Can you believe we’re nearly half-way through the year? Neither can we. While we have a love for all things wine and cocktails, we’re even more excited about helping a local cause. Pick what suits your taste and have at it. We’ll be in the corner eating cheese. Eating With the Seasons at Farm […]
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A Trip Through the Santa Ynez Backroads [Summer Travel 2018]
Our goal was simple: Two days exploring cities around the Santa Barbara region without hitting up any wineries or standard tourist attractions. With the exception of Los Alamos, our spots were fewer than 5 miles apart, thanks to Route 246. We encountered cool accommodations, watering holes and dining rooms, establishing Santa Ynez Valley as a […]
Del Frisco’s Grille’s Updated Brunch Is a John Hughes Movie
Sometimes a movie title has very little to do with the film, other than a casual reference. As we recovered from our weekend feast at Del Frisco’s Grille, we made our own connection between brunch and a Saturday-morning breakfast back in ’84. Did we mention we love John Hughes’ high-school-set movies? The Princess/Claire Standish: […]
OC Grub Guide 6/14-6/20: Brussels, Buns and Blind Pigs!
Desserts, drinking and summertime dishes rule the roost this week. Go with what you crave, and your stomach will not lead you astray. Now if you’ll excuse us, we need to book our next appointment at the gym. Sun’s Out, Buns Out at . . . Bruxie?!? – All locations Our resident waffle sandwich […]
ETN: Chicken “Tom Kha Gai” from Journeyman’s Food & Drink
Committing to a prix-fixe menu is a slippery slope. On the one hand, you’re getting a value by agreeing to a set number of courses at an agreed upon price. On the flip side, you’re also putting your trust in a condensed number of dishes to choose from— many times, you’re at the whim of […]
OC Grub Guide: Father’s Day 2018 Edition
Have you bought a gift for Dad yet? How about a card? Well, you’re in luck. We’ve assembled a list of food-related awesomeness sure to make him smile. And to make things easier, we grouped them based on his preferences. Happy shopping! For the Wine Enthusiast: Hi-Time Wine Cellars Cabernet Promotion – Costa Mesa/Irvine/Newport […]
On the Line: Rolando Rubalcava of Playa Mesa
It was over five years ago when I met and became acquainted with Roland(o) Rubalcava. Much has happened since our initial interview: marriage, changing jobs, fatherhood, etc. With Playa Mesa gearing up to open, another chapter is starting in Chef Rubalcava’s professional life. I gladly took the opportunity to check-in with Rolando and see what’s […]
OC Movers & Shakers: Summer 2018 Edition
There’s been a whole lotta shakin’ going on in Orange County this past month. Fortunately, we’re here to give you a proper rundown of what’s new. Don’t be surprised if you recognize a few names. Angelina’s Pizzeria Napoletana – Irvine/Dana Point Chef Jonah Amodt, formerly linked to Andrea at the Resort at Pelican Hill, […]
OC Grub Guide 5/31-6/6: Sidecar, Stamps and Scones
Savory and sweet. Tea and cocktails. Heck, we’ve even got an art installation in this week’s guide. Our plan to help you think ahead is working. You may need to wear comfy shoes for some of these, but you’ve been warned. Now excuse us while we get back to our Negroni. Save the Date: […]
OC Grub Guide 5/24-5/30: Whiskey, Wine and Rhyme
Since the holiday weekend will throw us off next week, we thought it would be best to help you plan ahead. We got all the price points covered, so consult with your wallet if you aren’t sure. Beefy Ten Buck Deal at Portillo’s – Buena Park Save some dough with Portillo. Two (regular) Italian […]
On the Line: Cheese Monger Tracy Nelsen of SideDoor
Serving some of the best cheese and charcuterie plates in the county, SideDoor has been a favorite of mine for many years. In addition to an enjoyable selection of beers and cocktails, we’ve always been curious about their cheese options. So in honor of National Dairy Month coming in June, we got to know Tracy […]
Five New Burger Options in Orange County
Last week, we were all about the fries. This time around, it’s a burger society. Build all the poke joints you want; burgers are gonna stand the test of time. Braizen Sexy Sandwiches – Santa Ana These days, sandwich shops are getting on the bandwagon and adding meat-and-bun creations to their menus. Served […]
OC Dinner Grub Guide 5/17-5/23: Planes, Horses & Trap Doors
The possibilities are endless at dinner. Go casual at Luna Grill, or see the creative mind of a chef at Trap Door Dining. Heck, get medieval and start eating with your hands! While you’re making up your mind, we’ll be ordering something slushy with our burger and movie at Hotel Irvine. Trap Door Dining […]
Five Great French Fries in Orange County
Fries before guys! That’s our motto. At least, it is when we’re hangry. Get your starchy fix at these tasty places. Burgers not required (that’s next week!). The Kroft Tikka Masala Poutine – Tustin and Anaheim All the flavors you love, blanketing a mass of crisp potatoes. Check out them cheese curds! It’s hard […]
OC Grub Guide 5/10-5/16: How You Can Help
If you have a roof over your head and a bed to sleep in, you are fortunate. We discuss fundraisers and charities on Grub Guide to promote all the worthy causes raising money so others can live a better life. If giving a straight donation isn’t your jam, attend one of these events; your mind […]
OC Grub Guide: Mother’s Day 2018 Edition
Mother’s Day shouldn’t be the only day we express our love to mom (Okay, Valentine’s and birthdays will do). Restaurants go all-out for this particular May day. Then again, she did give you life. We find the goods to get you through next weekend. Reserve now! Monarch Beach Resort – Dana Point Presenting a duo […]
Here’s Your Springtime OC Coffee Roundup
Coffee, coffee, coffee! Buzz, buzz, buzz! We can’t seem to get enough of fine beans and perfect-temp water. There’s no shortage of caffeinated joints to choose from in OC, but here’s a handful to explore the next time you need a fix. Basilur Tea & Coffee – Buena Park Coffee and tea options are […]
OC Spring Menu Coverage, Part Two
More veggies = less guilt about ordering alcohol; photo courtesy True Food Kitchen More spring menus? Why, yes. A change in seasons gets kitchens excited about new produce and ways to incorporate it into their menus. This time around, we find one DTSA local and a few well-branded names cranking out delicious dishes. Lazy […]
OC Grub Guide 4/26-5/2: Not Your Mother’s Holiday
That title wasn’t a jab at anybody. In fact, it’s a heads up. Next week’s Grub Guide is all about Mom. This week’s focuses on some holidays outside of the motherly one. These celebrations are celebrated fast and furious with get-togethers galore. Hendrix Anniversary Specials – Laguna Niguel It began Tuesday, but you’ve got through […]
OC Grub Guide 4/19-4/25: Movies, Masala and Meat!
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 […]