Philippe the Original | March 26, 2011

1001 N. Alameda St.


Los Angeles, CA 90012

Special Edition of Dine With Miller Stein Part 3

Miller-Stein Ranking

Our food experience | 3.3 Buckeyes

Quality | 4.5 Buckeyes

Cost | 3.0 Buckeyes

Character | 4.5 Buckeyes

Beverages | 2.0 Buckeyes

Service | 2.5 Buckeyes

PHILIPPE “FRENCH DIPPED” SANDWICHES are a delicious
 combination of a crusty French roll dipped in our own authentic “jus” created 
from our freshly roasted meats. Ask for “single-dip”, double-dip” or “wet”.

Turkey Dip | 6

Lamb Dip | 7.5

Beef Dip | 6

PHILIPPE’S HOT MUSTARD is made in our kitchen and complements the sandwich to perfection.  Remember, “it’s hot, but good.” 

SOUPS OF THE DAY | Saturday

Cream of Broccoli | 2.35

Pumpkin Pie | 3.50

We’re coming to you from right outside China Town in downtown LA, which also borders, as we found out on our adventure to the 101, Korea Town. Philippe’s is a sandwich joint known by most Californians. A semi well kept secret, I say semi well kept because it was packed, Philippe serves a variety of French-dipped sandwiches.

Stein and I were introduced to Philippe’s by a couple of great family friends, the Drabinski’s, Dana and David. A short drive from downtown we found free parking at the actual restaurant, which can usually be tricky.

We went in quickly after parking and chose from a series of lines. All the lines were the same but each one lead up to a worker who makes your sandwich in front of you. A very fast paced environment, it’s a good idea to look at the menu before you get up to the front of the line. In a cafeteria like manner we were given our sandwiches on a tray and were forced out of line.

Stein and I were a little shocked by the prices - $18 for 2 sandwiches a small bag of chips and one can of coke. We were sure that these had to be fantastic sandwiches at that price. Also, it’s important to note that Philippe’s is a cash only restaurant. Make sure to bring plenty of cash.

Dana ordered the beef French dipped sandwich, which she really enjoyed, she really like the way the flavors came together in the dish. David went with a recommendation from a loyal patron of the place, a lamb sandwich. David also enjoyed his choice and devoured it quickly. David also snagged a piece of the highly coveted pumpkin pie, which he gladly shared with the table. The pie was clearly home-made and tasted like how you would imagine a great pie at Thanksgiving tastes – buttery, warm, fresh with a great whipped topping!

Stein and I both went with the turkey French-dipped sandwiches with Swiss cheese. I think we were both unaware that all the sandwiches were dipped, but that’s the only way to get it at Philippe. Safe to say we were not disappointed. The flavor of the French-dip did not overwhelm the dish, which can often happen with the French-dip style. Stein bravely tried the mystery sauce on the table – he explained it to taste like horseradish sauce. We later found out from another great family friend, the Birenbaum’s that it’s actually very spicy mustard. Regardless, Stein’s passion for spiciness did not let him down and he proceeded to use the sauce with his sandwich.

There really wasn’t much for a server to do, but there was a friendly man that cleared the picnic style table once we were finished catching up with the Drabinski’s. Interestingly, we weren’t quite sure why this was, but there was sawdust strewn all over the floor; we figured it added to the authenticity of the place.

If you’re looking for a semi-pricy but delicious sandwich place which comes highly recommended by most all Californians, you’ll love Philippe the Original! Make sure to try the spicy mustard, but beware, it’s hot flavored! Also, make sure to go with great friends and enjoy yourself!

