kdoc's Profile
LQ@SK: Changes coming
Porthos-
Thanks for your review; we are heading there on Tuesday.
Did you bring a Reisling? How did the wines you bring work with the dishes? Thanks!
Orange County birthday dinner with kids
I know you said no chains, but I've always found Roy's pretty reliable when it comes to options with kids.
Sushi in the OC - Can't find anything decent and Yelp is absolutely useless!
Abe closed years ago, but he subsequently opened up Bluefin, an even more refined, upscale place in Corona Del Mar. Similar style with a combination of cooked / raw dishes. He followed that with an attempted mini-empire with Izayaka Zero in HB and Sea Smoke in San Clemente, but both have subsequently closed. Bluefin remains open and is still quite good.
Mexican in Orange County
Don't go looking for MPE in Orange. RIP quite a while ago. Yet to find a suitable replacement.
Picasso - any recent visits?
We were there within the last year. Room is still pretty, though feels slightly dated. Everything was fine, but unspectacular. Nothing really stood out (I'm actually struggling to remember anything that we ate at this moment), but nothing was bad either. So, a solid French meal that won't wow or offend anyone.
Anyone eaten at Fleur since reopening???
Dropped by there last month after some issues with the FOH at rm seafood and was pleasantly surprised. The food was fine, though, as others have mentioned, the menu is all over the place, but tends slightly towards asian fusion; the menu on the website is pretty accurate. Was there midweek, @ 530 and there was almost no business. However, service was friendly and earnest- their wine list is surprisingly somewhat minimal, and they voluntarily let us try a few different wines, and even comped us the tuna tacos. Had, among other things, the smoked ribs, oysters, tarte, mushrooms, and the halibut (exactly as described above). Our server mentioned that she had been there since the beginning and was a little sad about the change- and wasn't sure if it had really made much of a difference to the bottom line.
It is now very informal, almost like a nice bar with extended seating. I wouldn't necessarily choose to go there, but it is a decent, pretty tasty alternative at Mandalay.
Bartolotta or Guy Savoy? Please Help!!!
If you are already going to Robuchon, then for the sake of variety, go to Bartolotta, as Guy Savoy is fairly similar.
We recently had a meal for two at Bartolotta (the "Grand Tasting") and found it quite good, though their method of serving multiple courses at once, family style, was a little disconcerting. We likened the atmosphere more to a semi-formal family holiday dinner than to true fine dining, if you get my drift. Some of the sauces were a little heavy and thick, but overall, we would recommend it. Began with an array of seafood appetizers, followed by pastas, proteins, and desserts. It was a very hearty meal, and a lot of food. Our waiter chose the dishes for us, and it did include a whole fish that was served tableside.
At Sage, I would highly recommend contacting them regarding doing a tasting menu- we had been there twice before and were a little underwhelmed, but our last experience was superb- and being as some of the dishes there are a bit heavy the smaller ( but only slightly) servings worked to our advantage.
e' was fine, but I think all of the press it is getting makes it difficult to live up to expectations. It would be more accurate to state that the most of the dishes are put together in front of you, but have mostly (and understandably) been prepared in the back. Also, on our visit, they had one of the chefs from D.C. helping / supervising when we were there a few weeks ago, and the staff seemed a bit edgy / nervous and not particularly interactive. I think I almost preferred my dinner at Saam (Bazaar) over e'. Nevertheless, it was a good time.
Have Fun!
Wine before OC Performing Arts event
For us, Leatherby's is always a convenient and solid choice. You can also valet park / validate and walk to the Center, which makes exiting after the performance a breeze. They have no problems with children- we brought our five (now six) year old there all the time before shows.
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Leatherby's Cafe Rouge
615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Patina - worth it? Looking for some hound recs!
I had one of the most surprising and best meals of the year at Patina. First time I had been there in over five years, and I wasn't expecting too much, but it really did wow me. Room is actually pretty plain, but functional, and it wasn't very busy that day, but the service was on point, very accommodating without being suffocating, friendly without being too familiar. Esnault is a very talented chef, and his signature vegetable mosaic dish was one of the tastiest bites I've had all year.
In fact, I've been singing Patina's praises to anyone who will listen since then, as I feel I, and a lot of others, have been underrating it.
Please help -- Need the best sushi restaurant in Orange County.
FYI-
Wasabi is closed until June 11.
POLL: Ultimate OC Restaurants, 2009
> $25
Sushi Wasabi
Marche Moderne
Tradition by Pascal
Old Vine Cafe
Roy's
Cafe Hiro
Honda-Ya
Tulsa Ribs
Mariscos Puerto Esperanza
Thai Nakorn
PLEASE POST YOUR VOTES HERE: Ultimate Los Angeles Restaurants 2009
Over $25
1) Urasawa
2) Providence
3) Spago
4) Animal
5) Melisse
Under $25 still pending...
