Every few months I choose a theme for another meandering special report called Fifi’s Best and gather up some of my favorite restaurants that fit into that niche. In the past, I’ve corralled romantic restaurants, dining spots along the water, places to eat at the bar, upscale restaurants and the most casual with great food as part of my plan.
With the economy putting us in a more thoughtful mood about how we spend money, this time I thought it would be good to tell you about some restaurants where I feel you will find value in dining and good adventures with food and wine, providing a few hours of respite from the pressures of the real world. Many of these restaurants have prix fixe specials that are wonderful bargains.
We are also honoring one stellar couple, Florent and Amelia Marneau, and their amazing restaurant, Marche Moderne, so I know that will be at the top of your dining out list. As the languid days of summer march on, consider many of these other fine restaurants, all of which are consumer-friendly. As always, I must mention that while my list is long, it’s still incomplete. Time and space are always my restraints. Wherever you dine, the operative word is “enjoy.”
Antonello
1611 W. Sunflower Ave.
(in South Coast Plaza Village)
Santa Ana
(714) 751-7153
The restaurant is just launching summer items at lower prices that incorporate favorites from the menu and some lighter fare as well. Do not miss the beet salad while mulling over what meal to order. We’ve personally had large group dinners here several times during the years, and sometimes just the two of us drop in for a good meal. Antonello continues to impress us with unexpectedly deep flavors and panache in presentation. With the flavors of Italy singing along, thanks to chef Franco Barone, and first-class management via owner Antonio Cagnolo and his right hand man Thad Foret, we always leave with good memories.
Bayside
900 Bayside Dr.
Newport Beach
(949) 721-1222
Bistango
19100 Von Karman Ave.
Irvine
(949) 752-5222
Kimera
19530 Jamboree Road
Irvine
(949) 261-1222
This is the trio of restaurants from the Dining as Art group. High-quality, contemporary food with just the right amount of creative flair comes to the table, which is surrounded by pieces of fine art and totally imaginative decor overall at each location.
In this tough economy, prix-fixe meals in the good restaurants offer a little financial respite. Kimera, home to a very hip and unique ambiance, offers a daily two-course lunch for $14.75. Nice thing about this lunch is that you choose any two courses you want from appetizer, entree and dessert categories. A three-course prix fixe dinner at Kimera is either $26.75 or $32.75, depending on your choices. A DJ spins lounge music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.
Bistango is a magnet for both business and social meals with friends. The lunch special is two courses for $19.75 and dinner prix fixe is three courses for $41.75. They have live music every evening.
Bayside has a two-course lunch special for $19.75 that includes a glass of preselected white or red wine. Dinner prix fixe is $42.75 for three courses. Also, the Sunday brunch is only $27.95 for three courses and free-flowing champagne. There’s live music nightly and for the Sunday brunch.
Beachcomber
15 Crystal Cove
Laguna Beach
Park across Pacific Coast Highway at the Las Trancas lot and take the shuttle ($1 each way), restaurant validates parking costs
(949) 376-6900
One of the best ways to have a beachside vacation without running up the gas bill is to go to this charming cottage with an even more charismatic deck over the sand. While it is part of Ruby’s Diner Inc., Beachcomber has a complete personality of its own and an eclectic menu that is totally intriguing, upscale and ultimately surprising. Sweeping water views and the refurbished cottages of Crystal Cove provide the appropriate backdrop. The full bar makes cocktails and offers some lovely wines. But it’s the food that will really get your attention. Chris Jueres, a serious chef, tempts us every time with the likes of organic tomato soup under a puff pastry crown, salads that would be at home in a plush resort setting, baked scallops with fresh corn and micro herbs, mini ahi tacos, double pork chops, shrimp Vera Cruz and even a burger made with Kobe beef,plus the luscious ending courtesy of their custard ice cream with bananas.
