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Tikka Masala with a Side of Aqualung

If you are a fan of rock music and you hear the name Ian Anderson, there is an fairly decent chance your mental database registers that he is the virtuoso flautist and leader of the Grammy-winning progressive rock band Jethro Tull. There is also an excellent chance that you hold some sort of grudge against Anderson since he and his group inexplicably won said Grammy because the voters of the quasi-prestigious trophy mistook them as a metal act. However, I would venture a guess that you most like… Continue

Added by Rich Manning on March 9, 2010 at 9:00pm — No Comments

Portola Coffee here, just saying hello :)

Hi Foodies!

We just joined this site and wanted to introduce ourselves. We're still a bit new in town ;)

We are Portola Coffee, a small coffee roasting company, on a mission to share the wonders of fresh-roasted, handcrafted, 100% organic coffee with Orange County. Our obsession is freshness. If you haven't tried super-fresh coffee, straight from the roaster, you are missing out. The smell and the taste are just on another level. And if you're a foodie, you're probably all ab… Continue

Added by Portola Coffee on March 9, 2010 at 11:36am — No Comments

EASTER BRUNCH AT LUCCA

This Easter Sunday, Lucca will feature a lavish brunch buffet and offer a special deal for children under 12 by allowing them to pay according to their age! The popular Easter brunch buffet, offered on Sunday, April 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., will feature a full buffet with a wide variety of options, including items from an egg and omelet station, featuring local, cage-free eggs; and a deluxe carving station with certified Angus beef tri-tip and Diestel f… Continue

Added by OCfoodies on March 8, 2010 at 8:00pm — No Comments

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro Launches Expanded Gluten Free Menu

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro announced today a newly expanded Gluten Free Menu, featuring beef entrees for the first time. Gluten intolerant diners can now enjoy a wider range of dining options, from P.F. Chang’s signature Chicken Lettuce Wraps and Mongolian Beef to a Flourless Chocolate Dome for dessert.

“P.F. Chang’s is sensitive to all of the food allergies and dining requirements of our guests and we strive to serve customized cuisine that meets each diner’s individual needs

… Continue

Added by OCfoodies on March 8, 2010 at 12:00pm — No Comments

Drug of choice? Fat

Nothing quite satisfies your appetite like the taste of

… Continue

Added by Louise Mellor on March 5, 2010 at 11:00pm — No Comments

Restaurant Week Launch Party at the Winery

The Launch Party at the Winery last night was a hit. The Restaurant Week-Tini was delicious. If you would like to create one for yourself, you can find the recipe here. Also ask participating restaurants to make one for you. http://www.orangecountyrestaurantweek.com/Official_Cocktails.html

… Continue

Added by Gina Mims on February 28, 2010 at 10:30am — No Comments

TASTE OF LADERA ROCKS THE PARK WITH MAJOR LINE UP AND LIT

Producers for the Taste of Ladera have announced some major entertainment coming to Founders Park. This year’s celebration will take place on Saturday, May 1, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday, May 2, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event will feature local food vendors and entertainment, all for a good cause. Visit the

Taste of Ladera at www.tasteofladera.com to sign up for booth space or purchase tickets.

Orange County’s

… Continue

Added by OCfoodies on February 25, 2010 at 11:54am — No Comments

WINESTYLES SUPPORTS NATIONAL ‘OPEN THAT BOTTLE NIGHT’ ON FEBRUARY 27, 2010

WineStyles at Orchard Hills Village Center in Irvine is participating in the 11th annual “Open That Bottle Night” (OTBN) this Saturday, February 27. OTBN, the brainchild of The Wall Street Journal’s wine columnists Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher, was created to giv

… Continue

Added by OCfoodies on February 25, 2010 at 11:30am — No Comments

Because real wine aficionados drink Merlot

Pig&Poke Merlot

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Added by Iris Yokoi on February 24, 2010 at 7:21pm — No Comments

Restaurant Week Adds Some Fun Ethnic Flair

Restaurant Week begins this Sunday Feb. 28th.
There are over 25 new restaurants this time around, most noticably some fun ethnic flavors.
Here is a list of some new flavors and classic favorites.

ASIAN

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Added by Gina Mims on February 23, 2010 at 9:00pm — No Comments

Great Pan Dulce & Tamales at Panaderia El Buen Gusto!

What else can I say? My dad knows his OC Mexican joints best... And apparently, the Guatemalan and Salvadoran ones as well! This is not just a fantastic Mexican panaderia (bakery), but also a great place for authentic Guatemalan treats. My cheese and chile tamales were much better than expected, with delicate cheese flavor and a spicy kick from the chiles. And even better, the "Guatemalan cheesecake" was just totally addictive! It was amor at first bite! So next time you're zooming up McFadden… Continue

Added by Andrew Davey on February 21, 2010 at 8:57pm — No Comments

Pizzeria Ortica: My New Fave Pizza in OC

Finally, FINALLY, Orange County can claim its own great pizzeria! David Myers has really blessed OC with Pizzeria Ortica. I tried it tonight with my dad. He's hard to impress (he just isn't a foodie), but even he admitted that dinner here was worth it. His Milanesa Pizza was simply stunning. The fried egg on top complemented the asparagus, the fontina, and the parmigiano quite well. Oh, and my Pizza alla Nonna was also quite delicious. The cherry tomatoes and eggplant fit in perfectly with the… Continue

Added by Andrew Davey on February 21, 2010 at 8:31pm — No Comments

Top 50 Most Romantic Restaurants in the US

So OpenTable.com compiled its data from more than 2 million restaurant reviews over the last year and identified the top 50 most romantic restaurants in the United States. Three of the restaurants are in Orange County and Ambrosia was named as one of them. In fact, you may remember that Ambrosia won in 7 categories in 2009, including Most Romantic in Orange County.

