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.  

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.

Gyu-Kaku: the gift that keeps on giving.

I first attended this glorious restaurant in LA.  It was new and all the rage when I was in high school.  Unfortunately, that was quite a long time ago.  Anyway, this place is still a fun spot - especially during happy hour.  So when I was trying to think of a place to grab dinner at 8:00 on a Friday, I thought why the heck don't I try this place out again?

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.

Ragin' Cajun in Santa Ana

In a little strip mall a few blocks away lies a mysterious place, unimportant from the outside but full of delicious flavor and excitement inside.  When I first walked into Ritter's Steam Kettle I was blown away.  I expected a fast-casual, counter service, unassuming place.  What I found was a cute family restaurant full of steam kettles lining the brick walls.  Although nothing fancy or overwhelming, Ritter's brings a sense of character and style I just wouldn't expect in Santa Ana.  And the food was just as pleasant.

It's getting hot in here so take off..I mean...

Well kids its supposed to be a scorcher this week (again).  I know we were all hoping for fall to arrive, but that's just not in the cards.  I hope you have your A/Cs blasting but if you don't (or if you are just in the mood) stop by the newest trendy ice cream spot: Snow Station.

"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