Costa Mesa's Corner Retreat: Plum's Cafe

I don't know how I did not visit this place before last weekend.  I have been sorely missing out in life.  Plum's is probably the best brunch that Orange County has to offer.  It has pancakes, bread pudding french toast, breakfast burritos and my fave - eggs benedict.

Although its in a food court at an Asian market, Santouka Ramen hits the spot.

In light of my recent purchase of some airplane tickets to Tokyo next month, I headed over to Mitsuwa Marketplace for lunch.  For anyone who has been here before, you know there are many options for a quick lunch.  Udon, sushi, beef tongue (yes you read that right), curry and of course ramen.  One of my favorite ramen places in Orange County, Santouka Ramen was my first choice for that day.

And with a heavy heart I introduce to you...Iron Press

I really wanted to like this place.  Very badly.  Every time I visit The Mix, or OC Mix Mart, or SOCO, or whatever the hell that place is called, The Iron Press is always packed.  So on one sunny Saturday, I was stoked when there were tons of seats for my friends and I to sit down and grab some lunch.  I had been waiting months to have some chicken and waffles.

A piece of fried chicken and a waffle

San Francisco Must Haves!

stuffed french toast from Zazie

So my number one must eat when I visit San Francisco is San Tung.  It is by far my favorite Chinese food in the Bay Area and quite possibly my life.  The original dry fried chicken is the best thing on the menu.  Once you try it, you will crave it FOR-EV-ER. The dumplings are a big hit and any type of noodles.  This place is a little unique because it is a Korean-Chinese family cooking Chinese food so things are a bit different (and spicy), but they still serve beef and broccoli for us white people.

string beans, "crack" chicken and veggie low mein

As you know, I like brunch.  Like a lot.  So when we needed a spot to have our family reunion in SF we quickly chose Zazie.  As all brunch spots in SF, Zazie is ALWAYS crowded.  However, unlike other spots, it has an outdoor patio that is really cute and comfy and not super loud.  The best part is the food though.  First order yourself a custom mimosa (yes custom - you can add sherbet into it), then find five friends to help you share as many items on the brunch menu as possible.  I highly recommend the stuffed french toast (and this is coming from a girl who doesn't eat french toast EVER).  If that's still not your thing get one of the many types of benedicts available.  Tip: the front tables are first come first serve!

There are so many other spots that I personally love in SF: Brenda's in the Tenderloin, Guerras out in Sunset, Nick's Tacos in Russian Hill, and Suppenkuch in Hayes Valley are just a few of them...can't wait for my next visit!

Brunch at Vitaly

It has been hard trying to keep up blogging, working, and eating out as much as I should, so when I had a free Saturday morning, I knew I had to skip Rooster Cafe and try a new spot.  Unfortunately, Vitaly was a bummer.
 

Kobbideh Kebob

Two of the most magical words known to man kind.  And one of the best places in Orange County is Panini Cafe.  Although its a Southern California chain, they don't skimp on the portions and don't skimp on the taste.  Although you can spend $20 a person, you won't go home hungry.

chicken kebabs

Panini Cafe is open for brunch, lunch and dinner and is located both in Newport Beach and Irvine.  There is always a crowd at both locations, but you usually don't have to wait too long.  On a trip for lunch, we waltzed straight onto the patio and ordered the chicken kebob special and of course, the Kebob of my dreams.  The meals come with either basmati rice (my favorite) or wheat rice pilaf (not bad) and then a choice of three different types of salad.  Believe me when I say you cannot eat it all.

kobbideh!!!

The food is so tasty, and came out hot.  The price is steep [for lunch] (see update below), around $10-$15 for the complete meal, but it's not an everyday lunch spot so I was willing to pay a bit more.  However, on this particular occasion they forgot about our food and didn't really apologize or make up for the situation.  For a "quick" lunch it took them 25 minutes to bring out our food after asking about it twice.  I haven't had issues here before though, so hopefully its just my curse of bad service not an everyday thing.

humus platter

Panini Cafe also has obviously paninis, soups, salads, and other types of kebobs.  I also need to try their brunch because it looks great (and huge).  They also have a to-go menu which I noticed has a family four pack of food.  Yeah I might not have a family of 4 but this is definitely going to be on my list of fast, healthy dinners.  Don't judge me...

breakfast sandwiches

update: I was schooled in the expense part of this post.  It may seem expensive to me at lunch, but you can get out of there for about $15 for dinner and the food is really about two meals.  The chicken kebob special is definitely worth ordering for lunch as its the same amount of food but for only $10.