All that said, we know many of you travel for business or pleasure. Here is a list of all 50 of the most romantic

… Continue

Added by Ambrosia Restaurant on February 20, 2010 at 5:15pm — No Comments

Haven Gastropub to Partner with Charlie Palmer and a Host of Orange County’s Finest Restaurants

Haven Gastropub is pleased to partner with Charlie Palmer restaurant in Costa Mesa, in participation with a group restaurant effort to raise money for Haiti earthquake relief. The fundraiser, organized and hosted by Charlie Palmer’s Eryck Chairez will be held at Charlie Palmer in Costa Mesa from 7pm-10pm Monday, February 22nd. The unprecedented event is a coming together of some of Orange County’s finest restaurants. In addition to Haven Gastropub, other popular restaurants includ… Continue

Added by OCfoodies on February 18, 2010 at 4:30pm — No Comments

PREGO RISTORANTE PRESENTS A FOOD & WINE TOUR THROUGH ITALY

Prego Ristorante will be leading a tour through Italy with a five-course wine dinner at 7 p.m. on Friday, February 19 at its Irvine restaurant (18420 Von Karman Avenue). Priced at $54.95 per guest (exc

… Continue

Added by OCfoodies on February 16, 2010 at 9:30am — No Comments

Best (And Worst) Cities to Find Love from the Daily Beast

Valentine’s Day is Sunday, but Cupid plays favorites with where he aims his arrows. The Daily Beast measures America’s 104 largest cities, to find the best, and worst, places to find a mate. They also idenfied the Romantic Hot Spot in each city. The city of Santa Ana and the Ambrosia Restaurant made the list.

http:

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Added by Ambrosia Restaurant on February 13, 2010 at 4:20pm — No Comments

3D Theatricals gets ready to unleash “All Shook Up” on O.C.

Recently, we were interviewed in The Orange County Register about our new musical All Shook Up, which runs thru the first part of March. We invite you to spend a fun night out with a night of musical theater and fine fining at our award-winning Ambrosia Restaurant.

3D Theatricals gets ready to unleash “All Shook Up” on O.C.

… Continue

Added by Ambrosia Restaurant on February 13, 2010 at 4:18pm — No Comments

Hearts of Gold - Good Food, Good Cause, Good Fun

RSVP by calling 949-493-7107

Continue

Added by OCfoodies on February 12, 2010 at 1:13pm — No Comments

Complete With Carhop Roller Skating Servers, Ruby’s Diner is Set to Open its First Drive-In Restaura…

Complete With Carhop Roller Skating Servers, Ruby’s Diner is Set to Open its First Drive-In Restaurant In Spring 2010

Ruby’s Diner, famous for 1940s-inspired burgers, shakes and classic American food, will soon have a new home in Downtown Anaheim. The newest Ruby’s Diner locatio

… Continue

Added by OCfoodies on February 9, 2010 at 11:38pm — No Comments

Where to Dine for Valentine's in OC...

… Continue

Added by OCfoodies on February 9, 2010 at 11:30pm — 1 Comment

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Chef Q and A Get to know your favorite Chef's in Orange County!

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Introduction to Ambrosia and the OC Pavilion

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OC Restaurant Reviews

Cha Cha’s Brings New Life to Old Mexico

By Rich Manning

When you hear the phrase “Mexican restaurant,” what initially comes to mind? Chances are, your bean is instantly populated with thoughts of buildings laid heavy with faux crumbling adobe, archways, and other amenities designed to mimic something from days of yore (or in Orange County’s case, days of Yorba).…

Don the Beachcomber by Rich Manning

The Polynesian motif has managed to cultivate a somewhat maligned reputation over the years in the food and drink scene. Once a proud beacon of trendy coolness, the setting designed to bring the wonders of the Pacific to the ma

inland have garnered a perception of forgettable food ma…

Haven Gastropub by Rich Manning

Last week, a friend and I were having a discussion about experiencing great food while we happily consumed fish tacos. After sharing a tale with me about how this particular chocolatier in New York City has permanently cast other chocolates in a lesser light, he confessed that his love for this cocoa-infused art led him to realize that he would gladly experience the best type of food the world has to offer, then spend the rest of his days in anger over the fact that the globe cannot offer anythi…

Executive Chef Greg Daniels

Chef Q and A
Executive Chef Greg Daniels
Haven Gastropub
190 S. Glassell St., Suite C&D
Orange, CA 92866
Phone: 714-221-0680
Hours: 11am-2am (food served until 1am)

Question: Who or what inspired you to become a chef?
Answer: My wife is my muse. I had a very l…

No Bull: Matador Cantina is Terrific

No Bull: Matador Cantina is Terrific
By Rich Manning

There is one constant ingredient in all Mexican food: love. Yes, I know that such a line sounds a bit hackneyed and cliched – okay it sounds a lot hackneyed and chiched – but it has always rung true in my experience. I grew up i…