Okay, I admit, I am a self proclaimed amateur "Foodie". I love the Food Network and their programming. With that said, dessert should be an appetizer. We should always eat our dessert first. That way you will always have room for dessert! If you haven't heard of the (somewhat) new craze of "Cupcake Shops" than you have been missing out. Cupcakes have always been the step-child to other desserts. Served at birthday parties and gatherings where kids are the main focus of the event. At Dolcissimo, their treats are almost too good for kids!
Dolcissimo cupcakes are the Star of the show. When you walk in, you find yourself in an almost Disney atmosphere. The decor is whimsical and fun. As you look at the perfectly decorated cupcakes, they almost look like a display to show you what the perfect cupcakes should look like.
The presentation makes you want to try everything. The menu is a little overwhelming your first time. They have "Daily Flavors" that are baked every day. Red Velvet, Diva (my favorite), Chocolate Fantasy, and Cloud 9. These apparently are tried and true. They also have a weekly schedule with different flavors each day.
I have tried several but not all and here is my list:
Tiramisu, great flavor. My daughters favorite.
Strawberry Shortcake, although I love strawberry shortcake, I thought that the white cake was not very good. The cake almost seemed under baked and doughy.
Red Velvet, I was suprisingly under impressed.
Snickerdoodle, very good.
Diva, the chocolate cake was amazing and the icing was perfect. Hands down my favorite.
Dolcissimo is a terrific addition to our community. If you haven't tried it yet, you are missing out! Treat yourself, your kids, or someone on their Birthday and you will be remembered over that $5.00 Birthday card.
Ratings:
Food: 5 Forks
Service: 5 Forks
Value: 3 Forks
Atmosphere: 5 Forks
Cleanliness: 5 Forks
Overall: 41/2 Forks
Cupcakes are a funny thing. We tend to feel that we are too old for these small cakes, but let me tell you something, this is not only the best cupcake that I have ever eaten, but it might even be the best cake that I have eaten too! Dolcissimo is a great addition to our area. I know that Orange County and West Los Angeles are two areas that have a saturation of shops like this. I consider us pretty fortunate that we have a specialty shop like this. Give it a try, you will be glad that you did.
The new cupcakery store is located in Shoppe 3010 next door to Peets Coffee & Tea. Dolicissimo is a cupcake's throw from from P.F. Chang China Bistro and California Pizza Kitchen.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Z-Pizza
Like most people, I have been a huge fan of pizza! As far as I am concerned, it is very rare that I find a pizza that isn't good. As a matter of fact, even mediocre pizza is still satisfactory. With this being said, I have found a new favorite in Chino Hills! Z-Pizza is hands down the best that I have had.
I know that CPK, JoJo's (and the list goes on...) are good I would even say very good. But Z-Pizza is at least a notch above. They do the usual, peperoni, sausage, ect... but they even take it even beyond CPK. The Tuscan Mushroom Pizza is my favorite. With roasted garlic, Cremini(mini portebello mushrooms) Shitake and Button Mushrooms. These flavors give it an awesome earthy flavor. Carmelized onions, herbs, feta cheese and, truffle oil, this is truely a gourmet's delight. This pizza's flavor is too good to call pizza. If you are interested in something different, try this one! I also like the Thai and greek pizza's as well. If you like traditional pizza, try anything on the menue, this too will soon be your favorite!
If you want a sandwhich, I have only tried three, but if you know their food like I do, you can't go wrong with anything. I have tried the Currie Chicken Sandwhich, Yuppie Veggie, and the Super Sub. It is difficult to try another sandwhich when you really enjoy your favorites!
The salads are equally terrific. The Antipasto, Greek, and the Ceaser Salads are all very good as well.
Save room for dessert! The warm chocolate chip cookies are perfect to satisfy a Chocoholic's sweet tooth. But if you want something special, order the Apple Pie Pizza! This is something that you will crave every so often. At least I do. It has the perfect balance of sweet and tart with a smooth marscarpone cheese and roasted nuts. A cinnamon glaze and powdered sugar sprinkled on top, you may want to order two. One to eat there and the other to eat at home.
