We’ve got a buffet of subjects for you this week. Pork instructional, beer sipping, movie screenings, fry munching and coffee all made the cut. Be on the lookout for our holiday roundups in upcoming weeks. You’ll be thanking us later. Save the Dates: Newport Beach Film Festival You can examine the list of hundreds […]
South County’s Sol Agave Expands to Mission Viejo!
From gourmet truck to stand alone restaurant to second location, the team at Sol Agave is embracing their restaurant’s growth and extending their reach to not only include San Juan Capistrano, but Mission Viejo’s Union Market. I sat down for dinner with Jessie Galvez (one of the business partners) to learn more about their thriving […]
OC Spring Menu Coverage, Part One
Not too hot, not too cold: Spring is just right in our book. It’s also the time of year when restaurants flaunt seasonal menus. Grab a fork and join us! Montage, Laguna Beach In a recent partnership with nutrition expert and best-selling author Kelly LeVeque, Montage dining outlets the Loft and Mosaic Bar & Grille […]
OC Grub Guide 4/12-4/18: Sanrio, Serato and Sidecar
We spy with our roving eye so many reasons to get out of the house and dine. Brunch, beer dinner, doughnuts and even a festival are in our lineup! Go alone or with a friend; either way, it’ll be good eats. Casa Barilla Carbonara Special – Costa Mesa Happening now through May 6, satisfy […]
Chef Jon Blackford Dishes On Upcoming CdM Restaurant
Shaken not stirred; photo courtesy A Restaurant Six years after we interviewed Chef Jon Blackford of A Restaurant, we found ourselves back in the plush dining room for a conversation with chef. And while we spent a good portion of our interview exchanging dining experiences, our main reason for meeting was to discuss his upcoming concept, […]
OC (and Long Beach!) Grub Guide 4/5-4/11: Burgers, Beer and Buchanan
So much to eat and drink; so little time. We spend some quality time across county lines this week, indulging in some fro-yo, beer and culinary education in Long Beach. Then back to Orange County for some special events. Spontaneous and well-planned activities are equally represented this week. Be sure to factor in naps. […]
Spring Dining Trends: Mediterranean, Neon and CBD
While we aren’t up to speed on our fashion, our appetite for dining out is second to none. Trends aren’t always about what’s new. To us, trends are what people are talking about and what others are doing all of a sudden. Here are a few that caught our eye as of late. Mediterranean […]
OC Grub Guide – 3/29-4/4: Tapatio, Portillo and Sabroso!
Where do we even begin? Hot chicken, ramen and some very special meals rule the guide this week. You will definitely locate something for every price point. While there aren’t enough hours in the week to hit them all, but that won’t stop us from trying. Marche Monday – Newport Beach Earlier this month, the […]
OC Grub Guide: Easter Dining Edition (Hop to It!)
There are holidays, and then there’s Easter. We want to enjoy all the bountiful buffets and plated treats, but we can only choose one. Today, we present you with a sizable list of contenders to help you decide your fate. Now run along—time’s a-wastin’. Hotel Irvine Prepare for a premium experience when you head […]
Grub Guide 3/15-3/21: Boysenberry, Beef & Brick-and-Mortar
We realize that sometimes our Grub Guides are full of boozy festivals and not much else. This week is different. Plant sales, a grand opening and even a “green” recipe are on deck this week. Sure, there’s still booze; it just isn’t the main focus. Sandwich for a Cause – all OC Mendocino Farms […]
OC Grub Guide: Brunch 101: Fresh Toast Style!
We’ve been to previous Fresh Toast events, and can tell you a thing or two about its piggy, eggy, toasty goodness. But what we’re best at doing on this blog is dropping facts, so you’re informed heading in. If you’ve got tickets already, great. And if not, well, we’re setting you up with all the […]
Charitable Culinary Collaborations: Local Chefs And Non-Profits Working Together For The Greater Good
There was a time when the word charity only meant dipping into your wallet or cutting a check for a good cause. These days it can still mean that. More often than not, there’s a cause-and-effect that goes beyond money. Chefs and other industry professionals have grown more active in the non-profit circuit, donating […]
Here’s Your OC Weekly Fresh Toast 2018 Lineup!
This Saturday’s Fresh Toast lineup is one delicious collection. When asked what they planned to serve at FT, our 30+ participants responded with descriptions ranging from “Something breakfast-y” to what we documented below. Get your appetites in check, and we’ll see you in Laguna Beach this weekend. Jan’s Health Bar: Parfaits and Veggie Dish One […]
OC Grub Guide 3/1-3/7: Medals, Mahalo and (Prix Fixe) Meals
While the entertainment industry finishes their awards season, Orange County goes into full swing with dining season. OC Weekly’s Fresh Toast, OC Restaurant Week and DCA’s Food and Wine season are just a few of the over-the-top options waiting for you this month. Check your budget, pace yourself and enjoy. Mahalo Mondays at The Blind […]
OC’s Surf (and Turf) Report: What’s New In Seafood and Beef
Trends come and go, but two things that remain constant are beef and seafood. With the proximity of the beach, residents are always down for sushi, Catch of the Day or Cajun-Asian shellfish spots. We’ll never see a shortage of burger joints and steakhouses, either. Here’s a rundown of the county’s newest eateries to conquer. […]
Celebrating National Margarita Day 2018 in OC!
Food holidays are great. Then again, drink holidays are even better. So if you actually need an excuse to get out there tonite and blow off some steam, here are a handful to make the choice about where to go easier. The Rooftop Lounge/K’ya Bistro Two restaurants in one spot mean you have a decision […]
What’s Old Is New Again: OC Dining Reinvents Itself to Stay Relevant
Whether it’s a change of address or knowing when a tried and true formula is working, some of the heavy hitters in Orange County know how to bring in diners. We look at five examples of restaurants that handle change like pros. Marché Moderne As one of the best dining rooms associated with a shopping […]
OC Grub Guide 2/15-2/21: DTSA, Dessert and Dana Point
We try to find balance this week. From farm fresh produce to lazy eggs and customized treats, there’s a combo that’ll work with your dining habits. And if you have a pooch at home, you’ll definitely want to make the trek to Long Beach together. AVEO Table + Bar Happy Hour Offered from Sunday to […]
Surfing, Staple Removers and Salad: On the Line With Karen Webster of Cocoa Parlor
I couldn’t imagine a more fitting way to celebrate this week’s lovely holiday than with a local chocolatier. Karen Webster is no stranger to Orange County, and her love of the surf inspires many of Cocoa Parlor’s products. Tell me about what inspires your chocolate. Surfing is my inspiration. The names and flavors are all […]
OC (and Beyond) Valentine’s Lineup 2018!
Somewhere between the cost of flowers, scoring prix-fixe reservations and standing in line at Victoria’s Secret, we realized February 14 was not made for those trying to spend less. Or is it? This is not your typical Valentine’s lineup. We’re going above and beyond to give you a list of alternative couples (and maybe […]
On the Line: Shawn Cao of Glee Donuts & Burgers
After launching their second location last year, we stopped by Glee Donuts & Burgers at the corner of Ball and Beach in Anaheim. The quality, price and service were so memorable, it made our Top 5 in December. So for a month in which we celebrate love, we present our love for Glee’s delicious […]
