Fabulous Dining Options at the JW Marriott Anaheim Resort

I was recently invited to check out the dining options at the beautiful JW Marriott Hotel in Anaheim, and was SO impressed! Opened quietly during the pandemic in 2020, the JW Marriott Anaheim Resort is a top notch addition to the Disneyland resort area - situated right next to the Anaheim Garden Walk and walking distance to Disneyland and California Adventure. 

Tocca Ferro

Tocca Ferro is the award winning Italian Chophouse located on the second floor of this lovely resort. If you’re not familiar with this fine restaurant you soon will be as it was just named North America’s Best New Restaurant 2022 by World Culinary Awards! 

With lovely window views of their rooftop garden where the Chef grows many of the ingredients used in the restaurant's delicious dishes, and a warm inviting ambiance you can't go wrong at Tocca Ferro for date night or a lovely dinner with friends. I was highly impressed with the menu overall. The restaurant offers quite a variety of dishes from premium dry-aged steaks and fresh seafood to perfectly al-dente housemade pastas.  The local flavor and love put into each dish really shines thru with fresh flavors you can taste in each bite. 

Trust me folks, even though Tocca Ferro is a hop skip and a jump from the Disneyland resort area it’s not just for tourists.  This is a top notch operation from the fabulous food & drinks to the attentive service. Highly recommend you check out this wonderful restaurant before everyone else discovers it! 

Parkestry Rooftop Bar 

So admittedly, I had no clue there was a rooftop bar on the 11th floor of the JW Marriott until I was invited to check it out.  It's a beautiful space with cozy couches, lovely firepits and live music on some evenings. Oh, and of course eleven floors makes it the highest rooftop bar in Anaheim which comes with a stunning views of the area including the Disneyland Resort, and even the fireworks on the nights they appear!

Not to be outdone by the view, Parkestry Rooftop Bar also serves up some delicious bites including a sinful lobster roll and a perfect for two cheese board! Of course, they also have a great cocktail and wine menu too if you’re just in the mood for a drink with a view. 

Parkestry Rooftop Bar is a definite MUST for visitors or locals alike!

✵The JW Marriott Anaheim Resort is located at 1775 S. Clementine in Anaheim. 

Be sure to visit soon and tell them OCFOODIEGIRL sent you! 

 

The Perfect Staycation at the Hotel La Jolla!

La Jolla has always been one of my favorite communities in San Diego! After all, what's not to like about beautiful beaches, unique cliff top views of the Pacific, the cutest downtown with unique boutiques and delicious restaurants. All I needed for my recent visit was the perfect place to stay - enter the Hotel La Jolla!

The Hotel La Jolla, a Curio Collection hotel by Hilton couldn't have been more of a perfect home away from home for my little excursion. Situated in a quiet residential neighborhood, just a short less than 10 minute stroll from the lovely La Jolla Shores beach and park, and a quick drive to the lively shops and restaurants in downtown, you really can't ask for a better location. 

The very first thing you'll notice at this lovely  boutique Hotel is the modern yet comfy ambiance in the lobby with a cozy fireplace to warm up with on those chilly beach evenings. 

The staff was also beyond friendly and extremely helpful at explaining all the amenities and getting us situated.

Off the lobby, you also can't miss the inviting tropical pool area and lovely Hiatus outdoor lounge with comfy couches to grab a drink while chatting with friends or pretending to work from home. ;)

The rooms are outfitted with plush comfortable bedding, large big-screen plasma TV's, and if you're lucky to get one of the balcony rooms facing the ocean, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking ocean views between the palm trees from the furnished balconies. 

My favorite part about the Hotel La Jolla? The stunning Cusp Restaurant on the 11th floor. 

This beautifully appointed restaurant features floor to ceiling windows making it the perfect venue to watch the sun set over the Pacific or see the lovely lights in the evening. Tailor made tables jut up against the windows to give you the perfect view while enjoying your meal. 

Even with the stellar view, the food at Cusp is truly the star. Executive Chef Ingrid Funes Shelton has crafted a delicious menu that changes seasonally, and is filled with creative dishes from shareable appetizers to perfectly seasoned fresh local halibut to a mouthwatering ribeye steak topped with the yummiest chimichurri sauce. 

The craft cocktails and extensive wine list were also completely on point at Cusp and the adjacent bar area. You won't want for much at Cusp!

Trust me, the next time you find yourself in La Jolla, be sure to check out Cusp for brunch, lunch or dinner! 

