Pineda Tacos--Minneapolis, MN

I went to this restaurant on the Minnetonka border with my family after a Vikings game--a three-touchdown drubbing by the Bills. Our early dinner here at Pineda Tacos was one of the few things that went right that day. I live in the Bay Area in California and have easy access to quality Mexican food. Yet, the burrito we had at Pineda can stand up against anything I can find at home. Tender meat, a hot shell and a full tummy. What more could I want. There's a full array of salsa choices, too.

Gold Nugget--Minnetonka, MN

Gold Nugget is a great spot to meet an old friend, which is what I did here Friday. This place has good food, friendly service, ample parking and a noise level on the lower side for a sports bar. Shown here is the Bacon Me Crazy burger, which my buddy tells me was delectable. We got shakes, too, and people were slurping them to the last drop.

Veggie Grill--Mountain View, CA

I got the Sonoran Bowl for lunch an enjoyed it. The jalapeño peppers were abundant, perhaps too much so, but worked well with the quinoa and avocado. However, I thought it was a bit on the expensive side at $11. Moreover, I needed to eat again soon after. There was plenty of seating available, especially for a Friday.

Fish's Wild--Cupertino, CA

This restaurant is one of my favorites when it comes to low stress casual dining. It's clean and well lighted. They have sports on two different screens. And, they always seem to have seating. There's also plenty of parking in the lot.

And, you know what? The food ain't bad, either. I got a grilled fish (salmon and Mahi Mahi in mine) wrap that was meaty and the flavor left no doubt they cooked it on the grill.

Pictured is the Tilapia bowl my wife got. It was a bargain at $7.59.

Fuji Sukiyaki--San Mateo, CA

My family ate here earlier this week and had a mixed experience. The miso was so salty my wife wouldn't touch it after the first sip. The saba mackerel was average. I had the Fuji (white tuna) roll and my son the Rainbow roll. Both were delicious, with a fresh flavor and delightfully creamy. The other boy got a chicken teriyaki bento box with a California roll, which he really enjoyed. He ate every morsel. 

Smartro meat thermometer

The Smartro thermometer kills it for speed and accuracy. Just stick the probe into the thickest part of the slab and you'll get a final reading in about seven or eight seconds. I've used the Smartro dozens of times and it's never done me wrong. Never worry again about serving undercooked chicken or pork!

Kahn--Sunnyvale, CA

Kahn offers a great variety of meat, seafood and vegetables for hot pot and Korean barbecue. They even have a bingsu station that gives a refreshing conclusion to an otherwise heavy meal. Overall, the ambiance lacks that special polish, but I'll end up going back. Service was mediocre--you'll have to be persistent about asking for help. Lunch on a Friday set us back $17 per head.