Restaurant Blog - Chowbaby.com

KUBO JAPANESE
2414 University Blvd. 2nd floor (Morningside Dr.) Houston, TX 77005
(713)528-7878

Everyone in the area knows exactly where this location is. Once you’ve been here, you won’t forget your way back. Kubo’s is one of the most beautiful and elegant Sushi Bars with ambiance perfect for a relaxing evening. The servers remember why they’re here and are on top of your every need. The Sushi is simply delectable. Favorite include the Sweet Shrimp Ama-Ebi and the Sea Bass Suzuki. There are daily specials on weekdays. Kubo’s has a flavorful desert menu with titles like Monkey’s Gone Mad, Wild Chocolate Dome, and Green Tea Rendezvous. They offer catering; so if you can’t make it in, call it out.�

by Lottie Tagupa & Philip Hayworth

THE WILLOWS RESTAURANT
901 Hausten Street
Honolulu , HI 96826
Phone: (808) 952-9200

Tucked away in a non-descript residential neighborhood, this restaurant has been known to be a hospitable place for islanders to celebrate and congregate. From business luncheons, bridal and baby showers to family birthday celebrations, it’s a pleasant spot to indulge and to enjoy the unique garden setting. Most of the seating here is al fresco, the setting is a series of outdoor dining areas weaved among rippling koi ponds, greenery and water falls that feels like lunching at an island estate or a candlelit private residence. The buffet menu features island favorites that include all you can eat king crab, sushi, kalua pig and their famous curry. Advance reservations for large parties are highly recommended.

by Thomas McCabe

Doogie’s
2525 Berlin Turnpike
Newington, CT 06109
860-666-6200

Firmly situated in a retro atmosphere, with 50’s music on the radio, a loud yellow interior, old-fashioned diner tables and chairs, and pop culture memorabilia on the walls—Doogie’s is a popular little place on the Berlin Turnpike calling itself the Home of the 2ft-long Hot Dog. On closer inspection, these dogs are closer to 3feet! The extra-long sausage has a naturally spicy flavor that doesn’t get lost even under the vast array of toppings. For a little extra kick to your dog, try the homemade hot relish. Besides the monstrous wieners, Doogie’s surprisingly offers some of the best food in town. The real star on the menu is the Philly Cheese Steak. Served with grilled onions, mushrooms, peppers, and even bacon upon request, Doogie’s lives up to its claim of producing “The Best Philly Outside of Philly.” You’ll also find terrific fish and chips, clam strips, New England-style clam chowder, lobster rolls, and hamburgers. If you’re feeling brave, attempt to conquer the Murder Burger: two five-ounce patties with bacon, cheese, grilled onions, and sautéed mushrooms.

Bugatti’s
2504 Ponce De Leon Blvd
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 441-2545

For many people Italian food starts and ends with Pasta. And for the best in town, the absolutely freshest homemade pasta, there is no place other then Bugatti’s. You’ll find all the favorites from Angel Hair to Ziti, all blanketed in an elegant variety of sauces, served up in artful displays. You’ll find the classics along with some less traditional fair like a chicken ravioli in a curry sauce sprinkled with raisins and apples. While best known for the pasta’s, especially a lasagna that is available only once a month that is to die for, Buggatti’s also offers salads, a variety of Italian meat, chicken and fish dishes and a wonderful array of thin crust pizza’s.

There are very few restaurants like Silk Thai Cuisine in Beverly Hills. This is a real local restaurant where the owner, Sara, is usually there to greet you. She is very personable and really has the Thai spirit. Not only is the restaurant very Thai authentic, the food is good too. I usually come for dinner but they also have great lunch specials and they deliver. My new favorite is the Duck Salad. The Duck is crispy and the salad dressing is a little tangy. If I ever want to have a Thai experience without jumping on a plane, this is my go-to place in Beverly Hills.

Silk Thai Cuisine
9907 1/2 S Santa Monica Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
310- 553-1011
http://www.silkthaicuisine.com

KARMA
1575 Boulder St Ste B, Denver, Colorado 80211
303-455-2533

Cuisine: Ovo, Lacto, Vegan-friendly, Raw, Organic

This Café is perfect for the laid back vegetarian or anyone who wants to try something new without spending a lot on food. They serve Breakfast, lunch, and also dinner. All foods are organically grown and they also include a raw food special each day. Karma has a child friendly menu for the little ones. Popular items are Vegan French Toast, the Build your own Sandwich, and Happy Tuna which is fish free. Most nights there are featured artists or local talent to entertain as you dine. A causal atmosphere and health food combine to make this a trendy hang out spot. Also on the menu are Vegan pastries, some, gluten-free options, fair trade coffees and teas. Free Wi-Fi. Accepts credit cards.

by Christine Irvin

SushiKo Japanese Restaurant
122 Hutchinson Avenue
Columbus, OH 43235
(614) 985-6441
http://www.sushi-ko.net

SushiKo Japanese Restaurant bills itself as “the best Sushi Restaurant in Columbus!” They’ve been around for over 15 years which may explain their claim to fame. Their quality menu selections include more than 100 varieties of Sushi, Sashimi and Rolls, which as they say, covers the spectrum “from the traditional to the unique and unexpected.” Their featured rolls are: Samurai – “shrimp tempura, avocado, cucumber, eel, cream cheese, spicy crab topped with tuna”; Volcano – “spicy tuna, cucumber, topped with avocado, spicy crab salad, crunchy and special sauce”; and Fantastic 4 – “avocado, cucumber, tuna, salmon, red snapper, yellowtail, masago, spicy mayo”. Their menu also includes a selection of Kushi Yaki (grilled skewers – chicken, beef, salmon, or seafood), as well as soups and salads.

by Diane Bobis

CHENS CHINESE, SUSHI AND SAKE LOUNGE
3506 N. Clark St., 60657, 773-549-9100
Sunday – Thursday, 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Friday – Saturday, 4:00 pm to Midnight.

Sleek, simple and totally hip, this Wrigleyville favorite never fails to surprise. Right off the bat, Chef Bin Zhou’s menu offers an exotic array of Chinese specialties (Lemon Chicken, Glazed Orange Beef), as well as premium Japanese sushi, sashimi and hot plates. All are prepared with unexpected twists, especially the Black Mushroom Duck, a Shanghai-style delicacy slow roasted in soy sauce, sugar, wine and ginger. The drink list is just as eclectic, with an unabridged selection of sake, wine, single malt scotch, beer, and classic or fruity martinis. Can’t choose? Go with the Frozen Banana martini (vodka, triple sec, banana liqueur and fresh banana). The best surprise at Chens arrives with the bill. You’ll be amazed that a place so sophisticated and upscale could offer such reasonable prices.

by Jewel Bush

Lil’ Dizzy’s Café
1500 Esplanade Ave.
(504) 569-8997

Lil’ Dizzy’s Café’s owner Wayne Baquet has been in the Creole soul food business for four decades dating back to his family’s legendary diner Eddie’s, and it’s evident. Walking into his charming bistro sends your senses into overload. The lip smacking trout baquet and bottomless gumbo beckons as do most dishes at this gem located in Treme, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. The breakfast menu’s bright spot is the waffles topped with strawberries or bananas. Don’t forget about gourmet lunch specials and entrées to die for. The café’s slogan: “Always hot and straight from the pot” is on target.