Burgerim-Closed

Burgerim
9359 Central Ave
Montclair, CA 91763
909-399-0009

David Allen recently reviewed Burgerim, and new burger chain based in Israel, that opened in Montclair about a month ago.  Burgerim, is Hebrew for “many burgers” and thus, you get at least two burgers in each order.  The burgers are slightly bigger than a slider, they say 2.8 ounces per burger.  You can choose from a wide variety of patties; a few kinds of beef, chicken, turkey, veggie, and salmon.  You also can choose the type of bun.

The duo is two burgers with fries and a drink for $9.95, while a trio is three burgers with fries and a drink $12.95.

I got the duo, $10.77, with a veggie patty-green onions, carrots, tofu and lentils and salmon patty both with a wheat bun.  The burgers come with lettuce, tomato, onions, and house sauce which is a no relish thousand island. 

The veggie patty was very good.  Many restaurants should copy this recipe!  But, the burger was very dry.  They should put the house sauce on both buns and apply a bigger amount!  The veggies were fresh, but the bun was a bit too well toasted. 

The salmon burger was also very dry and the salmon had a weird smell.  I wasn't impressed.

Service needs improvement.  Management needs to train their employees much better.  The young lady who helped me was very nice but she wasn't much help to a first time customer.  Since Burgerim is a new concept, it's not like going to In N Out.  They need to help first time customers!

She didn't tell me I had a choice of bun.  I only found out when the guy next to me was asked by a different employee what kind of bun.  She also got confused about the choose of fries.  She said I had a choice between regular fries, sweet potato, onion rings for $1.50 more, or home fries.  When I picked home fries, she ask her co-worker how to ring that in.  The co-worker told me home fries aren't an option and can only be ordered on their own.  Home fries are cubed potatoes in a sweet chili sauce topped with sesame seeds.  Not a big deal, but it shows the lack of training management is providing their employees.  But, I want to make sure people understand the employees are very nice and willing to help.  They just need to be trained better to know the menu!

Burgerim is in the fast-casual price range and overall I think it is worth it.  You only save $1 ordering al carte, so might as well get the fries and soda.  If I do return I will make sure to order extra sauce on the burgers. 

Giovanni's-Fullerton- Closed

Giovanni's
922 Williamson
Fullerton
714-526-5561

I reviewed Giovanni's on Williamson in Fullerton back in 2006. Now almost 10 years later I went back to review their pizza! Giovanni's on Harbor has long closed! Giovanni's has expanded into the next two spaces.  The bigger Giovanni's now include a much larger dining area. The old area is now the game room for the restaurant. 

Large, 15in, mushrooms and jalapenos, $13.07- $8.50 plus $1.80 per topping, for the Monday Special.  Regular price, $12.50 plus $2.10 per topping.

The crust was medium thickness and firm, holding the toppings very well.  The jalapenos were fresh and spicy.  There weren't that many mushrooms, but the little amount on the pizza was fresh.  This isn't the greatest pizza you'll ever have, but a good solid pizza from a local, family owned restaurant.  Now, the big question- would this pizza be worth the regular price, about $19.  I think yes, and I assume you would get a bit more toppings since the cost per topping is 30 cents more.

Despite only one person at the front, service was good.  When I walked in there was a sign that said Help Wanted.  I can see why.  The lady taking the order was the only person working the front.  She was responsible for taking orders and taking the food to the tables.  There was a party of about 15 people and they kept coming back to order drinks or food.  They really needed somebody else to help the lady.  They could also help themselves by placing the printer for credit cards right next to the register!  The way it is set up now, the customer gives the lady the credit card, she walks about a few feet to the printer then slides the credit card.  I could see two people in the kitchen working on the orders, but they need front of the house help!  Despite being very busy, the lady was very nice and helpful. 

I would go back to Giovanni's for their pizza. 

The Meat Cellar-Moved

The Meat Cellar
665 E. Foothill Blvd Unit C
Claremont, CA 91711
213-999-9011

David Allen reviewed The Meat Cellar a few weeks ago, and I put  them on my list of restaurants to try!  After going though a very hot weekend, I decided to head out to The Meat Cellar and give them a try.

Located just north of Pitzer College and their McConnell Bistro Dining Hall, The Meat Cellar is a combination butcher shop, wine store, and restaurant.  There are good quality meats in the display cases and some wines on the wall to your right as you enter the restaurant.  They have about 15 or so tables set up all over the restaurant and there are even tables outside.  Meat Cellar is next to a Starbucks and there is a huge outdoor seating area.

You order at the counter and they bring your food to you.  Since I don't eat meat-beef, pork, poultry anymore, I knew my options maybe limited.  In worst case, I would order the fries!  But, they had two fish option, halibut and salmon.  But, they were out of salmon-guess they didn't get their shipment of salmon.  So that made my decision much easier.

