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.

Eureka: How UCI got cool.

Okay, I don't know if it will make UC Irvine cool, but this new chain called Eureka is exactly what the campus needed.  Although the pub has been voted best bar in Orange County by OC Weekly, Eureka caters to the community not just students.  As much as I love the pub, it does make me feel like I am trying to relive my glory days.  Eureka doesn't judge me.

the cowboy: bbq burger

For my 100th post I give you the best restaurant in OC - Il Garage

Yes, you read that right.  Il Garage is the best restaurant that I have eaten at in OC.  While I can think of a few places that are as tasty (or tastier), this place brings something that other places don't have - a garden.  Tucked in the middle of nowhere Stanton (yes that is in OC), Il Garage is hard to find.  In fact, you have to drive along Beach Blvd and then keep driving.  Once you have found Park Ave restaurant, you must walk through it into the backyard.  Then, and only then, will you find this treasure.

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

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.

Finally Found my Heaven!

Pad See Ew (my fave Thai dish)

Madee Thai is a VERY small hole in the wall Thai restaurant on 17th street, tucked between a beauty supply store and a brick wall (literally).  For those that are scared off by hole-in-the-wall places, please don't come here.  Because then it won't be crowded when I show up.  This is one of the best Thai restaurants I have had in Southern California (yes the entire location), and I am afraid of spreading the word.  However, it's too good not to share.

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.

Summer time and the living is...busy.

Summer time in Orange County can mean laid back beach weather, or crazy adventures attending all of the summer events going on in the area.  As a "porcelained skin" (read: pale as hell) person, I prefer to go to the events then lay on the beach.  So this past weekend, I packed in my adventures and had a great time at the OC Fair and Del Mar Horse Track.

 

fried cookie dough = heaven

A hidden treasure.

I have been trying to follow as many blogs, websites, people, newspapers, etc. as I can lately to learn about the new restaurant openings, closings, and OC events so that I can 1) attend obviously, and 2) try to let you know about it!  So when Stick a Fork In It mentioned a new spot called Fireside Tavern I was so excited to try it.

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

 

Where to post up for the (final) game.

USA takes on Germany in its final game of group play tomorrow at 9 AM.  Yes, 9 AM.  For some of you that don't have to be at work and secretly stream it on watchespn.com, quite a few places are opening up early for your viewing pleasure.  Below are a few I recommend:

Something fun for the weekend!

If you haven't noticed by now, I enjoy drinking wine.  So when my friend asked if I would try the wine tasting at Hi-Times, it was an easy yes.  Hi-Times used to be this place that I would drive "all the way out to" in order to get our cheap booze  in college (think Popov and Jose).  Well now its where us fancy pants can get craft beer, fancy liquor and the largest assortment of wines I have seen in a store in Orange County for decent prices.  Thank god times have changed...

Why can't I find a good thai place?!

Growing up in Los Angeles meant that I had many types of food available everyday.  My dad loves Thai food so we often ate it two or three times a week (no exaggeration).  In San Francisco, I found the best Thai restaurant I have ever had - Marnee Thai, and since then I have been utterly disappointed with the Orange County options.  So when one of my co-workers told me about "the best Thai food in OC" I was SO excited.

my wacky, windy weekend.

I need a weekend from my weekend sometimes.   I usually love planning events and get togethers. Lately, I have tried to NOT plan anything because I am so tired from working, but somehow I end up busy as ever.  This weekend was no different...

A little bit of the East Coast for your mouth.

Since moving from San Francisco I have been on a mission to find a good deli.  A good sandwich can really make your afternoon.  However, OC - the land of chains - hasn't offered too many options.  Subway, Quiznos, and Togo are fine but nothing special.  Nate's Korner is always a great option but too far from my work.  This new chain went in close by and I finally checked it out.

Newport Beach Restaurant Week.

The dos and the don'ts.  The trys and the passes.  If I could I would eat at every place just to give you a full description of love and hates, but 1) I don't have that kind of time or money and 2) I don't want to get fat either...just kidding I would eat everywhere.  So instead, I have come up with my list of musts and skips and "tell me what you think."  Let me know where you want to eat!

Must eat here.  Like now.
1.  Picante Martin's.  So its kinda iffy on restaurant week because they don't have their menu up AND its not an expensive place to go, but it is amazing food.  Located on Balbs Isle (aka Balboa Island), its a small "hole-in-the-wall" of great Mexican food.  Definitely go for lunch if you can.

2.  Landmark in CDM.  Only $30 for a fun ambiance, people watching and pretty decent food.  The prix-fixe menu isn't crazy, but it looks like you get a lot of food.

3.  Crow Bar in both CDM and Newport.  A bit hesitant to put this on the list but its really good food.  Dinner is a bit steep, but its fun for something out of the ordinary.  And you will be SO full!

4.  A Restaurant in Newport.  The food is supposed to be unbelievable and its a fun place to grab drinks too. Unfortunately its just for lunch but everything on the menu is pretty unique.

Skip:
1.  BJ's on Balboa Peninsula.  It's a pizzeria, and not like a classy one like Pizzeria Mozza.  Its an upscale Shaky's (you remember that don't you).  Not a bad place for a group, but not worth your restaurant time.

2.  Ruby's Diner.  See above, nothing more than an upscale diner.  While I love Ruby's, restaurant week is about exploring new things, and trying places you normally can't afford.  Skip.

3.  El Ranchito.  But I already told you that.

4.  Eat Chow.  This isn't saying don't go there, its just not a great bang for your buck. Yes you get free booze, so its not a total waste of time, but the items they give you as an option aren't necessarily the best things there.  If you go, get the garlic fries.

Tell me what you think.  I haven't been to these places, but have heard mixed reviews:
1.  Amelia's Restaurant on Balboa Island.  Heard some good things, had some colleges friend's work here, never stopped in.  The prix-fixe menu doesn't appear to be amazing, so don't think it's worth the dinner, but then again you never know.  Let me know how it is.

2.  Wilma's Patio.  Again on Balbs, I personally really like the breakfast here but it can get crowded on the weekend.  The prix-fixe menu isn't up so tell me how it is.  I would call for reservations too because it gets CROWDED on the weekends.

3.  Five Crowns in CDM.  So I have done restaurant week here for several years because this is a place I cannot afford on a normal day.  It's your typical steakhouse but not quite as modern as say Houston's or Ruth Chris'.  While the meal is tasty, I am still on the fence about whether it is worth it.  You tell me.

4.  Summer House in CDM.  I have heard great things, and the menu looks pretty decent and not terribly priced for what you get.  I love that you can sit on the "patio" too.

Restaurant Week ends January 26th, so plan accordingly and have a great time!  Let me know about all of your adventures, and where I should go next...

Heaven

When I think of Bear Flag, I think of heaven.  Seriously it is a wonderful hidden gem in South Orange County.  You can visit the Newport Peninsula location, but I highly recommend the Crystal Cove one.  (Staff is a bit older and a bit...quicker.)

Hot damn it's Happy Hour!

The best hour of the day is clearly happy hour.  I mean it IS always happy.  And because it is Thursday, we have to start off the weekend right.  And what better way then at a classy joint with cheap prices and great food.

Steak, calamari, drinks, yes please!