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© 2013-2026 Cue the Critic. All rights reserved.

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  • Home » Blog » Page 6

    Restaurant Reviews & Food Stories

    Independent restaurant reviews, personal essays, food culture, and stories from more than a decade of Cue the Critic.

  • Long BeachPersonal Essay

    Part 1: The Journey of a Food Writer

    by Quincy James Freeman 6 September 2013
    byQuincy James Freeman 6 September 2013

    Life is kind of funny, at times. There are moments when we are uncertain as to where things are going or even where we want them to go. …

  • Sit-Down ReviewSoul FoodSouth Central

    M’dears Bakery & Bistro: A Family Jewel

    by Quincy James Freeman 4 September 2013
    byQuincy James Freeman 4 September 2013

    Update, 31 October 2026: M’Dears is still open at 77th and Western in South Central. This review is from my 2013 visit. Fine Southern Cuisine with a California …

  • Pacific PalisadesSeafoodSit-Down Review

    I Love Taste

    by Quincy James Freeman 3 September 2013
    byQuincy James Freeman 3 September 2013

    Love is patience.  Love is kind.  Love is divine and ever-present in our mind.  Love is the emotion that creates the memories that reach beyond the realm of …

  • BurgersProduct Review

    ManGrate – Grill Like A Pro

    by Quincy James Freeman 3 August 2013
    byQuincy James Freeman 3 August 2013

    Carl’s Jr. would have you believe that without them, some guys would starve. I won’t! I am not a chef, grill master or BBQ pit master; I am …

  • BurgersPasadenaProduct Review

    Burger of The Month: The 50/50 Fire Burger

    by Quincy James Freeman 27 July 2013
    byQuincy James Freeman 27 July 2013

    ¡Ay, MUY caliente y picante, guey! June 2013’s Burger of The Month at Slater’s 50/50 was the 50/50 Fire Burger.  They weren’t joshing when they said “Fire Burger.”  …

  • Bar/CocktailsSan DiegoSit-Down Review

    Bloody Mary at Café 21: A Spicy Reign of Terror on Your Taste Buds

    by Quincy James Freeman 4 July 2013
    byQuincy James Freeman 4 July 2013

    Update, 31 October 2026: Both Café 21 locations have closed. The University Heights spot at 2736 Adams Avenue is now The Hangout Restaurant and Bar, and the Gaslamp …

  • San DiegoSit-Down Review

    Focaccia Bread

    by Quincy James Freeman 4 July 2013
    byQuincy James Freeman 4 July 2013

    Grant Grill, where the bread will make you stay! I’m not a big bread eater, but this bread is not only picture worthy; it is amazing. The Focaccia …

  • BBQSan DiegoSit-Down Review

    Niman Ranch Pork Cheeks at GRANT Grill

    by Quincy James Freeman 4 July 2013
    byQuincy James Freeman 4 July 2013

    Livestock raised traditionally, humanely and sustainably produce the finest tasting meats… Oddly enough, I had never had pork cheeks prior to this trip to Grant Grill. Even more …

  • BurgersSan DiegoSit-Down Review

    Hodad’s: Ode To My E30

    by Quincy James Freeman 3 July 2013
    byQuincy James Freeman 3 July 2013

    A 1987 BMW 325i with California License Plate: CUE49 was my most prized possession from the Summer of 2007 until 1 March 2010. I remember the day my …

  • BurgersPasadenaRecipe

    Guinness Mint Chocolate Chip

    by Quincy James Freeman 27 June 2013
    byQuincy James Freeman 27 June 2013

    It’s like a beer milkshake! Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, what am I saying? It is a beer milkshake!!! It’s chocolate mint chips, Guinness Beer and ice cream. Do I …

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© 2013-2026 Cue the Critic. All rights reserved.