I recently took a trip to Southern California with my boyfriend, and had a great time. There was the wonderful San Diego weather which mixed nicely with a packed schedule (more to come on activities) and great dining. I definitely did my research before, turning to San Diego Magazine and friends who were familiar with the area for advice. Here are a few reviews of the places we ate.

San Diego & Coronado Island

Fatburger - This deserves the title as the best fast food burger. With a crispy slightly charred crust and bun that wasn’t overwhelming, Fatburger delivers in juicy grilled goodness. The fresh onion rings and rich homemade chocolate milkshake (made with Blue Bell ice cream) really took the cake. I thought it was light years better than the other West coast burger staple, In-n-Out Burger.

Overall Rating: A-

Rockin’ Baja Coastal Cantina - Probably the worst meal we had the whole trip, we wandered all through the Gaslamp District (and passed a ton of great looking places) and stopped here in favor of cheapness. The mix of seafood and Mexican was a good choice for us (since I love Mexican and he loves seafood), so we tried it out. The guacamole was good, not amazing, but the salsa bar was pretty good. I ordered the dirty tacos with steak instead of carnitas, which came with a wicked spicy chipotle sauce and grilled onions. The boy got suckered into a Baja Bucket with weirdly flash-fried shellfish, which was pretty gross.

Overall Rating: C

Peohe’s - Part of the Chart House restaurant group, we went to Peohe’s for the view and Hawaiian fusion. It’s a bit of a cheesy, touristy destination, but the food was better than expected. The coconut crusted onion rings are amazing. The rest of the menu is quite similar to the Chart House. My only complaint was that the main dessert had macadamia nuts, and I’m allergic. We ate on a covered patio on the water and were really amused by the birds that literally divebombed into the water to get fish.

Overall Rating: B

Ortega’s Mexican Bistro - This was a great Mexican place in the Hillcrest neighborhood. We started with some tasty guacamole, made table-side with grilled lime. BF had some chicken mole enchiladas and the huitlacoche and portabello taco trio. It’s pretty funny how huitlacoche (”corn smut”) is marketed, when it’s really just corn fungus (like a tumorous mushroom). I had the Kobe beef burrito for my entree, which was really simple and delicious. Stuffed with Kobe beef strips, charro beans, jack cheese and avocado (I declined the huitlacoche-porcini mushroom sauce), I thoroughly enjoyed this upscale burrito.

Overall Rating: B+

La Jolla

Brockton Villa - The home of the infamous “coast toast” and a fantastic view, this was one of the best breakfasts ever. We shared a coast toast, and I ordered blueberry pancakes while BF had the “bagel tower”. The pancakes were huge, lightly dusted with powdered sugar and had hints of orange and vanilla. The fresh blueberries put it over the top. The bagel tower was amazing and full of house-smoked lox. A bagel sliced in three with alternating layers of cream cheese, tomato and onion. Kind of like a breakfast club sandwich. A seriously delicious start to the day.

Overall Rating: A

Powell’s Sweet Shop - A very cool little candy shop in La Jolla (with multiple locations), Powell’s features candy from all over the world. They also have rarely seen U.S. candies (cherry bombs for example) and an impressive wall of Jelly Bellies and M&M colors. In addition, they have homemade gelato, specialty sodas, and Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory on infinite loop in a mini kids “theatre” in the back (complete with Wonka Bars). It’s everything fun and whimsical should be. As a candy lover, this is going in my book as a favorite spot to stop for something sweet, along with Fiona’s Sweet Shoppe in San Francisco.

Overall Rating: B+

George’s California Modern - I searched and searched for the best restaurant in the area, and George’s At the Cove consistently came up. Add in that friend of mine told me how amazing their casual menu was, and I had to check it out. I’m so glad I did. The recently renovated restaurant had a hip but calming ambiance, and service was superb. We started with appetizers and drinks. I ordered a bee sting which was colorful and refreshing with kumquats floating in the drink and a slight sting of honey. I had the romaine, celery heart and fennel salad which was amazingly fresh and included a delicious white-bean olive bruschetta and freshly shaved thick curls of parmesan. I practically licked the plate it was so good. BF had a special which was spotted prawns lightly grilled, which he declared the best shellfish he had ever eaten.

We ordered the Niman Ranch 28 day dry aged Cote de Boeuf for two, which took a bit of time to come out. After a 20 minute wait, our waiter brought out a quick almost amuse bouche for us, compliments of the chef. We were treated to a wild mushroom house made ravoli with spring peas. Absolutely amazing. By the time the actual entree arrived we were both stuffed. The beef was delicious, perfectly seasoned with salt and boasting a delightful crispy crust.

