Kaido

Special Bento Box

Kaido Japanese Restaurant in East Santa Monica is a real find. I was introduced to Kaido by two of my co-workers, Christina and Renee. The restaurant is in the Yale Mini-Mall on Santa Monica Blvd. with a few other restaurants, so parking is scarce during the busy lunch hour.

The atmosphere is very pleasing, the service is excellent and the food is very fresh and beautifully prepared.

We all received a Salad with Tasty Dressing and Miso Soup before our entrees...delish.

I had the Chicken Bowl with egg. Renee has Teriyaki Chicken and Christina had the Special Bento Box (above).

Chicken Bowl with Egg

Teriyaki Chicken, Side of Brown Rice

Savory Custard served with Special Bento Box

Our meal was presented in a very artistic manner, it was scrumptious and reasonably priced. The green tea is served in large mugs...perfect for a chilly day.

Kaido Japanese Restaurant

2834 Santa Monica Blvd.

Santa Monica

Versailles Cuban Restaurant

If you've lived in Los Angeles for even one year, you already know about the Cuban restaurant, Versailles. There are several locations around town. We frequent the one on La Cienega, just south of Pico. I've been going to Versailles for over 30 years. The original L.A. location is on Venice Blvd. at Motor Ave. in Palms. I remember when they opened, we all flocked there for the inexpensive Cuban chicken, laced with a citrus marinade, garlic and smothered in onions. They still serve the exact same chicken recipe, with plaintains, rice and black beans on the side. It's delicious.

Famoso Pollo Versailles...lots of onions!

The Cuban chicken is so delicious and garlicky, that we rarely try anything else at Versailles. Last night we met our friends Laurie and Curt at the La Cienega branch. Laurie ordered the grilled salmon filet. I decided to try it too. It was fabulous. They use the same citrus, garlic and butter marinade for the fish as they do for the chicken...all of the sides are the same, except you also get a little salad. Finding something green at Versailles is a challenge. They're heavy on the carbs and protein here. Curt had the Carne con Papas which is beef chunks and potatoes cooked in a tomato-base, also served with plaintains, rice and beans. Mr. Larry went for the classic Famoso Pollo Versailles (chicken). I've yet to try any of the desserts here. We're always stuffed after the big portions.

Filete de Salmon a la Parilla

Carne con Papas

Everything was excellent and served quickly. Versailles is always busy, but the place is large so there's rarely a wait during the week. The prices are reasonable too, for the amount of food you're offered.

Mr. Larry, Laurie and Curt

Remember, you can't eat atmosphere, so don't expect a fancy dining room!

Versailles Cuban Restaurant

Various Locations