Subject:

Meranda Carter

  • Blogs

    May 21, 2012

    [UPDATED with Blood Spilled:] Chapman and Fullerton Undies Runs are Sights for Sore Eyes (and Fingers)

    UPDATE, MAY 21, 3:35 P.M.: It's been pointed out that since this blog mentioned the hospitalization of two young women in their 20s--one for "alcohol-related" complications and the other for an arm injury suffered after falling down--following Chapman University's 2012 Spring Undies Run, we should a ... More >>

  • Blogs

    April 22, 2012

    Azealia Banks at Coachella, April 21, 2012

    See also: Our Complete Coachella Coverage One assumes that thousands of people shouting, "I guess that cunt getting eaten" in unison has never happened at Coachella before. Yet you could hear just that yesterday during Azealia Banks' set; it was afternoon, and most of us weren't even drunk yet.

  • 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

    February 10, 2012

    Ten Great Romantic Restaurants In Orange County

    Courtesy of AnQi​If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, then romance is up to the couple. I am enamored by a room with a view, yet also appreciate when he brings me my favorite doughnut. We already anticipate the "Who cares?", and you know what? We welcome it. Get all that (sexual) frustration o ... More >>

  • Blogs

    January 9, 2012

    January Is California Restaurant Month. Translation: Discounts All Over!

    Meranda Carter​You still got a few bucks left over after spending it all on Christmas gifts nobody really liked? Some restaurateurs are betting you probably don't, which is why four cities in our humble county are using January, usually the slowest time in the restaurant biz, to offer discounts to ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 29, 2011

    On the Line: Bruno Serato of Anaheim White House, Part Three

    ​Our time with Bruno draws to a close so he can make his rounds, greeting and checking in on every table he passes. A most hospitable subject, he disappears with our photographer for his close-up. Bruno leaves us with a duo of recipes, but you're gonna have to ask him about the sculpture(?) that a ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 27, 2011

    Edwin's Top Five Restaurants of 2011

    Meranda Carter​End-of-year lists like these are fun to do, but hard to write because it is always difficult to just pick 5 of anything, let alone restaurants in a year full of great meals. This year, I used the same measuring stick as last year: in picking my five, I asked myself this question: "W ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 22, 2011

    On the Line: Giovanni Roman of Roman Cucina, Part Three

    Photo by Meranda Carter​Sometimes it's best to stick with the classics, as Giovanni Roman lays the groundwork for an ovo-lacto treat. The only ingredient he leaves up to the cook: what pasta to use (We're angel hair fans)? While you're waiting for dinner to reach al dente, use your noodle to catch ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 21, 2011

    On the Line: Giovanni Roman of Roman Cucina, Part Two

    Photo by Meranda Carter​Ten years and four Roman Cucinas later, brothers David and Giovanni continue to grow their Italian empire. They evolve with the needs of their clientele and claim their mom as an inspiration. There's more to love in part two, but part one is just as saucy.Hardest lesson you ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 20, 2011

    On the Line: Giovanni Roman of Roman Cucina, Part One

    Photo by Meranda Carter​Sitting across from Giovanni Roman outside a coffeehouse along Harbor Boulevard, you wouldn't suspect he cooked for a living--until we brought up the topic of pasta. Our humbled chef talked off the cuff about his brother (and business partner) David, his favorite places to ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 15, 2011

    On the Line: Brian Bennett of Paul Martin's American Grill, Part Three

    Photo by Meranda Carter​We got to watch Brian work on the line as we wrapped up our interview. Grilling and plating with a critical eye, this dish has comfort food written all over it. For more storytelling, capture the free Wi-Fi at Paul Martin's as you go over parts one and two.Paul Martin's Mar ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 13, 2011

    On the Line: Brian Bennett of Paul Martin's American Grill, Part One

    Photo by Meranda Carter​One of the visionaries behind Paul Martin's, Brian Bennett teamed up with Paul Fleming in selecting local purveyors and perfecting the sustainable menu at their ideal neighborhood restaurant. With a personality as grand as his Tommy Bahama shirt collection, Bennett shares q ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 9, 2011

    Napalm Death at Casanova, Our Drink of the Week!