Ra Sushi | March 24, 2011

474 Broadway


San Diego, CA 92101

Special Edition of Dine With Miller Stein Part 2

Miller-Stein Ranking

Our food experience | 4.2 Buckeyes

Quality | 4.8 Buckeyes

Cost | 3.5 Buckeyes

Character | 4.5 Buckeyes

Beverages | 4.0 Buckeyes

Service | 4.0 Buckeyes

EDAMAME | 3.75

Steamed soybeans dusted with salt—eat the pea, not the pod

DENGAKU TOFU | 7.25

Crispy tofu served with tempura sauce, lightly fried eggplant & snow peas; finished with a red miso ginger glaze

CHICKEN YAKISOBA | 12.25

Stir-fried Asian vegetables tossed with chicken & yakisoba noodles

Spicy Yellowtail Roll | 6

California Roll | 6

Pacific Roll | 9.25

A spicy mix of albacore, cilantro, jalapeno & cucumber rolled & topped with fresh avocado & mango salsa; finished with red beet tempura bits & sautéed cashew nuts

GOJIRA ROLL | 12

Stein and I are blogging from San Diego, California! After looking at the weather while on LA and seeing rain for the next several days, the Stein’s decided we would pack an overnight bag and head to San Diego where there was a sunny day in the forecast.

We headed to San Diego and adventured at the zoo for a few hours and were starved. We asked the concierge at the hotel for a great sushi recommendation. Stein had explained to me that I hadn’t really had sushi until I have California sushi. In disbelief that California sushi could be much better than the great Columbus sushi we have had, I thought I would trust Stein. I had no idea what I was in for – California sushi is of a different caliber. Truly fresh fish accompanied by fresh vegetables makes a huge difference!

RA is a trendy spot in the heart of the Gas Light District of San Diego a short walk from most downtown hotels. We waited just a few minutes for a table and were seated close to the sushi bar. If you enjoy a fast paced and loud (music blaring) restaurant, RA is your place. We weren’t really able to have a conversation but enjoyed the fun atmosphere.

We started off ordering edamame for the four of us to share, I had never tried it but Stein and his Dad assured me I would like it. We all like it – it was cooked perfectly and after figuring out the proper way to eat it (bite down and suck out the innards) the appetizer didn’t last long. We also ordered the fried tofu, which was fantastic; full of flavor and hot, hot, hot!

Stein wanted to make sure we tried a few unique rolls while in California so we ordered the Pacific roll, which had what seemed like a salad on top. It was incredible – like nothing we had ever tasted, very unique. Stein also ordered the Gojila roll, which was another very unique roll – a Ra special.

The service was a bit slow and we had to wait a few minutes to get our other rolls, which consisted of a California roll and a spicy yellowtail roll. All of the fish was extremely fresh and was definitely worth the walk.

Stein’s Mom went with a chicken dish with an accompaniment of noodles, which she enjoyed and everyone at the table had a taste. The veggies in the dish were crisp but well cooked and the seasoning in the dish melded everything together well.

We swayed to the music in our chairs as we waited for the check; the service was a bit slow for a weeknight but the hotel did warn us that this was a popular place in the Gas Light District. The walk home was great and we enjoyed the cool (not cold) San Diego air as we scampered back to the hotel to grab our free desert!

If you’re looking for a high-energy sushi joint in the Gas Light District you have a few to choose from, but we recommend you try RA! The Stein’s and Miller-Stein give RA a thumbs up!

Café Marmalade | March 22, 2011

Farmers Market, 6333 W. 3rd # E17

Los Angeles, CA 90036

Special Edition of Dine With Miller Stein Part 1

Miller-Stein Ranking

Our food experience | 4.0 Buckeyes

Quality | 4.5 Buckeyes

Cost | 4.0 Buckeyes

Character | 4.5 Buckeyes

Beverages | 3.5 Buckeyes

Service | 3.5 Buckeyes

Filet Mignon Gorgonzola Sandwich | 13.99

Filet thinly sliced, caramelized onions, Gorgonzola spread, topped with arugula & lemon champagne vinaigrette, on a French roll.

Blackened Chickened Sandwich | 11.99

Cajun blackened chicken breast with melted provolone cheese, roasted peppers, onions & chipotle aioli on a toasted La Brea Bakery French roll.

Organic Spinach Salad | 9.99

Fresh spinach tossed with honey mustard dressing, smoked bacon, grilled portabella mushroom, fresh tomatoes & goat cheese fritters.

Turkey Melt | 10.99

Oven roasted turkey on grilled La Brea Bakery sourdough with avocado, bacon & provolone cheese.

