California Restaurants
9,797 restaurants in California
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Restaurants in California:
Featured | Selected | Special Offers | Price | A-Z
3488 East Foothill Boulevard, Pasadena, 91107 [Map]
More than thirty years have gone by since Panda Inn opened its doors in Pasadena, and even as this achievement is celebrated, their straightforward concept remains the same, to introduce regional Chinese cooking to a local audience. Despite being the parent restaurant of the more popular Panda Express, this is not just an upscale, sit down version offering old wine in new bottles.
Emphasis on traditions is strong and the casually sophisticated setting helps towards bringing forward the Chinese art of balancing tastes and textures to delight the senses. Gourmet Chinese flavors drawn from beloved family recipes highlight the robust qualities of Mandarin and Szechwan dishes.
The aptly named tasters include the straightforward salt and pepper prawns though minced chicken in lettuce cups or the spicy, crispy calamari are equally endearing. You could also forego this for a healthier option and try the mango duck salad or the Panda's chicken salad.
It's hard to be indifferent to the soup selection, especially with the very tantalising 3-flavors sizzling rice soup or the assorted wonton soup. A speciality section includes succulent Asian spiced beef short ribs, sweet and pungent shrimp and an interesting tea smoked duck. The wok-seared scallops are an enticing addition to this menu.
Choosing the mains might be confusing, given the profusion of choices with poultry and seafood. Orange flavored chicken with its deliciously different tangy, saucy and tart taste has many takers. The honey walnut shrimp is by far the most popular seafood item there, whereas sweet and sour pork or the beef with broccoli are some of the dishes that are loved by most patrons. Tofu with spicy eggplant, and sautéed mixed vegetables should help to keep the veggies happy. However, they do indicate that all their dishes including those with vegetables have a chicken broth base so be forewarned if you are particular about being vegetarian.
Fortune cookies dipped in white chocolate, and covered with foil paper are one of the draws there although the dessert section does include favorites such as carrot cake, brownies, chocolate cake, dipped strawberries, fruit and almond pudding. In addition to the restaurant experience, Panda also offers catering services for birthday parties, business luncheons and holiday celebrations, you can find further details on their Website.
Chinese
$18.00$33.00
701 Wave Street, Monterey, 93940 [Map]
The Sardine Factory in Monterey, California, is owned by well known, popular local character, and part-time actor, Ted Balestreri, though strangely he always seems to get parts in movies about the Mafia; it couldn't be because of his looks, could it?
This award winning restaurant has often entertained celebrity diners from the world of entertainment and politics; it has hosted even the likes of President Reagan, and the credit for this goes to the creative team in the kitchen and also the warm and friendly service of the staff, who make the average diner feel like a celebrity.
There are several areas to dine in - the Lounge offers an informal set up while the Steinbeck dining room with its alcoves offers an intimate atmosphere. For a larger group and a more formal set up the Captain's Room with its ornate interiors transports guests to another era.
Of these choices, the Lounge, with its live entertainment and flexible menu, offers tapas, sandwiches, pizzas, mains and desserts. Starters include four-hour braised Kobe style beef short rib, shrimp quesadillas, a bowl of their signature abalone bisque served with Madeira and fresh chives. A favourite there is the calamari puff lollipops, calamari puffs on bread sticks with chilli-lime salsa.
For the mains, you could try the arancini Sicilian, fried rice balls flavored with cheese, parsley, saffron and garlic on tomato beef ragou. Sea food lovers can select the sea food indulgence served in a special boat, beautifully arrayed half crab, oysters, clams and mussels served with a variety of dipping sauces or go for the trio hot appetizer plate which includes crab cakes, calamari and sautéed prawns on polenta crisp. This hearty dish serves over four people. Those looking for something lighter could opt for cajun chicken breast sandwich, the mini burger platter or the portobella mushroom pizza with its caramelized onions and fresh pecorino cheese.
Indulge your sweet tooth with the warm cinnamon peach crisp, the tiramisu China point, cheesecakes, tarts, sorbets and banana split or go healthy, true celebrity style, and move directly to a cup of tea or cappuccino.
Apart from the unusual cocktails like the east of eden appletini, the Sardine Factory offers over 1000 labels and over 30,000 bottles of the best high end and domestic wines to suit every taste and wallet. In fact, they have received the 'Best Wine List in the World' award from Wine Spectator for twenty one years running. So, check out their Website, book a table, go along, step into the spotlight, and enjoy being a celebrity at the Sardine Factory.
Dinner, Seafood, Steak
$25.00$50.00
Miguel's Cocina
The Brigantine Restaurants, 2912 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, 92106 [Map]
Mexican
$12.00$26.00
More restaurants in California:
Latest User Reviews
China Lite
By TAMMY TOLLEY 7 February 2012
I LOVE THE BIG WINGS, THE PORK/BEEF RIBS ALSO THE SHRIMP LO MEIN WITH EXTRA SHRIMP, MY DAUGHTERS LIKE THE GENERAL TOS CHICKEN ...
Cafe Charlotte Restaurant
By JET 6 February 2012
We've eaten at Cafe Charlotte, Hotel Charlotte's restaurant a number of times, and always find the service and food excellent. ...
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Special Offers
Selected Restaurant
Panda Inn - Pasadena
Pasadena
More than thirty years have gone by since Panda Inn opened its doors in Pasadena, and even as this achievement is celebrated, their straightforward concept remains the same, to introduce regional ...
Featured Restaurants
The Sardine Factory
Monterey
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