The Hotel La Jolla is also situated in a great location to explore the rest of San Diego as it's only a few freeway stops from Mission Beach, Sea World and only a little further drive to Balboa Park and downtown San Diego. You can venture into all the tourist areas during the day and retreat to the relaxing vibes of La Jolla after a fun filled day. Sheer perfection. :)

The Hotel La Jolla is located at 7955 La Jolla Shores in La Jolla. You can book your stay at the Hotel La Jolla directly on their website: https://www.hotellajolla.com/

You can also book your dinner with a view at Cusp directly on Open Table. 

Be sure to tell them OCFoodieGirl sent you! 

Easter Brunch is back in Orange County!

Easter in Orange County is always a special time with our great weather and this year, I suspect many families will be getting together more than in the recent years. Luckily, OC has lots of places to celebrate that will make for a fun Easter memory. 

You do want to make your reservation sooner rather than later though as they do fill up fast! 

Orange Hills Restaurant in Orange

OC fav, Orange Hill is bringing back their Easter Experience brunch. For $89 Adults/$35 Children, Orange Hill is offering their four course brunch from 

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Check out the full brunch menu here: https://www.theorangehillrestaurant.com/news-item/easter-experience/

Habana at the Irvine Spectrum 

If you're looking for something with a latin flair, Habana in Irvine has a yummy sounding Brunch for $52 per person with entrees like Country Fried Chuelton and Caribbean Flan for dessert! They will also have their regular menu available. 

More info here: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5d38be67c7d842000198f198/t/6247854d87bf2c0dcd0074c2/1648854355947/Habana+-+Easter+2022.pdf

Ysidora in San Juan Capistrano

This new dining hot-spot in SJC, across from the mission and inside the Inn at Mission San Juan Capistrano Hotel is offering a special 5 course brunch menu for $70 adults/$35 children. Not only do they have a special visit from the Easter Bunny himself along with egg hunts for the kiddos planned from 11-1:30pm but also live music for the adults. Sounds like fun! More info here: https://www.ysidora.com/our-menus

Black Marlin in Tustin

Looking for something a little more casual but with good food and fun atmosphere? The Black Marlin in Tustin may be what your Easter celebrating heart is seeking! Lots of a la carte options on a special Easter menu as well as special free-flowing champagne for $17.95 deal. Can't beat that for a lively Easter! https://www.blackmarlinrestaurant.com/files/bm-easter-2022-pdf.pdf

Pasea in Huntington Beach

The lovely Pasea Resort in HB is doing it up for Easter with a Brunch by the Beach which includes a welcome glass of champagne, a build-your-own waffle bar, omelet station, seafood displays, sushi stations and lots more - all with a view of the Pacific! They will also be offering a special buffet station just for the kiddos with all their favs!  $110 Adults/$50 Children More info and tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/easter-brunch-at-pasea-hotel-spa-tickets-296996373147

Bayside in Newport Beach

If you're looking for a little champs on Easter, Bayside is having an Easter Sunday Champagne Brunch! $69 for adults/$30 for children and includes 3 courses. Check out the menu here:  https://www.baysiderestaurant.com/menu#menu=easter-sunday-champagne-brunch

Las Brisas in Laguna Beach

Enjoy Easter with a view at the lovely Las Brisas in Laguna Beach. They're offering an $80 prix-fixe four course brunch menu with some delicious sounding entrees like a smoked salmon tostada, a lobster Benedict, and steak and lobster enchiladas! Check out the full menu here: https://www.lasbrisaslagunabeach.com/easter/

The Winery in Newport Beach

Another Easter with a view at The Winery in NB. For only $59 per guest you get a 3 course Easter feast! Check out the menu here: https://www.thewinerynewport.com/events/easter-brunch

Happy Easter and be sure to tell them OCFoodieGirl sent you! 

Omakase by Gino (OMG) in Santa Ana, a unique experience for the sushi fanatic!

Recently had the pleasure of dining at Omakase by Gino (OMG) in downtown Santa Ana and had to share my experience for the fellow sushi fanatics! 

OMG opened quietly a few years ago but like most restaurants was hard hit by the pandemic. Truthfully, it's a very non-descript place on Main St in Santa Ana, next to a noisy bar and an old theater that's been converted to a church - you'd walk right by it without even knowing it was there but once you step inside it's like you're transported to Tokyo. The décor and the ambiance of a true sushi bar - as authentic as you're going to find in OC. 

