Some  interesting restaurants came our way recently.  The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar in Tustin has won many awards since its opening four years ago. Flat Iron Steak with asparagus risotto was our fare with an excellent 2011 La Merika Pinot Noir. Address  Address 2647 Park Avenue.
In San Diego we discovered great Chinese Dim Sum at the Emerald Chinese Seafood Restaurant located at 3709 Convoy Street.
You will never find a better view of the beach than when dining at the Boathouse in Santa Barbara located at Hendry's Beach.  We dined on the patio just steps from sand and water.  805 898-BOAT
In Long Beach El Lobo is a restaurant that brings Mexico's past to the present both in decor and ambiance as well as the food which offers recipes and cooking styles not found in many restaurants.  Located at 2941 E. Broadway.
 Think meat on a visit to M Grill, a Brazilian Steakhouse, located at 3832 Wilshire Blvd. near Wilshire and Western.  Ribeyes, filet mignon, beef short ribs and rack of lamb are sliced for you tableside.  Also a house special Picanha and Brazilian sausage,  all with a great buffet table as well.
On Pine Avenue in Long Beach The Federal Bar is now bringing in large crowds for its craft beers and contemporary menu of popular sliders and burgers.  Also live entertainment on weekends.  Address is 102 Pine Avenue and check out the happy hour.
The Red Thai Room in Yorba Linda is a newcomer but its Asian styled menu of Burmese-Thai cooking and Japanese Sushi has already achieved a faithful clientele.  Located at 4905 Yorba Ranch Road.  Tele. 714 701-0107.