Need Suggestion for WIFE 30th Bday. (anything like PROVIDENCE in OC? )
Wow, you must have really liked it! Personally, I've had good to very good meals there, but never great. Not surprisingly, it feels kind of corporate- a nice corporate, but corporate none the less. Sat at the chef's counter once; they had a large party going on and the experience was kind of meh. Large room, and servers wearing the same ubiquitous name tags as everyone else at Disney. But it is nice to stroll around the area after dinner.
I actually forgot about MM (see below). Have had some nice meals there. Definitely sit outside, preferably in one of the booths. Inside is very cramped.
Need Suggestion for WIFE 30th Bday. (anything like PROVIDENCE in OC? )
Has anyone been out to Studio since Craig Strong took over? However, if their strangely uptight attitude remains, it may not make a difference. I'm assuming you want the complete experience of food, service, atmosphere. Off the top of my head- Stonehill Tavern, Napa Rose (Disney), Pinot Provence (aging), The Hobbit (haven't been for a while), Andrea (Pelican Hill- some friends said it was pretty good), Charlie Palmer (though I've been greatly underwhelemd last few visits). Each place has its little quirks and I think if you try to directly compare them to Providence, they'll come up lacking. There are of course a bunch of other places in OC that serve great food, just that the service and surroundings may not be as polished. So just have fun, make the best of it, and enjoy the company!
A review: Pop's Cafe, Santa Ana CA
I think it means Breakfast and Lunch Diner. But back on topic, I've been there once- thought it was decent. Food was hot and tasty; service was pleasant.
California Sushi Roll Factory
They're still open? Huge, sloppily prepared rolls. Choose the customer created favorites hand written on the wall! Hey, it was great back when I was in school (in the same vein as the all you can eat at the Lighthouse and Cowboy sushi), but yeah, like the others, I've moved on.
Mastros Ocean Club or Scotts Seafood
Scott's has seen its better days- it used to be one of my preferred locations for food in Orange County. Unfortunately, that was in the last century. A series of chef changes with an overall decline in food has left me with no desire to go back. The room is showing its age as well. Maestro's has the better food with prices to match, atmosphere is on the loud side with lots of energy- not the most romantic, but certainly fun.
Cherimoya Fruit
The Asian markets (99, etc...) normally carry them, but yes, they are pretty easy to grow. My father has a tree and the fruit is indeed pretty tasty- though it took a little adjustment period for me to appreciate the creamy texture coming from a fruit.
Napa Valley - three great dinners?
Recent Visits:
Redd has become our go to place for well prepared food, fresh flavors, and efficient service. Good value ratio.
Bottega- very energetic place; their wrap-around patio should be very nice this time of year. Food was good, but almost too boldly flavored- found the various sauces quite rich and powerful. Chiarello in and out of the kitchen hobnobbing. Service friendly but uneven.
Terra- reliable standby- even though miso cod has become passe, I still think no one does it better. Other dishes also well executed. Perhaps aging a bit, but comfortable wine country elegance.
Ubuntu- unique experience, very good, albeit different food. More hits than misses.
Bouchon- fine, but nothing special.
Private Party for 120 near Pelican Hill, Please help
Turnip Rose Catering has an event site nearby. Location is slightly weird (across the street from Triangle square at the end of the 55) but is easily accessible with plentiful parking. I've used them a few times before, and while not exactly cheap, I think their prices were reasonable for the level of service and quality they provide.
http://www.turniprose.com/
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Turnip Rose - Grand Newport Plaza
1901 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA
An amazing Chef's Tasting at Providence - Thanks to all you great LA Chowhounds!
Very nice, in depth review. The chef's tasting has never disappointed me at Providence, and it has become my dependable "Go To" place when I want a superbly prepared meal at what is to me, and incredible price. I know it has it's detractors on the board, but it really is a quintessential LA experience. More laid back, not as formal, but still appropriate with excellent food. My one slight complaint would be that the wine list is a bit thin, and while they do offer wine pairings with the tasting, and it is only 80- for 10+ glasses, they often are not the most appropriate matches. The last time we went, we asked them to pair with a higher budget (150-200) but I think it could have still been improved. I know that we could always bring our own, but trying to pair 10+ courses is not the easiest, and honestly, we're not the greatest planners as far as calling ahead and getting the menu.
That being said, we're still big fans.
Dinner Saturday night in or near the City of Brea
Second the Taps rec- has decent microbrewed beers, menu is solid and appeals to all tastes. Large sports bar on one side if you want to keep up on March Madness. They have live entertainment sometimes which can really be quite loud (the restaurant has high ceilings, so loud sound really does carry), but if you're going for a fun destination in the area, this should fit the bill.
The State of Spanish Food in the OC
Black Sheep Bistro is a solid place. I've had their oveja negra paella before which was really an overwhelming amount of food with about 50 mussels. Quite tasty. I've also had their lamb, which was prepared I remember in three different ways. I recall the wine list having quite of few of those easy drinking, light spanish wines- I think we had a nice albarino from rias biaxis. The owner/chef is a little quirky, and the room is a lttle dated, but comfortable- think your stereotypical grandma's house, but overall, it has me thinking why haven't been back recently.