Bluewater Grill
2409 Park Ave. (at Tustin Legacy)
Tustin
(714) 258 3474
630 Lido Park Drive
Newport Beach
(949) 675-3474
There’s the Bluewater Grill on Lido and the absolute must-see new restaurant that recently opened at The Legacy. The latter takes the old Cape Cod-feel out of the equation in favor of a compelling modern decor that is inviting and comfortable. Contemporary touches include sea grass sculptures growing from floor level to ceiling height complete with swimming schools of fish. There’s also a very enticing lounge area. The acclaimed menu,printed daily,naturally offers the freshest fish and shellfish from global waters for moderate prices. We are still harboring fond memories of the barramundi (sea bass) with olive-fennel compote that we had at our last lunch there. It’s worth a destination trip. From the basics of seafood that we love to some trendy preparations, the food’s always a hit at both locations.
Brussels Bistro
222 Forest Ave.
Laguna Beach
(949) 376-7955
If you were thinking of going to Belgium for the legendary tasty food and beer, forget it. Save the wallet and step into this pleasant slice of unpretentious authenticity that delivers its own brand of panache. The best mussels in wine broth, fries without peers (they were invented in Belgium, you know), Flemish white asparagus, the most amazing Belgian-style burger with frittes, chicken in puff pastry, steak with bearnaise and Dover sole merely cover a few of the finds here. There’s live jazz Monday through Thursday evenings and a DJ on Friday and Saturday nights. Of course there’s a perfectly sensible little wine list, but why would you explore that when there are so many fine flavorful Belgian and other beers? From mild to hearty, there’s a beer for everyone and a beer to match every enjoyable dish.
Caf & #233; Tu Tu Tango
20 City Boulevard West (in the Block at Orange)
Orange
(714) 769-2222
There is no place more fun, more unique, more in tune with down-home international food served small-plate style than this place. The surroundings are colorful and interesting. Diners feel like they are eating in a Bohemian artist’s loft, but the scene expands (if it’s evening) to include live music and/or various artistic performers. Usually a magician will wander to your table for added entertainment. As you sip sangria and sample terrific food from the Mediterranean, Caribbean and ports in Europe and Asia, artists are at work on their paintings or sculptures all around you. It’s one of our favorite hangouts and it sure is a good thing to do this summer.
The Cannery-Seafood of the Pacific
3010 Lafayette Ave.
Newport Beach
(949) 566-0060
The Cannery offers more bang for the buck and more diverse reasons for dining than most restaurants. The finest chefs from L.A. restaurants come down to do their guest cheffing here. There are the awesome fundraising gourmet dinners that are often hosted by famous sports figures and benefit children’s programs. There are the occasional book-signing evenings when best-selling authors combine their presence with & #252;ber interesting food. And there are those 50 wines priced at 50% off Monday through Friday at lunch and every Tuesday evening throughout the year, easing the dining bill even further. The Cannery menu boasts avant-garde seafood specialties complemented by some fine meat entrees and even sushi, not to mention killer cocktails and a fun bar menu.
Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale’s
3333 S. Bristol St.
Costa Mesa
(714) 352-2525
Although it’s only five weeks old, Charlie Palmer delivers a stellar experience. Owner/chef Charlie Palmer has famed restaurants in New York, Las Vegas and several other culinary savvy outposts and we are so lucky that he has given us our first restaurant with true New York style and understated glamour, not to mention amazing food at customer-friendly prices. While it is connected with the South Coast Plaza Bloomingdale’s, it does occupy its own end of the building with a separate entrance. From service and chic ambiance to passionately conceived food, this is a great gift to the county. It’s the big buzz of the moment and with good reason. Put this on your fast track dining list.
Five Crowns
3801 E. Coast Hwy.
Corona del Mar
(949) 760-0331
Five Crowns capitalizes on its English manor surroundings with the English tea for mothers and children (sons or daughters) July 19 at 2 p.m. There will be lots of sandwiches, pastries, beverages and other goodies as well as champagne for the moms. For all the other times, all of us can enjoy the summery atmosphere of the garden setting or the classic British decor. This is a favorite “go to” restaurant for special occasions and for simple personal relaxation. There’s a reason why over the decades it has remained so beloved. The prime rib, fresh seafood, duck and several updated entrees always keep us pleased.
