Despite the large size of the establishment, the prices are pretty much in line with strip-mall-Asian-restaurant standards. The quality of the food was quite good; the size of the portions, about average. The Special Panang Beef came in a red peanut curry sauce that was very nice, with a pleasant amount of hot spiciness. The Crab Fried Rice was very satisfying. Cashew Nut Chicken was pleasant. My favorite, on this occasion, was the Garlic Pepper Pork. The meat was exquisitely moist and tasty.

Our large party was able to sample many items from the menu. While busy draining five bottles of Pomerol from the moderatly priced wine list, along with a smattering of Fischer La Belle beer, we managed to get down a good variety of food items as well.

The escargot pleased, as usual, though it might have been advisable to let them cool off a bit before we burned our collective tongues on them. A guacamole-like concoction was pleasant, if nondescript. The smoked salmon was excellent. Our favorite, however, among the appetizer selections was the mushrooms in puff pastry - the French name of which defied pronunciation, even with the help of our waiter.

Many of the entrees were accompanied by a side dish that could not be identified by taste or sight. One faction thought it was sweet potatoes, another carrots; a third thought it was neither. None of us got the bright idea of asking the waiter. We all ate it, though; and no one died.

A glass of dessert wine and a few cups of strong coffee brought an end to a very satisfying meal.

It's called Pete's Blue Chip now, but I remember when it was just plain old Blue Chip. If I close my eyes I can still see the old stand, with a few stools inside, and the small order window - to which we always went - on the outside in front. There was an outdoor eating area behind the joint. As I remember, it would have been situated in the Northwest corner of the property; and it was screened off by some sort of bamboo, or other shrubbery.

The hamburgers were considered the best in Eagle Rock in those days, though some elders claimed they had never been the same since a chef they called "the machine" - for his automaton-like speed in making the burgers - no longer worked there. I, however, was terrified of the burgers, and was instead given a "Blue Chip Junior", a single patty, with ketchup only. Later, I graduated to the "adult" double-deck Blue Chip burger, but still ordered it with only ketchup until I was about 20 years old!

Once my taste had matured enough to eat a Blue Chip with everything on it, I realized what I had been missing all those years. It is a double deck burger - akin, in that respect to a Big Boy, or a Big Mac - but different from either of those. It has a certain, what can only be described as "fresh greasiness" that makes it unique.

Pete's has an extensive menu, including various sandwiches, sides, and fried foods. There are other types of burgers as well; and these are all fine, but have little to distinguish them from similar fare at any number of establishments. It is the Blue Chip hamburger that makes this place one to which I have found myself returning again and again over the years. When I get a hankering for one, nothing else will fill the bill. Sometimes they come out a little better, sometimes not quite as good; but the world would be a poorer place if the Blue Chip hamburger disappeared.

We decided to go on the spur of the moment, without benefit of a reservation; so we started out at the bar. I have fond memories of watching Rams games at the bar in the mid-1980's - Columbo's being one of the few places that had not been taken over by Raider fans in those days when the city had two more NFL teams than its current total of zero.

Things at the bar haven't changed much in the intervening years - and that is a good thing. The service is prompt and friendly; the beer is cold; the cocktails are generous; and the price, moderate.

After a short wait, we were seated in the restaurant. The room was still festooned with Halloween decor - and I think it really improved the general look of the place. My dinner companion, who had never been to Columbo's, commented that it was nicer than my description had led her to expect. The house was packed; the mellow stylings of the house pianist filled the air.

We started with dinner salads. The Creamy Italian dressing was tangy, and not overly heavy. I had a boneless pork loin chop, served with a ragout. It was quite plain in appearance, but turned out to be very tasty - and cooked to perfection. This was no mean feat, as the chop was a good two inches thick. The ragout provided a pleasant, non-obtrusive accompaniment. I chose a side of herbed rice and received a good-sized portion thereof. It was quite good - just the right touch of herb flavor; and not over spiced or salty.

My companion had the prime rib, and a baked potato. The ample portion was more than satisfying. In fact, neither of us could polish everything off.

We chose a Kenwood Zinfandel off of the reasonably priced wine list. It made a worthy accompaniment to a nice meal.