 Halibut fillet with mixed green salad- $18.  The top picture is what was delivered to my table.  My first thought was I paid $18 for this?  But, the guy- who I think is the owner, said "I know the halibut is kind of small, so we have another piece already on the grill."  If they added about half the size of halibut I would have been happy.

Because the first piece was very thin, it was overcooked. It would have been better on a sandwich or as a taco.

About ten minutes later I got the second piece and it was huge!  I was more than happy and satisfied with the quantity.  Now the big question was quality!  The second piece was well cooked, moist throughout and something I really enjoyed!

The mixed green salad was fresh and had a light vinaigrette dressing.

 Fries- $5. Twice fried kennebec potatoes.

We waited a long time for the fries.  The table next to us, who came in after us, got their poutine-fries with gravy and topped with short ribs before we got our fries!  But, the fries came out lukewarm and there were too many small pieces!  They were well seasoned and tasted good, but would have been better served hot, right out of the fryer!

Service was good.  I liked how they noticed the small size of the halibut and on their own, more than made up for it with a huge second piece.  If you're a meat eater the tomahawk rib eye, even at $37/lb is the way to go for presentation.  Or you can get the ribeye for about $24/lb, you just wouldn't get that huge piece of rib bone.

I would go back to Meat Cellar, to try their salmon, and would take my meat eating friends here anytime.  But, I would ask them to make sure the fries are right out of the fryer.

Lobsta Shack-Closed

Lobsta Shack
701 W Cesar E Chavez Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90012
323-999-1797

Lobsta Shack is the brick and mortar version of the very popular Lobsta Truck.  Now, I've never chased the Lobsta Truck, but overwhelmingly they got great reviews.  So I was looking for to trying Lobsta Shack.  I wanted to compare it to Knuckle & Claw, a very good place to get a lobster roll!

Located next to the old WalMart Grocery store, that closed down after a few years, Lobsta Shack is a huge restaurant.  But, it was empty the day I went.

Fish and chips, $11.  The fish is cod.  The batter wasn't good- kind of soggy and not fresh.  Either the oil they used was old and dirty or the fish was in the fryer for too long because the color of the batter is awful.  The fries, while plentiful, was from the freezer.  Not impressed.

Lobster roll-$20.  Knuckle & Claw says their lobsters are shipped directly from Maine.  I doubt the lobster used at Lobsta Shack is from Maine.  The lobster roll is a good size and there is a good amount of lobster.  They offer with butter or spicy mayo,  I got the butter.  Stick with the original.  But, the lobster was only average.  Something was missing.  Yes, the price is cheaper at for the lobster roll at Lobsta Shack, but the value or quality isn't there!  Go to Knuckle and Claw for the lobster roll.

Service was good.

I was disappointed in Lobsta Shack.  I won't go back.  I'll pay a little more and get a better quality lobster roll!

Pellicola Pizzeria-Closed

Pellicola Pizzeria
421 W 8th St
Los Angeles, CA 90014
213-614-8000

I have already tried two of the places listed on LA Eater 16 places to get a killer slice of pizza in Los Angele Pie Life Pizza in Pasadena and Pizzanista.  Pellicola was next up on my list.

Located next door to the Golden Gopher bar, Pellicola is located in another part of downtown LA this is under going gentrification!  There is a Whole Paycheck about 50 yards up the street and the nasty overrated Dunkin Donuts on the corner.  Across 8th Street a building is being turned into more condos or high priced apartments!

Large mushrooms and jalapeno pizza-$19.62.  $16 for cheese pizza plus $1.50 per topping.  This was a very good pizza.  The crust was firm with a little crispiness that added to the good texture of the crust.  They put a decent amount of toppings, certainly not plentiful or overflowing, but the toppings were fresh.  The sauce was mild, nothing overpowering.  Cheese was great!  Everything worked well together and I was very impressed with their pizza.

Service was very good.  The woman who helped me was nice and friendly and the guy, who I believe is the manger, was very nice and helpful.  He happily explained their weekly movie nights.  After eating a few slices in the restaurant, I told him this was a very good pizza.  He thanked me for coming in.  More restaurants need to learn that bring nice and friendly can go a long way!

LA Eater has been 3 for 3!  The three pizza places that I have not been to, from their list of 16, have been very good!  Can they go for the cycle?

I would go back to Pellicola Pizza anytime!  Parking can be an issue, most of the major streets nearby like Olive and Main,  are no parking zones during weekday rush hour.  Either take public transportation or use one of the riding sharing apps.

Slapfish-Closed

Slapfish
3405 E Imperial Hwy
Brea, CA 92823
657-444-2291

Slapfish is a chain that recently came into the LA/OC market.  The Brea location opened in a new complex that includes a Whole Paycheck, I mean, Whole Foods, and other upscale restaurants and shops.

