Authentic Italian Beef Sandwiches in OC?

I made it to Chicago's best and got the Italian Beef sandwich, with hot peppers. Since I wanted to taste the beef on its own, I got the juice on the side. I'm glad I did. Tapeworm describes the bread perfectly and when the server pulled the beef out of the hot tub of au jus, the bread was plenty wet already. I can't imagine if they dipped the roll. It was difficult to keep together but the taste was great. It remided me of a Cheesesteak minus the cheese and with the great italian flavors. The fries were also good but be careful because they fry them up for each order and were lava hot. Thank you all for the info and I will repost when I get to Portillos. Can't wait.

tmarr1 in Los Angeles Area

Authentic Italian Beef Sandwiches in OC?

Thanks for the input. I was pleased to find Chicago's Best close to my home so tomorrow I venture into Italian Beef territory. Nice. I will follow that up with a trip to Portillo's next week. Chowhounders, many thanks. I'll keep you posted on my findings.

tmarr1 in Los Angeles Area

Authentic Italian Beef Sandwiches in OC?

A friend swears that an Italian beef sandwich from Chicago is one of the best sanwiches around. Any one know of a place I can get one in Orange County? Thanks.

tmarr1 in Los Angeles Area

Cucina Alessa in Newport Beach

Went to Alessa Saturday night with friends. What an incredible surprise. Huge line out front but they were passing calamari to waiting patrons. We walked right in as they take reservations for parties of 6 or more. 1. Service was incredible. Our waiter was informative, attentive and had definite opinions when asked what he liked or what looked good that night. 2. Food was very good. Bread and Pesto delivered to the table for dipping. The carpaccio appetizer was excellent and salads too. We ordered 6 different things in our group and everyone was sharing each others. Halibut was a thick filet with an incredible sauce, salmon was mild but full of flavor. I had the pasta special which was spinach pasta stuffed with chopped prosciuto and cheese in a vodka sauce. Incredible but very very rich. All our food was great. 3. Price was a pleasant surprise. Nothing on the menu including the specials were much more than $20. In a day and age where we are all watching our wallets, it was nice to get good food at a reasonable price.

If there is a downside, we were in the back room and it was very loud but we had 6 people so we just added to the volume. Also, parking is light and you will have to wait unless you get there early.
Can't wait to go back and also try for breakfast!

The location is on PCH in West Newport as you head into HB.

tmarr1 in Los Angeles Area

Sabatino's in the Lido Shipyard

I agree that the sausage is why you go there and yes, there is cheese in it. As far as other options, they make and incredible stuffed bell pepper. It too has sausage as well as beef and veal in it but I even go there and get one to go. The gravy is good too, not too thick but very good.

tmarr1 in Los Angeles Area

Sushi near Brentwood

I am meeting friends who will be staying in Brentwood Thursday night. Any good recommendations for Sushi that will take a reservation for 6 people? Good atmosphere is important. Thanks.

tmarr1 in Los Angeles Area

Best Sushi in the OC

I agree Wafu isn't level of Urasawa or Bluefin but I agree with nomnomnoms that it is good. Great neighborhood joint.

tmarr1 in Los Angeles Area

Best Sushi in the OC

I think Bluefin at Crystal Cove shopping center, just south of CDM is incredible. A little pricey but nothing that will get her fired. Start with drinks at either Javiars or Mastro's Ocean Club in the same center. Cheers.

tmarr1 in Los Angeles Area

News on Cabana Laguna Beach/Alt recs?

When in Laguna, I always have had great seafood at Cafe' Zoolu. Small place, has a "baseball cut" swordfish which is incredible. The chef, Mike, somehow cooks it all the way through without drying out. Incredible. Sapphire is also great.

tmarr1 in Los Angeles Area

Bluefin still rocks!

I have to agree, Bluefin is incredible. Expensive? Yes. But the quality is superior to most every place I have been in the OC. I don't know why they don't get the press but I can tell you, we tried to get into Mozza twice, late, without reservations and both times was thrilled we couldn't get in and went to Bluefin. Abe has a hit with this place.

tmarr1 in Los Angeles Area