There are many reasons to visit the Green Street Restaurant in Pasadena but, for me, it’s the very original zucchini bread it’s the very original zucchini bread that makes the experience worthwhile. It’s that delicious, and it’s even nutritious.

The broad menu includes sensibly priced and generally superior omelets, salads, sandwiches, quesadillas and tempting dinner entrees nicely served in bright, pleasant surroundings at its longtime address, 146 Shopper’s Lane.

An egg dish I savor is the Eggs Benedict with Black Forest Ham and an ultra-rich house hollandaise. The dish, if served with potatoes, comes out to $10.95. Treat yourself to avocado slices with brunch for $1.75.

Try Charlie’s Breakfast of scrambled eggs with bacon, grilled onions and cheddar cheese topped with sour cream and salsa. Order it with toast, that great zucchini bread or potatoes for $9.95.

The special Cornacopia Salad offers mixed greens tossed with a breast of chicken, avocado, raisins, dried cranberries, mandarin oranges, green onions, apples, toasted almonds and crumbles of blue cheese. Toss it with citrus blue cheese vinaigrette for great taste and good health, all for $14.50.

Green Street’s Monte Cristo sandwich is made with Black Forest Ham, Swiss cheese, Dijon mustard with sourdough dipped in egg batter and golden fried. Served with mango chutney. Very tasty at $11.50.

Dinner entrees include the charbroiled fresh salmon with garlic smashed potatoes for $19.95, and herb roasted chicken from Petaluma Poultry served with fresh veggies and a wild rice medley for $17.95.

There’s much more to enjoy, including Mexican dishes and home-style desserts served seven days a week at Green Street, but ignore that zucchini bread at your own peril.

New and different is Mad Bull’s Tavern, a full service bar with food in Sherman Oaks, operated by Richard Disisto, who also operates Lucy’s 51 in Toluca Lake. Features are 75 beer labels and a Cal-casual menu including barbecue and grilled Chilean Sea Bass served in the patio dining area, plus an all-day “happy hour” and free parking in the back lot. The super trendy happening is located at 14649 Ventura Blvd.

Ocean view restaurants have come and gone throughout the years, but the venerable BeauRivage continues to thrive after nearly three decades in Malibu under the astute guidance of restaurateurs and owners Daniel and Luciana Forge.

Renowned for its broad menu of Mediterranean cuisine, BeauRivage proudly claims eminence as the premier Mediterranean style restaurant on the West Coast. Elegantly casual with a Euro flair for hospitality, the romantic setting boasts a wealth of shrubs and flowers surrounding the palatial premises, where most patrons wisely choose to seat at tables set with white linen on the enclosed patio garden.

Daniel is meticulous in his selection of domestic and imported vintages stored in the restaurant’s wine cellar. There is also a complete bar in the lounge, which features live music Wednesday through Sunday.

My favorite time at BeauRivage is the weekend brunch, when over indulgence is the rule rather than the exception. You can begin with cold appetizers like proscuitto, Carpaccio Venesia and Scottish smoked salmon; or hot starters including Escargot a la Bourguignonne, grilled portobello mushrooms or Scampi Cote d’Azur.

Treat yourself to main dishes including the Gnocchi Pomodoro, Long Island duckling or the New Zealand rack of lamb.

BeauRivage is an extravagant gourmet experience that will provide you with a memorable meal.

Allow for plenty of traveling time, as you must take the always-busy Pacific Coast Highway to arrive at BeauRivage, 26025 PCH.

For more information about the menu, visit www.beaurivagerestaurant.com. Call (310) 456-5733 for reservations.

Very different, but special in its own right, is the dining experience at 8 oz. Burger Bar, where the rather limited lunch and dinner fare features the title sandwich grilled from the house beef blend of sirloin tri-tip, short rib and chuck for $10 paired with classic condiments. Add stout-battered onion rings for $4. Or, indulge in a Kobe corn dog for $7. On a health kick? Go for their version of the Cobb Salad for $7. For a sweet finale, indulge in an old fashioned banana split for $5. The 8 0z Burger Bar, 7661 Melrose Ave., also pours themed cocktails and beer. For more information, call (323) 852-0008.

