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.

The New Lunch Spot: Moulin

No, I don't mean that Red Windmill that Christina Aguilara sang about.  I mean the new café that has taken the place of Pasqual's.  Very similar idea (walk up counter, order salads by the pound, baked goods) but with a larger selection of food, a bigger inside for seating, coffee and drinks and a beautiful outdoor patio.

Lemonade: a fun, healthy counter spot.

Lemonade has recently appeared at Fashion Island's "food court."  Started in Los Angeles, it is another one of those places that you order your pre-made food as you walk down the line to a counter at the end.  (Think "glorified Souplantation".)  The great part is that the food is actually quite extraordinary: fresh ingredients in ways that other restaurants of this type are just not creating.

"Hole in the Wall" doesn't mean bad.

Deep in the heart of Westminster...not really just right off the freeway actually...there is a little shack full of surprises.  I stumbled across this hole in the wall by accident really.  I was looking for a sandwich shop near(ish) to Costco and yelp had a 4 star 500 something review recommendation: Banh Mi Che Cali.

BBQ Pork, a bit fatty but still decent

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.
 

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.

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.

4 reasons to C4

Santa Ana is the hipster mecca of OC these days.  When I found out a new sandwich shop had arrived I was overjoyed.  San Francisco had more delis in one district then South OC has in its entire vicinity.  C4 is definitely a welcoming sight!

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).