San Pedro, CA: Think! Bistro

This is a promising looking establishment in a strip mall, warmly decorated and inviting from the outside. An older couple, seemingly the owners, greated us at the door and we were immediately seated. The menu was eclectic and interesting, with some classics that were right up my alley. Then the food came. It was a disaster for everyone at my table.

I started with a beet salad served with hearts of palm and goat cheese. The beets were large, flat slices with the texture of wet paper towels, either canned or boilded to death. The hearts of palm were OK, but nothing done to them except opening the can. For my entree I had beef stroganoff . . . it was served over spaghetti noodles and seemed to have been made using a hamburger helper mix. It was truly awful. Another member of my party had the boullibase, a favorite of her's, and she left most if it describing it as overcooked shellfish with jared marinara sauce dumped over it. Nothing even close to the real dish. And finally a potato crusted halibut, a very thin filet of some kind of white fish. Overcooked with a soggy potato crust.

This dining experience was a complete waste of calories and time, nasty food and inattentive service. I would have rather had fast food. Stay away, stay away this is not worth the investment of either your time or money.

EatHereOrNot: NOT

California: In-N-Out Burger

This is the quintessential California burger drive through and its always great. And, you are welcome to wear your baseball cap and shorts here, there is definitely no dress code. And, usually, no dining room either. Just drive through and enjoy. Order a "double double animal style" . . . 2 burger patties, 2 slices of cheese . . . I'm not sure what the "animal style" means, but I like saying it and it tastes good. The fries are hot out of the oil, freshly made and great. When I fly back home to SoCal I often drive through In-N-Out on my way from the airport to my family's house. They can always tell, there's usu sally sauce on my shirt. This is the best fast food burger in the southwest, go check it out.

EatHereOrNot? EAT HERE