    Photo by Meranda Carter​Scotland ... where the men wear kilts and the sheep are nervous. Home of the world's greatest Scotches, one of them being Drambuie that figures in over 100 drink recipes, including Kiltlifter, Ball Bag, Sexaholic, Felcher (after a sexual practice we are not ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 8, 2011

    On The Line: Alan Greeley Of The Golden Truffle, Part Three

    Photo by Meranda Carter​Hot and cold, yin and yang, soup and salad; balance is important when it comes to flavor, and Alan Greeley not only hands over a couple of solid recipes, he includes yet another for prepping the protein. If you'd like to backtrack, here are the links for parts one and two.A ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 7, 2011

    Slapfish Truck to Open Brick-and-Mortar Restaurant

    Photo by Meranda Carter​Let's count 'em, shall we? OC food-truck chefs who went brick-and-mortar: There was Hop Phan of Dos Chinos a few months ago, then the folks at the Tropical Shave Ice Truck. Most recently, Jason Quinn of the Lime Truck opened his Playground in Santa Ana, with fellow Great Fo ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 5, 2011

    An Open Letter to the Host at Silver Trumpet

    Photo by Meranda Carter​ To the gentleman at Silver Trumpet who seated us on Thursday, Nov. 10:I owe you an apology. You see, I lied to you. As you showed me to my seat, you asked me politely, "You have the same last name as the OC Weekly food writer. Are you him?"Flustered and quite shocked that ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 23, 2011

    On the Line: Eric Souka of Capital Seafood, Part Two

    Photo by Meranda Carter​We see a recurring seafood theme as our interview with Capital Seafood's Eric Souka continues. He also hints at future expansion possibilities. For more backstory on our subject, click here to view part one. Pay a visit tomorrow for a meaty change of pace.Hardest lesson you ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 17, 2011

    On the Line: Gretchen Beaumarchais of Honda Center, Part Three

    Photo by Meranda Carter​The beauty of ravioli is the promise of yummy filling inside each pasta pocket. While typical options may include rich cheese or meat, chef Beaumarchais opts for something a little different. Enjoy a meatless Monday with the following ravioli recipe, and take the time to re ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 15, 2011

    On the Line: Gretchen Beaumarchais of Honda Center, Part One

    Photo by Meranda CarterShe caters to evvvvvverybody!​It's one thing to serve hundreds of guests per day, but how about thousands in a single night? That's the monumental task Gretchen Beaumarchais prepares for during hockey season and concerts. Amidst cameras setting up for UFC and Ducks skating t ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 11, 2011

    Drink of the Week: Lucky Buddha at Capital Seafood

    Photo by Meranda Carter​Just as with Target and Trader Joe's, a brand has made it when it populates multiple locations in the same city. Take, for example, the gang at Capital Seafood. As if the Diamond Jamboree hustle and bustle weren't enough, it took over the former Fish Market space at the Irv ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 10, 2011

    On the Line: Keith Stich of Wildfish Seafood Grille, Part Three

    Photo by Meranda Carter​We wrap up our interview with Wildfish's Keith Stich with an easy-peasy ahi main course. [Editor's Note: While the exact amount of fish isn't stated in the recipe, Stich said that 6 ounces of ahi feeds one person.] While things are marinating, take a look back at parts one ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 9, 2011

    On the Line: Keith Stich of Wildfish Seafood Grille, Part Two

    Photo by Meranda Carter​Our featured interview with chef Keith Stich continues as we delve into familial influences and how he prefers his Branzini. Prepare for an Asian-inspired fish dish tomorrow, but today, catch up on part one.Hardest lesson you've learned:To control my emotions during a busy ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 8, 2011

    On the Line: Keith Stich of Wildfish Seafood Grille, Part One

    Photo by Meranda Carter​Change is inevitable when it comes to the restaurant business, and while we've previously featured Wildfish Seafood Grille for On the Line, a new executive chef means a new technique and insight on what makes him tick. Keith Stich is now at the helm, and we reel him in (pos ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 4, 2011

    10 Great Luxe Loncheras in Orange County

    Photo by Christopher Victorio​I was thinking of making a list that included ALL loncheras, luxe and not, but it'd be a wash: loncheras in a landslide. That said, I've warmed up a bit to the idea of non-Mexis muscling into the food-truck business with gourmet, usually overpriced meals. The one wond ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 3, 2011

    On the Line: The Men of the Burnt Truck, Part Three

    Photo by Meranda Carter​When asked to provide a recipe, the Burnt guys all agree the way to a hungry heart is through fried chicken. A virtual Hungry Man dinner that fits in the palm of your hand, layers of flavor from hearty gravy and garlicky mashed potatoes make for comfort cooking. Get to know ... More >>

  • Blogs

    October 20, 2011

    On the Line: Lindsay Smith-Rosales of Nirvana Grille, Part Three

    Photo by Meranda Carter​Unofficial ladies month at On The Line finishes the week with a little scallop love; although we think the asparagus got camera shy for this particular shot. Chef Lindsay shared some news with us as well: Nirvana Grille celebrates their newest seasonal menu by offering it a ... More >>

