themselves after a relaxing
day at the beach.”
What We Found:
Okay, so maybe we’re a little partial to
the island moniker, but this place is hands
down my home away from home. It’s
conveniently located on the “ma’kai” side
of the Promenade making it a great pau
hana spot for all those lucky enough to
work in the area. Although no comparison
to Hawaii, there’s something special about
the ferris wheel adorned sunsets here.
Happy Hour seals the deal from 4-7pm.
Cocktails are small but delicious living up
to the “hype.” With an array of surprising
combinations it made it difficult to choose,
but our favorite was the Cucumber Smash
(pictured above).
101 Broadway Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 434-1511
www.makailounge.com
What they claim:
“Agora Churrascaria is a Brazillian Steak
House in the ‘Rodizio’ style, where waiters,
dressed as Gauchos (local ranchers from the
South), move from table to table carrying
skewers of meat, from which they slice
portions for their guests. Agora serves up 16
different cuts of meats, cooked over a custom-
designed, 100% wood charcoal grill and
seasoned with rock salt. A grand premium
hot and cold salad bar features fresh salads,
vegetables and seafood specialties.”
What we found:
Come hungry! The food is to die for and the
great wine selection makes the entire meal
utter bliss. Everything from the bacon
wrapped filet to the little pickles from the
salad bar danced in perfect unison in our
mouths. And of course, we can’t forget the
mozzarella filled bread bites at the table.
They were like warm delicious mozzarella
mochi! The only problem was pacing myself
and finding enough room in my stomach. I’
ve been to other Brazilian steak houses, but
none compare to the ambiance and taste of
Agora Churrascaria. Service is impeccable
and you are guaranteed to enjoy an evening
of good food and drink in good company.
1830 Main Street
Irvine, CA 92614
(949) 222-9910
www.agorachurrascaria.com
“Agora Churrascaria is a Brazillian Steak
House in the ‘Rodizio’ style, where waiters,
dressed as Gauchos (local ranchers from the
South), move from table to table carrying
skewers of meat, from which they slice
portions for their guests. Agora serves up 16
different cuts of meats, cooked over a custom-
designed, 100% wood charcoal grill and
seasoned with rock salt. A grand premium
hot and cold salad bar features fresh salads,
vegetables and seafood specialties.”
What we found:
Come hungry! The food is to die for and the
great wine selection makes the entire meal
utter bliss. Everything from the bacon
wrapped filet to the little pickles from the
salad bar danced in perfect unison in our
mouths. And of course, we can’t forget the
mozzarella filled bread bites at the table.
They were like warm delicious mozzarella
mochi! The only problem was pacing myself
and finding enough room in my stomach. I’
ve been to other Brazilian steak houses, but
none compare to the ambiance and taste of
Agora Churrascaria. Service is impeccable
and you are guaranteed to enjoy an evening
of good food and drink in good company.
1830 Main Street
Irvine, CA 92614
(949) 222-9910
www.agorachurrascaria.com
What they Claim:
Din Tai Fung has been selected as one of the
top ten restaurants in the world by the
“New York Times.” It has also been voted as
the most favored dining place by political
and commercial celebrities. With only one
US location, long lines are the norm as
crowds congregate for a taste of their
“steamed dumplings” that has made Din Tai
Fung a symbol of Chinese delicacies.
What we Found:
Aside from the small parking lot,
everything here was superb! Lunchtime is
a great time to come as dinner is symbolized
by long lines and patiently waiting crowds.
As you enter a large window reveals the
dumpling making process where you can
see the care and precision to each
delectable treat. Our favorites were the
Juicy Pork Dumplings (pictured above),
which were indeed “juicy” while Red Bean
Dumplings melted in our mouths for
dessert. Service was quick and everything
was fresh and delicious. From beginning to
end it was truly a fabulous meal.
1108 S. Baldwin Ave.
Arcadia, CA 91007
(626) 574-7068
www.dintaifungusa.com
Din Tai Fung has been selected as one of the
top ten restaurants in the world by the
“New York Times.” It has also been voted as
the most favored dining place by political
and commercial celebrities. With only one
US location, long lines are the norm as
crowds congregate for a taste of their
“steamed dumplings” that has made Din Tai
Fung a symbol of Chinese delicacies.
What we Found:
Aside from the small parking lot,
everything here was superb! Lunchtime is
a great time to come as dinner is symbolized
by long lines and patiently waiting crowds.
As you enter a large window reveals the
dumpling making process where you can
see the care and precision to each
delectable treat. Our favorites were the
Juicy Pork Dumplings (pictured above),
which were indeed “juicy” while Red Bean
Dumplings melted in our mouths for
dessert. Service was quick and everything
was fresh and delicious. From beginning to
end it was truly a fabulous meal.
1108 S. Baldwin Ave.
Arcadia, CA 91007
(626) 574-7068
www.dintaifungusa.com
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Brought to you by:
| Best Place for Lunch DIN TAI FUNG DUMPLING HOUSE |
| Best Place for Dinner AGORA CHURRASCARIA |
| Best Place for a Cocktail MA’KAI LOUNGE |
| "Best of SoCal" brought to you by: |
| For those looking for more than a neighbor island getaway, Southern California is just a hop, skip, and a jump away. -- Here's some of our favorite Hot Spots! |
Don't miss the HOT SPOTS -- Let us plan your next vacation. www.hotspots-travel.com (626) 663.6218 |