Stein and I are blogging from California! Now, we know many of our readers don’t reside in CA, but a few do, and in case any of our loyal fans travel to California and are looking for some great eats – we have the dish!

Stein’s wonderful family is in California and graciously hosted us for the week. We were lucky to share our California eats with great family and friends.

Café Marmalade is a trendy restaurant in the heart of LA; located in an area called the Grove, the café is surrounded by fantastic shopping and a gigantic farmers market with everything from fresh California fruits to chocolate covered smores. Café Marmalade serves great tasting American-style cuisine.

Stein and I were whisked to this hot spot shortly after arriving in California. We were seated immediately and had a chance to sit outside. Although it was 60 degrees (what most Californians consider freezing), Stein and I were in heaven. The waitress put on an overhead heater in disbelief that we could actually be comfortable.

We all ordered drinks, which were brought out quickly. Famished, we all decided to order right away. Stein’s Mom ordered the salad, Stein’s Dad ordered the filet mignon sandwich, Stein ordered the blackened chicken sandwich and I ordered the turkey melt. Among the four of us we shared sweet potato fries and traditional fries.

Stein’s Mom really enjoyed her salad explaining that the lettuce was fresh and crisp and the incorporation of the spinach leaves was a great addition. The salad was also accompanied by fried cheese balls, which were quite a great surprise. Consensus at the table was that the cheese balls were a great touch.

Stein’s Dad’s reaction as he dove into his sandwich was great. You know it’s good when you hear the “mmmmm.” The meat was described as cooked brilliantly and tender. The cheese on the sandwich complimented the meal excellently. Stein’s Dad also made sure to request the sweet potato fries as extra crispy, which they were, and he also thoroughly enjoyed the fresh crisp of the sweet and salty sweet potato fries.

Stein, interested in trying something flavorful and spicy, went with the blackened chicken sandwich. The chickens flavor definitely had a kick to it – he loved it. The bread that the sandwich came on was also fresh and full of taste. Stein exhibited the always-promising head nod as he enjoyed his meal.

I decided to go with the turkey melt, which turned out to be a great choice. The sandwich came out piping hot. The turkey was fresh and sliced thinly while the bacon was thick and full of flavor. The lettuce and tomato on the sandwich were excellent and tasted like they were freshly picked. The sandwich was huge, but I somehow managed to finish everything on my plate. Stein ordered the traditional fries and I ordered the sweet potato fries and we shared wanting to make sure we got to taste a little bit of everything.

Café Marmalade was a great impromptu dinner/lunch location for us. Consensus was that everyone enjoyed his or her meals and everyone was satisfied and full by the end of the meal. If you’re ever visiting the Grove in California make sure to check out this hot spot and make sure to build in some extra time for some shopping!

Shoku | March 15, 2011

1312 Grandview Ave.

Columbus, OH 43212

Miller-Stein Ranking

Our food experience | 4 Buckeyes

Quality | 4.5 Buckeyes

Cost | 3.5 Buckeyes

Character | 4.0 Buckeyes

Beverages | 3.5 Buckeyes

Service | 4.5 Buckeyes

MISO SOUP | 4

garnished with scallions, seaweed and tofu

SHOKU PHAD THAI | 16

rice noodles in special shoku coconut sauce served with choice of chicken, shrimp, or tofu

California Roll | 4.50

Spicy Tuna Roll | 5.50

Grandview Roll | 10.95

Stein and I love the spur of the moment decision to go out to dinner. When Stein called to see if I was interested in checking out Shoku in Grandview, without hesitation, I excitedly agreed.

Shoku’s location in Grandview makes parking a little difficult, but there is a parking lot behind Panera and Jeni’s that is public parking and there is likely to be someone leaving when you’re arriving if you stalk the parking lot for a few minutes.

We arrived at Shoku and were seated right away and shortly greeted by our waiter who was extremely pleasant and well mannered. Stein and I were in the sharing mood so we decided to go with sushi for an appetizer and pad thai for our main course. Stein went with a diet coke and I went with water, not much to comment on beverage-wise.

