The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co. LLC

On The Line: Dean Kim of OC Baking Company, Part Two

"I don't consider myself old in any way, but I'm old school now. Even Dee (Nguyen), Mike (Rossi) . . .we're old."One of the best things about interviewing a well-connected baker is the exchange of information. Dean reminds us that the community of chefs is full of friends and customers. Can you beli ... More >>

Pandor Boulangerie Brings French Breads to Newport Beach

Though we have lots of great ethnic food in Orange County, great French food is hard to come by. Spurred by the dirth of worthwhile French breads in these Orange Acres, Raffi and Tiffany Sepetjian decided to open a bakery and make their own. Pandor Artisan Boulangerie & Café opened Monday in Ne ... More >>

New Steakhouse Opens at The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel

You may know The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel for Raya, the very good Mexican restaurant by Richard Sandoval that introduced huitlacoche to its couture-wearing customers not only by putting it in their soup but also dolloping it on top of their steak. Raya was as good on a recent visit as it was on my ... More >>

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 >>

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 >>

MSNBC's Five Hottest Foodie Trends... Yawn.

​Don't you just love it when the national media write about foodie trends? It always makes me think they're writing for people in some forgotten backwater who honestly do think that adding a packet of seasoning from Tastefully Simple to a cheese ball makes for a sophisticated, New York-style party ... More >>

On The Line: Peter Stavros Of Peter's Gourmade Grill, Part Two

Photo by Kevin Lara​Our second installment of On The Line explores the people and experiences that shape Peter Stavros of Peter's Gourmade Grill. We delve into a little family history and learn about what makes him speechless. He even recalls the job that caused his foodservice epiphany. To catch ... More >>

¡Ask a Comida Critic! A Good Mimosa Near the Coast?

​From Twitter, from a gal whose name I can't remember, whose question I can't quote verbatim because it's buried under a pile of tweets, but which went like this:Where can I find a good mimosa near the beach?Actually, she first asked about a good mimosa, period. I recommended Memphis at the Santor ... More >>

Peter's Gourmade Grill Is Gas-Stop Gourmet

[Hole In the Wall] Peter Stavros sells gourmet takes on gas-stop grub from a Valero station in Tustin

#2. Uni Spaghetti at Cafe Hiro

Edwin Goei​We're one spot away to the #1 dish on our list of 100 Favorite Dishes. Stay tuned for that tomorrow. Then, next week, make sure to pick up a copy of our Best of OC 2010 when it hits the newsstands Thursday, October 14!

#3. Smoked Salmon and Eggs at Break of Dawn

Dave Lieberman​The final installments of our march to the Bridge on the River Calorie are coming your way. Make sure to pick up a copy of our Best of OC 2010 when it hits the newsstands next Thursday, October 14!

Carly Fiorina Bus Pandering to Latinos is in Santa Ana (or is It?)

​A bus that represents Republican U.S. Senate nominee Carly Fiorina's outreach to Latinos was scheduled to park right now at the Santa Ana intersection of Main and 17th streets--home of Norm's, bus stops and the Weekly's former world HQ. But, as a wag over at the Orange Juice blog has noted, it's ... More >>

#6. The Whole Sha-bang Shrimp at Boiling Crab

Edwin Goei You'll have noticed we're changing who writes this feature on a day by day basis: this is how you know we're getting close to the end of our countdown. Make sure to pick up a copy of our Best of OC 2010 when it hits the newsstands October 14!

#10. Any Ice Cream at Stricklands Ice Cream

Edwin GoeiYou'll have noticed we're changing who writes this feature on a day by day basis: this is how you know we're getting close to the end of our countdown. Make sure to pick up a copy of our Best of OC 2010 when it hits the newsstands October 14!

#11. Banana Blossom Salad at Xanh Bistro

Dave Lieberman​You'll have noticed we're changing who writes this feature on a day by day basis: this is how you know we're getting close to the end of our countdown. Make sure to pick up a copy of our Best of OC 2010 when it hits the newsstands October 14!

