Part 2 of our collection of local holiday recipes is just as enticing as last week’s Part 1.

Abalone is often known more for its exquisite iridescent shell than for its meat.

Sometimes I just want classic Italian food.

Many restaurants have come and gone from Morro Bay since the late 1980s, but perhaps the most unlikely success story of the bunch—the quirky Bayside Cafe—has prevailed as one of the area’s most-beloved eateries.

Evoking the best of the Central Coast’s unique beauty and charm, Olde Port Inn sits on the end of the Port San Luis Pier in Avila Beach.

Shortly after the Corner View Restaurant & Bar replaced Linn’s in downtown San Luis Obispo, it quickly became a popular hub for locals and tourists alike.

The sound of clinking beer steins welcomed us to Old Vienna Restaurant in Shell Beach. Soon, the clinking was drowned out by a polka band’s rock ’n’ roll version of “Edelweiss,” and the occasional patron yelling, “Prost!” (That’s German for ‘toast.’)

A year after fire gutted Linn’s Main Bin Restaurant & Gifts on Easter morning, restoration work is moving slowly on the popular Main Street eatery.

So, while the original restaurant rises from the ashes, the Linn family has launched Easy as Pie Café, a cute eatery with plenty of familiar dishes.

John Linn calls the salads, sandwiches and soups served at Bridge Street’s newest restaurant “Linn’s version of fast food.”

True barbecuing involves a method of slow cooking that's done over indirect heat and often involves some flavorful oak. At SLO County Bar- B-Que in Paso Robles, owner Lupe Soliz assures his customers that their smoky dishes are indeed barbecued.

Mexicali Rose is the latest restaurant to open in the tourist- happy area of downtown Pismo Beach. It sits at Dolliver Street and Pomeroy Avenue, which seems to be a location with a revolving door of ever- changing businesses.

Sumo Sushi, the latest addition to San Luis Obispo's ever-growing sushi empire. makes no claims at strict traditionalism -- no sneering chefs here -- just satisfying sushi rolls and other dishes in an atmosphere that's sleek, modern and no-fuss.

The fairly new restaurant allows patrons to enjoy some Latin-inspired cuisine paired with an excellent wine list filled with selections from around San Luis Obispo County and beyond.

There's a new spot for the loud and proud -- Doc's California Karaoke Bar & Grill in San Luis Obispo. Nancy Thompson described the Nipomo Street restaurant and lounge as a warm, comfortable spot for both beginners and karaoke veterans.

Matthew Riley recently opened his second Paso Robles location in three years. His other restaurant, Matthew's at the Airport, has seen success despite its out-of- downtown location and was deemed 'best airport restaurant' by the $100 Hamburger Flying Club.

The rise of sushi restaurants in recent years is something of a local phenomenon. The number of trendy Japanese eateries has more than doubled since 2004, from seven in the county to 17 today.

The last time I went to Chili's was with my parents and future wife, not long after they were introduced.

The holidays are long gone, and with them the best excuse for eating bad-for-you food and not feeling bad about it. As winter drags on toward spring, we're sick of dieting. With all the great restaurants, cafes and bakeries in the county, sometimes we just can't help ourselves. Here are some of The Tribune's features staff favorite guilty pleasures.

When Last Stage West burned down in January 2005, it looked like the funky little place out in the sticks was history. After seeing their 10-year-old business go up in smoke, previous owners Bob and

What better place is there to enjoy fresh air, eat good food and listen to free live music on a Thursday night in San Luis Obispo than the downtown Farmers Market?

Even weeks after my first visit to Sumo Sushi, there’s one memory that makes me smile. It’s the image of an apple-cheeked sushi chef dancing to a techno birthday song and shaking a glass filled with spoons like a homemade maraca. As one friend put it, that was a highlight.