Joey's Smokin BBQ-Closed

Joey's Smokin BBQ
3564 Sepulveda
Manhattan Beach
310-563-9072

Readers of The New Diner know how much I love BBQ ribs. So I was shocked to find out that a new BBQ place opened in April and I only heard about it today. Joey's Smokin BBQ is owned by Luke Walton of the LA Lackers. No, that is spelled correctly. The LACKERS, lack heart, character, and talent. The are "led" by a scumbag, selfish, bastard who should be in jail for rape. For those who do not know, Luke Walton is the son of former UCLA All American Bill Walton. Walton would go onto the NBA and help Portland to the title and won another title with the Celtics. Walton, along with every other UCLA player who played under John Wooden was very friendly with Sam Gilbert. The real man behind the UCLA basketball dynasty.

I guess Luke got together with a few friends and started a BBQ restaurant. The have locations in San Diego, where the Walton family is from. Now understand that Manhattan Beach is lily white and what white suburban people think is BBQ is really nasty tasting junk. Baby back ribs is the ultimate white, suburban idea of BBQ. Now baby backs are OK but give me spare ribs. They are so damn good when they are done right. So of course Joey's serves baby back ribs only.

I ordered the mixed rib plate which is 1/2 slab of sweet ribs, dry rubbed ribs, and wet ribs for $13.99. Again they were all baby backs and they lacked any smoked flavor. They were tender but then again baby backs are tender. Since I almost always ask for sauce on the side, the ribs came as dry rubbed. I tried the dry rub and I wasn't a fan. No smoke flavor, not much flavor in general and just overall bad. I next moved to the sweet BBQ sauce. Well it was like eating sugar straight. Just way too sweet. The regular BBQ sauce was some tomato based sauce that needed more spices. It was very bland.

They give you cole slaw and beans as side. Nothing special about them. The cornbread was decent.

One good thing was their buffalo wings. They were pretty damn good. A nice cripsy skin and a lot of spicy hot sauce. They say they smoke then fry the wings. Maybe that combo makes the wings tastes better. The wings were big, not the small sized wings of many wings restaurants.

Service was below average. You order at the counter but the guy never smiled and was like a robot. He wasn't friendly and just a matter factly took orders.

I would not go back to Joey's again. The ribs aren't any good and the service is bad. So of course in a city like Manhattan Beach, there was a long line waiting for this food that tries to pass for BBQ.

Rockin Taco-Closed

Rockin Taco
111 N Harbor Blvd
Fullerton, CA
714-525-8226

Rocking Taco is in downtown Fullerton. It's really a dueling piano bar that happens to serve food.

I ordered the cartinas plate, which comes with refried beans and rice. Now what I got was the carne asada plate. ($8.95) Now I didn't mind, since I like carne asada, but that should give you a clue about the server I had. Now the carne asada was flavorful and they gave you a ton of it. It must have been close to a pound. It was pretty tender but a little on the dry side. The beans and rice was standard everyday stuff. Nothing special.


Our server was below average. I sat down and she took my drink order. After she dropped off my drink she didn't come back for at least ten minutes. Now there were at most 12 people at tables but I guess when one of the tables has friends of the owner or wait staff they get treated great and everybody else gets the shaft. When she finally came back and took our order, I know I ordered the carnitas. My friend even heard me placing the carnitas order. But when our orders were ready, here comes the carne asada. While waiting for our orders, she refilled my Arnold Palmer. Well I see her go to that table and stand there and carry on a conversation while holding my empty glass. She then fills up the glass and then has another conversation with them. Now maybe they are making a new batch of ice tea, so I can understand the wait before she refilled my glass but there is no excuse for her to go back to that table after refilling my glass. I had to ask for silverware after our orders were delivered. Now she was friendly when she serving us and she's not bad looking but she really needs to improve her skills.

I would not go back to Rockin Taco. Service wasn't good and while they give you a lot of food, it's nothing special.