#15. Grilled Steak and Lobster Mashed Potatoes at Mastro's

Edwin Goei / elmomonster.blogspot.com​You'll have noticed we're changing who writes this feature on a day by day basis: this is how you know we're getting close to the end of our countdown. Make sure to pick up a copy of our Best of OC 2010 when it hits the newsstands October 14!

#14. Strawberry Croissant at Cream Pan

Edwin Goei​ You'll have noticed we're changing who writes this feature on a day by day basis: this is how you know we're getting close to the end of our countdown. Make sure to pick up a copy of our Best of OC 2010 when it hits the newsstands October 14!

#18. Deep Fried Fish with Mango Salad at Thai Nakorn

Edwin GoeiYou'll have noticed we're changing who writes this feature on a day by day basis: this is how you know we're getting close to the end of our countdown. Make sure to pick up a copy of our Best of OC 2010 when it hits the newsstands October 14!

#19. Sausage at Sabatino's

Dave LiebermanJust opening the package will suffuse your senses with the smell of porky perfection.​You'll have noticed we're changing who writes this feature on a day by day basis: this is how you know we're getting close to the end of our countdown. Make sure to pick up a copy of our Best of OC ... More >>

Greg Howe of Raya at The Ritz-Carlton, Part Three

Kimberly Valenzuela​Today, as is the custom of this On The Line series, our subject, Chef Greg Howe, shares a recipe. If you missed the first and second part of his Q&A, click here and here. Otherwise read on for recipe to replicate a Ritz-Carlton dish in your very own kitchen.

Greg Howe of Raya at The Ritz-Carlton, Part Two

Kimberly Valenzuela​Today we continue our Q&A with Greg Howe, Chef de Cuisine of Raya at The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel. If you missed the first part, click here. Stay tuned tomorrow for our final installment: a recipe. What show would you pitch to the Food Network Something where real food wa ... More >>

Greg Howe of Raya at The Ritz-Carlton, Part One

Kimberly Valenzuela​Raya, the new restaurant at the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel, is Richard Sandoval's restaurant. Including this one, the celebrity chef (that you may not have heard of but will soon enough) has opened three eateries in Southern California since spring (The other two are in Santa M ... More >>

#30. Torta Ahogada at Los Primos

Dave Lieberman​We are getting closer to the top dishes we think you should try, Orange County. For the complete list, see below; at the end of this countdown, our Best Of Orange County 2010 issue will hit the newsstands.

#31. Enchilada Combo at Baja Fish Tacos

Edwin Goei​We continue to countdown our 100 favorite dishes at local restaurants. We'll be sharing these with you every weekday until our annual Best Of Issue comes out. Enjoy! #31. Enchilada Combo at Baja Fish TacosThis choice only applies to the Baja Fish Tacos in Santa Ana, not so much the one ... More >>

#32. Reuben Sandwich at Harry's Deli

Edwin Goei​We continue to countdown our 100 favorite dishes at local restaurants. We'll be sharing these with you every weekday until our annual Best Of Issue comes out. Enjoy! #32. Reuben Sandwich at Harry's DeliThere are many things to love about Harry's Deli.  One of those is owner Harry K ... More >>

The Cali Rally Paddles Through OC

The Transworld Surf magazine-sponsored, race/scavenger hunt livened up the Ritz-Carlton pool

#33. Sweet Corn Soup at Raya at The Ritz Carlton

Edwin GoeiWe continue to countdown our 100 favorite dishes at local restaurants. We'll be sharing these with you every weekday until our annual Best Of Issue comes out. Enjoy! #33. Sweet Corn Soup at Raya at The Ritz Carlton In a recent review of Raya at the Ritz I said that the sweet corn sou ... More >>

Huitlacoche at the Ritz-Freakin'-Carlton?