A friend told me to check out Slapfish and when I saw they had lobster rolls on their menu, I was going to give them a try!  The two places that I had lobster rolls were Knuckle & Claw and Lobster Grill.  They couldn't be more different!  Knuckle & Claw's lobster roll was served hot, while Lobster Grill's was served cold and more of a lobster salad. 

Fish and chip, $9.  They use hoki fish, which I think tastes a lot like pollock.  The batter was light and crispy.  The portion size was huge, well worth the $9.  The fries were great, still crispy on the outside and soft on the inside!

Lobster roll, $18.  A bit smaller than Knuckle & Claw's version, but also served hot.  This a good, with real lobster, flavorful, and very little to no fillers.  This wasn't a lobster salad!  The bun is better than Knuckle & Claw, but the lobster, which is what you're paying for, is a notch below.  But, still a good example of a lobster roll and a good price.

Service was good.  Orders are cooked to order, so expect a wait!  It's counter service and the girl who took my order was very nice.

I would go back to Slapfish, even if it is behind the Orange Curtain! 

Boston Lobster-Moved

Boston Lobster
727 E Valley Blvd
San Gabriel, CA 91776
626-288-4388

When a restaurant comes up with a good concept and attracts a ton of diners, sooner or later competitors will pop up!   Newport Seafood has been the standard Chinese seafood restaurant for a long time.  The first competitor I knew about was the Newport Seafood, in Santa Ana! They have the same name, concept but have nothing to do with the original location in Rowland Heights.

I recently found out about Boston Lobster in San Gabriel.  At least Boston Lobster had the good sense to name itself something other than Newport Seafood.  The word is that Boston Lobster is a less expensive, but just as good version of Newport Seafood!

Boston Lobster House Special.  A four pound lobster for $16.95 per pound, with garlic noodles, add $5.  The smallest lobsters are about four pounds.  This was a very flavorful dish!  The lobster was cut into small pieces and mixed with a ton of green onions, black pepper, jalapenos, and garlic.  The lobster was cooked perfectly, sweet and flavorful. 

I was wondering why they added the noodles, but the noodles were a great addition.  Cooked perfectly and mixed with the wonderful flavors of the lobster, this made this dish basically lobster chow mein!

Shrimp fried rice, $7.95.  They had a good amount of medium sized shrimp.  Mostly flavored with green onion, and salt and pepper.  This was a good dish.

Service was very good.  Attentive and helpful servers. 

I would go back to Boston Lobster anything.  The lobster is very good and the prices are much cheaper than Newport Seafood!

Hot Red Bus-Closed

Hot Red Bus
31 E Main St
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-576-2877

About six months ago, I saw the ESPN 30 for 30 episode on the Hillsborough Disaster and it really changed my view about English/European soccer fans.  In the 1980's, there were many stories about unruly fan behavior at soccer games throughout Europe.  So, in 1989 when I heard about Hillsborough, I just blew it off as another example of drunk idiots rioting over soccer.  The 30 for 30 episode really opened my eyes about the cover up by the English government and police officials.  A disaster that claimed the lives of 96 innocent Liverpool fans was due to police incompetence, not drunken fans!!! While I still hate soccer as a sport, I hate police and/or government cover up, much much more!  Hopefully there will be Justice for the 96!!  YNWA!!!

While I will always remember April 15th as the day Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball, for the BROOKLYN Dodgers, I will also remember the 96 innocent Liverpool fans who were killed because of police incompetence!!

So, while I thought about the Hillsborough Disaster, I saw a story about the best place to get fish and chips in LA.  Hot Red Bus in Alhambra was one of the places listed.  I don't expect Alhambra to be a hot spot for that British favorite, fish and chips.  Want great Chinese food?  Yes, you can find it in Alhambra.  But, fish and chips?  Now way!  I tried two places in Alhambra, New England Fish & Chips & Chinese Food and the now closed, Little London Fish & Chips.  But, Hot Red Bus was highly recommended, so I made a trip to Alhambra for some fish and chips.

A small restaurant, just east of Garfield, Hot Red Bus was packed the day I went.  A fairly small restaurant with about 10 tables inside and maybe 6 tables outside. I entered from the back and either they forgot to turn on the lights in the hallway or all the light bulbs are burned out.  Either way, not a good impression.  You almost have to enter from the back, because there is very little parking on Main St, in front of the restaurant.

Of course, their menu has fish- three different fish to choose from, and some Indian items.  I wanted to try each type of fish they offered.  So I ordered two pieces of cod and pollock and to try their chips, I got a two piece swai and chips.