Moffett's Chicken Pie Shoppe

Moffett's Chicken Pie Shoppe
1409 Baldwin
Arcadia
626-447-4670

Every since I tried the La Palma Chicken Pie Shoppe, I knew there had to be another chicken pie shop that was better. Well I found it, Moffett's has been an Arcadia staple since 1975. It's good comfort food at good prices.

I ordered the all white meat chicken pie lunch special, with mashed potatoes and carrots. $6.05 and a beef pie ($4.70)

I cut into the chicken pie first. I see lots of gravy oozing out. So that's a good sign. Then I see lots of white meat chicken. They don't add anything else, no veggies, nothing, just white meat chicken and gravy. It was worth the price. The chicken is tender and flavorful. The gravy adds, but do not overpower the flavor of the chicken.

Now the beef pie, they overcooked the crust just a little but I like it that way. There were tons of beef, peas and carrots. It was very tasty.

Both pies were well worth the price. But what I loved most, was the pies were served pipping hot. Almost too hot, I had to wait a few minutes before I could dig in.

Service was good. The server was friendly and knew lots of customers. She was attentive and provided quality, quick service.

I would go back to Moffett's any time. Moffett's is a great place for good quality comfort food at good prices served by nice friendly people. The next time I go, I will order their unbaked pies and have them at home.

Thai Bamboo Bistro

Thai Bamboo Bistro
6715 S. Quail Hill Parkway
Irvine
949-509-4771

I find most ethnic restaurants in the Orange Curtain to be very Americanized. Now all ethinic foods are "Americanized" to a certain degree. But for the white bread people of the Orange Curtain, it has to cater to their tastes.

I ordered the chicken satay ($6) and the spicy shrimp soup ($12) The chicken satay was pretty tender and had some flavor. It wasn't anything special but wasn't bad.

The spicy shrimp soup, called Tom Yum Soup with shrimp wasn't as good as other Thai places I've been to like Ocha's. It had tomatoes, baby corn, bamboo shoots, and overcooked shrimp. It wasn't spicy even though I asked for an 8 on the spice scale.

Service was good. I was seated quickly and I got the order quickly.

I wouldn't go back to Thai Bamboo Bistro. Too Americanized. Too expensive for average food.

Taylor's Steakhouse

Taylor's Steakhouse
23361 West 8th St.
Los Angeles
213-382-8449

Ever have high expectations about a restaurant? How do you feel when those expectations aren't met? Well I had high expectations about Taylor's Steakhouse. Many people have told me that Taylor's is one of the best steakhouses in LA. So I finally go there to see what the hype is all about. Well I found out that Taylor's is all hype. Taylor's is an old fashioned steakhouse, complete with red vinyl booths and very low lighting.

I made 7:30pm reservations. They seated us even though we were about 15 minutes early. So a good start. The hostess walked us to the upstairs dining room. But the location of our table was terrible. It was like they found an extra space and figured they would put a table there. Right above me was a shelve that had nothing on it but was so low, I had to be careful not to hit my head on it, every time I got up. I should have asked to move but I didn't. So that is my fault.

The waiter takes our order and I ask for the NY steak, medium rare. The steak quickly arrives and I'm impressed with the size. I cut into the steak and it's cooked just right on the inside. But outside is a little charred. Not a big fan of tasting charred steak. But the steakhouse wasn't anything outstanding. It wasn't the most tender or flavorful. It wasn't anything special and sure as hell wasn't worth the $28 price. I think I could have had a better steak if I bought a prime grade steak and put it on the grill. And it wouldn't have cost $28 to make.

Service was acceptable. But our server had such a heavy accent, I could barely understand him. I realize that LA is being overtaken by Spanish speaking people. But I would think at least Taylor's could hire people who spoke English better. But he did his job. Again nothing outstanding but nothing bad either.

I'm not saying that Taylor's is bad but it's nothing great and certainly not the best steakhouse in LA. I would not go back to Taylor's. As I've said I think I could do much better if I made the steak myself.

Renaissance Bistro-Closed

Renaissance Bistro
955 E Birch St # L
Brea
714-256-2233

Renaissance Bistro is a nice place to have a meal after shopping at the Brea Mall.

