Papa Cristo's Greek Restaurant...(West Coast)

Although I found someone else with a blogspot blog who recommends Mama Voulas I've never actually been there so I'm a little limited when it comes to Greek places to eat. But my love for lamb and feta cheese has sent me to many a nice/nasty place. (If anyone is interested in trying Mama Voulas with me this week let me know.)

However if you are in the Hollywood area especially on a Sunday after Kairos and you are in the mood for some good Greek food you should check out Papa Cristo's.

To start, we had spanakopitas and stuffed grape leaves which were delicious. I preferred the stuffed grape leaves which were filled with rice and meat. Since I love lamb so much I of course had the lamb and feta sandwich. I got a really be kick out of the fact that they were roasting lamb on a spit inside the restaurant. Since lamb is a very delicate meat that is easy to "screw up". Lamb is definitely the yardstick by which I judge Greek restaurants. But this lamb was cooked just right. Well done, but tender and juicy and best of all it wasn't gamy which lamb can be. (See menu here.)

In my opinion it was fairly inexpensive especially if you like to eat family style as my friends do. It also has a very casual atmosphere so you don't have to get all dressed up. Which usually I'm not. I'll get back to you on my comparison after I have tried Mama Voulas.

Location:
2771 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90006
(323) 737-2970

Da Domenico...(East Coast Northern Virginia)

Sorry Mike, though I was in Long Beach this weekend I only went to a cafe. I think you would like it. It has free wireless internet. And plenty of atmosphere. If you are interested I'll tell you the name.

But anyway. For those of you who live on the east coast it will be very difficult for me to review restaurants. Why? Because I live in L.A., but I can always try. For those of you who live in Northern Virginia and would like a nice place to get fancy and dressed up. I have provided a link with reviews for Da Domenico. Though I have never been I encourage you to read up and give it a try. Also remember that you can give me reviews of places you have been to and I will be more than happy to put them on here. I'm still trying to iron out how I want to do this. I know a lot of you east coasters go out to eat please feel free to share. (Location below):

1992 Chain Bridge Road
Tyson's Corner, VA 22102
703.790.9000

Versailles...The Cuban Hotspot

If you enjoy eating Cuban food then Versailles is definitely the place for you. With various locations in and around Los Angeles there is probably one near you. I have never driven by a Versailles restaurant when the parking lot wasn't packed. As you walk up to the door you greeted by the undeniable aroma of garlic. The decor inside most Versailles restaurants isn't particularly outstanding. Some refer to it as the "Cuban version of IHOP". But what it lacks in atmosphere it makes up for in food and speedy service.

Versailles' specialties are definitely their pork dishes,which from the ones I've tried all appear to be cooked with garlic. If you don't like garlic you probably won't like Versailles. Most dishes are served with beans, rice, and fried plantains. The tastes are unusual, but definitely appealing. Some dishes you might be interested in trying are the "Moors and Christians" which is tasty black beans with white rice, ropa vieja, and eastin lechón which is pork with sliced onion (my personal favorite). I've also had the shredded pork which is cooked with their garlic-citrus sauce (as are most dishes). They also serve a variety of beef, chicken, and fish. They have a very nice wine list if that is your taste (featuring mostly California and some Spanish wines). But if you are el cheapo then try the house wine it is also very good.

If you are looking for a place to enjoy the company of your friends and good food then Versailles is your place. If you are looking for something upscale or trying to impress on a first date this is not it.

Attire: Casual
Price Range: $10-$20
Food:Cuban
Locations: Below
Rating:*** (3 stars out of possible 5)

Locations:
10319 Venice Boulevard,
Culver City, CA
310 558 3168

1415 South La Cienega Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA
310 289 0392

*Also a location in the San Fernando Valley on Ventura Blvd. West of the 405 Fwy