Of course, what would all that be without authentic food as well? Happy to report that OMG doesn't disappoint in this department either. Only offering a seasonally changing omakase (Chef's choice) menu so this isn't for the unadventurous or the roll-exclusive sushi patrons. YMMV but our menu for the evening featured 16 items, and suffice it to say we left so full we were literally waddling to our car. ;) 

Salmon Roll w roe & gold leaf
in a yuzu truffle sauce

We started out with a variety of appetizers - think amuse bouche one-bite of pleasure style dishes but each more flavorful and creative than the last. It was a lovely start to what would prove to be almost more of a show than a dinner with Chef Gino preparing every dish in front of the L shaped bar and making sure that all 8 seats get a view of the dish prior to consumption. 

Lobster Chawanmushi

 BTW, Chef Gino is the owner and ONLY employee in  the kitchen, as he cooks and preps everything himself daily. It is quite the spectacle and worth the price of admission alone to see the Chef doing what he does best! He displays many creative techniques and tools that were quite educational and entertaining to watch. 

Following the appetizers we had an assortment of the freshest sashimi I've ever tried in my life. The Chef only serves what is in season, flown over from Japan, and also what corresponds to the weather. Such a unique approach which shines through as every piece of sashimi was pure perfection featuring toro, kampachi, hokkaido salmon.. and many more !

Uni Udon wTruffles

Also included in our dinner was a special signature dish of udon loaded w local fresh Santa Barbara uni and freshly shaved black truffles. I have never had such fresh creamy uni which paired perfectly with the udon noodles. 

Fatty Toro w caviar and
shredded black truffle

Our final courses were 9 different nigiri - each crafted in front of our eyes and set on our plate immediately after bein handcrafted by the Chef. Instructed to eat them within 10 seconds for optimum flavor, they were heartily devoured! 

They were all absolutely delicious but the standout for me was most definitely the fatty toro w shredded truffle and caviar which literally melted in my mouth. 

Seared A5 Wagyu

AND if after all that fish you're craving a little beef, Chef Gino scratches that itch for you with a unique seared A5 Wagyu nigiri garnished w a smidge of gold leaf.

The infamous Chef Gino, owner/Chef

If you'd like to try out OMG for yourself be warned that it is not inexpensive at $165 per person but IMHO the value of the premium ingredients coupled with the outstanding service far exceeds the price charged. I've paid for more for experiences like this that were much less stellar. 

The hardest part about dining at OMG? Getting a reservation is a tad bit like winning the lottery. On one day each month, he opens up reservations on yelp for the entire following month but be warned that they literally fill up within minutes. To find out which day he will open the reservations follow his Instagram @omakasebygino as it's typically announced on there. Trust me though, it's worth every little bit of effort! :) #goodluck

A small side note: I was also BEYOND pleasantly surprised to find out that OMG serves Suntory Premium Malt on draft. This is a rarity and seriously one of the most delicious draft beers. The creamy foam and robust flavor paired perfectly with the meal. I highly recommend you try it with yours if you dine at OMG. It's also a favorite of the Chef. ;) 

Our menu for the evening alongside
a lovely glass of Suntory Premium Malt Draft Beer

Omakase by Gino (OMG) is located at 304 N. Main Street in Santa Ana. 

Phone: 657/231-6008  

Reservations are required, and are only available one day a month through yelp. 

Don't forget to tell them OCFOODIEGIRL sent you! ;) 

Thanksgiving in the time of COVID...

Thanksgiving in the time of COVID...what exactly does that mean for a foodie? For some, it means staying home and making plans with a few close friends or family members in your COVID bubble or if you're okay dining out there are a few other options to celebrate the coziest time of the year! 

TO-GO OPTIONS 

If you're staying home, several restaurants are doing some pretty amazing to-go dinners that might make your Thanksgiving a little easier. Be warned though that many require ordering in advance so you may want to put in your order soone rather than later! 

Summit House in Fullerton

If your bubble-peeps aren't in the mood for turkey this year, the Summit House in Fullerton is offering a Roast Prime Rib Thanksgiving Dinner at home.  They have two sizes - one that feds 4-6 and another for 7-10, and include all the fixings - even pumpkin cheesecake for dessert!  There are a limited number of orders available for pick up on Thanksgiving Day from 11:30-2pm so call ASAP on this one! See the menu on their website: http://summithousefullerton.com/summithouse-curbside-thanksgiving-menu-2020.pdf and call this # to put in your order: 714/671-4111

Marche Moderne in Newport Beach

Arguably, the best restaurant in OC, is offering Luxe Dinner Boxes for curbside pick up on Thanksgiving from 11am to 1pm. The last day to order them is Monday, November 23rd although they may sell out sooner as only 100 boxes are being made. Menu includes Roasted Free Range Canadian Turkey Breas and Confit Leg Meat with several decadent sides and luscious desserts. Each box serves 4 and costs $395.  See the full menu below and call 714/434-7900 between 1-5pm, Wed thru Sunday to order. 