And we couldn’t resist dessert. The stuffed donut holes with dip came out with a trio of sauces and were filled with caramel, strawberry or rubharb. The meyer lemon sauce was tart and light, the dulce de leche decadent, and the choloclate was rich and smooth.

I’ve eaten at a number of fine restaurants in the DC area and have to say that this was one of the best meals I have ever had. But, I’ll let you know my thoughts after Citronelle and The Inn at Little Washington (one day).

Overall Rating: A+

Del Mar

Roberto’s - Hands down the tastiest casual Mexican place I have ever been. I would eat there every day if I could. I got the rolled tacos (basically a crispy little taquito) with beef and sour cream. Amazing and with a side of guacamole a perfect fit. Weird as it is, the refried beans were my favorite of all. BF got a combo fish taco and beef burrito. For a unique side, he tried the jalapeno marinated carrot slaw.

Overall Rating: A

Malibu

Geoffrey’s - we stumbled upon Geoffrey’s thanks to a Zagat Guide iPhone search for a place with a view. We were definitely not disappointed. I had the roasted corn chowder which was sweet with corn and lumps of crab meat and a spicy kick from roasted pasilla chiles. Followed up by a really great casear salad with parmesan croutons. BF had the lobster cobb salad with the best avocado he’d ever had. The food was good but not anything special, but the view made it all worthwhile. Along with the gorgeous ocean view we enjoyed checking out the super expensive vehicles in the valet and on the drive down the 101.

Overall Rating: B-

With 2 to 5 million people expected to descend on the DC metro area in a couple weeks for President-elect Obama’s Inauguration festivities, there remains one big question. Where will they eat?

I’m sure OpenTable has been booked for months, but if you can manage a reservation (or long wait time) at one of the following restaurants, you won’t be disappointed. Many are featuring special hours and/or menus in anticipation. If you can’t get in (or out) of the city, make plans to stop at some of the VA and MD spots ahead of time.

I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite restaurants, places where I recommend out-of-towners dine.

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Kinkead’s | http://www.kinkead.com/ | DC (Foggy Bottom)

I’m not a seafood person, but this was one of the best meals I’ve had in DC. The crispy Ipswich clams with tartar sauce and fried lemons is a treat. The steak medallions I had had a delicious crust with melt-in-your-mouth meat. Save room for dessert, the lemon dessert sampler (Lemon Pudding Cake, Vanilla and Citrus Parfait with Lemon and Mandarin Granitas and a Lemon Meringue Tart) I had is still one of my favorite desserts…ever.

BLT Steak | http://www.bltsteak.com/ | DC (Downtown/Farragut)

Popovers and bacon can’t be beat. The pate is a lovely addition as well (so I hear). I’ve been disappointed by the side dishes (except hen of the woods mushrooms that my bf loves), but the baked potatoes are massive enough to share. A pleasantly masculine atmosphere and delicious sizzling steak is enough to make anyone feel Presidential.

Brasserie Beck | http://www.beckdc.com/ | DC (Downtown)

The frites alone are worth it. Mussels are meaty and aromatic, and other dishes like the spinach salad (a large side salad), short ribs and “ham and cheese” sandwich are excellent as well. Beer list, as expected, is superb. I’m a fan of Kriek beers.

Ray’s the Steaks | No website | Courthouse (Arlington, VA)

Take the time to stop by promptly at 4 pm (in person) to put your name on the waiting list. It’s worth it. I’m usually a filet mignon kind of girl, but at Ray’s I order a NY Strip steak au poivre (sauce on the side). With its charred exterior and juicy tender meat, the strip is pretty flavorful. A bargain with sides of creamed spinach and mashed potatoes included in the price. Forget Morton’s, The Palm, and all the other steakhouses. Ray’s is where it’s at.

Oyamel | http://www.oyamel.com/ | DC (Penn Quarter)

Oyamel has little plates of Mexican goodness. Tamales, short ribs, skirt steak, shrimp and more are creatively plated and presented in mouthwatering morsels. Make sure to try the mole and the huitlacoche (Mexican corn truffles). There is also a stuffed pepper dish that my bf swears by.