I have not even tried the pasta yet but I am looking forward to it! Z-Pizza is a frachise that feels and tastes like an independent restaurant. What I mean by that is that when I go to "Normal" franchises, the food is usually good, the standards are usually upheld but not special. And lastly the menue is "Safe" meaning, there are very few diviations from the norm. May be a Thai or BBQ, Pizza and to them, those are "Signature" pizzas. And yes Z-Pizza has those, but they push the envelope and bring new and exciting things! If you love great food and you love pizza, you have got to go!
There is a new location in Redlands with the same great food and the same owner, the best thing about that is that the same passion to give you great food and higher standards than any other competitor, give it a try.
The Chino Hills location is right next to Harkins Theater, it is perfect for a dinner and a movie, night out. If you are 12 or 112, it is affordable and quick. As a matter of fact, you can even order a single slice of pizza. Go there on Wednesday and a slice is only $1.50.
My Rating:
1. Food 5 Forks
2. Service 5 Forks
3. Value 5 Forks
4. Atmosphere 4 Forks ( a little too small)
5. Cleanliness 41/2 Forks
Over all, this restaurant is terrific! I think that we are fortunate to have Z-Pizza in town. Their standards are amazing and the pride in their food shows! Keep up the great work!
I know that CPK, JoJo's (and the list goes on...) are good I would even say very good. But Z-Pizza is at least a notch above. They do the usual, peperoni, sausage, ect... but they even take it even beyond CPK. The Tuscan Mushroom Pizza is my favorite. With roasted garlic, Cremini(mini portebello mushrooms) Shitake and Button Mushrooms. These flavors give it an awesome earthy flavor. Carmelized onions, herbs, feta cheese and, truffle oil, this is truely a gourmet's delight. This pizza's flavor is too good to call pizza. If you are interested in something different, try this one! I also like the Thai and greek pizza's as well. If you like traditional pizza, try anything on the menue, this too will soon be your favorite!
If you want a sandwhich, I have only tried three, but if you know their food like I do, you can't go wrong with anything. I have tried the Currie Chicken Sandwhich, Yuppie Veggie, and the Super Sub. It is difficult to try another sandwhich when you really enjoy your favorites!
The salads are equally terrific. The Antipasto, Greek, and the Ceaser Salads are all very good as well.
Save room for dessert! The warm chocolate chip cookies are perfect to satisfy a Chocoholic's sweet tooth. But if you want something special, order the Apple Pie Pizza! This is something that you will crave every so often. At least I do. It has the perfect balance of sweet and tart with a smooth marscarpone cheese and roasted nuts. A cinnamon glaze and powdered sugar sprinkled on top, you may want to order two. One to eat there and the other to eat at home.
I have not even tried the pasta yet but I am looking forward to it! Z-Pizza is a frachise that feels and tastes like an independent restaurant. What I mean by that is that when I go to "Normal" franchises, the food is usually good, the standards are usually upheld but not special. And lastly the menue is "Safe" meaning, there are very few diviations from the norm. May be a Thai or BBQ, Pizza and to them, those are "Signature" pizzas. And yes Z-Pizza has those, but they push the envelope and bring new and exciting things! If you love great food and you love pizza, you have got to go!
There is a new location in Redlands with the same great food and the same owner, the best thing about that is that the same passion to give you great food and higher standards than any other competitor, give it a try.
The Chino Hills location is right next to Harkins Theater, it is perfect for a dinner and a movie, night out. If you are 12 or 112, it is affordable and quick. As a matter of fact, you can even order a single slice of pizza. Go there on Wednesday and a slice is only $1.50.
My Rating:
1. Food 5 Forks
2. Service 5 Forks
3. Value 5 Forks
4. Atmosphere 4 Forks ( a little too small)
5. Cleanliness 41/2 Forks
Over all, this restaurant is terrific! I think that we are fortunate to have Z-Pizza in town. Their standards are amazing and the pride in their food shows! Keep up the great work!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Papachino's Grill & Greens
My wife and I have lived in Chino Hills for almost 12 years. We have survived the days when we only had Chinese, Pizza, Japanese, and fast food! Thank God those days are behind us! With the development of The Shoppes, and other new restaurants, we can finally enjoy a great meal out!