A smartly converted house at 751 N. Virgil Ave in L.A., Amalia’s is a modestly priced ethnic adventure featuring a wide range of appetizing specialties some of which are cultivated, less spicy and greasy cousins of familiar Mexican dishes including tostados, tacos, tamales, enchiladas and chile rellenos.

We began with crisp chips and a choice of mild or hot dips —beware of the very hotcha’ green sauce— followed by starter bowls of home-style chicken and veggie soup. We were in no hurry but our hot entrees arrived before we could scoop all of the soup.

David had a generous bowl of shredded meat which proved to be tasty, well-done strings of beef, $12. While I opted for the rather bland, cheese-filled chile relleno, also $12. Entrees are accompanied by a plate filled with a big scoop of steamed white rice and a generous smear of mashed, re-fried black beans.

The flan dessert was a sweet climax to an altogether enjoyable meal. The spruce surroundings and service were low-key and pleasant.

Lunch specials start at $4.99 and are served from noon ’til 2 p.m. Amalia’s is open seven days for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The background of the place is an interesting saga. After the founder of Amalia’s, Doña Amalia, was widowed in Guatemala City, she cooked to support her five children who served her wares outside their house. Amalia eventually saved enough to immigrate to Los Angeles in 1985 where she worked in various restaurants until 1994 when she was able to establish her own place with the support of friends and family. A second restaurant, the ’new’ Amalia’s, opened in 2008 at 751 N. Virgil Ave. It is operated by her daughter who continues the family tradition of Guatemalan cuisine.

I’d like to take an educated tour of the widely varied menu. You should know it’s strictly street parking at Amalia’s, so carry quarters to feed the greedy meter.

Youthful Mike Azarian is keeping the entrepreneurial spirit alive despite the economy’s negative impact on the restaurant business. Last year he rescued the greasiest spoon of all, the Los Feliz Cafe, which had earned its bad reputation through the decades since it opened way back in 1957. Suddenly the food and service of the American diner improved noticeably and the bold red and white decor was refreshed to become a very inviting casual dining patio at the tee-off golf range. Only the tacky neon EAT sign reminds us of the bad old days.

Having successfully whetted his management instincts, Azarian next acquired the familiar Roosevelt Café, a sort of clubhouse at 2650 Vermont Ave. across from the Greek Theatre in the heart of Griffith Park, another spot that had fallen on diminished popularity. The place and the menu have been spruced up to provide a relaxing spot for breakfast or lunch catering to the active park foot traffic. Azarian emphasizes that “You don’t have to play golf to eat here.” In addition to an all-American menu, The Roosevelt Café serves Armenian Shawarma sandwiches. A tasty ethnic touch from Azarian. It’s a happy hospitality revival.

After 25 years of unerring success as a casual Italian and Ecuadorian budget-conscious restaurant in a strip mall at 309 No. Virgil Ave in the Wilshire District, ambitious owner William Velasco has launched a second, more elaborate and upscale El Caserio location just off the 101 Hwy Exit at 401 Silver Lake Blvd in trendy Silver Lake.

A romantic patio provides inviting al fresco dining under giant umbrellas while the contemporary interior features a lovely Tiffany glass skylight and full linen service. The menu, conceived by Genoa native Chef Armando Gianfranco offers explosive tastes of authentic South American and Italian classic dishes served in generous portions ideal for sharing. Expect a pot of really spicy chili salsa which is to be applied judiciously. Eloquent Ecuadorian white shrimp are featured and the house pastas are perfection. The new El Caserio has a full bar and hosts a happy hour from 3 til 7 Tuesday – Friday. There‘s also Champagne Brunch on weekends.

