alexaz.yelp.com

Alexa "The Belly Rules the Mind" Z.'s Profile

Ante Meridiem

See All Lists
Rise and Shine - it's BREAKFAST TIME! Good Morrow to all!!

 1. The Farm of Beverly Hills

439 N Beverly Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 273-5578

Category: American (New)

Neighbourhood: Beverly Hills

5.0 star rating
  2/27/2009

Four words: BRISKET IN MY OMELETTE.

it was heaven in my mouth.  

Brisket (i'm a meat whore) + Cheese (i put it on everything) + Avocado (i live in socal) + Egg (i'm an egg slut) = INCREDIBLE.

Farm-eo: ++++   DELISH.  If i have a sweet craving while in…More »

Was this review …?

 2. Urth Caffe

267 S Beverly Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90209
(310) 205-9311

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhood: Beverly Hills

5.0 star rating
  1/29/2009

Urth Caffe is one of my favorite places to get a quality espresso-drink.

The Spanish Latte is hands down the best drink. Although the italia cappuccino and loose leaf teas are also good choices.

The Manhattan Mud Coffee is my parent's favorite coffee…More »

Was this review …?

 3. Francoli's Gourmet Restaurant - CLOSED

1133 Newport Center Dr
Newport Beach, CA 92663
(949) 721-1289

Category: Restaurants

5.0 star rating
  2/2/2009

Whenever I hear the words "Fashion Island" I think of one thing: Francoli's espresso bar.

It doesn't matter if it's freezing at 40 degrees (probably more like 65 degrees - hey, it's socal after all) or boiling at 100 degrees, I HAVE to go to…More »

Was this review …?

 4. Amandine Patisserie

12225 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 979-3211
4.0 star rating
  Update - 8/24/2009

Oh La La!  

New Must Try List includes the Orange Custard Bun, The Miroir (almond paste with raspberry jam), the Chocolate/ChocolateAlmond Croissant.  I am slowly working my way through their entire pastry case - this might take a while, it's…More »

Was this review …?

1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/29/2009

    Amandine is a great little neighborhood place for breakfast, lunch, or a yummy snack.

    It is time to… Read more »

 5. Griddle Cafe

7916 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 874-0377

Category: Breakfast & Brunch

Neighbourhoods: Hollywood, West Hollywood

4.0 star rating
  2/8/2011

The Griddle made me a breakfast believer.

I've always been that diner who leaned towards the lunch side of brunch, and frowned if breakfast was suggested.  

No more.  The Griddle has converted me to a breakfast fare lover.

Thanksgiving Pancake - I…More »

Was this review …?

 6. Hideaway Cafe

150 S Acacia Ave
Solana Beach, CA 92075
(858) 755-3388
4.0 star rating
  8/5/2009

Classic SoCal Breakfast Fare!

The California French Toast is my favorite, and people, this is a big statement. I am not partial to breakfast food having been letdown many a time.  Even more, I normally never order french toast because of restaurants'…More »

Was this review …?

 7. Jack n' Jill's

342 N Beverly Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 247-4500

Category: Breakfast & Brunch

Neighbourhood: Beverly Hills

4.0 star rating
  2/27/2009

Jack and Jill's is one of the best places for brunch in Beverly Hills.

The staff is friendly, the service is pretty fast, and the food is always delicious!

My favorites are:

The Morning Quesadilla -- GIGANTIC, and choc-full of goodies including peppers,…More »

Was this review …?

 8. Elysian Coffee

590 W Broadway
Vancouver, BC V5Z 1E9
Canada

Categories: Coffee & Tea, Bakeries

Neighbourhood: Fairview Slopes

5.0 star rating
  8/6/2010

Any place that can create coffee art in the perfect foam and then bring over a refreshing glass of club soda as soon as you sit down is an A+ in my book.

The intelligensia black cat beans are so perfectly roasted and add such a warm, richness in my…More »

Was this review …?

 9. 85C Bakery Cafe

2700 Alton Pkwy
Irvine, CA 92606
(949) 553-8585
4.0 star rating
  5/2/2009

Best way to describe = A line out of the door.

It is hard NOT to notice 85C in the Diamond Jamboree Plaza with its gigantic crowds that seem to never cease.  I went in to look around, and came out with 5 pastries and 2 drinks.  Evil!

What's impressive…More »

Was this review …?

 10. Bouchon Bakery

6528 Washington St
Yountville, CA 94599
(707) 944-2253

Category: Bakeries

5.0 star rating
  2/14/2009

Fantastic place to stop by at the end of a long wine-tasting day.

Great cappuccinos, the TKOs have just enough sweetness, the Chocolate Bouchons are dark, dense, and rich, the Macaron (in pistachio) is the perfect bite with your coffee...

What I liked…More »

Was this review …?

 11. Le Napoleon Cafe - CLOSED

83 Fortune Dr
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 788-0904

Categories: Bakeries, French

4.0 star rating
  12/12/2010 ROTD 5/10/2011

I have a new indulgence: Le Napoleon.

It all began as an innocent shopping break.  A nice cappuccino and snack to up my energy for the stores to come.  I read in the paper that a new french cafe had opened right outside the ferris wheel that served…More »

Was this review …?

 12. Stan's Doughnuts

10948 Weyburn Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 208-8660

Categories: Bakeries, Donuts

Neighbourhood: Westwood

5.0 star rating
  2/2/2009

Stan's Doughnuts will always remind me of the summer of '07.

