I just finished a take-out meal from Mr. Cecil's in Manhattan Beach. I do not believe in reviewing a restaurant based on take-out, but I have eaten in the restaurant too so feel qualified to render … more
When I first heard that this restaurant was opening in Manhattan Beach, I was a little confused. I assumed that it was a branch of Katsuya and I did not think the space would support that concept. … more
I am an unlikely candidate to be reviewing a protein powder. I am not a serious weightlifter or fitness addict and I am not into supplements. I don't even take a multi-vitamin. I do exercise … more
I have been using the Kindle 2 for a couple of months now. I didn't plan on buying it; it was a birthday present. If asked prior to receiving it, I would have said that I didn't want one. Not … more
The season got underway last night with an overtime game between Pittsburgh and Tennessee. It was a great start to a season that felt like it took forever to arrive. I suppose that it felt like the … more
Some people really like to play the slots. When visiting a casino, I am always struck by the solitary gamblers sitting in front of these machines looking slightly mesmerized. I myself have never been … more
I just called a friend of mine. He did not pick up and I needed to get some info to him so I left a message. As I was waiting to leave the message I was stuck by the sheer terribleness of his Voicemail … more
I ate at the Tin Roof Bistro last night and came away impressed. This is the second new restaurant in the area by the same family. The other, Simmzy's is always packed and is a great concept so I had … more
Whenever I am in north county San Diego, I make it a point to stop into the Pizza Port. There are so many things I like about this place and I think it lives up to its motto "Tasty Gub and Grog." … more
I have been a customer of this bank for awhile now and it has exceeded my expectations. I feel like it is a throwback to what banking used to be. Things I enjoy: Personal … more
Last night I ate at Terroni, a southern Italian restaurant on Beverly Blvd in Los Angeles and I was really impressed. The restaurant had a number of things going for it. … more
I recently read a review by another Lunch member who called the Tour de France the most compelling sport on TV and it got me thinking about what I consider to be the most compelling. Hands down it … more
If you are wondering what the current economy is doing to wine sales, one indicator is the rise of online wine liquidators. I just heard about Wines 'Til Sold Out and it is a great concept. They advertise … more
In my opinion, a great falafel sandwich is one of those perfect foods. The sandwich I am describing contains falafel (ground fried chickpeas), lettuce, tomato, hot sauce and tahini sauce served in a warm … more
I have never seen this show...but I know way too much about John and Kate. When I go to the market and am checking out, I can't help but notice that John and Kate are on the cover of every magazine. … more
Bill Simmons is my favorite columnist and his columns provide critical analysis and deep humor. He writes for ESPN.com and ESPN the Magazine and you can find his writings at the Sport's Guy's World. Prior … more
See's Candy is awesome. I frequently buy it as a gift and when we have parties, I will buy some and display it for guests to eat at their leisure (similar to mixed nuts or wasabi peas) … more
The details surrounding David Carradine's death are confusing and sad and I do not wish to delve into them here. Nor can I offer a review of his body of work since I have not seen much of it. What I can … more
The NBA Finals start tonight and I am cautiously optimistic. They have had quite a run through the playoffs, losing games when they should have won and there are several external issues that have added … more
Bebe Mochachino is a true visionary of debauchery and self promotion. While I believe there have been other famous dolls constructed out of pantyhose, none of them can claim her success in promoting her … more
StupidVideos.com is a great site to visit for those that need a chuckle. In addition to featuring viral videos from the web, they produce their own original content which is quite funny. I have been visiting … more
I took my 4 year old daughter to see Up and we both thought it was awesome. She said it was the best movie she had ever seen which is crazy since it did not involve a princess. A … more
While I enjoy wine immensely (especially red), I do not feel accomplished enough as a taster to review particular wines. I would feel a little silly describing the bouquet and structure and using words … more
1 was amazing and groundbreaking 2 was great and groundbreaking for its use of effects (and guns and roses songs) 3 was weak 4 was good to very good I … more
Wahoo's is the best. Delicious, healthy, comfortable, clean, with a great staff...just some of the qualities that make Wahoo's a great place for lunch or dinner. They serve Mexican food, but with a heavy … more
Disclaimer: I only saw the middle third of this movie. While my wife was watching American Idol, I was flipping around on another TV and came across this movie. I figure I watched … more
I will follow with a more in-depth review at some point, however, I wanted to point out two really nice things about Simmzy's: Alcohol Content listed next to the price on the beer … more
I really enjoy the Burger in a Bowl at the Counter. I select a chicken breast, corn and black bean salsa, hard boiled egg, pepperocinis, and olives with the ginger soy dressing. It is a tad expensive, … more
Manhattan Beach, where we live, is about 5.5 miles from the location of the Lennox Earthquake that hit May 17, 2009 in the evening. It felt bigger than any quake in recent memory. It caused a cookbook … more
Scattered Among the Nations is a non-profit organization founded by civil rights attorney Bryan Schwartz. He and his partners visit geographically isolated Jewish communities around the world and document … more
The Bazaar by Jose Andres is unlike any restaurant I have ever encountered; a temple of molecular gastronomy. I found my dinner to be more of an experience than a meal. It was overwhelming and thought-provoking; … more
Often times nostalgia colors one's view of remembrances: the elementary school yard seems much smaller than I remembered, the movie I loved as a teenager sucked when I recently saw it again and the pizza … more
Full Disclosure: I am not a cycling fan. I cannot imagine spending time in front of the TV watching a race. Nevertheless, I find Lance Armstrong to be inspiring and the drama that has created to be quite … more
Harry's Jaguar was recommended to me by a friend and my wife and I have taken our cars there for 8 years now. I have taken cars there for regular services (way cheaper than going to a dealer) and to fix … more
The purpose of this review is to address the most common criticism of Whole Foods: that it is way too expensive. I agree that for everyday shopping, the prices are considerably higher than traditional … more
When it comes to espresso based hot beverages...I think that Soy Lattes are the best. I do not drink soy milk on its own and I do not have an anti-dairy bias so I consider myself to be an objective latte … more
If you have read the last few John Grisham fiction books, then you probably don't have to read this review. The Associate contains the typical Grisham elements: nefarious agents seeking to pervert the … more
For those that have not been to a Dim Sum restaurant, it is a fun experience unlike traditional dining. Rather than taking your order off a menu, waiters wheel carts around the restaurant and stop by … more
Zankou Chicken is a Los Angeles treasure. If you are a fan of rotisserie or roasted chicken I would highly recommend it. I have introduced this place to a number of people and no one has been disappointed. … more
While I enjoy variety in some aspects of my life, there are others where I vastly prefer consistency. Choice of shoes is one such area. I am aware that other people enjoy wearing different shoes and use … more