California Official Visitor's Guide 2022 - 57

the Salinas food scene, and if the lines leading
up to their fusion food truck are any indication,
they've succeeded with Tortas al 100. The
Orsonios put a flavor-packed spin on traditional
Mexican tortas, filling fluffy buns with such
enticing toppings as chorizo, grilled pineapple,
bacon, pork al pastor, and even Flamin' Hot
Cheetos.
100 MELTDOWN BISTRO
Fresno area
Meltdown Bistro
96 POST & BEAM
Los Angeles
Comfortable and contemporary, this Blackowned-and-operated
restaurant in L.A.'s
Baldwin Hills district has been whipping up soul
food with a California accent since 2012. The
all-day Sunday brunch is a major draw thanks
to Post & Beam's decadent pecan pie French
toast topped with cinnamon cream and bourbon
caramel-plus Southern eats like smoky
shrimp n' grits, and fried chicken perched atop
buttermilk waffles. Even bottomless mimosas
get an upgrade with a choice of fresh juices.
97 BILL'S HAMBURGERS
Van Nuys
Owner Bill Ewell opened his no-frills neighborhood
burger stand on an industrial Van Nuys
side street in 1965, and he has remained behind
the well-seasoned grill ever since. Bill's OG
burgers are thin and tasty (order the double),
topped with grilled onions, chili, and other
goodies. Sit at an outdoor counter stool and
watch the grilling action happen. A juicy double
will set you back just five bucks-or $5.50 with
a side of potato chips.
98 ARNOLDI'S CAFÉ
Santa Barbara
Italian comfort food is always on the menu at
this family-owned Santa Barbara staple, housed
in the same historic stone building since 1937.
Kick back in one of two large dining rooms, or
head out to the heated patio for a few rounds
of bocce (leagues command the courts on
weekday nights). Along with expertly executed
classics like spaghetti with clams, the menu
includes fresh local fish and specials from the
Santa Barbara Farmers Market.
99 TORTAS AL 100
Salinas
Young locals Orlando Orsonio and his wife,
Denise, longed to bring something unique to
Himitsu
Mono Basin
Bird Chautauqua
Folks rave about the cheese-filled delights from
this mobile food truck founded in 2015 by local
chef Pete Ramirez. Sandwiches are grilled to a
golden glory and piled high with flavor-packed
ingredients, from the Pig Mac-pulled pork with
bacon and cheddar mac & cheese-to the Cuban
Melt, filled with slow-roasted pork, grilled
ham, and pickles. Their Fried Mac & Cheese
Ballz stuffed with jalapeños and crispy bacon
are definitely a must.
101 EURO GRILL
Santa Clara
This is the kind of place Silicon Valley locals
love to show off to friends-especially if they've
never tried Bosnian food. Casual and welcoming,
Euro Grill attracts homesick Bosnians and
local converts with its delicious cevapi-fingersized
sausages stuffed into soft bread with red
pepper spread and raw onions on the side-and
burek, a flaky pastry filled with meat, cheese,
or spinach. Order the combination plate and
sample a little of everything.
102 BATTAMBANG
Oakland
Before there was Nyum Bai, there was Battambang.
This downtown Cambodian gem has been
making customers smile since 1993 with fresh
and flavorful dishes like Trei Chien Chou Em,
boneless trout battered and pan-fried in a lime
sauce, and Kari Doung Chkei, a combination of
chicken, green beans, yam, and young coconut
meat in a red curry. The atmosphere is casual
and intimate, the portions are generous, and
service is helpful and friendly.
103 OLD MANDARIN
ISLAMIC RESTAURANT
San Francisco
For more than 20 years, this Sunset district
favorite has been warming bellies and hearts
with its modern take on authentic, Beijing-style
hot pot, or clay pot, dishes. The broth comes
in regular and seriously spicy (half-and-half is
the way to go). Choose from sliced halal meats,
seafood, vegetables, tofu, and even chrysanthemum
leaves, and then add them to the fragrant,
simmering broth.
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California Official Visitor's Guide 2022

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