Subject:

Anne Marie Panoringan

  • Blogs

    May 10, 2013

    Valenza Chocolatier Making Things Sweeter In Costa Mesa

    We stepped into a kitchen space known as The Hood (conveniently located down the street from our offices) for a ribbon cutting. This commercial rental space is now the home of Amy Jo Pedone. Her chocolate journey began with the passing of her dear cousin to ovarian cancer. Despite her finance degree ... More >>

  • Blogs

    May 9, 2013

    Ryan Carson's Wanderlust at Playground 2.0: Filipino Edition

    When Manila Groove shut down last year, it was one less Filipino option in a sea of ethnic cuisines. Growing up in Daly City (where the fog is so thick from all the rice cookers hard at work), the only times my family went out for Filipino food were after church and en route to a party to pick-up a ... More >>

  • Blogs

    March 27, 2013

    Dispatch From Costa Mesa: Sidecar Announces Opening And Greenleaf Gets Busy

    Sidecar who? Ah, yes. The buzz going around in December was Sidecar Doughnuts' test kitchen cranking out full-sized samples for anyone who could get up at 8 a.m. on a Saturday. We were originally told a January launch date. Then we waited. And waited. And then they dropped off our radar.After months ... More >>

  • Blogs

    March 25, 2013

    New Irvine Food Court Features Intelligentsia Coffee & Nick Stef's Burgers

    We used to love heading into LA for dinner but over time, that tolerance for Sig alerts and traffic waned our patience. Nowadays, we're mostly content with a 25-mile radius of somewhat predictable traffic, and surface streets we can navigate (with minimal help from Google maps). When we were made aw ... More >>

  • Blogs

    March 22, 2013

    Pie-Not Opening Soon In Costa Mesa; Get Ready for Aussie Food!

    When asked what our favorite restaurant is, we tell them that's a loaded question. However, we're not afraid to admit our favorite dining city is Costa Mesa. There's something brewing in nearly every nook and plaza, and our latest find is a prime example.We're not taking all the credit for this one. ... More >>

  • Blogs

    March 13, 2013

    Checking In To Tea Service At Seventh Tea Bar at the OC Mix

    More often than not, when we think holidays, we think FEAST. Overindulging, eyes bigger than your stomach, "Where's the Aperol?" feasting. But what if your family is a single parent (or comparable mini-family) who wants peace and quality over quantity? Our holiday alternative to the big brunch resid ... More >>

  • Blogs

    February 14, 2013

    Best Kept Secret At SoCo: Sourcing Saturday At Fixtures Living

    We admit it. We love The OC Mart Mix. For all the tea, oysters, cocktails and meetings we hold there, you'd think it was our second home. Yet for all the fabulousness within that complex, we discovered something even more engaging. Let us explain.Before N'ice Cream and Deer Lovely, South Coast Colle ... More >>

  • Blogs

    February 11, 2013

    Now Open: Slater's 50/50 In Lake Forest

    We can't speak for San Diego or Pasadena, but the bar at Slater's 50/50 in Lake Forest is loooooooong. Like slide a pint across the countertop, Coyote Ugly dancing long. And full of male bartenders (not that we minded). Rodrigo, Bean and Tony can recommend what's on tap anytime. Our task: remember w ... More >>

  • Blogs

    February 8, 2013

    First Look: ARC Food & Libations At OC Mart Mix

    ARC held a pillow soft opening during dinner service this week. No formal invites, just enticing photos to lure you in. We pulled up to the bar with our partner-in-crime to taste the goods and make friends. Don't know what to order this weekend? We can offer a few suggestions.We quickly migrated fro ... More >>

  • Blogs

    February 6, 2013

    First Look: LinX Artisan Sausage

    LinX Artisan Sausage welcomes the public this Thursday, but in the meantime . . . . some food porn! We were some of the first paying customers lined up to taste a limited menu. Scott Brandon, Jared Cook and a nonstop stream of servers, hosts and kitchen crew helped crank out orders last Friday.Of th ... More >>

  • Blogs

    February 5, 2013

    First Flight: A Visit To Valiant Brewing Company

    Before Valiant Brewing Company officially opens for business Saturday, we hopped in for a drink (or four). Our guide: Jack Thomas, Assistant Brewing Technician. He gave us the lowdown on our four samplers featured above. This way, you'll be plenty informed about what to order come the weekend. Per J ... More >>

  • Blogs

    January 17, 2013

    Greenleaf Gourmet ChopShop Selects Second OC Location

    With a compound name like Greenleaf Gourmet ChopShop, it can be mistaken for vegetarian or carnivore eats. We still can't believe they sprouted last spring. Its spot on the corner of 17th and Westminster streets in Costa Mesa is bustling on a Tuesday, long after happy hour is over. So it's no surpri ... More >>

  • Blogs

    January 16, 2013

    Getting Our Slapfish Brunch On In Huntington Beach

    When someone mentions the word brunch, we immediately say, "Where?!" It is our meal of meals, the bacon atop our mac and cheese. Brunch can be a Vegas AYCE extraordinaire, or a highbrow prix fixe served at Cafe Hipster. The interpretation may vary, but one thing remains consistent: eggs. Glorious eg ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 18, 2012

    Anne Marie's Top Five Drinks of 2012!

