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Tuesday, Mar 19, 2024
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Latest From Fifi: Urban Thai, Cafe Maiz, Tango Sale

Urban Thai in Ladera Ranch is celebrating its first anniversary. If you get there before the end of this month, tell them you want to take advantage of the 20% off (for $20 or more in food). Even if you miss the deal, do stop in for delicious and beautifully presented Thai food.

This is one of those family-owned restaurants blessed with nice decor and pleasant and helpful service from members of Peter Tang’s family. For those afraid to try Thai food (because of the grave misconception that it’s all spicy and strange), this Thai food is completely pleasing to the American palate and comes as mild and genteel as you like. Begin your meal with the amazing mixed appetizer plate before ordering anything else and that alone will hook you.

Urban Thai: 1701 Corporate Drive, Ladera Ranch (949) 388-9988.


Going Casual

Ron Salisbury, owner of those famous El Cholo restaurants, The Cannery, Cat & The Custard Cup and Original Sonora Cafe, has taken on economical dining in his new Cafe Maiz in Mission Viejo. This is a really informal eatery that reeks of the colorful little places on the side streets of Mexican Riviera cities where exceptionally tasty food comes out of nondescript storefronts.

You order your food at the counter and it’s delivered to your table with aromas spiraling from the plates, followed by convincing tastes. From a la carte possibilities to plates adorned on the side with delicious black beans and traditional Mexican rice (plus finely tuned chile-based sauces), these are tastes to savor.

Corn masa is made daily and grilled to perfection on an authentic camal. The tacos de camino, burritos, enchiladas and ensaladas maiz are grilled, rolled, tossed and prepared with the freshest ingredients. The famous El Cholo margaritas live up to their reputation.

Cafe Maiz is across from the Shops at Mission Viejo at 27567 Puerta Real, Mission Viejo (949) 367-0777.


Tango Sale

Jim Hall and Paul Kraft have purchased Cafe Tu Tu Tango at The Block in Orange from the founders, leaving a couple of Tangos in Florida and one at Universal CityWalk still under the corporate umbrella. The deal for the Orange location was finalized last month.

Jim was the general manager of Costa Mesa’s Clubhouse in its heyday. He was the Business Journal’s Restaurateur of the Year in 2005 when he was still with the Clubhouse.

Paul served as vice president of operations at the Clubhouse for a time. They have been at the helm of our local Tu Tu Tango for the past two years and it is thriving as they refine the lovable concept.

Bargain-priced global tapas style dishes set the dining stage. I will attest that the foods are superb and sing with happy flavors. More interest emerges via the whole Spanish bohemian loft and struggling artist atmosphere with local artists creating their paintings, sculptures and embellished accessories (that can be purchased) while we have lunch or dinner. Music or various live entertainment acts on most nights add vigor as well.

Sip sangria or interesting wine and taste your way around the world. Cafe Tu Tu Tango: The Block at Orange, 20 City Boulevard West (714) 769-2222.


Beachcomber

The Beachcomber at Newport Beach’s Crystal Cove State Park is a revelation in oceanfront dining.

While it’s part of the Ruby’s family of restaurants, the food is much more encompassing, upscale and ultimately surprising. I love sitting on the deck with its tables nestled under big umbrellas. The booth-intensive dining room is also charming in an old-fashioned cottage way. Both areas feature sweeping water views, joyful people playing nearby at the water’s edge and the beach cottage rentals huddling all around.

I’ve known owner Doug Cavanaugh since he opened the first Ruby’s in 1980 on the Balboa pier. He and business partner Ralph Kosmides, his friend since junior high, have made the Ruby’s chain into an icon. Now, with this restaurant, they are garnering a new kind of acclaim.

The interest factor of the Beachcomber menu is undeniable. There’s an organic tomato soup laced with blue cheese and topped with a puff pastry crown that has made my “best” list. Mini sushi grade ahi tacos with creamy sriracha chile, baked scallops with fresh corn and micro herbs, chicken sandwich with tarragon and cashews, Kobe beef burger, filet mignon salad and doughnut hole bread pudding made a superb first impression.

Additional delights from the dinner menu: shrimp in a Veracruz-style preparation, trendy lemon-pesto shrimp and fresh fish entrees, agave roasted chicken, a double-thick pork chop, roasted vegetable crepes and beef choices too. I’ve tried half of these dishes so far. At one of your meals, you must finish with the definitive berry pie or the custard ice cream with bananas.

If you think these meals sound interesting, wait until you see the breakfast menu that will really open your sleepy eyes. Chef Chris Jueres, who has previously headed some fine kitchens, is the creative force behind all of this unexpectedly exciting food all day long.

You must try The Beachcomber. Worth noting though is that the restaurant does not take reservations. Use the time waiting for a table to explore the adjacent historic district that harks back to the early days of Crystal Cove and the gift shop or take a lovely stroll on the beach before your meal.

To access the Beachcomber, park across from Crystal Cove State Park and Beach at the Los Trancos lot on the inland side of Pacific Coast Highway. Take the shuttle to the restaurant, which is $1 each way per person. There’s a $10 fee for parking at the lot, but your ticket will be validated by the restaurant with any purchase of $10 or more. For more details, call (949) 376-6900.

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