Cha Cha Cha

For over twenty years, Cha Cha Cha has been serving contemporary Caribbean cuisine. The restaurant is a family affair as members of the family have worked in all areas of the restaurant since it opened. Cha Cha Cha features Chefs Toribio Prado and Mario Tamayo; both have won over critics and patrons around the world with their innovative style of cooking. The interior of the restaurant is bright and vibrant, there is also a patio for outside dining. Reservations are recommended. 

The restaurant opens daily at 8am and offers what they call, 'The Jungle Brunch'. The Tortilla Marbella is a decadent seafood omelet with scallions and mushrooms. The Huevos Al Salmon features a grilled salmon over a bed of scrambled eggs mixed with garlic and basil. There are traditional items such as Steak and Eggs, French Toast and fresh fruit. 

For lunch there are a variety of salads to choose from such as the Swordfish Caesar, grilled Pacific Swordfish served over a traditional Caesar salad. Vegetarians will enjoy the Roasted Veggie Sandwich, fresh grilled garden vegetables and goat cheese. 

Tapas are famous here. There is Shredded Pork with a spicy Jamaican sauce, Guava and Goat Cheese Quesadilla, Shrimp Cakes, Calamari and Jerk Chicken Pizza; to name a few. You can also order the platter which features several of the Chef's choices. 

Dinnertime offers a showcase of choices. The Cayman Paella features fresh chicken, salmon, shrimp, pineapple and mango over a bed of tomato coco rice. The Chorizo Penne Pasta features grilled Chorizo that is sautéed with garlic, tomato and basil. The Jamaican Jerk Chicken is popular here, the sauce is a family secret. The Jerk Pork Platter is spicy shredded pork served with saffron rice, black beans and fried plantains. Be sure to order a pitcher of freshly made Sangria for your table, the fruity drink is a perfect complement for any meal. 

Clay Oven Cuisine of India

Clay Oven Cuisine of India

I usually try and stick to restaurants that I know I will enjoy. My wife always gives me a hard time as she claims I’m not as adventurous as I used to be. In hopes of proving her wrong, I recently suggested that we try out a new place. My friends at work kept telling me about a place in nearby San Mateo called Clay Oven Cuisine of India. They informed me it was a quiet place to take the wife to experience new food and a great glass of wine. At their suggestion, we headed over to Clay Oven, and I was extremely pleased with my experience. 

Instead of ordering something safe, like the Kebabs, I really wanted to impress by ordering the Keema Samosas for an appetizer. The lamb inside the pastries was delicious and quickly became one of my favorite starters. For the main course, I opted for the Bengali Salmon, which is salmon in a mustard and coconut curry. My wife wont let me live down how much I had turned away curry before, only to find that my taste buds erupted upon eating this meal. 

After chatting it up with the friendly wait staff, I came to find out that Clay Oven offers a special for Thanksgiving Day. They will prepare exotic turkeys and cook them in their clay oven. This process apparently brings all the juices to the meat and also makes the turkey have less fat. I look forward to suggesting this to my family once the holidays get closer. Plus, with as much as I have gone back to the Clay Oven in recent weeks, I know that if their turkey is anything like the rest of their menu, it’ll be quite the delicious surprise for my entire family. 

For anyone who has never tried an Indian restaurant, I suggest you step out of your comfort zone and into Clay Over Cuisine of India. If you’re anything like me, you wont believe what you’ve been missing. 

Joe's Pizza -- Santa Monica, CA

When it comes to New York-style thin crust pizza in Santa Monica, CA the undisputed leading source is Joe's Pizza. Located close to the Santa Monica Pier, this small, clean restaurant offers dine-in, take-out and delivery service.

The menu at Joe's Pizza is small but it focuses largely on what they do best which is bake delicious pizza pies. The thin crust pizzas served there are not only delicious, but they also maintain a pleasing, chewable texture. 

Hungry diners come from near and far to partake of the awesome pizza slices served at Joe's Pizza. Six varieties of slices are served at this popular pizzeria and every slice is huge in size.

This pizza restaurant is also known for its tasty garlic knots. These baked pieces of bread dough and garlic are served with marinara sauce and are favorite menu items for many people.

Three types of garden fresh salads are served at Joe's Pizza. A bountiful antipasto salad, a Caesar salad and an Italian salad are all loaded with the freshest of vegetables.