Jonathan Chi, who introduced elegant Chinese cuisine to Hillhurst Ave in L.A. a quarter century ago, is launching a second Chi Dynasty at 12229 Ventura Blvd in Studio City. The upscale menu echoes the L.A. location including the distinctive signature Chinese chicken salad and the Dynasty Chicken in ginger-curry sauce. The timing may seem dicey but Mr. Chi is a savvy perfectionist and has solid backing so prepare for a dining adventure.

The late radio chef Mike Roy was both my friend and a mentor to whom I frequently turned for cooking advice. The jovial, corpulent culinary expert of radio KNX produced a coupled cook books filled with practical everyday recipes — like this one for potato salad. You’ll need 6 large baking potatoes, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons wine vinegar, 1½ teaspoons celery salt, ½ cup each diced onion and celery, 6 hard boiled eggs, ½ cup mayo, ½ cup sour cream, 2 teaspoons prepared mustard, 1 tablespoon catsup, 1½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1½ teaspoon paprika, salt and pepper to taste, ¼ cup chopped parsley.

Boil potatoes in skins until they pierce easily with a fork. Drain potatoes and while still hot, handle with folded paper towels or hot pads, to remove peels and quarter. Season with oil, vinegar and celery salt, chill, tossing several times, dice potatoes and add rest of ingredients, tossing well. Four eggs can be chopped into salad and remaining 2 eggs used as a sliced garnish. The salad can be sprinkled with paprika and chopped parsley as you wish.

Try it. You’ll like it!

There’s a home cookbook with 200 ways to prepare chicken. I’ve tried about a half dozen recipes with mixed results. I was also one of the fortunate few to discover Dinah’s Secret Recipe Fried Chicken at the first table served way back in ‘67 when the Pearson family-owned and operated restaurant opened as a launching pad for a potential franchise. There was a Burbank outlet for a few years but the chain eventually dwindled down to the still popular fried chicken landmark at 4106 San Fernando Road (just off Los Feliz) in Glendale.

Trends came and went but Dinah‘s pressure cooker .just keeps deep frying tasty portions of plump young (never frozen) chickens, sealed in flavor that emerges golden brown and virtually free from cooking oil.

We relaxed and studied the menu with a pouring of refreshing Sauvignon Blanc. A fulfilling starter is les classique Onion Soupe, topped with melted cheese ($7.50), but my companion was less elated with Les Escargots in garlic butter ($9.50). I sensed he was expecting the treat to be tucked en shell, which is a presentation of the past. All choices are accompanied with freshly sliced French bread and butter. The cuisine is matched by efficient service at the bar and full-linen service provided by lovely Trish in the intimate, meticulous, white linened main dining room.

At dinner time, the gourmet menu includes Le Coquille St. Jacques, luscious poached sea scallops, steak tartar, and much more. The dessert menu is a separate entity and the best way to avoid temptation is to decline even a peak. Once you enter sweet heaven, you’re on your own and the choices are immense. Surrender and enjoy.

From the truly Euro setting to the eloquent service, the selection of wines and spirits, Le Petit Chateau is a unique dining experience for lunch or dinner at an enduring establishment. For reservations, dial (818) 769-1812.

Christine and Andrew Griggs have dedicated their talents to the North Hollywood landmark for 23 of its 45 year tenure at 4615 Lankershim Blvd. Their experience is evident and long may they continue to reign at their pecturesque castle.

Palate rating: For cuisine, service, ambience, wines and spirits — a solid four stars.

Family owned and operated, Elena’s serves lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday with a mouth-watering menu of nine appetizers and 19 main dishes priced from $6.95 for a falafel plate to $12.95 for a tasty platter of lamb chops and rice.

To assist selection, all the kebabs, shish, falafel, chicken, stuffed grape leaves, pork chops, and gyro platters are colorfully pictured on the menu.

