What a difference a month makes! We are pleased as spiked punch to share all the good news. From Fullerton to Laguna, we cruised around Orange County for your dining pleasure.
OC Wine Mart – Orange
Julie Lim’s local brand for all your self-pour wine bar desires, she already has storefronts in Yorba Linda and Aliso Viejo. It’s currently looking like a Fall opening, “Hopefully October!” for a location that isn’t in Old Towne. You’ll discover ample parking at The Brickyard, on the corner of Lincoln Avenue and North Tustin Street. Looking forward to your extensive wine selection (and maybe some brekkie burritos?), Julie! 1691 E. Lincoln Ave.; www.ocwinemart.com.
Tazon Cocina Mexicana – DTF
On our way back from Dripp coffee the other evening, we noticed a small sign in the shared courtyard. Located in the former Stadtgarten beer garden space, all we know for now is a name. Based solely on that, it may be a better version of Chipotle? Let us know, Downtown Fullerton! 500 N. Harbor Blvd., Ste. D.
KoJa Kitchen – Tustin
Part Korean and part Japanese cuisine, KoJa originally began as a food truck in Northern California. Their signature bite takes garlic rice and forms (then lightly fries) them into burger buns. Carbs are definitely your friend here. Find them next to Rubio’s and the non-drive-thru Starbucks at The Market Place. There’s more about their grand opening specials in Edwin’s Now Open column. 2943 El Camino Real; www.kojakitchen.com.
Catmosphere – Laguna Beach
It’s cats! In a cafe! By the water! Do we really need more details? Okay, there’s a menu of fancy toasts and salads. Catmosphere is looking at a late summer launch. All cats present are up for adoption from Blue Bell Foundation for Cats. Cover fees will be $12 for ages 6-17 (minimum age to visit is 6), and $22 for 18 years and up. Hurry up and open! 381 Forest Ave., (949) 649-MEOW; www.catmospherelaguna.com.
Pandor Artisan Boulangerie & Cafe – Irvine
Four locations strong (Newport, Belmont Shore, Anaheim and Old Towne Orange), Pandor is ready for more. Irvine makes sense, especially since their production facility is tucked in an industrial complex in adjacent Tustin. Find our On the Line interview with Tiffany Sepetjian over here. Location number five will be next door to Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen. 13124 Jamboree Rd., www.pandorbakery.com.
Strong Water Anaheim
If you’re a Blind Rabbit fan, then Strong Water is right up your alley. Describing themselves as Nautical tropical escapism, fair winds and following seas, expect soul-satisfying concoctions and smooth service. According to Ying Chang-Adamson, “We’re slated for March-April of 2019.” We can’t wait. Thank you, Blind Rabbit, for the opportunity to announce the new address: 270 S. Clementine St.
Terrace by Mix Mix – Costa Mesa
Who says you can’t go home again? After departing Leatherby’s for his own establishment, Ross Pangilinan dazzled with Downtown Santa Ana brand, Mix Mix Kitchen Bar. Less than two years later, there are plans to move into the former Z Cafe space at South Coast Plaza’s home store wing. A high-profile spot, anybody crossing the Bridge of Gardens will cruise by. Serving lunch and dinner, the back patio was always an ideal spot to take a break. Expect opening news this fall. 3333 Bear St., Ste. 316.
Definitely Not Coming Soon: The Tusjita Artisan Noodle
Evidence of their impending move-in used to be posted where Barilla now is. However, everyone is entitled to change their mind. We think ramen and rice bowls would’ve fit right in at the shopping mall plaza. If not for our restaurant reviewer asking, this would have been an afterthought. However, inquiring minds wanted to know. Maybe we’ll luck out next time.
A contributing writer for OC Weekly, Anne Marie freelances for multiple online and print publications, and guest judges for culinary competitions. A Bay Area transplant, she graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management from Cal Poly Pomona. Find her on Instagram as brekkiefan.