Half a dozen varieties of whole pizza pies are available at Joe's Pizza. Their basic pie with Modesto tomato sauce and natural mozzarella cheese is a crowd favorite in the Santa Monica area.

A white pie is on the menu at this pizza restaurant as are a fresh mozzarella pie, a Caprese pie, a deep dish Sicilian pizza and the 'Grandma' pie which contains marinara sauce, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, parmesan reggiano cheese and olive oil.

The staff members at Joe's Pizza are friendly and they consistently provide fast and efficient service. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible and they provide catering services for parties and all types of events. Joe's Pizza has received numerous awards for excellence from many newspapers and web sites and is open from mid-morning until late night seven days a week.

Goood Frickin Chicken -- San Francisco, CA

Goood Frickin Chicken -- 10 29th Street, San Francisco, CA

If you are a chicken lover who lives in, or will be visiting, San Francisco, you have to make a point of stopping by Goood Frikin Chicken. Goood Frikin Chicken did not overestimate their abilities when they named their restaurant; they truly serve some of the best chicken that is currently available in San Francisco. They are a truly unique restaurant, as their food and the overall feel of their restaurant, seems to be a cross between traditional Mediterranean, and classic southern barbeque. This overall feel stems from the fact that their menu consists of a wide variety of Greek items such as Hummus, Falafel, and Shawerma, mixed in with American Classics like macaroni and cheese, barbecued chicken, and baked beans.

Goood Frikin Chicken is a fantastic place to eat, no matter what food item you decide to try. Everything on their menu is made with the highest quality ingredients, and all of their items are so authentic, you will not believe you are getting Mediterranean food and southern food in San Francisco. A great item from their menu is their Musakhan; this is a pita wrap that is filled with chicken, pine nuts, sumac and onions. This is a delicious authentic Mediterranean dish that you have to try.

Two of the best things about this restaurant are its fantastic location, and it great atmosphere. This restaurant is in a prime location, as it is on 29th street just off of mission in San Francisco. This makes it the perfect place to go, whether you live close, or are just visiting the city. Goood Frikin Chicken is a great restaurant that the whole family can enjoy. The restaurant has a fantastic laid back atmosphere; and the restaurant is decorated with Mediterranean décor that makes eating at Goood Frikin Chicken a delicious and fun experience.

The Plaza Deli Cafe -- Mountain View, CA

If you're looking for a quiet place to enjoy some inexpensive and delicious sushi, the place to visit is Yama Sushi, located on 850 Holloway Ave., in San Francisco, CA. The restaurant seems to be a bit of a local secret, as it is tucked away in a residential neighborhood that is close to the city. For family owned Yama Sushi, most of the flash is in their food and service. The décor is simple, the location quiet, and the parking plentiful. 

You won't want to miss out on trying one of their appetizers—either something simple like Edamame (steamed soy beans) or something a little more special, like the soft shell crab (fried crispy crab with teriyaki sauce). Locals rave over the baked mussels.

Although they offer a wide variety of sushi, from the much touted Volcano roll (spicy baked salmon layered over a California roll) to the classic California roll made with real crab, Yama Sushi also has great alternatives for those who don’t care for sushi. For the non-sushi folk, be sure to try the fried chicken wings, the teriyaki beef, or give yourself a variety of foods to choose from and order a bento box, which is generously portioned and costs about $12.

You'll want to visit Yama Sushi often because it's very easy on your pocketbook. They offer Happy Hour from 1-5pm every day, free internet, and best of all, free delivery. If you dine in, you'll also enjoy complimentary hot green tea. 

Choose from appetizers, sushi, soups and salads, Happy Lunch boxes, sashimi, bento boxes, udon and ramen soups, entrees, and dessert. Among Yama Sushi’s more Americanized food options are a croquette (potato cake), sesame chicken salad, teriyaki (chicken or beef), and a fried banana sundae. Yama Sushi excels in providing an extensive menu that is sure to please.


Whether you are looking for a quick escape from the daily grind, or simply want to enjoy a fresh sandwich al fresco, one needs to look no further than The Plaza Deli Cafe. Located in the Bayside Business Plaza, an office park off 101, this hidden gem is not only a favorite for office park employees, but has also drawn a loyal fan base from people throughout the area, due largely to word of mouth. Its outdoor patio seating, overlooking a Japanese garden, offers a relaxing place to escape from an otherwise stressful day.

