September 16 brings the return of Savor Santa Ana, a exploration of the downtown's finest bars and eateries. A $10 ticket will give eaters access to over 50 participating restaurants and artisanal food producers. With five tastings of your choice, one might not know where to begin devouring so here’s our top five must-try spots for the upcoming food crawl.
1. Chapter One: the modern local
Last month our own Anne Marie broke the the news that Chef Jason Montelibano (a.k.a. Chicken Wang) would be returning to his old stomping grounds, Chapter One—just in time for Savor Santa Ana. As if you didn't already have enough reason to attend the smorgasbord, Chapter One is keeping their bites under wrap — that means you'll have to go and find out the what Chef Montelibano is serving up.
Besides being a unique storefront that celebrates the flavors and makers above and below the US-Mexico border, Alta Baja's deli serves up delicious micheladas and tasty bites. With the hot summer night's we've been experiencing, you'll want to start your foodie walking tour with an ice-cold Mera Mera michelada and pair it with their take on a Frito Pie. And, no: we didn't choose this spot because co-owner Delilah Snell is the wife of our Mexican-in-Chief—it's honestly, truly that cool.
3. C4 Deli: The Cure for the Common
C4 will be serving their beloved deli sandwiches, with house-baked bread and cured meats. The Big Mike sandwich made #36 on our 100 Favorite OC Dishes—take a look at this massive sandwich!
4. Irenia
We can't get enough of Chef Ryan Garlitos modern Filipino cuisine—it's fire. You can delve into Garlitos' seasonally influenced Pinoy flavors with a taste of Mani peanut snacks, roasted in shell seasoned in Pangasinan sea salt, coconut, sugar and chile Aleppo.
5. Blackmarket Bakery
Pumpkin Pie Tarts, enough said.
Don't wait: tickets are on sale now and here's where to get tickets. For more information on Savor Santa Ana happening Friday, September 16 (from 5p.m.-9p.m.) click here for the official site. See you there!
Cynthia Rebolledo covers anything and everything food, culture and spirits.