For fulfilling measure, all dinners are served with fabulous lentil soup or salad, yellow rice or French fries and a garnish of roasted peppers and tomato. A generous Greek salad is $3.99. It’s a lot of really good food and carry out boxes are cheerfully provided.

The over-illuminated dining room has been re-designed to suggest an enclosed Greek garden. Don’t be mislead by the garish “Original Kebob” signs that have sprung up across the street. Elena’s remains a one of a kind, family friendly dining experience.

Dinner prices range from $9.70 to $17 with the star feature A1Love Boat combination platters, $17 to $19.50 served with sticky rice. A tempting array of appetizers drew me back for more so I‘m passing on reader Troy‘s tip. Try A1 when you just happen to be in South Pasadena.

Got kids to feed? What better way to eat out casually with the family than at Pasta Pomodoro in the Burbank Town Center at 201 E. Magnolia Blvd., where kids under 12 eat free on Tuesdays with every purchase from the adult menu young ’uns choose from chicken parmigiana, pizza, cheese pasta, meatballs and more. A beverage and chocolate sundae complete the meal deal.

Visit or work downtown? Here’s happy hour news for you. The Happy Hour Finder, put out by the Downtown Center Business Improvement District at www.DowntownLA.com, helps over the familiar hill drivers locate a favorite watering hole and detects any street closures.

Where there’s smoke there’s great BBQ. In a national survey seeking the best BBQ joints, the Kogi BBQ Truck scored tops in L.A. Log onto kogibbq.com for the route and schedule, or follow on Twitter: @KogiBBQ.

Got a yen for old-fashioned, hand crafted, wood-fired New York Italian Pizza? Try Nicky D’s at 2764 Rowena Ave. in Silver Lake just off Glendale Blvd. The popular pizza and chicken place serves lunch and dinner.

The annual Zagat Los Angeles Southern California Restaurants 2010, $15.95, boasts over 10,000 local diner opinions of more than 2000 restaurants. Serious diner-outers should pick up a copy el pronto.

A long parade of celebrities has shared coffee and conversation here and the walls are covered with autographed photos. A new generation of show biz faces comes in from Disney and other nearby studios.

The first piece I did on Scarantino’s Italian Inn back in 1967 was typed on an E.C. Smith typewriter, set in lead type, proofread, corrected, rolled on the noisy presses and matted for reference. The newspaper production technology has changed drastically over the decades, but the specialties served up at the family owned landmark, located at 1524 E. Colorado Blvd. in Glendale, are much the same as when current owner Jim Scarantino’s colorful uncle ‘Chef’ Jesse Scarantino established the business. He did it his way and if it ain’t broke, why fix it?

The best and worst I can report about Scarantino’s is that nothing noticeable has changed. If prices have escalated it’s not noticeable. This is still a solid value dining experience with generous entrees, Minestrone soup and salad with a basket of fresh Italian bread

My favorite dish is the baked stuffed lasagna: layers of pasta, ground beef, mozzarella and ricotta cheese topped with meat sauce; yes, a fulfilling meal at $11.

The choice of my dinner companion was the popular homestyle cannelloni: crepes filled with fresh, creamy ricotta, ground beef, served on a plate with meat sauce and topped with Mornay Sauce, $11 with side dishes and bread basket.

I also savor the meatless fettuccini alfredo: noodles in a creamy butter sauce, $11 with soup, salad, and a bread basket.

There are several pizza toppings from $7.95 for an 8-inch, $9, for a 12 inch.

There’s a sensibly tagged wine list by the bottle, liter or glass. Sweet satisfaction includes Italian pastries, $4 and Spamoni, $5.

And so it goes. Countless choices and friendly service in a cozy setting, with meticulous maintenance and an adjoining self-parking facility and nearly all items are packaged to go. Dinner is served from 4:30 and Sundays at 3. Scarantino’s now also serves lunch weekdays from 11:30 ‘til 2:30. I only wish every family restaurant maintained Scarantino’s high standards.

“Buen Appetito e Salute!”