Remember to go early for dinner and perhaps have a cocktail in the comfortable lobby and certainly have some of those homemade chips and fresh veggies and a sliver or two from the unique block of cheddar with a layer of bleu cheese in it. Sunday brunch at a very palatable price is swell with entrees ordered a la carte and a plethora of lovely accompaniments on the side.
Golden Truffle
1767 Newport Blvd.
Costa Mesa
(949) 645-9970
Take advantage of the curbside menu service. You just call in your order,they will fax you the current month’s menu, each of which has lots of extraordinary appetizer, entree and dessert choices,and give them a time when you’ll drive by to pick it up. They’ll bring it to you curbside and you’ll have a marvelous meal at home with no prep time. I must note though that dining in, like everything about this place, is an adventure. It looks like a cross between a Caribbean hideaway and a French bistro and the food within is among the best in the county. Chef/owner Alan Greeley takes ideas and ingredients from tropical, European and Asian countries but also remembers the best of America in the process. Then, in his genius way, he mingles things into scrumptious one-of-a-kind global dishes. This is truly food for the soul.
Hush
858 S. Coast Highway
Laguna Beach
(949) 497-3616
A Chef’s Limited Menu of three courses (seasonal choices within the categories) for $45 is available from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. nightly. Some fine selections are taken from the a la carte menu at good prices. There’s also a nice bar menu of about a dozen small plates that start at $12 for lighter, more casual dining. However, if you choose to dine big, this is a restaurant with a sophisticated and modern decor and an impressive wine cellar featuring some boutique library wine collections unavailable elsewhere. The contemporary American food is made with pristine ingredients and the words “organic” and “heirloom” are at home here. While I enjoy the inside dining room, the patio overlooking the ocean with its comforting fireplace is really the quintessential Laguna.
Infusion Restaurant & Martini Bar
25612 Crown Valley Parkway
Ladera Ranch
(949) 364-1100
Thick steaks and chops and island-style fresh fish entrees are the cornerstones of the menu for Infusion, an open, friendly and quite attractive place. But plenty of other interesting things also lurk on the menu. Maine lobster, tiger shrimp and crab tucked among strands of garlicky soba noodles is a dandy dish that entices my hubby. We have foodie friends who live about 18 miles from the restaurant and are habitu & #233;s because of the food,and the wine list as well. Ladera is not an area studded with an abundance of restaurants, so this one, where you can find entrees starting at only $12, is very busy, but rightly so. I think whenever people are in the area of Ladera Ranch they should have a meal here.
Javier’s
7832 E. Coast Highway (in Crystal Cove Promenade)
Newport Beach
(949) 494-1239
45 Fortune Drive (in Irvine Spectrum)
Irvine
(949) 872-2101
There’s still the Javier’s in Irvine Spectrum, which is impressive in its fortitude both in architecture and food, but the new one at Crystal Cove Promenade is the hot spot of the moment. It has an urban Mexican sophistication beyond that of the Spectrum restaurant and displays impressive sculptures, custom iron work, unique wall treatments and ocean views from some of the seating areas. For several years, owner Javier Sosa put his stamp on intriguing Mexican food at the now closed Laguna Beach location. The essence of that food continues at these two locations. Javier’s crab enchiladas may have been, in the Mexican realm, the most talked about plate of food in OC. Like the well-conceived specialties built around chiles (rellenos, for instance) and traditional Mexican dishes, these enchiladas join good margaritas and more here.
Las Brisas
361 Cliff Drive
Laguna Beach
(949) 497-5434
Landlocked people dream of spending a summer day overlooking one of the most beautiful ocean vistas, but OC residents can do it on the outdoor patio or in the haute Baja Riviera interior of the legendary Las Brisas. It is all too often seen as merely a tourist spot. But that’s absolutely incorrect. I think many of you are missing many winning elements: the chef’s daily seafood specialties, the impressive calamari steak that’s always on the menu, the appetizers that can make up a joyful and lighter meal and the generosity in the portions. We surely don’t want to miss the Laguna-perfect cocktails either. The breakfast buffet is a real eye-opener with terrific American and Mexican specialties easily bridging the morning and the midday meal. With a professional crew glued together by the ultimate restaurateur, Fouad Ziady, I love it here.