Raya chef Richard Sandoval dares to go there

Gabriel Caliendo of The Lazy Dog Cafe, Part One

Kimberly Valenzuela​With the recent opening of Lazy Dog Cafe in the Irvine Marketplace--the chain's third OC location--word is spreading about the little chain of restaurants with rustic decor and an eclectic menu. The man behind the food at all Lazy Dog Cafes is Executive Chef Gabriel Caliendo. P ... More >>

Yvon Goetz of The Winery, Part One

Photo by Kimberley Valenzuela​I first ate Yvon Goetz's food when he was the executive chef at the now defunct Chat Noir in Costa Mesa. It was a wonderful meal. This was way before the whole Culinary Adventures empire went kaputz. Prior to that, Chef Goetz was the executive chef at the Ritz-C ... More >>

Dee Nguyen of Break of Dawn, Part 1

Photo by Kimberly Valenzuela​Food critics don't always agree on things, but ask any of your Stick a Fork In It bloggers where the best breakfast in OC is, and you'll get the same answer from all of us: Break of Dawn, a stunning hidden gem in a freeway-adjacent plaza next to the Laguna Hills Mall.C ... More >>

OC Phenomeon Blamed for Ritz-Carlton Las Vegas Closure

Dealer goes bust!​The 338-room Ritz-Carlton Las Vegas opened in 2003 in then-fast-growing South Nevada community of Lake Las Vegas, 17 miles from the Strip. The AAA Five Diamond, Mediterranean-styled, $170 million hotel boasts vine-covered trellises and balconies, balustrades, shaded loggias and ... More >>

Getting Ripped Off By Bland Food at Geisha House

I've eaten at restaurants where the bill came to more than $300 for two (the late, great Dining Room at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel). Where the buffet cost $100 for two (Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel again). Over $100 for omakase for one (Hanamori). Many other places too expensive and too superflu ... More >>

Ritz-Carlton's Easter Brunch Is Fit For A King (Or Lottery Winner)

Loads of restaurants are running special menus this Sunday, but the Easter Brunch (10am-3pm) at the Pavilions in the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, is one for gourmets and splurgers. At $84 ($25 for kids), it's only $4 more than the normal brunch, and for that you get the likes of: Slow Roas ... More >>

Elton and Billy spend another day in paradise

For swarms of aging pop fans with cash to burn, tonight is a pretty big deal. We are just hours away from the second night of the Face 2 Face tour starring mega stars and all around good pals (indicated by the cute picture to the left) Elton John and Billy Joel. For those of you lucky enough to get ... More >>

Afternoon Tea at the Ritz-Carlton in Dana Point Means Making Your Friends Envious

What you missed over the weekend: Part VIII

Hungover from Super Bowl Sunday? Us too. (Yes, even those of us who aren't the biggest football nuts by a long shot. . .but when stranded in SFO waiting to head back to John Wayne, there aren't too many entertainment options.) Anyway, we obviously didn't go hog wild on Super Bowl coverage around her ... More >>

To Do Today - 11/22 TURKEY DAY!

BODY BLAST WORKOUT, 8am Workout and burn those calories before the big feast. The Brea Community Center, 695 E. Madison Way., Brea, (714) 990-7100 TURKEY TROT, 8am More than 3,500 runners and walkers expected in the 5th annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot 5K/10K. Funds will benefit local charities ... More >>

This Hole-in-the-Wall Life

The Hue of Things

Pinkies Up

Holiday Tea

Restaurants for Cheating Lovers

Where to take your mistress to eat

A Sweet Life's Work

The Ritzs Jean-Francois Lehuede leaves em wanting more

He Fights for Your Right to Pate

Michael Mina leads St. Regis through the resort wars with Stonehill Tavern

How OC Are You When It Comes to "S.E.X."?

Our sexy sex quiz

Oh, Capricious Gut!

The Ritz-Carltons new Restaurant 162

Dana Point

Great Food Moments in Weekly History

This Week in Buffets

Dana Point

We killed Killer Dana

Clams

And other realities of life on the road