Zaytinya | http://www.zaytinya.com/ | DC (Chinatown)

You can order a ton of plates for not a ton of price. Featuring Greek and Mediterranean fare, Zaytinya can complement most any palate. Zaytinya has a gorgeous atmosphere with calming decor and open glass windows, but the best thing about it is the bread. Pillowy pita bread is served hot with olive oil, completely addictive. Tapas are best when they’re shared, so make sure to sample and spread the love.

Woodmont Grill | http://www.hillstone.com/#/restaurants/woodmontGrill/ | Bethesda, MD

I reviewed Woodmont a couple months ago. My top dishes are the french dip, the house salad, and the Hawaiian steak.

Hudson’s | http://www.hudson-dc.com/ | DC (Downtown/Dupont)

Always innovative, I like Hudson’s trendy yet comforting menu. The matzo ball soup is delicious, and any place with fried chicken is high on my list.

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2 Amy’s | http://www.2amyspizza.com/ | DC (Cleveland Park)

One of my top weekend destinations. If you can handle the wait (they don’t take reservations), it’s well worth it. I’m a fan of the traditional 2 Amy’s pizza, with just tomato and mozzarella and a dash of olive oil. Take note of the daily specials and appetizers. I can never turn down the potato and prosciutto croquettes, or the polpettine (tiny meatball), sizzling with slices of thick bread. The eggplant parmesan is also wonderful. Kids drinks are also a weakness of mine, especially the kids pink lemonade with a scoop of sorbet. A special treat on Sunday is the cinnamon-sugar donut, complete with the donut hole. I’ve never had anything I didn’t like at 2 Amy’s.

Cactus Cantina | http://www.cactuscantina.com/ | DC (Cleveland Park)

If you want to avoid the crowds at Lauriol Plaza, stop by Cactus Cantina (right next to 2 Amy’s) for the exact same menu. The place is huge, and can accomodate a crowd minus the ridiculous wait. Swirl margaritas come in pitchers, and the salsa is pleasantly smoky. Fresh chips and tortillas make the food that much better. My favorites are the beef fajitas and the BBQ chicken salad. I love the house salad dressing there. Wings are not bad either, and traditional Mexican dishes are hearty and satisfying.

Liberty Tavern | http://www.thelibertytavern.com/home.php | Clarendon (Arlington, VA)

If you can only go once, go for the brunch. It’s my favorite brunch place, mostly because of the old-fashioned candy bar (pic featured here). My favorite pizza there (which rivals 2 Amy’s) is the Vermont, featuring white cheddar, proscuitto, Granny Smith apples, caramelized onions and sage. It sounds odd, but is simply divine.

Palena | http://www.palenarestaurant.com/ | DC (Cleveland Park)

If you eat in the front of the restaurant (Palena Cafe), then you can dine like a king on their mouth-watering cheeseburger and crispy fried potatoes, onions and lemons. The roast chicken has to be ordered ahead of time, but it’s worth the wait with crispy skin and juicy chicken.

Peking Gourmet | http://www.pekinggourmet.com/ | Falls Church, VA

Best Peking duck in town. Just ask President Bush. The duck is perfectly crisped and expertly carved tableside. Meat is both flavorful and not fatty. In addition to the duck, I like the egg rolls, Szechuan beef proper, fried rice, moo shu pork and dumplings.

Papa Razzi’s | http://www.paparazzitrattoria.com/ | DC (Georgetown)

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Georgetown. The food is consistently good, and I really like the atmosphere. Try the mozzarella fritta, roasted lemon garlic chicken (gallo al forno) or the lasagna. You won’t be disappointed.

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Surfside | http://www.surfsidedc.com/ | DC (Glover Park)

What’s better than a fresh tortilla, slightly grilled, corn shaved off the cob, marinated beef, and lime sour cream? Nothing. That’s my favorite “create your own” taco combination. Feel free to get creative on your own, or sample some of Surfside’s delectable tacos, burritos, salads, and entrees.

Urban BBQ | http://www.urbanbbqco.com/ | Rockville, MD

The wings are stellar, BBQ chicken succulent, and brisket and ribs excellent. Don’t discount the sides, the cole slaw is nicely chopped and slightly vinegary, and the cornbread is sweet with pieces of corn.

Eamonn’s | http://www.eamonnsdublinchipper.com/ | Alexandria, VA

The best fish and chips in town, hands down. Stop by Old Town Alexandria. Crispy and freshly fried, the cod and chips is my favorite. Tartar sauce is creamy and tangy, and all the sauces are homemade. Don’t forget to save room for the fried Snickers bars. Pick up a piece of European nostalgia with imported candies and treats from the UK and beyond.

