Marie's Restaurant Guide

Anyone who knows me well knows that I don't like to eat at those chain restaurants like TGIF, D&B, Olive Garden, etc. So, here is a guide to little independent mom and pop owned places that I enjoy.

Independent Restaurant Guide

Savoy

Savoy is my number one,
To Alhambra I will not hesitate to run,
For Hainan chicken and Garlic pasta,
Shrimp egg rolls and yummy sauce -ah,
It is quite a rarity,
To find Grade A in this city,
Chinese food mixed with Italian flavors,
It satisfies my stomach now, not later.







 Niko-Niko 

  
A quiet, romantic sushi place,
Located in the ghetto of my student days,
Quality sushi with the best sweet shrimp,
My favorite place to relax and sit,
Pricey it is as all sushi can be,
But to Niko Niko, Kevin and I will flee.







 Blue Marlin 

  
Blue marlin is a unique place,
Where I am happy to show my face,
I enjoy the coroquette meals,
The large portions make it quite a deal,
Original pasta like uni and these,
Salad dressings and sauces that are sure to please,
Made only with natural and fresh ingredients,
This place is perfect for UC students. 







 Pomodoro 

 
UCLA Bruins will know this place,
The best Italian restaurant they will face,
Start with Bruschetta as an aperatif,
Then onto the samoln pasta with ease,
Full you will be, because their servings,
Will not cost you all your earnings,
Although loud and crowded in the evenings,
Pomodoro is quite pleasing.







 Mincha a la Japonaise 

  
Another Japanese fusion place,
With french and italian cuisine it is laced,
I do enjoy the crab cakes always,
Iced coffee in a tall glass follows,
You can make it upscale or cheap depending,
On which menu - you choose your spending,
Quiet and homey this is true,
Like the restaurant - Marlin, Blue.







 Ariake 

  
Upscale sushi in a house,
Shaped like I-Hop and quiet as a mouse,
Quality sushi they will serve,
Uni, toro, unagi, yes sir,
Dynamite rolls and tempura flavors,
I will always always savor,
The ice cream at the end is divine,
Tempura deep fried green tea so fine,
Pricey it is, now you are warned,
Parking in the rear your car won't be harmed.

Frantone's

This family style Italian feast Is inexpensive with much to eat, One plate can easily feed four- You'll find delicious food galore. I always go with spaghetti and meatballs, Minestrone soup and garlic bread is all, That I need to become full, So delicious yet oh so simple. Its something about the tomato sauce That draws me in, I won’t get lost. I recommend this homey place You’ll leave satisfied with a smile on your face.

Chain Restaurant Guide

Here are some chain restaurents that I do like

Curry House

  
This place is everywhere but its hard to beat.  
The omrice is my favorite treat. 
Comes with meat sauce and salad too,
Corn chowder is good, this is true. 
Tofu salad on the side, 
Curry House is definately one of a kind.







 The Melting Pot 

 
The one and only fondue place, 
located in Irvine and other states, 
cheese fondue served with bread, 
vegetables and you are well fed.  
Dessert is for sure the best part.  
The chocolate fondue is a work of art. 
It comes with pound cake, brownie and fruits
Cheesecake swirled in chocolate to boot.







 Joe's Crab Shack 
 
This shack can be found near all the beaches,
Crab and lobster I break into pieces.
Coconut fried shrimp is my favorite,
Comes with the sweet sauce - yes, I'll take it.
My boyfriend loves the shrimp cocktail,
And to sing on the counter - they will not fail.