La Vie en Rose
240 S. State College Blvd.
Brea
(714) 529-8333
Dining here can be a superb bargain. A three-course prix fixe lunch for only $19.75 is served weekdays with a range of choices. A la carte lunch entrees come with soup or salad. Three-course dinners every night are offered in a price range,depending on the entree chosen,beginning at $39. I love some of the worldly, reasonably priced wines here too, by the glass or bottle. You will almost always overhear someone speaking French as this is a favorite outpost of the Gallic community and the food is totally reminiscent of France. The building itself is a charmer, originally built by the Segerstrom family as a replica of a home in Normandy, France. Louis Laulhere, the current owner, bought La Vie from them more than two decades ago and has held onto a more than loyal clientele since.
McCormick & Schmick’s
2000 Main St.
Irvine
(949) 756-0505
2791 N. Main St.
Santa Ana
(714) 558-1963
321 W. Katella Ave.
Anaheim
(714) 535-9000
For OC, the obsession with McCormick & Schmick’s began several years ago with the restaurant in Irvine. It got more convenient when a sibling location opened last year in Santa Ana, near the Main Place mall. Just recently, Anaheim GardenWalk acquired a third one. So, I guess there’s little reason to not find our way into a McCormick & Schmick’s, and I won’t go looking for an excuse not to. The menu is printed twice daily to reflect all the fresh fish arriving from around the world,about 30 species every day. Preparations are kept simple with you choosing the style of cooking and sauce you prefer. The Irvine location is the only one that also has a small brewery and tap room where we can have fish and chips and other down-home foods, but all of superb taste, at lower prices than in the dining room.
Morton’s Anaheim and Morton’s Santa Ana
1895 S. Harbor Blvd.
Anaheim
(714) 621-0101
1641 Sunflower Ave. (in South Coast Plaza Village)
Santa Ana
(714) 444-4834
We can have lunch at Morton’s in Santa Ana during the week, but not in Anaheim, where it’s dinner only. Thus, the Santa Ana restaurant offers the whole Morton’s experience at lunchtime prices. Both restaurants are gifted with a luxe, clubby but friendly atmosphere.
For a real bargain, through September there’s the “Economic Stimulus Package x 2.” When ordering for only one person, $69 (plus tax and gratuity) gets you a filet and succulent Australian lobster tail, tender asparagus spears and choice of Morton’s or Caesar salad. For two people, there’s the $99 special that includes two single-cut filets; choice of two: shrimp Alexander, crab cakes or sea scallops; choice of two: Caesar or Morton’s salad or side of potatoes and/or vegetable; and dessert choices of meltingly hot chocolate cake or Key lime pie. Do yourself a favor and take advantage of this.
Mozambique Steakhouse and Coastal Lounge
1740 S. Coast Highway
Laguna Beach
(949) 715-7777 or 715-7100
This restaurant combines just the right amount of exotic decor and food. Its ambiance is both wonderfully casual and chic and is welcoming by nature. The food is pleasing to the American palate: seafood and shellfish dishes, poultry and red meats with a California finesse that totally fits our lifestyle. A bit of spicing from the country of Mozambique (mostly peri-peri on some dishes that is merely a mild blend of spices and chiles) gives the namesake edge to certain specialties. There’s a terrific mixed grill plate, seldom found in restaurants now, and some unadulterated and judiciously sauced steak and seafood dishes. Durban lamb curry and peri-peri prawns with mango salsa are calling my name right now. Several entrees are priced at $15 Sunday through Thursday and the full list of dinner entrees is in the $18 to $34 range all the time. I also love the casual fare upstairs in the Shabeen Lounge.