 

Seasons 52 in Costa Mesa

This healthy dining locale is offering a $150 Thanksgiving Takeout for pickup on Tues or Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Simply store in the fridge and reheat on Thanksgiving Day in less than hour to enjoy! Each Thanksgiving Takeout box feeds 4-6 people and includes choice of field greens salad or romaine Caeser, roasted turkey with pan gravy, Yukon mashed potatoes, brioche sage stuffing, green beans, mashed butternut squash, house made cranberry relish and six of their famous mini-indulgence desserts. Order your box online: https://www.seasons52.com/menu/thanksgiving-dinner/prod7560073?setRestaurant=4513

Black Angus - locations in Buena Park, Santa Ana and Fountain Valley

If you're looking for something a little more affordable, Black Angus has to-go turkey family meals starting at $95.95 for up to four people. They also offer a 1/2 Prime Rib for $440.95 that serves 12-14 people.  All Family Meals come with all the fixings so you're pretty much set with one of these meals. To order and see all the options, go on their website: 

https://www.blackangus.com/thanksgiving/  

Note: Black Angus also offers dine-in service for Thanksgiving starting at $23.99 for adults and $10.99 for kids. 

Salt Creek Grille in Dana Point

The yummy SCG is offering up a Thanksgiving To-Go dinner with enough to feed 8 adults, and includes a whole 8lb free range turkey with soup, rolls, 4 sides, gravy and even a pie for $250 plus tax. Sounds like a pretty great deal! To order they're asking that you email  hmcclaire@saltcreekgrille.com and someone will fill you in all the ordering details. 

DINING OUT OPTIONS

If you're more inclined to go out to celebrate Thanksgiving, there are a few restaurants doing some nice dinners. Not sure yet how the weather will be but most do have outdoor options, as well as indoor dining if you're so inclined. 

Tavern House in Newport Beach

Only open for a few years but serving up some great food, Tavern House is serving their traditional herb roasted turkey dinner from 2-7pm on Thanksgiving Day. If someone in your party isn't in a turkey mood, they'll also have a prime rib option as well as a grilled salmon entrée. Whatever you chose, it comes served with mashed potatoes, creamed corn, maple bacon glazed Brussel sprouts, whipped butternut squash and cornbread.  Soup and Salad is also included. Call 949/673-8464 to make a reservation, especially if you have a large party. Adults $60 and Kids Turkey Dinner is $26. Tax and Gratuity not included. 

For more info see their website: https://www.tavernhousekb.com/menus

Water Grill in Costa Mesa

For the first time, Water Grill will be open for Thanksgiving and serving up its popular a la carte menu (prices vary) as well a a special three course Thanksgiving menu for $68. Call 949/208-7060 to make a reservation. 

Note: They will also be selling whole Thanksgiving turkeys at their monthly market on Saturday, November 21st from 9-3pm. For more info see their website: https://www.watergrill.com/southcoast

The Capital Grille at South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa 

The Capital Grille will also offer their full menu along with a special Thanksgiving turkey entrée for $45 per adult and $15 for children 12 and under. Call soon to make a dinner reservation.  714/432-1140

AND last but not least, if you're just looking for a fun Thanksgiving treat, several places in OC have some fun and tasty offerings...

See's Candies

See's has all kinds of fun seasonal candies for Thanksgiving including Apple Pie and Pecan Pie Truffles, Pumpkin Spice lollipops, Maple Cashew Brittle, and even milk chocolate turkeys! Be sure to go soon though cuz they will run out the closer it gets to the holiday.

Baskin Robbins

If you're in charge of dessert this year and not in the mood for pie, then maybe the ice cream turkey cake from BR is what you need?! Pretty darn cute but be sure to order at least a few days ahead! 

Duck Donuts in Irvine and Huntington Beach

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Surprise your family with some fall themed Duck Donuts. Right now through Nov 24th, Duck Donuts is also offering 20% off online orders with CODE: QUACKPACK20  Limited time special fall flavors include Apple Pie, Maple Bacon, Pumpkin Roll, Pumpkin Streussel, Salted Caramel, Caramel Apple Pie and Peanut Butter Paradise. 

To see them all and put in your order click here: https://www.duckdonuts.com/menu/featured-donuts/

However you celebrate, I hope you have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!!!