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

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

Filling Station

Old Town Orange may be one of the cutest places in OC.  It also has some pretty tasty eats.  One night when my parents were in town, we decided to stroll the circle.  It was a nice evening and we weren't too hungry.  By the time we were thinking about dinner we were standing in front of The Filling Station.  

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

Interested in Healthy Lunch Options?

During the week I always try to keep my meals "light" because on the weekends all hell breaks lose.  (Read: drunk munchies and hangover cures.)  There is a new fad taking shape in Orange County, and Tender Greens is leading the way.

Chinese Chicken Salad

Beachwood BBQ

So I finally ventured out of my little comfort zone and made it to Long Beach.  While not actually a part of the OC, it seems that most residents of Orange County have been making their way to the restaurants, bars, and food festivals in the area.  So when I had to find a middle spot between LA and OC to meet my parents, I chose Beachwood BBQ.

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.

Another great LA joint makes its way to the OC!

It is so exciting to me when great LA restaurants make their way to Orange County.  I mean ideally I would rather these places start in OC, but well...you know... So when I found out that Mendocino Farms was opening on 17th Street in Costa Mesa, I couldn't be more excited.

the Cubano

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.

Local lunch spots.

When I can get away from my desk, I try to eat at new lunch spots around my work.  I don't technically get much of a lunch break (thanks attorney life), but every once in awhile a girl needs a break.  This past week I took two - oops! 

just a plain ol' roast beef sandwich from Checkers

I love the meatballs.

I'd like to say I am a meatball connoisseur, but really I just enjoy a well made meatball.  In New York, I die for all things at The Meatball Shop.  In San Francisco, the traditional Italian meatball sub is my go to at Molinari's.  And now in San Diego, I have Soda & Swine.

sliders

Day Trip - Part One Pasadena

Only an hour away, but a place I haven't spent much time in, Pasadena can offer an adventurer quite a lot of options for a day trip.  Walking around Old Town can be a good start of fun.  I just so happened to do this and stumbled across the Dog Haus.

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 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.