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Deep in the Mission District is a gorgeous restaurant where patio diners are treated to classic film while they eat. Our first experience involved roast chicken and a screening of "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg," and while film serves primarily as background, we have found that this enhanced environment seems to stimulate more cultured conversation than usual. And what better way to enjoy cuisine and company than to have the haunting notes of Vladimir Cosma's "Promenade Sentimentale" floating about as the intriguing "Diva" projects above our heads?

Circa 1995, it wasn't uncommon to see one of us holding court in the back corner booth, directly under the large painting of a traditional rotisserie, día o noche. We ate here so often in the mid-1990s that we even had a name for the tight-knit crew of daily diners -- The Bolsavics -- an incorporation of a reference to the Bolshevik party and usage of the in-house term applied to the delicious avocado-based salsus, Bolsa. Simply stated, "The Little Lighthouse" is a tiny Mexican treasure, buried deep in the Mission District, where all walks of life hungrily fare the long que, most notably at noon and 2am. Most of our recent San Francisco nights unfold as such: play records, last call, collect currency, stand in line...

Even if our Unlce John (on Stonerokk's materfamilias side) was not the proprietor, with a perfected northern Italy flair, teeth cut under his own progenitor who was a pizzaiolo, we would still visit this quaint seaside cottage en route to the waves near Third Point. As Malibu contains a high percentile of celebrity residents, it is not uncommon to see Mel Gibson or the Edge pull into the lot off PCH, but what appears to be the true key to success of the roadhouse eatery is that it offers simple faire and atmosphere within the privileged community. No frills, just an amazing food and spasso.

Back in 1996, while the 90210 gang was enjoying their senior year at California University, the esteemed members of the Kansas City Barbeque Society started to realize there was a new sheriff in town. Located in a gas station, their award-winning sauces and long lines have been featured on PBS, CBS, and gushed over by Anthony Bourdain. We have regularly visited Oklahoma Joe's the morning after any Kansas City engagement, usually because the smoked meats offer the best of defenses against the rye whiskey still splashing around in our guts. And while every resident has made the mandatory trip for gas and grease, we must commend nightlife heavyweight Brian Collins for making the introductions.

The brand needs no further stroking nor kind words, as it is already a mecca for the beautiful ones who crave raw fish. But we include a mention of the Brentwood locale as it offers an added variable, detailed deep within the menu, under the heading of Robata Bar, an ancient Japanese practice which originated from fisherman grilling their catch on the boat. Sure, many come for the handsome cut rolls; But you have sold yourself short if you ignore the corn, yaki onigiri, or the Jidori chicken especially, which has left us as content as the poultry once was, back when it strutted the organic feedlot.