Our sushi selections included a California roll, which was fantastic; the crab was tender and the avocado was perfectly ripened. Stein selected a spicy tuna roll and a Grandview roll. The fish was clearly fresh and unlike other sushi places had not been sitting around for days. The tempura Grandview roll was sinfully delicious. The crispy and sweet texture of the roll complimented the fish very well.

Our pad thai arrived shortly after we finished our sushi and came out piping hot. Stein and I were intrigued by the sound of the pad thai. Spiced with coconut, the dish seemed to be a different take on the traditional pad thai. The noodles were thin and absorbed the flavorful sauce perfectly. The sauce was delectable; the sweetness of the coconut and the saltiness of the other flavors were divine.

The service was outstanding; our drinks never went dry and our every request was met with a smile and great attitude. Although Shoku is a little on the pricey side, if you’re looking for fantastically fresh and flavorful sushi and terrific pad thai, be sure to roll on over to Shoku!

Spinelli's deli | February 26, 2011

767 Neil Avenue


Columbus, Ohio 43215

Miller-Stein Ranking

Our food experience | 4.02 Buckeyes

Quality | 4.5 Buckeyes

Cost | 4.6 Buckeyes

Character | 4.0 Buckeyes

Beverages | 3.5 Buckeyes

Service | 3.5 Buckeyes

About a year and a half ago I was invited to join the Stein brother’s in their weekly tradition, breakfast at Spinelli’s Deli. This week, Stein and I woke up his brother to restart the tradition.

If you’re looking for a luxurious sit down restaurant where you’re waited on by soft-spoken servers, this is not your place. But, if you’re looking for an easy, fast and fantastically tasting breakfast, you’ve found your spot! Spinelli’s is also a great location if you’re budget is a bit tight – you can typically fill your belly for less than $9 a person.

Interestingly, the meal we all shared a year and a half ago was the same meal we ate just this past week. The everything bagel with bacon, egg, and asiago cheese with a hash brown on the side came HIGHLY recommended by two Spinelli’s connoisseurs.

When we arrived we didn’t have to wait in line or wait for a table. Stein and I ordered the three sandwiches and sat down. Spinelli’s has a fantastic strawberry orange banana juice so I filled up my cup and within five minutes we had our meal. The sandwiches came out hot and ready to eat. The three of us wasted no time and dug right in. The saltiness from the bagel and the sweetness from the egg complemented the meal extremely well. The hash browns were cooked to perfection and had a mild crisp that made our mouths water as we devoured the crispy potato heaven.

Stein’s brother said “just as I remembered it, delicious” while Stein said, as I shared my last few bites with him, “This is fantastic, I’m so lucky!” Safe to say, the three of us thoroughly enjoyed our breakfast. We sat around and chatted for over an hour as the small restaurant filled with hungry Columbusites.

So, if you’re famished, we highly recommend Spinelli’s Deli for a fast, inexpensive and all around great tasting breakfast.

La Fogata Grill | February 18, 2011

790 N. High St.

Columbus, OH  43215

Miller-Stein Ranking

Our food experience | 4.32 Buckeyes

Quality | 4.6 Buckeyes

Cost | 4.0 Buckeyes

Character | 4.7 Buckeyes

Beverages | 4.3 Buckeyes

Service | 4.0 Buckeyes

Queso Dip | 4

Combination plate | cheese enchilada with refried beans and rice

Combination plate | cheese enchilada & bean burrito with refried beans, guacamole, & lettuce

Combination plate | burrito with rice, guacamole, & lettuce

San Jose Burrito with rice (beef, queso, & potatoes)

Stein and I were so pleased that we were able to spend our evening and dinner experience with a couple of great people. Stein has known his friend, Mike, since high school and has known Mike’s wife, Jamie for four years. I was introduced to Mike and Jamie about a year ago.

We requested that Mike and Jamie select the food type for our dinner experience. They chose Mexican and hearing great things about La Fogata in the Short North, we decided on this popular hot spot in the trendy Short North. After scrambling to find a parking spot, very typical of this area, we walked through a large patio area, which we speculated would be packed in the warmer months.