I ordered a lunch combination of foccacia & grilled chicken and Chinese chicken salad for $7.95. The sandwich was marinated chicken breast, goat cheese, roasted red peppers, lemon aioli & baby lettuces served on fresh rosemary foccacia bread. The chicken breast was a bit dry but tasty.

The Chinese chicken salad was fresh sliced chicken breast, oriental won-ton noodles, crispy rice noodles, shredded iceberg lettuce & green onions tossed in our tangy red ginger dressing. Pretty good stuff but it could have used more dressing. The salad was tasty and the ingredients were all very fresh.

Service was pretty good. I got seated right away by the host. I was never lacking for drinks. But it did seem to take a long time for my food to arrive. There is a covered patio area and it's a great place to enjoy your meal on a nice day.

I would go back to Renaissance Bistro. They have a wide assortment of pasta, salads, panini and grilled meats. Prices are reasonable.

Market Broiler-The Block of Orange

Market Broiler
20 City Blvd. West Bldg. J, Ste R-6
Orange, CA 92868
714-769-3474

The Block of Orange offers a decent range of restaurant choices and entertainment options. I think Market Broiler is one of the better restaurants options at The Block.

Market Broiler is a fish restaurant. I think one of the better values around. They offer a combo where you choose two or three entrees for $15 or $18. I ordered the mahi mahi, crab and shrimp cakes, and the teriyaki steak skewers. The mahi mahi is marinated in a miso ginger soy sauce and toppped with a sweet glaze. The mahi mahi was flakey and flavorful. The glaze was a little too sweet but nothing overwhelming.

The teriyaki steak skewers were cooked to medium rare. They were a bit tough and chewy but I wasn't expecting filet mignon. I was expecting to get lots of veggies on the skewer but as you can see in the picture they give you alot of steak.

When I first got my order they forgot the crap and shrimp cakes. When they arrived the crab and shrimp cakes looked very dry. When tasted them, they were very dry. Even the aioli dipping sauce didn't help the dryness. I think the cakes were left under a heating lamp too long. But it was filled with lots of crab, some shrimp and very little if any filler.

Service was good and friendly. But after dinner we talked for awhile and the server gave me the impression that he wanted us out of there ASAP.

I would go back to Market Broiler again though I may not order the crab and shrimp cakes again or at least make sure the cakes were fresh. Be aware that the parking at The Block is bad. You may drive around a few times before finding a parking space.

Bob's Big Boy-Diamond Bar-Closed

Bob's Big Boy
21090 Golden Springs Dr
Diamond Bar
909-595-9170

As a kid I went to Bob's quite often. It offered good meals at good prices. Bob's has changed over the years but overall it still offers good meals at good prices. But service has slipped.

I go there and the host, a big fat jerk, who waddles around greets me. Then he proceeds to take me to a seat in the backroom. There is NOBODY in that room. I'm not sure if any of the servers even know there is a back room. We pass up at least TEN, TEN open tables. Why the fat jerk takes me to the backroom, who knows. I ask to sit out front near the windows. He gives me some BS excuse. I told him to just waddle over and take me to my seat.

I ordered the Super Big Boy with fries for $9.30. The big boy is the double-decker burger. Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce and cheese. Yes, just like the Big Mac. The special relish makes the Big Boy much better than the Big Mac. I get the Super Big Boy since it's a half pound of beef.

The server was average. When she dropped off my order, she didn't ask if I needed anything else. She was a little slow refilling my drink. She also just left the check instead of asking if I wanted dessert.

I would go back to Bob's because I like the Big Boy burger. But I hope the next time I see that fat jerk, he's called Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers and he's improved his customer service. I may go to the Bob's in Burbank which I've heard is the oldest Bob's.

Update Nov 4, 2009





The Bob's in Diamond Bar was celebrating 30 years of service, with a $2.99 Big Bob combo special. So I saw the long lines at the door but still went in, hoping to get a seat at the counter.

There was a seat open and I go the Big Bob combo, $2.99. Now I don't know why but the burger was lukewarm. Ok, I know they are busy but damn, can't the burgers be hot? I have gotten the Super Big Boy combos at other Bob's but I was impressed with the size of the regular Big Bob.