Mr. Stox
1105 E. Katella Ave.
Anaheim
(714) 634-2994
Mr. Stox is famous for its world-class wine cellar and winemaker dinners. But, wine connoisseurs aside, the rest of us come to the restaurant for its contemporary California and international cuisine that draws a loyal following. People are always amazed at the lovely hotel-like lobby replete with granite counters and nice furnishings. The lounge area is equally cozy with comfortable booths and friendly vibes (full restaurant menu is available there). Otherwise, the dining rooms are laden with white cloth tables that are naturally set with sparkling glassware and signature plates. The food of chef Scott Raczek ranges from a bit of wild game and homey style preparations of Italian and French dishes to steaks, chops and fresh seafood specialties. It’s a hot spot for lunch as well as dinner, and, getting back to those wines, there are plenty of fine affordable ones on the list.
Napa Rose
1600 S. Disneyland Drive (in Grand Californian hotel)
Anaheim
(714) 300-7170
Every Friday, this restaurant changes the items on its four-course prix fixe Vintner’s Menu, one of the assets in this gorgeous setting where the Wine Country cuisine of chef Andrew Sutton reigns supreme. The price of this particular menu offering is $85 for food, with wine pairings available for an additional $45. To be sure, everyone is comfortable here although it is the premier dining room in the whole Disneyland package. The reputation was built and is still guarded by chef Sutton, who came from Napa Valley, and the acclaimed general manager and certified master sommelier, Michael Jordan. The menu is built around fresh ingredients from local agriculturists and small gardeners, and farmers raising pristine meats. Add in the chef’s clever takes on creating dishes and you begin to understand the fame this restaurant has acquired.
Old Vine Cafe
2937 Bristol St.
Costa Mesa
(714) 545-1411
Old Vine Cafe is sort of hidden away inside The Camp, reached by a tree-lined path through the outdoor mall. There’s sort of an artful intimacy in the restaurant and the eclectic menu offers many ways to mix and match wine for a different kind of dining experience. Brothers Mark and Brandon McDonald (chef and host) are the proprietors and that makes it even more interesting. If you are a breakfast person, this place will give you a new lease on the morning via its clever breakfast presentations. Lunch showcases salads with a distinctly intriguing edge, along with entrees just a tad away from the norm. That sense of adventure on the plate gives something interesting for the jaded palate. The wine list is a superb international affair and the tiny shop affixed to a corner beside the kitchen offers some of the wines to take with you.
Pelican Grill
22800 Pelican Hill Road South Newport Coast
(949) 467-6800
For anyone who has not yet been to this beautiful place that’s more reminiscent of a Tuscan villa than a mere Irvine Company golf complex, I can only admonish you for not making it a priority.Who would expect a golf club to have such glamorous seating, mansion-worthy decor in the restaurant and an open kitchen of haute design as part of the package? Magnificent architecture prevails, with walls of soaring Palladian windows that traipse through the dining rooms and along the outside wall of the equally superb bar and lounge. The latter comprises a very large space with a massive granite bar and copious amounts of comfy seating, plus state-of-the-art viewing of global sporting events. The food can be served in any part of this glamorous place and the menu boasts great tasting, casual fare,salads, sandwiches, pizzas,along with sophisticated California-inspired entrees, all at likeable prices.
Pinot Provence
686 Anton Blvd.
Costa Mesa
(714) 444-5900
Chef David F & #233;au recently took over as kitchen master at Pinot Provence. You must taste his cuisine! Raised in France, he worked with two of France’s top chefs, acquired a four-star status for Lut & #269;ce in New York and its sibling restaurant in Vegas and for the past two years has been chef of Cafe Pinot in Los Angeles. His food is modern French, lighter than in decades past and singing with finely tuned layers of taste. A fun way to savor his food this month and next is via the Thursday evening Summer in Provence dinners on the outdoor garden terrace. For this, there’s a three-course dinner for $45,selections can also be ordered a la carte,and some summery wines to accompany. The chef cooks food inspired by our farms, oceans and gardens in front of the guests and a guitarist fills the air with classical melodies. There is a trio of weekday prix fixe lunches: Express lunch is two courses for $19 (in and out in 45 minutes if your schedule is tight), spa lunch is 3 courses for $25 and a business lunch is three courses for $26. Let’s not forget that there’s never a corkage fee at this restaurant, except on major holidays. The full menu of the restaurant is studded with dishes that jump off the page. It’s special all around.