    Here's the thing about me and drinking-- from the time that I was "of age", I drank primarily wine. And champagne. My perception of beer was what I saw in commercials and bottles or cans at wedding receptions. It was crap. If I wanted different, it was some stereotyped cocktail in a martini glass.In ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 18, 2012

    Anne Marie's Top Five Restaurants of 2012!

    If last year was spent finding our footing, this year was spent embracing our petiteness concentrated awesomeness. On the Line got a nip/tuck, and our subjects had more to discuss than ever (We're talking to YOU, Matt Strickland and Dean Kim). Our culinary crew discussed comings and goings, but we a ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 17, 2012

    The Lost Bean Wine Bar Now Open In Tustin

    Back in July, Edwin reported news of a local coffeehouse expanding. We assumed it would be more seating for the cozy Lost Bean. We even experienced some of the demolition first hand, as dishware crashed from a shelf while they pounded on walls. However, they had something else in mind (not that we'r ... More >>

  • Blogs

    September 6, 2012

    Aw, Shucks: Checking In At The Newest Eatery Inside OC Mart Mix

    Where do Forkers spend a lazy hump day? One answer is at OC Mart Mix, where Chowdown Champion Dave and I ended up to sample the seafood at Shuck Oyster Bar's grand opening. Of course, we're leaving the formal review to our illustrious Edwin. This is more eye candy and first look.Similar to that othe ... More >>

  • Blogs

    September 5, 2012

    Chowing At THE RANCH Saloon: Hearty Eats Minus The White Linen

    If you think a review of THE RANCH Restaurant also speaks for its saloon, it doesn't. Even though they share a parking lot and culinary team doesn't mean anything else is alike. And we're not only talking atmosphere-- although getting your 10-step on isn't completely out of the question.We initially ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 6, 2012

    Some Pig: Images From Pig Out 1.0

    Cocktails, glorious cheese, fresh coconut water and swine served 15 different ways. Or as some of us called it, Sunday at Newport Dunes. While we bounced between cocktails and pork, occasionally we remembered to take a photo. Here's a taste of what stopped us in our tracks.Dee Nguyen's Break of Dawn ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 3, 2012

    Japonaise Bakery Reopened! The Cafe, Not Quite

    I had a Japanese wax today. What's a Japanese wax? It's a regular brow wax, but it hurts so bad I treat myself to Japonaise pastries when it's over. Seriously.They shut down the cafe a while back, leaving Cream Pan takeaway while the adjacent space went under remodel. It's been forever, right? Well ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 2, 2012

    Game of Burgers: Gastropub Gentry, Second Round

    Here's the thing about gastropubs-- the simple definition is that they are bars with really good food. So to strip them down to bun and meat wouldn't even be a playing field, in my opinion. These worthy gentlemen are all trying to prove a point with their fried eggs, pickled vegetables and aiolis: t ... More >>

  • Blogs

    July 20, 2012

    Game On: Culinary Competitions And $2 Fridays At OC Fair!

    Our friends at the Fair packed so much action in this year's edition, it's almost meatier than La Super Costilla! We can't possibly cover everything....or can we? Whether you're the competitive type or more of a spectator, food-related activities are going on all around. And after all the blood, swe ... More >>

  • Blogs

    July 2, 2012

    Now Showing: New Menu Selections From TAPS

    Proprietor-founder Joe Manzella of TAPS Fish House & Brewery sat down for a meal as executive chef Manny Gonzalez, Tom Hope, director of culinary, and brewmaster Victor Novak took turns offering our luncheon the backstory on some seasonal specials.Chef Manny reincarnates a fashion plate of veget ... More >>

  • Blogs

    April 23, 2012

    The Iron Press in Costa Mesa: Toothsome Waffleliciousness!