With that said, my wife and I went out to dinner at a new restaurant called, Papachino's. Apparently it just opened last Monday. Upon my first impression, I noticed the casual atmosphere (this is perfect for me since we were dressed very casually). Once we walked up to the counter, I found the menu a little confusing. The cashier help us through and simplified the process. We both decided on the "Grilled Seafood" section of the menu. My wife chose the White Roughy with rice pilaf and grilled vegetables. I selected the grilled Jumbo Shrimp, Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, and grilled vegetables.
Once we ordered, we walked over to the beverage bar. The set-up was nicely done with warm, freshly made tortilla chips and salsa. There was a nice selection of sauces and salsas. We decided on sitting out on the patio since it was a perfect evening. The atmosphere was pleasant and comfortable. They have heaters under the large umbrella to take the chill out of the air and music was enjoyable.
Our meals came quickly. The portions were generous and presented nicely. The food was hot and delicious. I can't tell you how refreshing it is to have a great meal (healthy) at fast food prices!
The White Roughy was perfectly prepared! It was moist and flaky. The flavor was excellent and the portion size was much larger than expected (especially at the price). The grilled vegetables were equally as good, the zucchini, red and green bell peppers, onions and asparagus were prepared with olive oil and light seasoning and grilled to perfection.
The Jumbo Shrimp were grilled and seasoned well, the Yukon Gold mashed potatoes were very good as were my vegetables.
The meal was much better than I had hoped. I would highly recommend Papachino's to anyone who appreciates great food and a better value! Although we had only sea food, they have steak and chicken as well. Their soups are made from scratch and their desserts are made on the premises. From what I have been told, their Baja Taco's are amazing! I can't wait to try them!
We had a chance to talk to the owners and learned a little about their philosophy. He wanted to serve, Great Food, in Generous Portions, at Great Prices! As far as I am concerned, Mission Accomplished!
With that said, my wife and I went out to dinner at a new restaurant called, Papachino's. Apparently it just opened last Monday. Upon my first impression, I noticed the casual atmosphere (this is perfect for me since we were dressed very casually). Once we walked up to the counter, I found the menu a little confusing. The cashier help us through and simplified the process. We both decided on the "Grilled Seafood" section of the menu. My wife chose the White Roughy with rice pilaf and grilled vegetables. I selected the grilled Jumbo Shrimp, Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, and grilled vegetables.
Once we ordered, we walked over to the beverage bar. The set-up was nicely done with warm, freshly made tortilla chips and salsa. There was a nice selection of sauces and salsas. We decided on sitting out on the patio since it was a perfect evening. The atmosphere was pleasant and comfortable. They have heaters under the large umbrella to take the chill out of the air and music was enjoyable.
Our meals came quickly. The portions were generous and presented nicely. The food was hot and delicious. I can't tell you how refreshing it is to have a great meal (healthy) at fast food prices!
The White Roughy was perfectly prepared! It was moist and flaky. The flavor was excellent and the portion size was much larger than expected (especially at the price). The grilled vegetables were equally as good, the zucchini, red and green bell peppers, onions and asparagus were prepared with olive oil and light seasoning and grilled to perfection.
The Jumbo Shrimp were grilled and seasoned well, the Yukon Gold mashed potatoes were very good as were my vegetables.
The meal was much better than I had hoped. I would highly recommend Papachino's to anyone who appreciates great food and a better value! Although we had only sea food, they have steak and chicken as well. Their soups are made from scratch and their desserts are made on the premises. From what I have been told, their Baja Taco's are amazing! I can't wait to try them!
We had a chance to talk to the owners and learned a little about their philosophy. He wanted to serve, Great Food, in Generous Portions, at Great Prices! As far as I am concerned, Mission Accomplished!
- I have developed a "FORK" rating system to consistently rate restaurants! Here is my rating of Papachino's:
- Food 5 FORKS
- Service 5 FORKS
- Value 5 FORKS
- Atmosphere 5 FORKS
- Cleanliness 5 FORKS
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