Aladdin’s Eatery | http://www.aladdinseatery.com/ | Various VA Locations (Shirlington, Ballston and Burke)

This is one of my favorite Lebanese/Middle Eastern restaurants. The Shirlington location makes a great first-date spot, and both have free wi-fi. I’m partial to the chicken salad rolled wrap and salad pita, the fattoush salad, and the hummus. I also love the raspberry sunshine smoothies. You can easily dine here for under $10 per person. They also have a wonderful wine list.

Woodmont Grill in Bethesda is one of my new favorite restaurants. Although it is a bit overpriced, the food is really good, so it makes it worth the trip. Formerly Houston’s restaurant, Woodmont is a local favorite that serves good comfort food. I compare it to a combination of Sweetwater Tavern and Daily Grill.

AMBIANCE

Woodmont is a bit dark inside, which reminds me of Daily Grill. Although it’s dark, it feels homey and cozy. The restaurant features live jazz nightly, which provides nice background noise. The booths are warm, and the table chairs are comfortable (though a bit weird at first due to the leather structure).

FOOD

The menu is fairly small, but sometimes less is more. The spinach and artichoke dip was chock full of spinach, but lacked any discernable artichokes. It was pleasantly dense and cheesy, and served with decent tortilla chips and a side of sour cream and salsa. A close cousin to the Cheesecake Factory version, this one was more satisfying.

I had the Hawaiian ribeye the first time we dined, and it was delicious. Ordered medium, it came perfectly pink in the middle with a nice crust. The "Hawaiian" seasoning tasted like a mix of pineapple, soy sauce, and ginger. The loaded baked potato was an odd side dish choice, but was good as well.

BF had the ribs the first time, which were a decent sized portion with a sweet flavor. The ribs were petite with little bones, and the sauce had a kind of Sysco flavor to it. The coleslaw was mediocre, it looked similar to the amazing coleslaw (thick cut and not "soupy") at Urban BBQ, but sadly did not have the same addictive bite. Overall, a kind of blah dish.

We tried the house and caesar side salads, both of which were tasty. The caesar dressing had a great flavor and plenty of cheese and croutons, and the house salad was beautiful. Cheese, corn, egg, crispy bacon pieces, croutons and tomato are arranged over mixed greens to create a pleasant blend of traditional flavors. To top it off, an amazing hunk of cheese toast comes with the house salad. Salads are expensive on their own at $10 and $11, but order with an entree and get one for $5.

The second time, I ordered the french dip sandwich with a side of horseradish sauce. The french dip comes on superb (house baked?) bread which was thick, buttery and perfectly toasted. The roast beef is sliced thin and unlike some versions, it’s neither fatty nor salty. French fries are thin crispy strands, and definitely up there in quality. For $17, it was a bit expensive for a sandwich, but well worth it. BF declared it the best thing he’s eaten in a long time.

BF ordered chicken fingers. These were battered chicken fingers with an almost cracker-like crust that reminded me of the ones served at the Great American Restaurants chain.  They were pale in color and flaky in texture. The first bite or two seemed awesome, then got progressively worse. Served with fries and coleslaw, it was a big portion, but not sure it was worth the $16 price tag.

One of my favorite things to order at Woodmont is the lemonade. It’s refreshingly sour, and refills are free. I honestly go back there just for that - I’m a bit of a lemonade freak. If you’re looking for good lemonade elsewhere, try M&S Grill. It’s fresh squeezed and tart.

For dessert, I was disappointed that all of the choices had nuts (walnuts or pecans), so we were left with the ice cream sundae. It was a simple pleasure, really good vanilla bean ice cream (in fact, it tasted almost homemade) served alongside a gravy boat of deliciously rich hot fudge that you could pour as you like. The only thing that was missing was a cherry. For $8 though, you could buy your own pint and hot fudge.

SERVICE

The first time we dined, it was a bit busier and we had to wait about 15 minutes. The server was slow to refill our water and bring any special requests (i.e. extra napkins or salad dressing). The second time, the server was extremely attentive and everyone pitched in to serve and bus tables. Our food came quickly and we were in and out in less than an hour.

LOGISTICS

Parking is easy if you go on a weekend, a free public garage is just across the street. Otherwise, there is metered street parking, paid garages and a valet parking lot.

Sparkle Rating: 4 out of 5 Carats

Overall: Great food, good location, nice setting, but overpriced. Consistently good food and service. Top menu choices include the french dip, house salad, and lemonade.