Cod- $4.80 per piece.  The batter is good with a nice golden color.  But, this wasn't as crunchy as I like.  I like cod the best for fried fish because it's firm and moist.  A good sized piece and worth the price.  But, not a good example of fried fish.

Pollock- $4.20 per piece.  Most stores go to pollock because it's cheaper than cod.  But, the quality difference between cod and pollock doesn't justify going the cheap route.  Of course they use the same batter. 

2 piece swai fish and chips, $8.55.  Swai is suppose to be a buttery fish with a mild flavor, but I'm not a fan. 

Service- Friendly, but very slow and understaff.  There was only one person taking orders and working the cash register, along with the two cooks.  This place was very busy for a Sunday afternoon.  There were four older ladies, two who used walkers, at a table and the cashier was very nice to take their order at the table, instead of at the counter.  But, after taking their orders, there was only two people ahead of me in line.  I didn't order until about 25 minutes later!!  Not acceptable.

The fish is cooked to order, so I expected to wait for the food.  But, not the wait to order.  They were out of many of their Indian food items.  Now, you're open about two hours on a Sunday and you're already out of items?  That is not acceptable at all!!  Either, staff more workers and/or cook more food!!  The only thing that made the wait acceptable was the fact that staff was very nice!  The lady working the register who apologize for the long wait.  She did that to every customer, while I was there!

I wouldn't go back to Hot Red Bus again.  They are very unorganized and understaffed.  I can't believe they ran out of some of their Indian items about two hours after opening!! 

AYCE Sushi-Closed

AYCE Sushi
116 N Grand Ave
West Covina, CA 91791
626-966-4420

I found AYCE Sushi looking online.  I figured I would give them a try.  The shopping center is undergoing construction and AYCE is tucked in the corner with no outside sign!!  So, it can be tough to find, especially at night.

A pretty small restaurant that was packed on the night we went.

All you can eat is $25.95 for dinner.  A good deal since most rolls are $10.95 or more each.  I thought the rolls were smaller than other sushi restaurants, which is good, you can try different rolls. 

Crab sushi

Shrimp sushi

Popcorn lobster roll-inside-avocado, crabmeat and cucumber.  Outside- deep fried crawfish.  It was ok, but if you're going to call it lobster put lobster in there.  Yes, I know crawfish and lobster are from the same family.  But, crawfish and lobster are different!

Salmon crunch roll-Inside- avocado, cream cheese, crabmeat.  Outside-slamon.  This was suppose to be deep fried.  It was deep fried but too soggy, as if the oil wasn't hot enough.

Shrimp tempura roll.

Side salad

Shrimp tempura- Frozen shrimp tempura that is deep fried and kept under heat lamps.  Not very hot or crunchy.  Very thin pieces of shrimp.

AYCE Roll-Avocado, spicy crabmeat, cucumber, shrimp tempura. Outside- salmon and tuna.

In N Out Spicy Roll-inside-avocado, crabmeat, cucumber and shrimp tempura.  Outside-spicy tuna and crunch.-  Pretty good but the spicy tuna isn't that spicy.

Soft shell crab- very small soft shell crab.  Crunchy, but very greasy.  Not a good item.

Service was good.   The servers were nice and friendly.  The rolls and sushi came out quickly.  Drinks were refilled quickly.

I would go back to AYCE Sushi, although I would get some of the rolls like the lobster popcorn roll or the roll I couldn't remember the name.  But, overall the sushi is pretty fresh and decent quality fish.  It's all you can eat, I'm not expecting prime grade sushi and if you are, you're an idiot!

Fish Market & Grill-Closed

Fish Market & Grill
1084 W Mission Blvd
Pomona, CA 91766
909-629-2555

Fish Market & Grill has been opened for four years.  Hopefully giving stiff competition to Pomona Fish Market.  Not only do they serve fried fish and shrimp, they serve teriyaki, sushi, Chinese food, and boba tea!!

From the decor, this must have been a Mexican restaurant in a past life.  It's dingy, in need of a good cleaning.  The TV was on, showing the mass shooting in San Bernardino!  There are about 15 booths in the restaurant.  You order and pick up your food at the counter.

Three piece fish and three piece jumbo shrimp-$8.99, two hush puppies, and cole slaw.   You can pick from catfish, red snapper, sole and tilapia, I picked sole and are cooked to order..  The batter is a cornmeal batter that was very well seasoned.  The pieces of fish were thin and maybe added up to maybe four ounces.  The shrimp were large sized and good.  I pretty sure the seafood is fresh, not frozen.

Service is ok.  The guy is friendly enough, but when I walked up to the counter and never said anything while making a couple smoothies.  After that, he was nice and answered my questions about the restaurant.

I would say Fish Market & Grill is just a notch below Pomona Fish Market, but I would go back to Fish Market & Grill before going back to the terrible service at Pomona Fish Market!