Cafe Tu Tu Tango is a hit/miss place that has a tapas like menu which runs the whole gamut of cuisines. Can't recall any particular dishes- I think they are inconsistent enough that what might be good on one trip might not be on another. Decent beer list, and because of the range of cuisines, usually pretty easy for everyone to pick out something that they might like.
Been to Lizzaran once, but it was at a social event, so we pretty much ate at whatever was brought out. I thought the food was fine, though the temp on a few of the items seemed a little off. Need to go back to get a better feel for the place.
Orange county Mexican - what's best?
Used to go to Gabbi's all the time, as they had a nice combo of atmosphere and food. That being said, their prices are definitely on the high side, and the last few times we went, the service, particularly the front of the house,was particularly arrogant and snooty- think those recent comments about O. Mozza and you can get the picture. That is inappropriate anywhere, but downtown Orange? Food came out cold as well. At their price points, inexcusable. Tried to speak to a manager, sent an email- nothing... so that was it for us- off the list.
So where to now? There's a place in Santa Ana- sorry, I'm not even too sure of the name, off of Main and 17th that I've been to a few times, and I too will hit up El Gallo Giro, which I don't really feel is all that "divey" at all in comparison to other options I've been to!
MPE to me is a whole different animal (fish), as you go their for the seafood, though DU had quite a revelation over their chile rellenos. I've enjoyed my meals there, and although recent reports have them doing better, the atmosphere was always pretty sad, as were wer usually the only party there. The whole fish is the way to go there, as well as the langostinos, though be prepared to get your hands dirty. Ceviche fresh but too sweet for me. They offer lunch specials as well, though I've never been.
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El Gallo Giro
1442 S Bristol St Ste 1A, Santa Ana, CA 92704
upscale japanese in orange county?
Bluefin is a very good choice for omakase with cooked foods and sushi, but the room is a little cramped, so not very intimate.
Hamamori is somewhat overpriced, but the room is nicer, though somewhat cold and sterile. Food is good but expensive.
Kitayama I have not been to in about three years, but yeah, it is an old warhorse on its last legs. It does have small secluded booths, however.
I personally would pick Bluefin for the food.
Don't believe the hype: Ramos House Cafe
It was a "find" when it first opened, but over the years, it has morphed into an overpriced (esp for the weekend brunch) shell of itself. Price of brunch has gone up over 50% (it was $20 about 6 or 7 years ago) and John Q seems to have bought into the hype of having a popular place with long lines on the weekends, and has gone from quirky to arrogant. Food is gussied up comfort food and not even close to worth it.
Oh and the Tea House, even worse...
Good sushi - orange county?
Ah yes, the annual state of sushi discussion in orange county. I actually think the list by julian hsu is pretty good. I guess I'll just chime in with my thoughts on the various places that have been discussed here...
Wasabi- my definite go to place. Everytime I start to stray away from it, I always come back. Yes, it is a pretty set menu, and he does have a slightly heavy hand with the sauce. The precut sushi may be offensive to some people's sensibilities. But the variety is decent, the fish reliably fresh, and where else are you getting Kubota Manju for $80?
Bluefin- I really like it taken as a whole, when I want a few cooked dishes in my meal. The sushi is above average, though I've a had some poorly cut pieces there. Much more "on" when Abe himself is there.
Sushi Maki- as everyone has mentioned, the sushi at the bar in front of Sakamoto is the only place to eat at here. Will come out with some exotic, fresh items, and the itamae is very personable. The one major caveat / problem I've had with this place is that the omakase pricing can be seemingly arbitrary- I've been charged for a "premium hand roll" which had some toro, hamachi, etc in it- $38! I've had bills there that are 150 just for the sushi/sashimi, and at those price points, I have some issues with the quality/value ratio.
Shibucho- quality/selection of the fish is sometimes uneven, but it is great fun to watch his knifework at the bar. Prices have remained relatively (and surprisingly) low especially in comparison to its competitors.
Angotei- tiny cramped location, waits can be long, fish is above average, but not worth the other negatives.
Hamamori- pretty, if sterile room. FIsh is good, nice combination with cooked dishes, like Bluefin. Overpriced however, thus Bluefin is preferred. And for whatever reason, everyone always seems a little unhappy here.
DineLA - Gordon Ramsay
Your sea trout was probably a Tasmanian sea trout. Thanks for the report.
Ultimate OC Restaurants, 2008
My list, based on 2008 experiences:
>$25
1) Sushi Wasabi
2) Marche Moderne
3) Tradition by Pascal
4) Sapphire
5) Old VIne Cafe
1) Tulsa Rib Factory
2) Bangkok Taste
3) Cafe Hiro
4) Honda-Ya
5) The Counter