    First reported by Michelle, we ended up at South Coast Collection's The Iron Press last week for a friends and family unofficial opening.  Beer taps and waffle irons abounding, we took a seat at their counter to check things out.In a building directly across from OC Mart Mix, the windowed, corn ... More >>

  • Blogs

    April 17, 2012

    SLAPFISH: Brick and Mortar Preview

    "We want to change the way people think about and choose their seafood" says SLAPFISH co-owners Andrew Gruel and Jethro Naude. "The idea is to get people to eat more seafood, but the right types of seafood, because sustainable tastes better."When we interviewed Andrew for On the Line last summer, we ... More >>

  • Blogs

    March 23, 2012

    Ten Great Italian Restaurants In Orange County

    ​When we initially began compiling our list, it appeared relatively easy. But when we got to talking to others about their love of all things pizza, pasta and marinara, there were so many more places to consider. We're certain your place for that perfect slice is missing from our ranks, so make it ... More >>

  • Blogs

    March 20, 2012

    Second Eat Chow Eatery Showing Signs of Progress

    ​Don't get confused by Eat Chow's next location. Their current one is off Newport in Costa Mesa. The sequel is going to be off Pacific Coast Highway in Newport Beach. So when you tell someone "I'll see you at Newport.", be sure to clarify which.As you can see, the PCH outpost is looking spiffy and ... More >>

  • Blogs

    February 20, 2012

    Five Fabulous Courses At Ryan Carson's Pri-ve Pop Up

    Anne Marie PanoringanAll things oyster​Modernist cuisine isn't just about foams and liquid nitrogen slathered on a plate. Creativity and humor are often conveyed, making a dish more conversation piece than "elf food". We spent Valentine's avoiding the 405, excited to sit down at Taco Asylum for so ... More >>

  • Blogs

    February 20, 2012

    Three New Eateries Planned for Irvine Spectrum: Pieology, TavernaBlu, & Luna Grill

    Anne Marie Panoringan​The Fullerton Chipotle-esque pizza purveyor Pieology is planning its second store at Irvine Spectrum. Details are sketchy on where exactly in the sprawling complex it will be located. But it will be joined soon by two other new eateries. Luna Grill is a San Diego-based " ... More >>

  • Blogs

    January 26, 2012

    Class 302, Taiwanese Shaved Snow Restaurant, Now Open in Irvine

    Anne Marie PanoringanThat's me on the right, after drinking from that monstrous cup.​Something made us turn the other way at the 405 Culver offramp and head towards UCI yesterday. Call it female intuition, but we found ourselves at University Park Center, watching the door to Class 302 swing open. ... More >>

  • Blogs

    January 6, 2012

    Dining at Disney's Club 33: The Good, The Bad and The Shopping

    ​There is a special population obsessed enamored with all things Disney, and a completely unrelated group that wants to be a part of all things exclusive. Rarely do these two collide, except when discussing a certain door adjacent to the Blue Bayou in New Orleans Square, its only marker being thei ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 14, 2011

    A Look Inside CUCINA Enoteca, The Latest High-End Eatery to Hit the Irvine Spectrum

    ​A test run at lunch was the final exam for waitstaff at CUCINA enoteca before they opened for business Tuesday evening. The morning was spent in classic Extreme Home Makeover fashion, as crews raced to stage dual patios. We roamed the front of their 8,800 square foot house, snapping photos of the ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 13, 2011

    P.F. Chang's (2.0) Reopens Tonight

    ​'Tis the season to reinvent yourself, at least, if you're a restaurant. With more changes in the last two months than we can keep up with, dining at Irvine Spectrum sees yet another update as P.F. Chang's relaunches in the nick of time for holiday crowds and business lunches.A designated testing ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 7, 2011

    Testing The Waters At 2 (Two) Fishermen Grill & Rolls

    ​While my SAFII co-horts were entertaining Evan Kleiman at our most recent Happy Hour event, I manned the bar, making friends with raffle winners and even my bartender's significant other. It was he (the boyfriend, not the bartender) who suggested a seafood joint just a hop, skip, and jump from h ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 28, 2011

    Hockey Chefs = Charity, A Dux In Tux Recap

    ​We had the opportunity to attend the 12th annual Dux In Tux, a fund-raiser benefiting the Anaheim Ducks Foundation, which funds wellness seminars, hockey tutorials and in-school visits to OC's kiddies and beyond. Chefs are paired with a member of the team to assist in executing a custom menu for ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 16, 2011

    FREE Breakfast Sandwich At (Most) Carl's Jr's. TODAY

    Anne Marie PanoringanWatching TV sometimes pays off....​Some of us can spend hours doing nothing. I choose to pass the time catching up on my DVR. Who knew last week's dramedy would be a source of free brekkie news this week? Behold, the free sausage biscuit.Definitely not the first time Carl's Jr ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 11, 2011

    A Sneak Peek At Paul Martin's

    Photo courtesy of Lee Healy Marketing CommunicationsFresh salmon, Meyer lemon vinaigrette, chilled quinoa & bulgar wheat salad​We had the opportunity to explore Paul Martin's (American Grill) Orange County debut at the Irvine Spectrum yesterday. All hands were on deck for final preparations: s ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 7, 2011