Service was a little slow but that is understandable with all the people taking advantage of the $2.99 special.

I don't care too much for the Diamond Bar Bob's. The burgers aren't hot and service can be slow. But I go because it is close by and the Bob's in West Covina, location is just as bad, serving barely lukewarm burgers. I would much rather make the drive to Bob's in Burbank or the new Bob's Broiler in Downey.

Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant

Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant
8039 Beach Blvd.
Buena Park, CA 90620
714-220-5080

I have lived in the LA area since 1978 but I have never been to Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant. As readers of the New Diner know, I love fried chicken. So it's really surprising that I haven't gone to Mrs. Knott's.

So finally I went and I'm surprised I waited so long. Now the first thing that should be cleared up, you do NOT need to buy a ticket into Knott's amusement park to go to Mrs. Knott's. Also you do NOT have to pay for parking for Mrs. Knott's. All you need to do is enter off of Beach Blvd and go straight into the parking lot.

So I go into Mrs. Knott's and I am greeted by a very nice hostess. We get seated quickly. So things are off to a good start. Our orders are taken quickly. The menu says dinner is served starting at 4pm. The menu is wrong, dinner is served all day. Lunch is served until 4pm. So I ordered the light eater's chicken dinner. The light eater's dinner is two pieces of chicken, you can choose dark or white meat, corn, soup or salad, and mashed potatoes and gravy for $10.50. I got an order of creamy chicken noodle soup because another person in our party didn't want soup.

Before the soup and salad arrive they bring you fresh baked biscuits. Let me tell you they are great. Nice and flakey, with a crunchy crust. The best biscuits I've had in a very long time. The salad is your basic green salad. I know I keep saying somethings are fresh but really how the hell can a restaurant mess up a green salad? The soup was very nice and tasty. There were nice big pieces of chicken and the noodles were tender.

So then the chicken comes. I was very impressed. I started with the breast piece. The skin isn't anything to brag about. It wasn't crispy or flavorful. But the actual meat was sooo moist and juicy. It was great. Maybe the best fried chicken I've had. The wing was also tender and juicy. The mashed potatoes were creamy and tasted like real potatoes. If they are from a box, I'd like to know what box. The gravy was a bit bland but nothing a little shake of pepper couldn't help.

Service was very good. The server allowed me to take the soup after I asked the other person in our party if she wanted the soup or not. He was very helpful and we got top notch service. They have another person who refills all drinks. She came by a lot and we were not thirsty at all.

I was very impressed with Mrs. Knott's. So much so that I would go back again and again. They do have a take out place right next door to the restaurant. It only took me 29 years to go to Mrs. Knott's but it may not take me 29 days to go back. A great place!!!

Bear Pit Bar-b-que

Bear Pit Bar-b-que Restaurant
10825 Sepulveda Blvd
Mission Hills, CA 91345-1410
818-365-2509

Rated as a Top 9 BBQ restaurant in LA by Nine on the Town, Bear Pitt BBQ has been a Vally staple since the 1940's.

Pictured is the BBQ spareribs for $16.95. The ribs are slow cooked over hardwood. But they aren't that great. The big surprise was how hot these ribs were. I think they may have been microwaved first. The ribs were chewy and had a lot of fat. The BBQ sauce is sweet and lacks any kick. I know they have a hotter version on the table. I forgot to ask for sauce on the side.

Service is very fast and friendly. But the hostess that seated us was terrible. We first walked into the restaurant and the hostess is helping another hostess seat a disabled man. Of course I'm not complaining about that wait. Then she wallks directly to the couple behind us. I speak up and say table for two please. She seats us but walks so fast she's waiting for us at the table. She was a rude, disrespect bitch. It's not like we are invisible. Why she went to the couple behind us, makes no sense. There is no excuse for something like that.

I would not go back to Bear Pit. The ribs aren't anything special. There are much better ribs in the Valley and those places have better hostess.