I was taking biochem at ucla and since I moved home for the summer I commuted 5 days a week per the ucla vanpool.  Every morning I was dropped off in westwood at 6:30 a.m.  What to do?!…More »

Was this review …?

 13. Memphis Cafe

2920 Bristol St
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 432-7685

Categories: Southern, Lounges

4.0 star rating
  1/30/2009

Brunch at Memphis is FANTASTIC. Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.  It's a mix of their lunch menu with several really great breakfast options.

The Crawfish Omelette has just the right amount of spice and is FILLED with crawfish and sauce.  Pancakes…More »

Was this review …?

 14. Coral Tree Express

10250 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90067
(310) 553-8733
3.0 star rating
  2/27/2009

I like Coral Tree, but somehow adding the Express part made it drop a star.  Normally, the term 'express' yields thoughts of "quick" and "easy"...  unfortunately, Coral Tree Express takes a loooong time to get your order out.

After many-a-times where…More »

Was this review …?

 15. Pannikin Coffee & Tea

2670 Via de la Valle
Del Mar, CA 92014
(858) 481-8007
3.0 star rating
  7/25/2009

Quaint little coffee shop nestled into the side of a bookstore, I've been to Pannikin since I was little since it's a good place in the area, and the only place in the center really, to get a drink and read for a while.

Granted, Pannikin does not…More »

Was this review …?

 16. Elysee Bakery

1099 Gayley Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 208-6505

Categories: Bakeries, French, Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhood: Westwood

2.0 star rating
  2/3/2009

Whenever I think of Elysee, I am reminded of Mos Def in the Italian Job: "I had a bad experience".

For a french cafe, the espresso drinks are just okay and the pastries are fair and the sandwiches average.  It is hard when La Pain Quotidienne is just…More »

Was this review …?

 17. Louise's Pantry

47150 Washington
La Quinta, CA 92253
(760) 771-3330
2.0 star rating
  6/29/2009

GO FOR THE CINNAMON BUNS. ... that's pretty much it.

This diner-ish stop filled with a smattering of locals at all ages serves up standard breakfast fare. So far, the only thing worth ordering is the cinnamon buns, which are AMAZING. The rest of what…More »

Was this review …?

 18. Original Pancake House

26951 Moulton Pkwy
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
(949) 643-8591
3.0 star rating
  5/20/2011

3.5 Stars

There aren't many breakfast places in south orange county, so if you're craving a stack of flapjacks - Original Pancake House is your best option.

PREPARE TO WAIT - they are always crowded.  I liken it to dimsum lines - you wait forever, and…More »

Was this review …?


Recently updated lists from Alexa Z.

The Best of the Best (8)

No this isn't an ode to things that remind me of Eric Roberts or how a band of mistfits with good hearts can band together to win a karate tournament for America.  IT'S A LIST OF MY FAVORITE PLACES! Yay!

Hole In The Wall (8)

Mom-and-Pop Shops, Itty Bitty Stores, Tucked Away Treasures, One of a Kinds...

You stay classy, San Diego. (9)

from weekend trips to daytime drives in san diego...

Never Again. (27)

Yikes.  Bad service, bad food, bad experience... I 'aint goin' back!

Hidden Palms (17)

'Hidden Palms' may have not lasted as a TV show, but this LIST will!  I may melt in the 100+ degree heat every visit, but it won't stop me from trying new places.  I'll brave the sweating, heat stroke, and sunburn just for you in Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, and Indian Wells!

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beer-holder (12)

Some people see a field of hops - Others see a frosty bottle of beer. Here's to optimism!  

A list of Gastropubs, Gastrotaverns, places with the best beer selections, the best atmosphere for enjoying a beer, and the best food to compliment your frosty beverage. Cheers!

Places to be added soon: The Yard, Village Idiot, Side Door, Father's Office, Blue Palms Brewhouse, Stone Brewery, etc...

Every Hour should be a Happy Hour! (26)

The HH is the haven for cultured (but broke) college students and the working drones who just need a break after work.  This is a collection of HHs....

HH Reviews to Come: Charlie Palmer, Crustacean, Edison, Ford's Filling Station, Pink Taco, Cheesecake Factory, Yamato, Mesa @The Camp, POP Champagne & Dessert Bar, Bodega Wine bar, and many, many more.

Sorry, We're Closed. (11)

Not open for business... Some of these I'm sad about closing, while others... well, let's just say it was for the best.

Where's the Beef?! (14)

I love meat. I also love melted cheese.  And a Cheeseburger can combine them in a way that is heavenly. I am constantly in search of the PERFECT burger.  Basically... What happens between me and my cheeseburger, STAYS between me and my cheeseburger.

Good Morning, Baltimore! (1)

My Baltimore, Maryland trip!

See all 26 lists »

"The Duchess of Crunch"

Review votes:
1125 Useful, 811 Funny, and 896 Cool

Location

Orange County, CA

Yelping Since

January 2009

Things I Love

lamb & scallops & braised meat

When I'm Not Yelping...

I'm making an espresso

Why You Should Read My Reviews

my steaks are medium-rare, but my reviews are well-done!

My Second Favourite Website

http://thisiswhyyouref...

The Last Great Book I Read

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

My First Concert

Sharon, Lois, and Bram

My Favourite Movie

District B12 (dubbed, not subtitled... trust me)

My Last Meal On Earth

meat.

Most Recent Discovery

Lay's "Poulet Roti" chips (Roasted Chicken?! Scary Delish)

Current Crush

Gil Grissom