Welcome All!

Welcome to the Food Junkies web site. Here You'll find a foodie living in southern California here to bring you the most up-to-date food and restaurant reviews. Seeking out the "hole-in-the-wall" places as if they were hidden treasure. The goal is to save you a few bucks while still giving you an amazing dining experience that is hopefully special and out of the ordinary.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Woody's Burgers and Beer


Woody's burgers and beer is a fairly new burger joint located in downtown Palm Springs on Indian Canyon Dr between the streets of Amado and Alejo. At a first glance you might be weary of this small diner style restaurant hiding in a small space. They have parking in the back and across the street. I was surprised to find that guests had the option of sitting outside, at the counter, or in the pool hall. It was a bigger building than expected! The retro theme inside really adds that "hometown" diner feel. I ordered the mushroom burger with comes with 100% premium black angus ground beef, grilled mushrooms, tomato, lettuce, and a secret mushroom sauce that tasted similar to cream of mushroom soup. The mushroom sauce really kicked off the burger and went perfectly with the beef. They give you the option to switch from a beef patty to a chicken filet at no additional charge and give options for vegetarians.


I enjoyed the menu because even though there wasn't much on it, it was simple and because there was so much variety between the burgers, it worked perfectly. Next time I go back I want to try the jalapeno burger, and they have a Hawaiian burger that sounded amazing. Most the burgers ran for about $6.50 and the sides ran for about $1.50-$2.50 but could be split between two people easily. This place was rated best burger in town by KPSP2 and I have to say its my new favorite joint. There open pretty late (usually about 10 or 11) because in the pool hall they regularly have bands and karaoke nights. Service could have used a little help but that was also part of the "sit-at-the-counter" diner experience where you just ask them for refills or whatever you need, so dont be afraid to speak up. Overall, I give this place 4.5 stars out of 5.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Mariscos El Pescador - Mexician/Seafood


Mariscos El Pescador restaurant is found in the biggest little city of the world. Its seafood/Mexican style and theme make it a appealing dining experience for a crowd of diners who want variety. I found the staff extremely friendly. I felt like not only our waitress was serving us, but everyone involved was asking us how the meal was. Since it originally opened in 2002 El Pescador has been a locals secret in Reno, NV for the past 9 years. One of the reasons for its great success is not only the great food, amazing atmosphere, decorations, and service, but they often have a mariachi band playing to add ambiance. They start with the traditional chips and salsa, but instead of just one bowl of salsa, they also give you a bowl of beans with red sauce and chilli salsa. AMAZING! The top dishes I would recommend is the shrimp skewer platter, and the fried ice cream. The skewers came with a lot more shrimp than I expected and with a generous helping of rice and beans on the side (and when I say side I mean it takes up pretty much a large plate.) The way the shrimp is grilled is perfect. Perfect amount of flavor. The best part is that its only $12. 95 which I feel is reasonable with how much food they give you. I was weary of the fried ice cream at first just because you never know how well it will be prepared however with the way they prepared this dish I defiantly approved. They used the crusted shell around a scoop of vanilla ice cream which was deep-fried, but what set them apart from other Mexican restaurants who prepare this dish is that they put a little bit of Bailys coffee cream around the edge and topped it with whipped cream. That really made the dish. If your not looking for ice cream then they make their own flan on site and add a variety of flavoring to it. I will defiantly be back.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Do you have a specific style of cuisine you have always wanted to try? Have a restaurant you have always looked at but been too afraid to go to? Or have rumors you need put to rest about a specific place? Have no fear, Food Junkie is here. Please contact me and I will research them for you and give them a full review. Problem solved.