Topper's Pizza Place
(805) 385-4444
http://www.topperspizzaplace.com

There are a number of Topper's Pizza Places in Ventura County, and I have visited most of them. The one in the Channel Islands Harbor is beautiful, with views of the boat and water just outside (2701 Peninsula Rd., Oxnard 93035); it is a two-story restaurant with a magical touch screen soda fountain that everyone loves. You must plug Topper's phone number into your phone contacts because if you are ever near one and just want to pick up a pizza on the way home, it will take no longer than 12 minutes for your pizza to be ready.  We are not in a delivery zone, so I often will phone my order in and pick it up on the way home. Let's talk about why this place is so stellar
though--besides being efficiently run, it has deliciously made pizzas with crispy crusts and fresh ingredients, and the salad bar is the most exceptional one I have ever seen in ANY restaurant! The containers at the salad bar are
always full and the counter is consistently clean.  In fact, I feel bad when I drop some dressing or a kidney bean on it, but there is ALWAYS someone right behind me to wipe it up! My son said that they have also added dessert cookie pizzas to their menu, and they are delicious as well. Topper's Pizza is truly stellar.

Sharky's Woodfired Mexican Grill
http://www.sharkys.com

My family and I are big fans of Sharky's.  There are several restaurants in the Ventura County area, and their food is fresh, tasty, and come in large portions--which is something I appreciate since I am raising two boys.  Our favorite dishes are the Nachos, the Chicken Tostada Salad, and the Fajita Burrito. Their salsa bar offers many different types of salsas, my favorite being the fire roasted salsa.  They also offer 3 different types of iced teas, and we especially enjoy the Bahamian Breeze (tropical iced tea). You must also sign up to become a "Fin-Addict" because you will receive wonderful discounts that help offset the cost of future visits.

The Cheesecake Factory
http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/

Grand Lux Cafe
http://www.grandluxcafe.com/

What I appreciate the most about the Cheesecake Factory is its CONSISTENCY. This restaurant chain consistently delivers delicious food and prompt service. It's a sure thing every time! From their cocktails, appetizers, large portioned entrees, and signature desserts...it's ALL stellar! 

A sister restaurant to The Cheesecake Factory is the Grand Lux Cafe. I have visited the ones in Chicago and in Las Vegas (The Venetian & The Palazzo; I prefer the one at the Palazzo--it is larger and nicer).  It is our favorite restaurant to eat at on the Strip.

Here are some of my favorites:
Cocktail: Georgia Peach or Lemon Drop Martini (really ANY martini...who are we kidding???)
Appetizer: Avocado Egg Rolls (duh) and Crispy Crab Wontons
Entrees: Chicken Romano and Luau Salad
Desserts: Red Velvet Cheesecake (leaves me speechless every time) and the White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle

Leilas' Restaurant & Bar
706 Lindero Canyon Road #752, Oak Park, CA 91377
818-707-6939
http://www.leilasrestaurant.com

A good friend recently treated us to dinner at this well kept secret in Oak Park. Leila's is a beautifully decorated, local family-owned restaurant that serves outstanding food. We started off with the Soft Poached Egg, which was perfectly executed--the combination of flavors stunned me! We also enjoyed the Spicy Ahi Tartar, which was fresh and full of flavor. For our entrees, we ordered the Heirloom Tomato Stack, the Braised Beef, and the Skirt Steak--each was exceptional and the portions were generous. The only way to cap off the evening was with the Wonder Bar. I love small gems like this where friends can enjoy special evenings together. I'm already thinking of when I will go back!

Yamashiro
1999 Sycamore Ave., Hollywood, CA  90068
(323) 466-5125
http://www.yamashirorestaurant.com/

Being a native from Southern California, I have heard a lot about Yamashiro in Hollywood and had placed it on my list of restaurants to visit. What I learned from my visit to Yamashiro is that researching a restaurant before visiting it can save you some money and help you select the best dishes. What attracts people to this restaurant are the breathtaking views of the city and its rich history. We arrived early and enjoyed the view and a drink at the bar outside by the pagoda garden. Instead of ordering a $30+ entree, we were more than satisfied ordering a few sushi rolls, tempura, and a unique dessert. I think this dining experience was stellar because I didn't feel like I overpaid for my meal, what we ordered was outstanding, and I was happy to have finally visited this stellar stop.

Anqi Bistro
South Coast Plaza
3333 S Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 557-5679
http://www.anqibistro.com

A dear friend invited us to this dinner for a special evening out on the town in Orange County, and it will be a dining experience that I will talk about for the rest of my life. Asian fusion served tapas style for all to share, or you may choose to consume each plate individually. The hostess explained to us that the venue is used for fashion shows as well, so pads are carefully arranged around the catwalks to create seating for dining tables for the restaurant.  The décor of the restaurant is stunning, with colors of red and black, and innovative architecture. The food is styled equally as exotic, and is delicious.  The most memorable dish for me was the kimchi fried rice. Anqi Bistro is not just a meal; it is a stellar experience!

SusieCakes
23653 Calabasas Rd, Courtyard at the Commons in Calabasas, CA
(818) 591-2223
https://www.susiecakes.com/

This is simply the best red velvet cake that you will ever eat. They have other flavors too, but the red velvet is truly stellar! Whether you get a mini cupcake (3 for $5), a regular cupcake ($3), a slice of cake ($5.50), or a whole one (6"-$33 or 9"-$46), you will not be disappointed.  This is one bakery where you must stop to eat!

Hash House A Go Go
http://www.hashhouseagogo.com/

While in Vegas one summer, I had done some research on where a group of friends and I could go for dinner. On a top 5 restaurant list on the internet, I discovered Hash House A Go Go. There are several locations in Las Vegas, one in Chicago, and one in San Diego. Our initial visit was to the one on Sahara Ave. (off the Strip) in Las Vegas, and then this summer, my family and I visited the one in San Diego.  I found that the service was better during my experience in Vegas than in San Diego, and the food was stellar at both. People rave about their breakfasts, but I have only been there for dinner. They describe their cuisine as Twisted Farm Food; I would call it American Food on Steroids. One can not describe the immense size of the dishes at this restaurant. Each plate that came out seemed like it was the size of the steering wheel of a big rig truck. The flavors of the food are good, but I think what really lures people to this place is the memorable dining experience. It's definitely worth a stop!

Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill
http://www.woodranch.com/

This is a local favorite in the Ventura County area, and it is easy to see why if you stop to eat here.  Large portions of tasty American BBQ--from sandwiches, to salads, to their signature garlic rolls--Wood Ranch is clearly a stellar restaurant.  This is also a great place to meet for Happy Hour, and on Tuesdays, they offer 1/2 price off wine.

The Habit Burger Grill
http://www.habitburger.com/

There are a number of these restaurants throughout California and Arizona, so I have not listed one specific address since I have visited almost all of them in Ventura County. The Habit has never failed me. What impresses me beyond their consistently delicious and fresh food is their attention to customer service.  The employees at each restaurant I have visited clean tables, take away trays from customers who have completed their meals, and ask if the service has been satisfactory. The onion rings and milkshakes alone are worth a stop!