FORTUNE COOKIES

PICTURED (top to bottom): Restaurant, Complimentary Noodles and Sauce, Crispy Orange Chicken, Brown Rice, Mongolian Beef, Chicken Lo Mein, Honey Glazed Walnut Shrimp.

Fortune Cookies

11151 Los Alamitos Blvd.

Los Alamitos, CA 90720

(562) 493-0058

www.fortunecookiesrestaurant.com

Sweetie Pie had heard from a friend that Fortune Cookies,  in Los Alamitos, was a good Chinese restaurant and that we should give it a try. We drive by the location a lot, and one day stopped in to grab a menu. It's a cute little restaurant with an extensive menu, so we decided to give it a whirl. If you look at the menu, or visit the website, you will see there is a strong emphasis on "healthy cooking".

The staff here is very friendly and professional. The hostess seated us right away, and our server was very helpful with the menu choices. The complimentary Noodles and Sauce were rather plain and boring. The dishes we ordered were brought out one by one, as they were prepared, so that everything arrived very fresh and steaming hot (nice touch).

The Crispy Orange Chicken was very good. It was crispy on the outside, yet still tender and succulent on the inside, and with a great flavor (just spicy enough). The Brown Rice was also very good- plump, moist and fluffy. The Mongolian Beef was just ok. The meat could have been a little more tender and the dish was too salty for our taste. The Chicken Lo Mein was a little better, but a little too bland, and actually lacking in flavor. The Honey Glazed Walnut Shrimp was the dish we were most looking forward to trying, because we have enjoyed this dish at other restaurants. The shrimp tasted fresh, but the sauce had an off taste, making the dish less palatable. The walnuts were rather dry and not quite sweet enough.

Tonight's Fortune Cookies dinner gets one and a half thumbs up from the 3 Tubby Tummys.

FIVE GUYS- HUNTINGTON BEACH

PICTURED (top to bottom): Restaurant, Peanuts, Little Cheeseburger, Little Cheeseburger, French Fries, Bacon Cheese Dog, Bacon Cheeseburger.

It was a rainy day Saturday, and we were out and about and needed someplace to stop in for a quick lunch. We decided to try the new Five Guys in Huntington Beach (their first location in Huntington Beach and the second in Orange County). The restaurant was very busy, but clean and well organized. We didn't have to wait long to place our order, or to receive our food. They serve peanuts (in the shell) at no charge to enjoy while you wait for your order.

Sweetie Pie and her mother both ordered the Little Cheeseburger (single patty). You get to choose your own toppings. Sweetie Pie had lettuce and mayo on hers, and her mother chose onions, lettuce, tomatoes, mushrooms and mustard. I had the Bacon Cheeseburger (two patties) with lettuce, tomato, grilled onions and mayo. The burgers were all very good- cooked to order as ordered and served fresh and hot. I also decided to try the Bacon Cheese Dog, with grilled onions, mustard and ketchup. It was a surprisingly good hot dog (from a burger joint).

We decided to share one small order of French Fries. They fill a drink cup with fries, put it in a bag and then dump more fries into the bag (very generous). One order was more than enough for all three of us. We had the regular fries this time, but the Cajun Fries are also very good.

There has been a lot of talk in the local press, comparing Five Guys and In-N-Out Burger ( the East Coast vs. West Coast debate). Right now, we just want to say we like 'em both!

Today's Five Guys lunch gets three thumbs up from the 3 Tubby Tummys!

MAGGIANO'S

PICTURED (top to bottom): Restaurant, Chicken and Spinach Manicotti, Chicken Marsala, Taylor Street Baked Ziti, Fresh Grilled Asparagus Side, Meatball Side, Chicken and Spinach Manicotti (second plate).

We hadn't been to Maggiano's (South Coast Plaza- Costa Mesa) in a while, and heard they had a new menu, so we decided to check it out. This location was remodeled recently, and is always busy. We made a reservation ahead of time, and were promptly seated in a nice booth. Our server was friendly and informative ( but never did offer us anything to drink).