Quattro Caffe
3333 N. Bristol St.
Costa Mesa
(714) 754-0300
Hot weather is here. Get rid of the stress for a while in the cool surroundings of South Coast Plaza at Quattro Caffe. This cafe (just off the Jewel Court) serves up quality Italian food. When this cafe came under the ownership of Antonio Cagnolo several years ago, shoppers and non-shoppers alike gained a very good place to eat. The pasta dishes overflow with regional tastes of Italy. The appetizers and salads can make a meal or precede the entree and are palate pleasers. My appreciation began with a couple of lunches a long time ago and we’ve continued our dining habit here. Since then, we’ve had plenty of meals on our own, hosted a lunch to get together with 22 of our friends and had a larger group of friends for an evening dinner. It’s fun to watch everyone’s positive reaction to the food, which goes all the way to the impressive dessert cart.
Riviera at the Fireside
13950 Springdale
Westminster
(714) 897-0477
This restaurant has been doing what it does,traditional cuisine,for decades. We adored it when it was at South Coast Plaza and worried when 10 years ago it moved up the freeway to Westminster. Would old customers follow? Would those closer by truly appreciate the wonderfully satisfying food and the sublime service? Yes on both counts. It’s a busy place. We all love the comfort of those big booths, the cocoon-like feeling of safety and friendship within the rooms, the convivial bar and above all, the duck, steaks, seafood and big menu of fine cuisine that first defined upscale eating in America. It’s not possible to think of Riviera without smiling and wanting to make another reservation.
It’s a soothing getaway for lunch or dinner and always a reminder that this sense of tradition coexists comfortably in a world rampant with trendy, ever-changing food.
Royal Khyber
1621 W. Sunflower Ave.
(next to Antonello)
Santa Ana
(714) 436-1010
Would it surprise you to know that I previously selected this as one year’s best restaurants in OC? It’s like going to a foreign country and having a short, exotic vacation,a journey for the palate and the mind. Best of all, the food’s divine and embraced by those I introduce it to. For some reason, we Americans have a hard time getting past the idea that Indian food is hot and spicy and heavily flavored with curry. Nothing could be further from the truth in modern Indian cooking. So, I keep taking friends and changing their minds. One of the best ways to have a sampling of this cuisine and savor the delicacies is to have Friday brunch for only $16.95. On the a la carte menu, the lamb shanks cooked for 14 hours are the best international version of osso buco, period. Butter chicken, prawns masala and tandoori meats and fish are also memorable.
Roy’s Newport and Roy’s GardenWalk
453 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach
(949) 640-7697
321 W. Katella Ave.
Anaheim
(714) 776-7697
There’s something about Hawaii that allows visitors to transcend the stress and busyness of life on the mainland. Fortunately for us, Roy’s of Hawaii in Newport Beach and at the new location at Anaheim GardenWalk brings Hawaii to us through its calm, friendly atmosphere and tremendously likeable food. The Anaheim restaurant has a completely different decor (which is very pretty) from the one in Fashion Island, but both have a dual menu with one page devoted to founder Roy Yamaguchi’s signature dishes and the other page showing a menu of the chef partner’s signature food,all being filtered through a Hawaiian-fusion looking glass. The great bargain is the seasonal four-course dinner for only $35, but prices overall have always been mid-range (keeping our budgets happy). The wines that go with the food and the rather exotic cocktails like saketinis and pineapple martinis make dining even more fun.
