Bear Flag Fish Co.

Leave it to Vanessa Chang to be able to direct us to a find like Bear Flag Fish Co. Nestled among the chain crab shacks and yacht clubs of Newport Beach, this fish market located just blocks from the shore takes fresh fish to a whole new level: selections from the case can be grilled up right there in the way of tacos, rice bowls, salads and sandwiches.





Those needing to thaw out after hitting the Pacific surf can curl up with a bowl of Cioppino or clam chowder.


Pescado Tacos: Mahi Mahi and Swordfish - $2.99 each


Rice Bowl: Grilled Ahi Tuna, Brown Rice and Sauteed Veggies - $10.99 with white rice, a buck extra for the brown.

Now if we can just convince our home fish mongers at Aquarius Fish Company to follow suit, we'll have no need to hit the OC again until the snow falls.

- K

Bear Flag Fish Co.
407 31st Street
Newport Beach, CA 92663
949.673.FISH (3474)

Left Fork Grill

Last year I wanted to celebrate my birthday with my mom's homemade chocolate cream pie. But with mom miles away, and not a pie dish to my name, I set out in search of a local bakery that either sold them--or was willing to make one as a special request. Sadly, I was SOL.

Fortunately by the time this year came along Salt Lake Magazine had published its 11th Annual Dining Awards, giving me the opportunity to read about Left Fork Grill, home of the "Best Breakfast" in town and apparently, some pretty spectacular pies.

I phoned Left Fork Grill about a week out from my birthday and was thrilled to learn that indeed they could whip up a chocolate cream pie to order. I was feeling extra special when the woman on the other end of the line directed me to retrieve my pie "after 11:00 a.m." on said day. My birthday pie was not going to be made the night before.


$21.75 with tax, Left Fork Grill's chocolate cream pie even came in a hefty Pyrex dish.


First slice of the pie...

Thankfully my mom's on dial-up and doesn't hit the internet much, because I have to confess that this little slice of pie takes the cake! Day one the crust was so incredibly fresh and even a little bit salty. And just as a fresh pie should, this baby digressed in flavor just slightly each day over the four days it took us to polish it off, suggesting the obvious: a pie this tasty is meant to be enjoyed, not preserved.

- K


Left Fork Grill
68 W 3900 S
Salt Lake City, UT 84107
(801) 266-4322

Madena of the Pearl

I am of the opinion that it is important, wherever one should live, to have a go-to spot that is good, affordable and accessible. During moments of hunger-induced crankiness or Monday-bred mental exhaustion, said spot quickly provides nourishment without forcing you to actually have to think.

When we lived in Portland, Madena of the Pearl was indeed my no-brainer spot. A hop, skip and a jump from our digs, we ventured to this cozy restaurant at least twice a week for lunch or dinner. Weather permitting, we favored sitting at one of their outdoor tables, though settling into one of the handful of indoor booths was not without its benefits, as it meant we could thumb through the house coffee table book on Lebanon. Pita bread and a mini history lesson.


Hummus: Garbanzo bean dip with Tahini sauce, lemon juice, olive oil and garlic - $5.25

Creamy, tangy and perfectly smooth. This Hummus has set the bar so high that I have a hard time eating it anywhere else. Even Hummus enjoyed authentically in the Middle East didn't come close.


Coco Chicken: Marinated chicken breast in herbs, spices and garlic. Topped with coco curry sauce - $7.50 for lunch portion (shown) which includes two sides of Hummus and/or Baba Ghanoush.

The only chicken I go out of my way to eat, this spicy, sweet dish somehow manages to complement every season (or at least every Pacific Northwest season).

- K


Madena of the Pearl
432 NW 11th Ave.
Portland, OR 97209
503.231.1000