Sweetie Pie ordered the Chicken and Spinach Manicotti, which arrived piping hot, but a little too "well done" (actually a little burnt). We brought it to the server's attention, and the manager brought a second plate. However it was not much better; edible, but nothing like on previous visits, when it was perfectly prepared, golden and delicious. Something was amiss in the kitchen today. Her mother ordered the Chicken Marsala, which was nicely prepared and thoroughly enjoyable. I ordered from the 2-for-1 Special Menu ( one entree now, and a second one to take home, at no extra charge). I had the Taylor Street Baked Ziti (with Italian Sausage and Provolone and Parmesan cheeses). It was actually very good (and a generous portion). For my "to-go" entree, I chose Mom's Lasagna. I feel Maggiano's Lasagna is one of the best around; and what a deal! You can't beat free.

We also ordered a side of Fresh Grilled Asparagus to share (delicious). We each ordered a Large Meatball side (because we love Maggiano's meatballs). They decided to combine our orders in one dish ( to save us space on the table). So, we had to ask for extra side plates to divide them up!

Tonight's Maggiano's dinner gets one and a half thumbs up from the 3 Tubby Tummys.

BAKE N BROIL- BREAKFAST

PICTURED (top to bottom): Restaurant Sign, Cinnamon Roll, Buttered Squaw Bread Toast, English Muffin with Apricot/Pear Jam, Ham Steak and Scrambled Eggs, Ham Steak and Eggs Over-Hard, Chicken Fried Steak and Eggs with Country Sausage Gravy.

Jongewaard's Bake n Broil

3697 Atlantic Avenue

Long Beach, California 90807

(562) 595-0396

We enjoyed our lunch at Bake n Broil so much, that we just had to return; this time for breakfast. It's a very popular breakfast spot also, and we like to get there early, so that we don't have to wait too long for a table.

To start off, we decided to share a giant Cinnamon Roll- freshly baked and served warm enough to melt the butter. A side order of toast is included with the meal. The ladies both had the Squaw Bread Toast and I had an English Muffin, both served hot and buttered. Bake n Broil makes their own jam, and it's delicious. The ladies both like the Strawberry, but my favorite is the Apricot /Pear jam.

Sweetie Pie and her mother both ordered their favorite breakfast dish- the Ham Steak and Eggs with Hash Browns (cooked extra crispy). The portions here are very generous, and the Ham is always lean, tender and cut thick. My favorite breakfast dishes here include the Bacon, Avocado and Cheddar Cheese Omelet, The Breakfast Burrito, and the Mexican Omelet (smothered with chili and beans). But today, I decided to try something new- the Chicken Fried Steak and Eggs. It's hand dipped cube steak in egg and flour, grilled to perfection and smothered with Country Sausage Gravy. Bake n Broil really does Chicken Fried Steak right, and their Country Sausage Gravy is to die for.

Today's Bake n Broil breakfast gets three thumbs up from the 3 Tubby Tummys!

THE QUIET WOMAN

PICTURED (top to bottom): Restaurant, Salad Toppings, Salad with Dressing, Salad with Dressing and Toppings, Swordfish, Marinated Lamb Chops, Pork Chops, Pumpkin Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream.

The Quiet Woman in Corona Del Mar is one of our all-time favorite restaurants. While it is known as much for it's lively bar scene, as it is for it's great food, we like to go early for a quite dinner. The staff is very friendly, the service always impeccable and the guys in the kitchen really know how to cook.

We always start off with the salad. They have great Ranch and Blue Cheese Dressing; and you get to build your own salad with choice of toppings that includes Bacon Bits, Garbanzo and Kidney Beans, Mushrooms, Carrots, Bean Sprouts and Croutons. (And- It's included with the meal!)