Sage and Sage on the Coast
Sage:
2531 Eastbluff Drive
Newport Beach
(949) 718-9650
Sage on the Coast:
7862 E. Coast Highway
(Crystal Cove Promenade)
Newport Beach
(949) 715-7243
There’s a certain nostalgia to the original restaurant and even tenderness for the patio at Sage in the Eastbluff Center. But, there’s also that ocean proximity, a more nouveau flair and a wonderful outdoor seating area at the Crystal Cove Promenade. I can’t imagine who might be missing from the roster of customers, but if you are among them, then you must try both locations as the Creative American cuisine is a bit different at each place. Chef/owner Rich Mead is one of our treasures. His career was intertwined with the famed Santa Monica Farmers’ Market, which he helped launch, and all these years later Rich still makes weekly predawn trips there to gather the best ingredients for these two restaurants. Whether you order a heretofore unencountered version of a fish or meat entree, or even a vegetarian dish or something more familiar, Rich’s food is always an experience that will remain fondly with you and undoubtedly make you as big a fan as I am.
Sapphire
1200 S. Coast Highway
Laguna Beach
(949) 715-9888
It’s just a little more than a year old, but Sapphire has made a big footmark on the dining scene. First of all, it occupies one of the beloved buildings of Laguna, the old Pottery Shack, and I have many serving pieces and even a favorite teapot from there in my own kitchen. In turning the building into a restaurant, a take-out food shop (owned by Sapphire), a glass artisan’s studio and a couple of other interesting shops, the architects managed to keep the best of the old and meld it with perfect modern touches. There’s now a wonderful courtyard in the front and an adjoining restaurant patio with views of the ocean. The beautiful restaurant showcases the global cuisine of chef/owner Azmin Ghahreman, while his little food shop next door supplies us with fine condiments, charcuterie and stellar cheeses from around the world, as well as food to take home and pop in the oven for easy gourmet meals.
Sam & Harry’s
900 Newport Center Drive
(in Marriott Hotel & Spa)
Newport Beach
(949) 729-6900
This restaurant is part of the famed Sam & Harry’s in Washington, D.C., a place of powerhouse dining. Though restaurants in hotels still suffer from being ignored by much of the dining public, everyone should try the fine food here. It leans toward being a steak and chop house, but the pristinely fresh seafood and the possibility of dining lightly on the terrific appetizers offers more dimensions to Sam & Harry’s. Real bargains are on hand with the nightly three-course dinner for $35 featuring some very upscale entrees and, I believe, the best salad bar lunch,served Monday through Friday,in the county, priced at only $16. A lot of fine wines at non-gouging prices are meant to mix and match with the whole a la carte menu. Also, the adjoining cocktail lounge is ultra comfortable and one of my favorite places to have drinks with friends.
Taiko
14475 Jeffrey Road
Irvine
(949) 559-7190
There’s a reason that a long line forms outside the doors before Taiko opens at either lunch or dinner. You can’t beat the quality and quantity for the price and both Asians, Americans and any combonation of the two who make up the loyal clientele are smart diners. Some would argue that a few pretentious sushi bars scattered about, sometimes with attitudes and prices that border on outrageous, are where fine Japanese dining exists. That’s OK when you want to spend a bundle and have your own snobbish attitude. But for value, Taiko is a long proven commodity. For about $14, a combo of soup, rice, two or three entree tastings and tea will actually feed two because the portions really are that generous. The sushi bar is wildly popular, but we usually just take a table and order our sushi as part of a meal there, or even as the whole meal. We and so many friends find reasons to just keep going back to this restaurant.
Tal & #233;o Grill
3309 Michelson Drive
Irvine
(949) 553-9002
Mexican fare on this side of the border was long associated with only what was typical along the Baja California coastline and the Sonoran style of food from right across the Arizona border. Central Mexico and its more cosmopolitan cuisine remained obscure until Tal & #233;o enlightened us. We now dine on the much more sophisticated food indigenous to the Mexico City region. A chic atmosphere is welcoming in both the dining room and the warm, convivial lounge. Tal & #233;o’s mantra is “To consistently give guests the best of everything,food, service and atmosphere,by simply being better than everybody else.” They live up to that. The carnitas alone, based on the orange-infused pork recipe from the chef’s family, make its case. Pork ribs with chipotle sauce, the hand-pulled and slowly roasted savory beef in an enchilada, several amazing beef and fresh seafood entrees and the best tres leches cake you will find are added reasons we are hooked.
