Chicken

You may not see stars if you visit Star Cafe in Montrose, but you might have a stellar, if casual, meal. This comfortable spot has been popular with locals since the 1980s, and the saw-dusted floors and relaxed atmosphere make it especially family-friendly. An air-conditioned, enclosed patio up the back stairs offers a respite from the clanging kitchen clatter up front. Soft, fragrant, oil-rich rolls are brought to the table immediately. The bread, flecked with pepper flakes and spice, is frighteningly addictive.

A young food critic has been stirring the pot with his online reviews. When Noah Rosen, 14, started YourTasteBuddy.com in December 2011, he didn't think it would arouse much interest. His first posts evaluated local eateries, such as Sushi Laguna, Ruby's Diner and 370 Common, his favorite. On April 12, he reviewed his school cafeteria. His criticism was unsparing. "The dreaded Thurston Middle School cafeteria is a lottery of food failures, flavorless mediocrities and ill-conceived 'balanced' nutrition," he wrote.

Those alphabetical brothers A and B Itti run the two best Thai joints in town: A, at Laguna-Thai-By-the-Sea and B, at Thai Bros. We have chosen to review them in alphabetical order (for A, see the Coastline Pilot April 28, 2006, issue) so now it's B's turn. If their cousin C, who lives in Bangkok, ever opens a restaurant in Laguna, you can be sure we'll review him next. Located in the former home of Benny the Bum's diner and even earlier, Shirley's Bagels, Lagunatics have been eating in this spot since the '70s but never as well as now at Thai Bros.

Coldwell Banker offices to merge Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage will merge two offices located blocks apart at the 660 No. Coast Highway location in the Boat Canyon Shopping Center. The new Coldwell Banker Laguna Beach North office, with 85 real estate sales associates and staff, will be remodeled in December. The Boat Canyon location will be renovated with more private offices, a wireless broadband network and an improved façade and landscaping. Wayne Woodyard, branch manager for the Coldwell Banker office at 1088 No. Coast Highway, will move into the manager's spot for the Coldwell Banker Laguna Beach North office.

In La Ca"ada Flintridge, the family-run Thai restaurant Min's Kitchen has graced Foothill Boulevard for decades. A recent facelift provided newly sponge-painted walls and a lighter appearance to the small dining room. The honey-colored wood tables and chairs add an elegant touch to the décor. Nearly everyone who comes in the door seems to be greeted as an old friend, so it is apparent that Min's has a loyal local following. Servers are hospitable and they're patient with menu questions, but things can get a bit slow, as there are frequently two servers for the entire restaurant, and one or both are fielding a brisk take-out business as well as tending tables.

Turning a sow's ear into a Thai silk purse has been the project of A and Nan Itti since they acquired the space left by the old Village Deli and Liquor store in South Laguna. The addition of potted plants, a fountain and a small dining patio have made the exterior of Laguna Thai By the Sea more inviting. Inside, a mirrored wall and white tablecloths have dressed up this very modest, little neighborhood café. It's far from romantic, but the gentle charm of the place makes you feel at home.

o7Here are a few of the issues the council will consider Tuesday night: f7 MUTUAL FIRE AID AGREEMENT The City Council will consider an agreement with the U.S. Forest Service for mutual fire assistance with the city. The close proximity of the Angeles National Forest to the city necessitated an agreement with the forest service. There will be little fiscal impact on the city from the agreement. WHAT TO EXPECT The council will most likely approve the agreement.

DINING OUT There are only 10 days remaining of the summer festivals, so let's get with it at The Sawdust before the lively entertainment ends, because it's party time under the stars every night until Aug. 31. Among lively bands for the listening and dancing pleasure at the al fresco cabaret up front, are the Friday night performances of the Peter Dobson Trio. With talented Sue Cross on bass, melodic Michael J. on drums and inimitable guitarist / vocalist Peter setting the entrancing pace, some memorable moments await.

DINING OUT A sophisticated new ambience distinguishes Mario's Cafe & Bakery which was launched eight years ago in Downtown Laguna Beach at the forefront of Food Village. Personally remodeled by enterprising principal Hans Khademi, the restaurant is now a study in burnished mahogany and richly polished marble setting a handsome pace replete with a trio of graceful chandeliers, smartly striped fabric-covered banquettes backing immaculately laminated tables and mahogany chairs.

Glori Fickling It is always a pleasure to hear from an enthusiastic restaurant fan. An e-mail from an appreciative Marcia Jager has inspired this review of an Oriental venue I had long forgotten. It is nice to note that Mandarin King, situated far north on Coast Highway, will celebrate a 20-year success come Sept. 1. The store-front establishment is the popular concept of gracious Glenn Fu and his dedicated sister-in-law Lily Chao. Thanks to creative chef Tan, who joined the family venture almost 10 years ago, the picturesque dishes distinguish the tempting bill of fare.