Sweetie Pie decided on the Swordfish for her entree- fresh, tender and perfectly prepared. Quiet Woman's Swordfish is among the best (as is their Salmon); consistently good quality and flavor. Her mother chose the Marinated Lamb Chops, which were lean, tender and delicious. (The Rack of Lamb is also very good- we feel the best in the county). I had the Pork Chops, marinated and Mesquite Grilled with a great Plum Sauce.

The steaks here are also great. In the past, we have enjoyed the T-Bone, New York and Teriyaki Baseball steaks. The Lobster, when they have it, is always wonderful. The Maui Chicken is also a favorite.

During the holiday season, they have the best Pumpkin Pie ever! It's served warm with their homemade Vanilla Ice Cream. Tonight, we each had a piece (no sharing with this one)).

Tonight's Quiet Woman dinner gets three thumbs up from the 3 Tubby Tummys!

ORIGINAL FISH COMPANY- REVISITED

PICTURED (top to bottom): Restaurant, Patio Entrance, Caesar Salad, Garden Salad with Ranch Dressing, Dover Sole, Wild Alaskan Salmon, Baked Sweet Potato Side, New Zealand Swordfish.

This will be the last time we blog Original Fish Company in Los Alamitos; at least for a while. We're beginning to sound like a broken record- fresh fish, good service, great food, reasonable prices and nice ambiance. We feel everyone has gotten the message by now.

We started off with our usual salads, Caesar and Garden with Ranch Dressing. The ladies had their favorite dishes, Sweetie Pie her Dover Sole and her mother the Wild Alaskan Salmon. Both perfectly delightful, as usual. The ladies also decided to share a Baked Sweet Potato, because the love Sweet Potatoes (and they're not always available here). Ever the adventuresome sort, I decided to try the New Zealand Swordfish Special. It's Wild New Zealand Swordfish over Collard Greens and Fingerling Potatoes with Pine Nuts, Mushrooms, Tomatoes and Green Olives. Great Swordfish and a very nice presentation.

Once again, tonight's Original Fish Company dinner gets three thumbs up from the 3 Tubby Tummys!

BAKE N BROIL- LUNCH

PICTURED (top to bottom): Restaurant Sign, Vegetable Beef Soup, Navy Bean with Ham Soup, Clam Chowder, Small Dinner Salad, Country Fried Chicken, Pot Roast Lunch Special, Chili Fries, Bacon and Cheddar Burger with Avocado.

Jongewaard's Bake n Broil

3697 Atlantic Avenue

Long Beach, California 90807

(562) 595-0396

Bake n Broil is one of our favorite spots to stop in for breakfast or lunch, and has a warm casual setting. The food is excellent and the service can't be beat. The staff is very friendly, the portions quite large and the prices very reasonable. It' also a great place to order cakes and pies for the holidays and special occasions. 

For lunch today, we decided to start off with soup. Sweetie Pie chose the Vegetable Beef. Her mother had the Navy Bean with Ham, and I tried the Clam Chowder. All were just wonderful. They make the best soups here, and their Split Pea Soup is one of our all-time favorites.

Sweetie Pie then decided on the Country Fried Chicken entree and a Small Dinner Salad with Ranch Dressing (Cup of Soup and Small Salad were included). The Fried Chicken was a hand dipped and deep fried breast fillet served with Country Sausage Gravy and Mashed Potatoes. The chicken was perfect- tender on the inside and crispy outside. Bake n Broil's Country Sausage Gravy is the best. Also especially good over Biscuits or their Chicken Fried Steak. Her mother ordered off the Lunch Specials Board, and got the Pot Roast Special. The meat was cut thick and very tender; and was great with the mashed potatoes and gravy. I chose the Bacon and Cheddar Burger with Avocado and a side of Chili Cheese Fries. The Burger was big, fat and succulent; and loaded with bacon and cheese. I finished it all, but barely put a dent in the Chili Fries, which were excellent, but the portion size was big enough for "group sharing".

Everything was truly delicious today, and our total bill was under $40. Today's Bake n Broil lunch gets three thumbs up from the 3 Tubby Tummys!