Village Mediterranean
123 Ave. Del Mar
San Clemente
(949) 361-8970
Chef/owner Nour Tillo asked me a long time ago not to write any more about his restaurant because it’s small and I’ve done my part to keep it filled every evening. I am doing the opposite because it’s just too good to keep from you. In an island cafe meets a bit of unique bistro ambiance, this room is absolutely dripping with down home charm. Walls are bathed in rich colors of the sea and the land, lovely paintings and swaths of silk. You might find elk and antelope among the entrees; lamb and beef dishes and fresh seafood always remain. Divine meat, vegetable and seafood tagines from Morocco send me to heaven. And Bolognaise style lamb with fettuccine is addictive. This is a multi-national gem to savor and remember. And, the prices are right with most entrees in the $17 to $32 range.
Vue
25135 Park Lantern
Dana Point
(949) 661-5000
This is a room with a view of the ocean, a languorous velvet park and the cliffs that punctuate parts of the waterfront. Impressive. But no more so than the sleek, suave nature of this dining room (it also includes an outdoor patio with views to die for) and food that catches everyone off guard because it ranks up there with the very best in taste, elegant presentation and interest. Executive chef David Scalise and chef de cuisine Anton Cossi collaborate and then regale us with scrumptious dishes like lobster and shrimp risotto, veal with cipollini onion ragout laid out like works of art. State-of-the-art equipment helps make unbelievable breakfast buffets possible daily for $18.95, and are part of the makeup of Sunday brunch as well.
Watson Drug Store and Soda Fountain
116 E. Chapman Ave.
Orange
(714) 532-6315
Watson Drug gets the last laugh, having realized a long time ago that drug store counter ambiance didn’t need to be reinvented; it’s been authentic here since 1898. Steve Parker, a pharmacist, bought the drug store a long time ago and still dispenses prescriptions in the small corner allowed to remain a pharmacy. Over the years, the rest of the building has become a larger diner style space, now with a juke box in the center of the action, the original long soda counter intact and lots of added booths and tables. Plan on a grilled cheese sandwich, a malt, a burger and diner-style meals. The jolt is in discovering that the food’s all prepared daily (the cooks even roast their own turkeys); it’s the best diner food around. Full dinners are available for less than $10, with everything prepared to order. I love the food, the fun and the memories still alive via this ambiance.
Wildfish Seafood Grille
1370 Bison Ave. (in The Bluffs Center)
Newport Beach
(949) 720-9925
Soon after Wildfish opened, a few e-mails and phone calls came in urging us to try it. We did get ourselves there pretty quickly and were initally impressed with the interior. We liked the rest of the package even more as the evening wore on.
It was a friendly place from the nice greetings as we arrived to the helpful and smiling service. The food was refreshing and obviously prepared with attention to flavor profiles and presentation. We are still ordering the apple and beet salad, the lobster and shrimp bisque, Hong Kong style sea bass, the awesome lemon sole in parmesan crust and the best bread pudding west of New Orleans,souffl & #233; style and topped with oven-broiled meringue.
The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar
2647 Park Ave.
Tustin
(714) 258-7600
Just the other evening we wanted to eat casually, but well. The food and attractive surroundings of the Winery came immediately to mind. While we really enjoy the comfort of the dining rooms and love sitting at the tall chefs tables in front of the kitchen (the tables can be used for two groups of up to eight or put together to accommodate 16), we are also happy at this long granite bar where we can order the amazing Alsatian tart, some little sliders, a bowl of fresh tomato soup and other light fare while we just relax with a couple of cocktails. Of course, on the serious side of the dining spectrum, the menu is studded with compelling steaks, seafood and the French chef’s signature dishes. One of the best things is that several wines are suggested alongside each food category so that matching for appetizers, entrees and desserts is a snap.