 

4.0/5 for great food, a good ambiance but so-so service.

A great lunch spot, dinner, and even drinks.

3-Thirty-3 was always a place I avoided in college because it is where the "old people" went to hang out on a Friday night.  Well apparently now I am that "old" person and I am definitely hanging out there on a Friday.

 

build your own burger and sweet potato fries

 

The Playground, brunch edition.

If you don't remember, I visited The Playground for dinner a few months ago.  It was so good (especially the fried chicken - dont ask just get it).  So when my boyfriend's plans for our brunch fell through (aka he didn't check to see if the restaurant was open on Sundays), I remembered the Playground serves brunch and we headed over to try it out.

The menu was much shorter than expected.  They have small plates such as cinnamin rolls and donuts, and then some main plates.  We decided to skip the small plates and just order the barbacoa huevos rancheros, and eggs, bacon and toast. Knowing that dinner was so good, we had high hopes. 

Unfortunately EVERYTHING was covered in salt on my plate and the huevos rancheros was lukewarm and there was barely any meat.  I was really bummed by the fact it was so unimpressive because the price was not cheap.  The great news is that the menu changes daily so there might be things worth trying!  And of course there is always chicken and waffles...

3.0/5 for decent food, but it wasn't hot and it wasn't priced well for what we got.

Another trip into LA

steak and eggs

I know, I know, I travel far too much on the weekends, but I like to have fun.  This past weekend was no different and I headed up to Los Angeles for the day.  I started out my morning at easily the best brunch spot I have ever had - Eggslut.

Great weather means outdoor seating...

This weekend is supposed to be fabulous, and there is nothing better than eating outdoors in Southern California. (Just wear sunscreen!)  As you already know, I am a HUGE breakfast burrito fan, and brunch is kinda a big deal in my life so I thought I would share one of my favorite spots - Rose Bakery Cafe.  I am a little scared to share this secret, but it already is packed so what the hell.

Brunch - the most important meal of the day.

Brunch is starting to become one of my favorite meals.  I am not a big fan of breakfast foods - as a kid I would ask for soup before school.  (My parents must have thought I was so weird.)  Now, I can manage some eggs, bacon and potatoes, lots and lots of potatoes.

Boats, brunch, booze, baseball, bread...

Oh hey there weekend! Thank goodness you have arrived.  After a long week I like to usually unwind on my lovely couch with all the trashy tv I missed during the week, and sometimes sleep through the commercials or boring parts and then eventually make it off the couch to grab food, only to return again.  Well this weekend, we both should try something different.  I will be finding my way to LA but you should check out these sights...

Newport Beach Boat Show - Do you like yachts? Did I really just ask that...Anyway, Newport thinks you do and is having a event to show them off.  Fifteen bucks for adults, at the Marina Village.

excuse me...who can afford these?

Baseball Exhibit at The Nixon Library.  America's Favorite pastime and your favorite president together at one location.  Just kidding, I like football.  But the Nixon library is supposed to be beautiful.  Wear your little league uniform and get in free.

photo cred: yelp

Wine lessons and tastings at Laguna Culinary Arts on Sunday.  For those wanting to learn about wine or just want to blow $200 on three classes, head to SoCo on Sunday April 8, 15, 22. $175 for all three classes.

National Grilled Cheese Month at Shuck.  I am sorry this is the most amazing thing I have ever heard.  Who doesn't like grilled cheeses!!!  Enough said.

Margarita flights...that's a thing apparently.

 Red O, the new swanky want to be Javier's, is now hosting Sunday brunch.  And you KNOW it includes Endless Bloody Marys, Tequila Sunrises and mimosas for just $20. I'm in.

A little Monday morning pick me up.

Well folks, we are back to the daily grind.  I hope you all had a great weekend.  I sure did and have lots of great eats to tell you about.  But since it's Monday, we should start with a cup o' Joe (or tea).

Day Trip to LA

I traveled to LA a few weekends ago to catch up with my family and some friends from college.  Los Angeles is a great place for a day trip.  The museums, the art galleries in Culver City, Downtown LA bars and clubs, and of course my favorite - the restaurants.

Venice Canals

My parents live near Venice, so I grew up in a very unique area of the world.  Lots of different types of people: families, hippies, homeless you name it.  Well now its the trendy spot and Abbot Kinney is the place to be.  (On a sunny day, you won't even be able to walk down the street it's so crowded!)

Mimosas anyone?

A staple in San Francisco is brunch.  It's a meal that no one skips on the weekends.  Usually it is accompanied by bottomless mimosas.

Bloody's