Established in March of 1998, The Plaza Deli Cafe is family owned and operated. There is scarcely a time when you will not find the owner, Sam, or his wife, Jouhaina, manning the counter and chatting with customers. The two are known for their excellent customer service, and for making patrons feel at home in their establishment. Don't be surprised if after your second visit, Sam not only knows your name, but your favorite menu items as well!
Serving breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday, The Plaza Deli Cafe is a quintessential delicetessan with a Mediterranean Flair. Aside from traditional deli items such as bagels with lox, or a pastrami sandwich, patrons can also enjoy middle eastern delights such as a hummus sandwich, or falafel on pita. Everything on the menu is prepared with the freshest of ingredients with substitutions not a problem. They also offer daily specials, and word on the street is that the Tuesday special of Majadara, (lentils, rice, and caramelized onions), is not to be missed.
The Plaza Deli Cafe offers quality food at a fair price, coupled with friendly, personalized service that makes everyone feel at home. This is why, despite being difficult for a "newbie" to locate, once people have tried this establishment, they keep on coming back!

Sushi Mon -- Santa Monica, CA

There are many people who do not like sushi. They go to various Chinese or Japanese restaurants, order sushi and are disappointed. Has it ever occurred to them that they aren't eating at the right places? Sushi Mon is the right place. If you're a first timer to the world of sushi, go to Sushi Mon. If you are a sushi fan, go to Sushi Mon. Located at 401 W. Santa Monica Blvd. in Santa Monica, California, the place reeks of authenticity.

Sushi Mon has been in business since 1992 so they know Sushi! They have another location that is in Beverly Hills, too! There have been numerous celebrity visitors so it's easy to see how good the place is. When you walk in to the place, you'll have an overwhelming feeling. Many people feel they are in a New York club because of the intimate decor and wonderful lighting. It's upscale, but not uncomfortable. So, guests can have a casual dining experience or run in for a quick bite!

The great thing about Sushi Mon is they offer it all. If you prefer the traditional, Americanized sushi, such as California or Philly rolls, Sushi Mon has it. But, if you are willing to try something more adventurous, talk with the trained and experienced Sushi Chef who will select something unique for you. The personalized service is truly wonderful! 

It can be scary trying sushi for the first time if you don't go to the right place. Sushi Mon offers fresh, quality food that is prepared by skilled Sushi Chefs. They really know what they're doing! The prices are amazing and incredibly affordable. Most eateries in this area tend to be very expensive, but guests are always pleased by Sushi Mon's prices. Excellent, authentic sushi at a convenient and hip location!

Diller's -- San Francisco, CA

Diller's is a family-owned gourmet delicatessen located at 348 Pine Street in San Francisco, CA 94104. It's between Montgomery Street and Samsome Street in the Financial District; not far from Chinatown.

When you enter Diller's you will be greeted by the friendly staff. The wheelchair accessible restaurant is clean, has a causal atmosphere and is well-lit. There is also outside seating available. 

Diller's serves breakfast and lunch from 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Monday through Friday. They are closed on the weekends. They have prices that are very reasonable and their portions are generous. They accept major credit cards for your convenience. 

You will find a large variety of delicious, made-to-order sandwiches at Dillar's. They are made with fresh, high-quality food that tastes superb. They have a wide variety of appetizers, pastries and baked products, and they offer free refills. They also serve real deli-style pickles that everyone raves about.

Whether you want a hardy breakfast or a light one, Diller's serves your needs. They serve great hot coffee blends, specialty coffee and tea. They even serve fresh-squeezed orange juice. Get a breakfast bagel or breakfast sandwich, get a pasty or muffin, or, if you're feeling especially hungry, get Diller's Power Breakfast. This breakfast includes a scrambled egg, bacon, apple chicken sausages, ham slices, breakfast potatoes, a fresh fruit salad and toasted bread or croissant.

For lunch you can choose from a variety of freshly prepared sandwiches or a hot meal. You may want to try one of their Cheese and Veggies platters, Cheese and Fruit platters or the salad buffet. You may want to try Diller's version of Chicken Cordon Bleu, made with Italian prosciutto and Havarti cheese or the Ravioli (meat or cheese) with Sundried Tomato or Marinara Sauce that is homemade or one of their other wonderful selections. 

The magnificent food and great customer service at Diller's keeps customers coming back. Some eat at the restaurant for breakfast and come back again at lunchtime.