Archive for the 'Orange County' Category
Pinot Provence
by Mike Solton
PINOT PROVENCE
686 Anton Blvd. (Bristol St.)
Costa Mesa, CA, 92626-1920
Not just another Pinot. This French bistro located in the Westin South Coast Plaza Hotel offers two outdoor patios and three private dining rooms. Many of the antiques and accessories were purchased in southern France by Joachim Splichal’s, the chef/ owner. Great food, service, and ambiance, makes this a winner in Orange County. The brunch usually boasts delectable delights such as Tuna Tartar with Avocado Mousse and Ginger Vinaigrette or Sautéed Duck with Roasted Pineapple. Main courses include Eggs Benedict with Horseradish, Veal Osso Bucco with Baby Swiss Chard and Ricotta Cheese Raviolis. Tempt yourself with desserts such as Vanilla Frasier with Pistachio Cream.
El Mariachi
by Judy Asman
EL MARIACHI
650 N. Tustin St.
Orange, CA 92867
714-532-4001
For an authentic Mexican experience, this place can’t be beat. One specialty is the siete mares, a seafood soup that consists of tomato stock and scampi style shrimp. The flame-broiled fajitas are also good standard fare. The Tlapaque Plaque musicians and various Latin bands play on the weekends when things really start hopping. The deep booths and large tables are very popular with the customers, many of whom come to celebrate anniversaries and weddings. The atmosphere is casual, the live entertainment authentic and spirited. During the week, lunch specials range from $3.25 to $4.50 and general menu prices from $4.95 to $10.95. On weekends, when there is entertainment, the food prices include the show and range from $14.95 to $19.95.
Seafood Palace
by Judy Asman
SEAFOOD PARADISE
8602 Westminster Blvd., Westminster, CA 92683
While a significant portion of Westminster, Calif. is known as “Little Saigon,” restaurants like Seafood Paradise graciously take us to other regions of Asia. This is good news for those seeking authentic Chinese food. As its name implies, the menu at Seafood Paradise is rife with seafood-packed Chinese eccentricities such as braised shark fin’s soup ($13), flavored jellyfish ($8.50), and fresh squid with Chinese broccoli ($10.50). But if you’re more interested in dishes most popular on American soil, you can always order the lemon chicken, beef with broccoli or Kung Pao shrimp ($7.50-$10.50). Still, the real blessing of this restaurant can be summed (no pun intended) up in two words: dim sum. At Seafood Paradise, dim sum, known for being the Chinese teatime lunch or brunch cuisine, is served traditional style (from 10 am to 3 pm daily) with servers arriving to your table with ready-to-serve portions and ample selections from which you can choose. All items—from their steamed dumplings to pork filled buns—are hearty and filling, making it easy for you to order a few dishes at a minimal price (about $16 for two people). The dining room is spacious and festive. A massive lobster tank toward the kitchen makes it possible for you to purchase your own clawed shellfish to take home for the cookin’.
FINBARS ITALIAN KITCHEN
by Judy Asman
FINBARS ITALIAN KITCHEN
620 Pacific Coast Highway, Seal Beach, CA 90740
(562) 430-4303
Interesting place, Finbars. With rock n’ roll and sports paraphernalia featured on most of the walls, Finbars is Hard Rock Café meets collegiate sports bar. No complaints here. Obviously the joint is a fan of the “greatest rock band of all time,” an on-stage moniker given to the Rolling Stones in their movie “Gimme Shelter.” At Finbars, the adoration is made plain with a subtly placed mural featuring the band’s trademark tongue and the words, “It’s only rock n’ roll.” But Finbars isn’t all rock n’ ball kitsch. The central dining room, and another in the back, offer more privacy and refinement, while the rest of the place drowns in the sounds of lively chatter and images from large screen TVs, mostly airing sporting events and music television. The servers are enthusiastic and friendly and will deliver warm sourdough bread after you’re seated. For eats, Finbars incorporates California fusion with Italian favorites, offering everything from spaghetti with meatballs ($13.50) to nicoise salad ($9.50) to thin crust New York style seminola dough pizzas. The shrimp pesto pizza deliciously combines shrimp, fresh tomatoes, kalamata olives, homemade pesto, and sun dried tomatoes ($10.99). Check out the chic lounge decorated with black velvet drapes and leather couches. Metro Point, Costa Mesa location: (714) 641-3000.
Blue Coral Seafood & Spirits
Blue Coral Seafood & Spirits
451 Newport Center Drive
In Fashion Island, Newport Beach, CA 92660
949-856-blue (2583)
If you’re in the mood for ultra-chic, upscale dining in a relaxed atmosphere, you’ve got to try Blue Coral Seafood and Spirits. Located in Fashion Island, the restaurant boasts an electric blue vodka bar with more than 60 international vodkas. Their Blueberry Drop Martini shouldn’t be missed. The appetizers here are amazing, especially the Baked Goat Cheese, served with crostini and heirloom tomatoes. Main dishes include tender Honey Pepper Sea Scallops and Maine Lobster En Fuego, presented stunningly in the shell. Don’t leave without sampling the creamy Lobster Mac-n-Cheese or before diving into a sinfully rich Godiva White Chocolate Martini.