Fairoaks Pharmacy

Fair Oaks Pharmacy
1526 Mission St
South Pasadena
626-799-1414

Fair Oaks Pharmacy has been a South Pasadena landmark since 1915. The soda fountain takes you back in time. The soda fountain is known for old fashioned ice cream and floats. They also serve a regular menu.

I ordered the Roadside half and half. Half garden salad and half a turkey sandwich. The salad was filled with all different types of lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. The salad was fresh but nothing outstanding.

The turkey sandwich was also very fresh, with smoked turkey, lettuce and tomatoes on white bread. The salad and sandwich combo was $7.95.

The sundae pictured is mint chocolate chip topped with hot fudge, whipped cream, nuts and cherry.

Service was very slow. I realize it was a very hot day and a group of 25 people came in just before I got there. But there were at least six kids working behind the counter and nobody taking orders at the tables. When they first came to take my order, the kid walked right past me to another table. Then came back and asked if I had been helped. Why not ask me first before going to another table? Then when I placed my order, I realized that you have your choice of bread for the turkey sandwich. Now I'm not that picky. I like all kinds of bread but prefer wheat bread. They should have given me the option.

I think Fair Oaks Pharmacy is a place everybody should go to at least once. But the food is nothing special and the service is very poor.

R & R's Pizza-Closed

R & R Pizza
3233 Grand Ave Ste. A
Chino Hills
909-628-8272

R & R's Pizza recently changed ownership. The new ownership has kept the same recipe and quality of the pizza. The main draw is their giant 18" pizza with two toppings for $18. I had them put extra cheese, half pepperoni and half sausage.

Now they don't pile the toppings on. Both the pepperoni and sausage were quite tasty. The pepperoni was spicy, which I liked. But there just wasn't enough toppings. The crust is very soft and chewy and fresh.

Service is good. This is a great place for a kid's pizza party. This pizza could feed a ton of kids.

I would go back to R & R's. Even if the pizza could have used more toppings, it's still a very good value. Lot's of good quality pizza at a good price.

Pinot Grill-Closed

Pinot Grill
135 Grand Ave.
LA
213-972-3190

Pinot Grill is part of the Patina group of overpriced, average food restaurants. Pinot Grill is in the courtyard between the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and the Music Center. I've only seen it open when there is a performance at either venue. So call before going to make sure they are open.

Or better yet, put your money in the BBQ and light it on fire. That's about what you do when you have dinner at Pinot Grill or almost any other Patina restaurant. Pictured is a chicken and cheese quesadilla for $10. It's listed on the appetizer menu. All entrees are at least $22 and not worth the price. The quesadilla is nothing special. Taco Bell makes a better quesadilla for $8 less. The quesadilla is filled with jack cheese and small pieces of chicken breast. It's not bad but it's note worth the price. But then again nothing at any Patina restaurants are worth the price. I love the BS line they give you when asking for a glass of water. They said they do not have any running water so all water is bottled water. So how do they wash the dishes? Do they have so many dishes that they can serve diners all night all? Are they using recycled water to wash the dishes?

Service at Pinot Grill, simples SUCKS. I did not see our server for at least 20 minutes. I had to ask the hostess and the busboy to get the server and STILL it took forever for him to come. When the server was at our table he was fine. But he sure as hell was quick when it was time to give the check.

I would not go back to Pinot Grill, ever again. Overpriced, very average food with TERRIBLE service does not make a good combination.

Aki Sushi

Aki Sushi Bar
1626-28 E. 7th St.
Long Beach
562-436-8180

It took awhile for me to get into the sushi craze. I enjoy sushi but again I'm far from being an expert. For me as long as the sushi is fresh I'm fine with it.

Aki Suhi Bar is a great place. The sushi is fresh and the service is great. I almost always order tuna, yellowtail, and halibut. They are the first three pictures of sushi. They were so fresh and tasty.

The last picture is of the lobster sushi. This was an interesting combination of lobster, rice and caviar. It was different than most sushi I've had but good.

All the sushi was priced under $4.50.

Service is great. The people are friendly and you're treated like royalty.

I would go back to Aki anytime. Great fresh sushi, great prices and great service.