Will be meeting up w/ cousins and one of the cousin’s new husband for a celebratory lunch this Sunday. Family is in Newport Beach, I’m in West LA. Any ideas on moderately upscale place (no more than $40pp, excluding tax, tip, alcohol) for lunch? One cousin is pregnant, so the usual dietary restrictions apply (but to her only).
Family would prefer to meet halfway, which puts us around Long Beach. I’m not familiar w/ the area. I’m sure the location doesn’t have to be EXACTLY halfway, if you have a good rec. Maybe some place in Westminster (which I’ve never stopped at for a meal)?
Thanks all for the recs! Pregnant cousin chose Panxa Cocina (she had a Chinese banquet the night b/f, so I think she had O/D’d on Chinese food).
No pics b/c it was a family function. Black bean dip (not sure if it was complimentary b/c we arrived late) was really well seasoned. Salsas had a decent kick but weren’t what I would consider particularly spicy. Partner’s chicken mole had a distinct chocolate flavor; while Panxa was good, I prefer the less sweet version at Monte Alban. I had the seafood enchiladas. Nicely grilled shrimp, and the sauce (cilantro-based?) + cheese was not overpowering.
Dessert was donut holes. The sauces (vanilla and butterscotch) were unnecessary and not very strongly flavored. Donut holes themselves were fine.
On a side note, the neighborhood surrounding the restaurant is very cute.
All in all, a very pleasant meal and just the right choice for this occasion.
Looking forward to trying the other recs when I’m in the area.