  • Blogs

    October 18, 2011

    On the Line: Lindsay Smith-Rosales of Nirvana Grille, Part One

    Photo by Meranda Carter​With a multitasking nature and the cutest 3-year-old vegetarian for a son, chef Lindsay Smith-Rosales has a great deal to juggle as chef and owner of Nirvana Grille. Fortunately, she found the time to discuss some of her favorite things, like dairy and spike. FYI: She admit ... More >>

  • Blogs

    October 12, 2011

    On the Line: Iliana Chiarini of Cafe Chiarini, Part Two

    Photo by Meranda CarterPretty in purple - Iliana as Part Two's spokesperson​Ladies' month at On the Line continues with Iliana Chiarini. If you frequent Cafe Chiarini, she has probably greeted you by name. I was thrown for a loop by her humor the first time, her warm greeting (as though I were fam ... More >>

  • Blogs

    September 27, 2011

    On the Line: Gloria Mogollon of Franco's Pasta Cucina, Part One

    Photo by Meranda Carter​It will be soon be October, and while researching subjects, I was introduced to a sudden influx of female chefs. So we're unofficially dedicating this month to the ladies. And to kick it off, we seek the impossible: tasty Italian in a food court. Gloria Mogollon of Franco's ... More >>

  • Blogs

    September 22, 2011

    On the Line: Josef Lageder of the First Cabin Restaurant, Part Three

    Photo by Meranda Carter​How can you go wrong with fried food? Seriously. Chef Josef Lageder even gives you a meat alternative, if the thought of veal makes you squeamish. (It shouldn't. In fact, it tastes even better.) He serves up a few words of cooking wisdom on the side, deeming this recipe use ... More >>

  • Blogs

    September 21, 2011

    On The Line: Josef Lageder Of The First Cabin Restaurant, Part Two

    Photo by Meranda Carter​Did you know The First Cabin is open to the public? We did. What we weren't aware of were their separate European breakfast and comfort lunch menus. Nor did we realize just how much Chef Josef digs the pig. How about the planning that goes into their month-long Oktoberfest ... More >>

  • Blogs

    September 20, 2011

    On The Line: Josef Lageder Of The First Cabin Restaurant, Part One

    Photo by Meranda Carter​This week, we are treated with an ocean view at The Balboa Bay Club & Resort for our interview with Executive Chef Josef Lageder. A man of diverse culinary talent, he's not only worked alongside Julia Child, but Sam Choy, too (That explains his love of using a rice cook ... More >>

  • Blogs

    September 15, 2011

    On The Line: Wing Lam of Wahoo's Fish Taco, Part Three

    Photo by Meranda Carter​What else can we say about Wahoo's co-founder Wing Lam that we haven't already covered? How about that he's teaching at both Chapman and Concordia Universities (this fall and winter, respectively.)? A man that can often be found on his company's taco truck serving the local ... More >>

  • Blogs

    September 14, 2011

    On The Line: Wing Lam of Wahoo's Fish Taco, Part Two

    Photo by Meranda Carter​The soon-to-be-married Wing (Congrats!!) keeps up the pace on our ride-along as we continue this week's interview. He offers more of his favorites, plus reveals his last meal that's only available in one place. For missing out on part one, you are banished here to catch up. ... More >>

  • Blogs

    September 13, 2011

    On The Line: Wing Lam of Wahoo's Fish Taco, Part One

    Photo by Meranda Carter​One-third of the founding brothers behind Orange County's quick-casual eatery simply known as Wahoo's is not just On The Line, but on the go. We accompany Wing in the carpool lane one afternoon as he reflects on his education and passion for cooking to the masses. Buckle up ... More >>

  • Blogs

    September 8, 2011

    On The Line: Sea Kyeong Kim of Charlie Palmer At Bloomingdales, Part Three

    Photo by Meranda Carter​This Charlie Palmer chef takes his craft pretty seriously. After going over the ingredients for the recipe, we must say, this is one intensely flavorful tomato salad! To catch up on what you missed with Chef Kim, links for parts one and two can be found here, and over here. ... More >>

  • Blogs

    September 6, 2011

    On The Line: Sea Kyeong Kim of Charlie Palmer At Bloomingdales, Part One

    Photo by Meranda Carter​When we first began our On The Line series over two years ago, Amar Santana was one of our first interviews. How times have changed. As Santana puts the finishing touches to his  Broadway baby, we spend some time with his hand-picked successor, Chef Sea Kyeong Kim. Ori ... More >>

  • Blogs

    September 1, 2011

    On The Line: Joseph Mahon of Burger Parlor, Part Three

    Photo by Meranda Carter​Some combinations taste great together; bacon and eggs, coffee and doughnuts, peanut butter and jealousy jelly. Chef Joseph Mahon of downtown Fullerton's Burger Parlor decided to do a mash-up with his pop-up's combination of fried chicken and watermelon....and a salad was b ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 18, 2011