Upon entering we were greeted by a hostess who questioned our reservation but after I pointed our name out to her on the list she quickly seated us and our waitress greeted us right away. She promptly took our drink order and brought us our refreshments. We requested to snack on the queso dip, after hearing great things about it. We were supplied with warm and perfectly salted chips for our cheese dip while we waited for Mike and Jamie.

Mike and Jamie arrived shortly after us and we made sure to save cheese for them to try because we were blown away by the flavor and how creamy the dip was. After catching up for a few minutes we ordered our meal and waited about 20 minutes. My meal along with Mike and Jamie’s meals came out without a problem, Stein’s meal however seemed a bit delayed coming out of the kitchen. Our mouths watered as we waited for the last meal to arrive and within 4 minutes, Stein’s meal joined us at the table.

I ordered a dish off of the vegetarian menu and tried the bean burrito and cheese quesadilla with a side of refried beans. The burrito was creamy and had a great taste. It was perfectly proportioned and tasted very fresh with guacamole complimenting the pate. The dish was arranged very well and really hit the spot.

Stein ordered what he called his ultimate meal. His San Jose burrito had all of his favorite ingredients; potatoes, beans, cheese, lettuce and meat. With all of his favorite elements it was going to be hard to displease Stein with this dish. He thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this plate and raved about the flavorful components.

Jamie ordered a cheese enchilada explaining that that was what she typically ordered at a Mexican restaurant. Jamie expressed that she likes to compare and contrast the differences in style of enchilada making and enjoys trying it at every Mexican hot spot. Jamie quickly told us that the sauce that was atop her enchilada was superb. She said she’s tried a lot of different sauces on her usual enchilada order but this was clearly one of her favorite. She explained that it was full of flavor and a great consistency; it was an excellent accompaniment to her plate.

Mike’s burrito also got rave reviews. Mike took a bit of a risk and tried something that he had never had or heard of before; he wasn’t even quite sure what was in the dish even when he had it in front of him. It worked out extremely well and he really enjoyed the burrito expressing that it was well prepared and very tasty.

Our service throughout the meal was good, our drinks barley ever got past the half-full level, which is how Stein and I typically measure good service. If a waiter is coherent enough to realize you’re running low on beverages you’re typically in a good position and don’t have to worry too much about needing something extra or ordering something more.

Stein and I really enjoyed getting together with Mike and Jamie and were so glad to catch up with such great friends. The overall consensus at the end of our dining experience was that the food was dynamite! Stein and I agreed that this could be added to our “go-to” Mexican short list. We look forward to going back in the summer and taking advantage of the patio!

And now we have a very special treat, our first guest writer. When it comes to La Fogata there is no better expert on the issue. A frequent guest of La Fogata when she lived in Columbus is now heart struck because she lives in Baltimore and can’t go every Monday. Her review is as follows, “La Fogata is the best place for happy hour with co-worker, classmate, and friends on Monday nights! They have an extensive variety of margarita flavors for only 2 dollars a drink! My personal favorites are the dessert pear and the traditional margarita. Sometimes I just ask the server to surprise me, I have never been dissatisfied! My coworkers are more into the specials they have on beer during happy hour. Nothing beats an ice cold amber or dark Dos Equis. Once my drink order is in, I am on a direct path to chicken nacho town! Really, any of the nachos are great. Of course I have tasted them all, but the chicken takes the cake! Imagine fresh baked tortilla chips smothered in melted cheese and sautéed onions and green peppers. We always like to order a side of sour cream and lettuce. (The lettuce is no extra charge!) You can top them with the fresh Fogata salsa if you choose. The possibilities are endless! Well, unless you get there after 6pm as that is when happy hour is over. It is important to note you can still get 2 buck margs ALL NIGHT! If you are running late, you can always call your friends to put in your order so it will be waiting for you still half price when you arrive. There have been times when they reheated dishes for us. The staff is very personable, and if you go there enough they will remember your order as you walk in the door. As far as seating goes I suggest outside in nice weather or the 'King's Table' in the window for the best view. The cherry on top of this experience is that it is located right off High Street. This means you can drink as much as you want and stay responsible my hopping on the number 2 COTA or hailing a cab! In summary, if anyone tells you negative things about Mondays at Fogata you can tell them to "fogata 'bout it!'”