Sunday, February 21, 2010

TOLUCA LAKE, CA - CHEZ NOUS ( near Universal Studios)


CHEZ NOUS - Rating 4 out of 5

Sometimes you find a small neighborhood place that is just the ticket for a wonderful meal. Such is the case of Chez Nous in Toluca Lake, a small neighborhood known for its many celebrities that live there (Bob Hope, Fankie Avalon, Bin Crosby, Swoozie Kurtz all have called it home).

Amidst its restaurants that line Riverside Dr., this small french bistro and bakery sits unassumingly on a corner.

The food- incredible. The atmosphere - inviting and charming. This family run business has been a mainstay of the neighborhood for 25 years. Whether it's a salad, a croissant sandwich, a quiche or a french- styled chicken or fish, you cannot go wrong. The soups are rich yet light, the breads fresh, and the desserts-out of this world!

Want a glass of wine or cocktail to go with your meal? No problem! They have a full bar and an excellent wine list. There are two dining areas, one less formal for a quick drop-in & the other perfect even for a night on the town. And, they feature live entertainment after 6:30 and on holidays.

Prices are reasonable- average meal 11.00- 14.00 per person

To- Go Bake goods are very reasonable so be sure to stop by the counter to pick up a loaf of bread or a delicious cake or some pastries!

Hours: 7:am- 10:30pm Mon- Fri.--- 8:am- 11:30pm Sat ---8am- 3:30pm Sunday

10550 Riverside Dr. (Near Cahuenga Bl.) Toluca Lake, CA 91602

818-760-0288

MIAMI, FL. - SOYKA CAFE



SOYKA CAFE- Rating 4 out of 5


Recently I was in Miami doing a ship tour of the Royal Caribbean's - Oasis of the Seas and was treated to lunch as SOYKA. What a delight!

From the outside it looks like any other building in Miami. But once inside, are in an almost industrial setting with exposed beams and vents and sheet metal. However, don't be misled, this place has an elegance that defies its shell. There is a relaxed sophistication about the decor' and the staff is top notch.

For lunch I chose the Walnut chicken Salad. The mixture of greens and veggies were delicious, the chicken tender. But the dressing was one of the best I've ever had. It is served with pita bread and was a pleasant surprise and very filling.

My fellow diner's had Chicken Marsala served on a bed of pasta and a hamburger. Both said they were excellent.

Prices are reasonable for a casually upscale restaurant- about 12.00- 15.00 per entree. And again, the service could not have been better. The perfect place for lunch while in Miami on vacation or waiting for a cruise.

Hours: 11- 11 Sun- Thurs & 11- midnight Fri- Sat.

5556 NE 4th Court, Miami, FL - 305-759-3117 reservation suggested

Saturday, February 20, 2010

WELCOME TO TRAVELER'S RESTAURANT GUIDE



WELCOME!
This is a new blog to help traveler's find the best places for fine dining, causal eating or a great local experience. The site is maintained by independent travel agents from AMERICAN TRAVEL BUREAU ( http://atbworldwide.com ). We will post reccomendations from our clients, from our own travel experiences and hopefully from...you!
Our intention is to offer resources for the best food, the best prices, the best ambience or just plain fun. This not meant to be a spot for free advertising. If you own a restaurant you truly believe should be mentioned here, let us know! We will advise our clients and have them stop by and tell us what they think. We want honesty, but this is a place to post places to go, not bad mouth. If you don't like somewhere-please don't write about it. Disagree with someone's post, but don't use the space to air personal grievances and keep this positive.
When posting, please include the city, the country and address if you can and basic pricing. And remember, good food can be found anywhere! It might be a cruise ship, a diner, a 5-star restaurant or a tiny local hang out in a one street town.
We hope you enjoy the blog and bon apetite!