journeys east @ tulalip casino

tulalip, wa

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derek's parents made reservations at journeys east for christmas dinner last year. an unusual choice, to be sure. food was delicious - a mix of different asian cuisines - derek's parents always know how to find good food. service had the right amount of christmas cheer. a nice spot for a fun family gathering. we even got to place a few bets at the roulette table on the way out.

brick + mortar

santa monica, ca

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a cool restaurant on main street in santa monica - more successful as a bar/nightclub in the late evenings than as a restaurant. although the chicken and waffles were pretty to look at, the chicken was overcooked and the waffles were bland and tasteless. derek, however, likes the atmosphere at brunch - loud music, fun & boisterous crowd. but the food is definitely lacking. for fried chicken and waffles in santa monica, go to bru's wiffle. for a pint on a saturday night? brick + mortar is a great option.

plaza inn @ disneyland

anaheim, ca

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visiting disneyland for derek's birthday - he elected not to wear the birthday pin, for fear that everyone saying "happy birthday" to him in an overly cheerful voice would get annoying. but he did elect to get fried chicken. we shared a plate (so as to save room for more disney snacks) - green beans were decent, the mashed potatoes were ridiculously buttery and delicious, and derek was very happy with the fried chicken - surprisingly moist and tender.

naples ristorante

anaheim, ca

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surprisingly good italian food in downtown disney, just outside of disneyland and california adventure. derek gets the chicken parm, i get the eggplant parm. thinly sliced eggplant, lightly breaded, topped with a very good red sauce and served with spaghetti cooked perfectly al dente. i recommend reservations if you want to dine here during dinner hours - it's a nice break from the craziness of the parks. or you can wait in line at the takeout option next door for an excellent neapolitan pizza, fresh from the oven.