Attending the International Festival at Soka University this Saturday, I felt like I was on a foodie's world tour. A common expression, "Go big or go home" is one which the students at Soka University seem to have used to their own ends. The school, a liberal arts university with an emphasis in international students and studying abroad, presented the Festival Saturday, May 5^thon the campus. The International Festival at Soka University was not only big, but it…

At first glance, ABC Baguette looks like your typical sandwich shop----take-out counter, 8 tables and a cooler with drinks. Or so I thought the first time I ventured into the location in a small mini-mall on Knott Avenue. For several months now, I have been making a once or twice a week stop here in the mornings to pick up a sandwich and some spring rolls for a lunch at work. I had always seen the signs while I waited advertising the various types of pho and the plates with…

Normally, when I write about food, I write primarily about the positive experiences. If I have somewhat of a bad experience, I leave that at the door, thinking that maybe it was just a bad night for the restaurant. But this is a tale of one city-----Mission Viejo----and three restaurants. A cautionary tale, for it was the experience before I could even order food that serves to enlighten you,…

  One day, driving home from El Toro Road on my way home to Mission Viejo, I passed a sign in a small shopping mall containing the words “Chili Chutney”. Two of my favorite words lured me in and the delicious food has kept me coming back since. “Chili Chutney” serves the cuisine of Afghanistan. Located where the Middle East meets the Indian subcontinent, Afghanistan has taken culinary influences from the surrounding areas while developing dishes all it's own.…