    On The Line: Jon Blackford of A Restaurant, Part Three

    Photo by Meranda Carter​To conclude our interview with Jon Blackford, he shared a simple, yet flavorful bowlful of soup. Flavored with onion and garnished with rich lobster, don't have too much, or else it might spoil your appetite. Start off by (re)reading parts one and two before you feast on th ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 17, 2011

    On The Line: Jon Blackford of A Restaurant, Part Two

    Photo by Meranda Carter​We spend a little more time with the dynamic duo of Jon Blackford and Tony Motakef discussing the history behind A Restaurant. In addition, Jon throws us a curve ball with what he'd be doing for a living in an alternate universe. Stay tuned for tomorrow's recipe, and check ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 16, 2011

    On the Line: Jon Blackford of A Restaurant, Part One

    Photo by Meranda Carter​It's been said we're our own toughest critics. We were reminded of this when we spent time with both chef Jon Blackford and Tony Motakef, director of operations, of A Restaurant for this week's On the Line. Originally from Pittsburgh, Blackford's current stomping ground is ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 11, 2011

    On The Line: Andrew Gruel Of Slapfish, Part Three

    Photo by Meranda Carter​Per Andrew, this simple, crave-worthy, gooey sandwich can be served as a meal or an appetizer sliced into small pieces and drizzled with the sauce. The sweet, spicy, smokey and rich "everything sauce" can be used on, well, everything. Always have some of this in your fridge ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 10, 2011

    On the Line: Andrew Gruel of Slapfish, Part Two

    Photo by Meranda Carter​Andrew Gruel of Slapfish doesn't want diners to have just any tuna-fish sandwich; he wants to take the notion of a traditional one and "make it the apex of tuna sandwiches." As we continue our interview in the future home of his and Jethro Naude's test kitchen, Gruel shares ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 9, 2011

    On the Line: Andrew Gruel of Slapfish, Part One

    Photo by Meranda Carter​Fact: Andrew and Jethro decided on Tax Day to create Slapfish. Also a fact: Their food is truly sustainable and fresh, since they double as wholesale importers (triple if you factor in their future "Test Kitchen" endeavor). Did we reel you in yet? Follow our interview with ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 4, 2011

    On the Line: Kevin Nagano of Sage Cafe, Part Three

    Photo by Meranda Carter​This week's On the Line concludes with a recipe à la Kevin. Typically a sandwich standard, this chicken salad includes the cafe's favorite herb, two types of vinegar and red cabbage for crunch. Place an order with Veronica Milanko (the other half of Sage Cafe), pack it in ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 3, 2011

    On the Line: Kevin Nagano of Sage Cafe, Part Two

    Photo by Meranda Carter​Part Two of On the Line focuses some more on Kevin Nagano. Possessing firsthand experience of running a dining room provides an invaluable perspective of the customer service necessary to run Sage Cafe. Learn how this shapes his point-of-view, as well as who the person is i ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 2, 2011

    On The Line: Kevin Nagano Of Sage Cafe, Part One

    Photo by Meranda Carter​Kevin Nagano specialized in front of the house operations before he chose to open his own space. Armed with a single griddle and a pocketful of well-crafted recipes, he's changing the way diners think about salads, sandwiches and soups. This week, On The Line chats with the ... More >>

  • Blogs

    July 28, 2011

    On The Line: Joe Youkhan of Chef Joe Youkhan's Tasting Spoon, Part Three

    Photo by Meranda Carter​We've discussed food, inspiration, and brains with Joe Youkhan of The Tasting Spoon luxe lonchera. It's about time he shares some of his delicious knowledge with us. A featured chef at this year's OC Fair, Joe provides the mise en place to the recipe he'll be demoing. Who k ... More >>

  • Blogs

    July 27, 2011

    On The Line: Joe Youkhan of Chef Joe Youkhan's Tasting Spoon, Part Two

    Photo by Meranda Carter​If there's something we've learned about great chefs, it's that they have great mentors. Find out who Joe looks up to in this installment of On The Line. To catch up on Part One, be sure to click here.Hardest lesson you've learned: Being a chef and business owner takes a tr ... More >>

  • Blogs

    July 26, 2011

    On the Line: Joe Youkhan of Chef Joe Youkhan's Tasting Spoon, Part One

    Photo by Meranda Carter​South County is represented this week, as we sit down with Joe Youkhan and discuss his Italian-inspired, Rancho Santa Margarita-based luxe lonchera, Chef Joe Youkhan's Tasting Spoon. An East Coast transplant, he loves his butter, salt and vino. Learn how this father of two ... More >>

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