66919 Tue Feb 22 12:58:57 -0800 2005 2 2 Los Angeles Area 0 362338 Good friends came from the Central Coast this weekend to indulge in our wealth of chow. Thursday Night: Sushi Shibucho. Got there late so we couldn't sit at the bar. Omakase on a plate was wonderful, but you don't have that great "I wonder what is coming next" experience. Highlights were the baby octopus, mackerel, and uni. Friday Night: Peking Duck at Lu Din Gee Cafe - THANK YOU Professor Salt. That skin is unbelievable. Could have skipped the coconut shrimp, but the fresh Dungeness crab in XO sauce was sublime. Saturday Lunch: Cebiche del Rey - simply the best. Found that the cebiche mixto appetizer is almost as big as the entree for 1/2 the price (but you don't get the hominy or cornnut thingees) Also discovered their seafood soup which for 4.95 is chock full of goodies. Saurday Night: Banh Mi from Top Baguette to accompany our all-night poker game. Next time I'd skip the shredded pork and meatballs - BBQ pork & beef are the way to go. Sunday Lunch: Oysters and clams at Quality Seafood. Sunday Dinner: Ruen Pair - took Thi's suggestions and especially liked the green papaya salad. The little "tacos" at the desert place across the parking lot are a must. A great weekend which could never have happened without Chowhound. Thank you all. Tue Feb 22 12:58:57 -0800 2005 0 TeaEye 1 362344 Good to hear you had a good time. Shibucho on Beverly or in Costa Mesa? Tue Feb 22 13:39:15 -0800 2005 362338 0 jaydee 2 362345 Costa Mesa Tue Feb 22 13:58:20 -0800 2005 362344 0 TeaEye