The Best of 2014

*For Ladies who lunch (or gentlemen) 
 Julienne in San Merino.  It's the perfect place to meet a friend.  Service is superb as is the food.  I go there every time I'm in the L.A. area.  I feel like I'm in Paris when I am there.  They serve breakfast as well as lunch but not dinner.  Some day I will devote a blog to the restaurant with a photo of their magnificent patio. Around some holidays they have petit fours to take home in their bakery.

*Best Appetizer
P.F. Chang's Green Bean appetizer- Fresh green beans are dipped in a batter and deep fried.  I had them recently over the winter holidays.  I never go there without ordering them.

*Best Beach Front Restaurant (in the San Diego area- 
The Marine Room (in  La Jolla )- Outstanding food in a picture post-card setting.  Go for lunch or dinner or a high-tide breakfast.  Check ahead to see availability.

*Best Special Occasion Meal

The Ahwahnee Hotel 

The Bracebridge Dinner at Yosemite (in the Ahwahnee Hotel).  Dinner packages are available which include overnight stays.  The dining room at the Ahwahnee is drop dead gorgeous anyway but for this occasion it is transformed into an eighteenth century Renaissance hall complete with a seven course feast. Be prepared.  It is pricey!  If you decide to go next year I recommend you read Washington Irving's Christmas Dinner from his sketchbook before you go.  

*Best Eastern Sierra Restaurant

The patio overlooking Mono Lake

The Historic Restaurant at Mono Lake-  It's only open during the warmer months.  Jim O'Mealy is their outstanding chef.  Go during daylight hours to insure a view of Mono Lake.  About a year or so ago I was there while Governor Brown and his wife were there dining.

Amarena Cherries

*Best Restaurant Supply Store
Surfas in Culver City.  It's worth a trip.  They have everything you can't find at Sur la Table.  Last month I found Amarena FABBRI cherries (cherries in syrup).
 I have ordered them from Amazon for the last 2 years.  They are good on ice cream and other desserts.  YUM!!!