Fig Tree Cafe and The Sidewalk Cafe

Lucky me, I got the two-for-one deal in Venice today when I got to try two restaurants that I have been interested in trying for years! Spent all day at the beach today. Beautiful day, not so much the wind though! Great entertainment too by a local doing kickboxing moves in his speedo on the beach. So hilarious, I wish I had the video to show! Apparently thrusting is part of the kickboxing workout? Couldn't stop laughing and it still cracks me up right now! Anyway, good relaxing day, in which I needed it bad due to work and our upcoming Open House in which I'm doing everything by myself. A little stressful but excited to get it over with! So pardon my quick reviews of both restaurants considering I have been exhausted all week and still have half a week left of this, but wanted to write something down for what seems will be the only time I'm on my computer for the next week. Then I have a three day mini vacay in Illinois this weekend so look out for a special edition post: Chicago. So here we go, two different restaurants in one day..

Fig Tree Cafe
Right on the boardwalk lies the Fig Tree Cafe and I have wanted to go there only because I love the name of the restaurant! After looking over the menu, I pretty much was satisfied with the selection to choose from. Of course at the same time, I was having a hard time because I wanted almost everything! I did settle on the Grilled Salmon with Brown Rice and Grilled Vegetables.



Perfectly grilled salmon. Perfectly grilled veggies. Perfectly cooked brown rice. Loved the scallion-butter sauce. Combination--flawless.

Chef got the Grilled Ahi Tuna Salad with the usual and added capers, basil, and balsamic vinaigrette. The only thing I tried was the ahi tuna and that was perfect to me. I see no complaints here.



I give the Fig Tree Cafe 4 hearts: ♥♥♥♥. Prices pretty decent for being a beach restaurant, portion was pretty decent, service was good, and flavor was there. I'm planning on going back to try the other dishes I was craving!

Second restaurant, The Sidewalk Cafe. The one restaurant I have wanted to try for 9 years and I FINALLY try it out! Don't know why it took so long but glad I finally made the jump!

So I ended up getting the Pasta Basil with freshly chopped tomatoes, basil, and garlic. I decided to add goat cheese to the mix as well. I enjoyed it thoroughly, including the flavor. I LOVE fresh basil! The tangy goat cheese paired along with the entire dish.



Chef orded the Dylan Thomas. Yes, a Dylan Thomas. They name their hamburgers after people. And I love it! The Dylan Thomas is a hamburger with Egg, Bacon, and Cheese. Quite interesting combination! No complaints with the hamburger. I would have liked to try it but I'm not a fan of the cheeseburger and "American Cheese". I'll only eat a cheeseburger if the cheese is Swiss.





I give The Sidewalk Cafe 3 1/2 hearts: ♥♥♥1/2. Would have been more but the service was terrible. This is ALWAYS a busy restaurant, but that doesn't mean you should never see your waiter. Besides that, prices were actually reasonable, good variety of food options to choose from, and overall enjoyed our meals.

Can never go wrong spending a day at Venice Beach! Something for everyone.

The Cat and the Custard Cup and Veronese Gallery Cafe

One of the top restaurants in La Habra, CA.

I came here to The Cat and the Custard Cup a couple weeks ago and I must say I miss it dearly! This restaurant is just wonderful and I seriously think you should make the drive for it. The ambience and interior is old-fashioned, the people are so friendly, and the food, just exceptional. I loved our waiter! Very informative and loved how he thoroughly explained the specials of the day and why the sauces were paired with the dishes. Speaking my language! So here we go...

Appetizers

Red Braised Pork Belly With Wasabi Mashed Potato, Shiitake Mushroom, and Unagi. So delectable. Succulent. Delish.



Seared Sea Scallops With Cauliflower Puree, Almonds, Golden Raisins, Capers, and Balsamic Syrup. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Preferred it without the raisins and surprisingly the capers were a wonderful addition to this appetizer. I absolutely loved the balsamic mixed with the cauliflower puree. Paired well along with the scallops.



Creamed Corn and Creamed Spinach. Loved them both. My tongue knew right away that they snuck in bacon into the creamed spinach. Took Chef a second to figure it out. Me, I know my flavors like I know the alphabet backwards! True, yes I do! Quite well, I'd like to add!



Entrees

Seared Red Deer With Blackberry Cassis-Port Wine Sauce, Point Reyes Bleu Creamed Potato Gnocchi. Unfortunately, this wasn't my dish but it would have been if I had seen it first! Definitely one of the top favorites that evening. Never had deer until that day and it was so good. Never have it more than medium rare or it tends to be a tougher piece of meat. It has a similar flavor to beef but more of a gamey taste to it. Try it is all I have to say.



Grilled Lamb Tenderloin With Sweet Potato Polenta, Pomegranate Reduction, and Goat Cheese Leek Fondue. Enjoyed the lamb paired with the reduction and fondue. Just perfect together. Loved the sweet potato polenta but I could got a hint of the sweet potato. Wish I had tasted it more but it was still good.



Dessert

Rustic French Bread Pudding With Egg Custard, Dried Apricots, and Pippin Apples. Easy and comforting dessert after a wonderful meal.



I give this restaurant 5 hearts: ♥♥♥♥♥. Honestly, it was a lovely setting, absolutely adored the interior of the restaurant, our waiter was the best, the food was delicious, I absolutely loved the pairing of the sauces with each dish, and prices were reasonable. I'd say I would go back but I know I'm going back next month and I can't wait!

Oh and we also made a stop at the Veronese Gallery Cafe in Fullerton, CA. I absolutely loved this place. It looks cool from the street because it looks like a house but when you turn into the alley you can see the back and it is wonderful with the beautiful garden. A nice array of coffee, tea, and scrumptious delights are offered there while you relax.