    Tamarind of London to Open at Crystal Cove Nov. 14

    Anne Marie Panoringan​While strolling through Cougar Country Crystal Cove Promenade the other day, we spotted ongoing construction at the future Tamarind of London. When Edwin announced its coastal arrival back in February, our friends at the Irvine Co. had not released a time line, leaving us han ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 12, 2011

    Eat Here, Not There: Soft Serve

    Anne Marie Panoringan​Let's face it, soft serve is generally found at three places: McDonalds, buffets (Vegas, Soup Plantation or otherwise), and the occasional Korean establishment. Sweet, cheap, and appealing to the masses, nothing says "Let's finish our reasonably priced meal" like a dish or co ... More >>

  • Blogs

    July 28, 2011

    Dueling Dishes: Battle Sweet Potato Fries!

    Anne Marie Panoringan​When we were tots, we munched on taters. Then there's the standard McDonald's variety. Criss-cut ones were a luxury, but curly could be found at Jack In The Box. The notion of a french fry was always more combo rather than cuisine...until sweet potato fries entered the pictur ... More >>

  • Blogs

    July 15, 2011

    Slater's 50/50 - Burgers By Design, Huntington Beach Preview

    Anne Marie PanoringanA cross section of awesomeness.​The wait is finally over. Our favorite Slater (not A.C. or Kelly) has launched their bacontastic menu for public consumption in Huntington Beach. If last night's preview was any indicator, then Adams Avenue will never be the same.Those crazy Yel ... More >>

  • Blogs

    June 24, 2011

    Dueling Dishes: Battle Dutch Baby

    by Anne Marie PanoringanPlums​There's something about a Dutch baby. The grandiose brekkie that draws stares from diners as it makes its way to your table. The poofy circumference height similar to a successful souffle, combined with the sunken base of a lackluster one. Then there are the toppings: ... More >>

  • Blogs

    April 8, 2011

    Eat Here, Not There: Quick-Order Falafel

    Anne Marie Panoringan​For years, the only connection I had with falafel was from She's All That when Laney asks Zack, "Would you like to super-size those falafel balls?" Falafels have gained prominence since then, especially in OC, home of Little Arabia and more than a few Greek restaurants. Still ... More >>

  • Blogs

    March 9, 2011

    Merely Sweets, New Cupcakery, Coming to Downtown Brea

    Anne Marie Panoringan​Spotted off Birch Street, signage for a new cupcakery (and possibly more?) near Cold Stone Creamery and Color Me Mine. There is no website, and property management had no further information other than it expects the shop to be open in the next 60 days. 

  • Blogs

    February 28, 2011

    Restaurant Roll Call for February 2011

    Photo by Anne Marie Panoringan​By now, you should have noticed that we do these "Restaurant Roll Call" posts at every month's end. This month, though short, is no exception. We noticed more openings than closings this time. And those that closed, such as Tapioca Express and Bari Bari BBQ, are al ... More >>

  • Blogs

    February 11, 2011

    Freebirds World Burrito Landing in Orange

    Anne Marie Panoringan​ If you 1.) are a UC Santa Barbara grad, or 2.) spent any time living in Texas, chances are this will be something to cheer about: Freebirds, the fast-casual burrito chain founded in Isla Vista in 1987, is coming to Orange County.

  • Blogs

    February 9, 2011

    Food Profiling: Hidden Gelato at Irvine Lanes!

    Anne Marie Panoringan​ At my last job, I occasionally coordinated events. One year, we needed a venue for our Office Safety Team appreciation dinner. Irvine Lanes had conference facilities, so a budget was determined and planning began. Dinner was a "South of the Border" buffet. For dessert, ... More >>

  • Blogs

    February 8, 2011

    Dylan's Candy Bar Sold At Macy*s Home Store

    Anne Marie Panoringan​ NYC reminds me of SF, but with actual seasons. It's also one of my favorite places to visit. During our first trip, we did the tourist thing and lined up at Serendipity 3 for their Frrrozen Hot Chocolate. With a two-and-a-half hour wait ahead of us, we passed the time st ... More >>

  • Blogs

    January 28, 2011

    This Week In Food: New Forker, Taco Bell Fake-Beef Allegations and Hungry Monkeys Go Wild!

    Flickr user Phillie Casablanca​The big story in the OC food world was the $5 million class-action lawsuit against Taco Bell alleging the chain sells fake beef, but other, better things happened this week. After the jump!

  • Blogs

    January 26, 2011

    Stick a Fork In It Welcomes Its Newest Blogger!

    Flickr User Enokson​Those who are familiar with SAFII might know that I and this blog have been the lucky recipient of tips from Brekkie Fan. She has pointed us to discoveries too many to count. Before she became one of our most prolific tipsters, I enjoyed reading her passionate, honest, articul ... More >>

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