Orange County Restaurant Week is BACK! March 8-14th!

It's that time again! 

The 12th annual OC Restaurant Week is ALMOST here, happening from March 8 - 14th! This is the time to try out a new place or return to an old favorite. Soooo many amazing lunch and dinner deals at some of OC's best dining establishments with prices starting at $10 for lunch and $20 for dinner. That is one thing I love about this special week - there really is something for everyone at every price point. Take a peek at the list of restaurants for yourself: http://www.ocrestaurantweek.com/participating-restaurants.html

This year, they're also kicking it up with a special spicy menu, with dishes rated from 1-10 on the spice-meter! Check it out: http://www.ocrestaurantweek.com/spicy-menus.html

AND if that's not enough check out the special cocktails that participating restaurants have concocted for OC Restaurant Week:  http://www.ocrestaurantweek.com/cocktails-of-restaurant-week.html

The best way to map out your plan of attack?! Attend the OC Restaurant Week Launch Party on Saturday, March 7th! The Launch Party is an worthy event all by itself with over 40 participating restaurants, along with several sponsors handing out yummy bites and sips while enjoying the afternoon at the beautiful Irvine Spectrum Marriott with a live DJ and lots of fun! This event sells out EVERY year so if you're thinking about going, grab your tickets ASAP at this link:  http://www.ocrestaurantweek.com/launch-party.html

I've been asked several times where I'm going to be dining for OCRW and a few of my not-to-be-missed places are as follows (although you REALLY can't go wrong with any of the participating restaurants!):

Utopia European Caffe - if you haven't tried this little gem at The District in Tustin you've been missing out. Yes it's a EUROPEAN cafe but the finds here are all about the Turkish food, as the caffee is owned by a Turkish family and offers some delicious Mediterranean food. I also like that they have a slew of choices on their menu - some restaurants limit you to a few options but not Utopia, plus for $15 for lunch or $20 for dinner, this is a great way to try them out!

My favorite part of OCRW is trying new restaurants and I can't tell you how happy I was to see Scarlet Kitchen and Lounge on the list of participating restaurants!  I have been anxiously awaiting the opening of Scarlet Kitchen and am so excited that they are participating in OCRW cuz there's no better way to try out a new restaurant! I'm also excited to see a Lobster Grilled Cheese as an option - yum! 

Another new restaurant that just opened in the old Journeyman location in Fullerton is the Bronze Quail so I might be hitting BQ as well if I can fit it into my week. OCRW is too short! 

I'll also at some point be hitting my favorite Mix Mix Kitchen especially cuz Chef Ross is featuring a special dish, the Tuna Kinilaw. I've never had a dish I didn't like at Mix Mix or Terrace by Mix Mix so I'm eager to try it since it's only here for a limited time!  

Seriously OC this is the one week where the only thing you want to make for dinner is reservations! Diet the next week...and enjoy it! ;) 

Black Friday Dining Gift Card Deals!

So Black Friday deals aren't just about buying stuff, there are also some amazing dining deals out there this week as several restaurants are getting into the deal game! No better way to buy a present while getting something for yourself! Most of these deals are only available for a limited time and with the vast majority of offers, you can't use the bonus gift cards on the same day, and some are only usable during specify specific so be sure to ask before you buy them! YMMV on all these deals!

Here's the deals I've seen so far for local OC restaurants: 

Tavern House Kitchen & Bar in Newport Beach 

Just opened this year, the new Tavern House if offering buy a $100 gift card, get a $10 gift card for FREE! 

You do have to buy this in person at the restaurant to get the deal, but if you haven't tried out this delicious new waterside restaurant, there's no better time! 

Ironwood in Laguna Hills  

The yummy Ironwood is offering buy a $100 gift card, and get a $20 promo card for FREE! You can only buy this in person at the restaurant.

Cha Cha's Latin Kitchen in Brea & Irvine

Local Mexican restaurants Cha Cha's is offering buy a $100 in gift cards and get a $20 gift card for FREE! This offer is only available from Nov 29th - December 1st so hurry in to pick it up at the restaurant!  

Five Crowns in Corona Del Mar

The iconic Five Crown by Lawry is offering buy a $125 gift card and get a $25 gift card for FREE from now til December 31st, 2019.  The $25 gift card is valid for use from January 2, 2020 til March 31, 2020 excluding holidays. Visit their gift card page for full details: https://bit.ly/33lcJlx

17th Street Grill in Tustin

This local favorite is offering buy a $100 gift card and get a $17 gift card FREE! 

Pickled Monk in Fullerton

On Friday. 11/29 the Pickled Monk is offering buy a $50 gift card and get an additional $50 added to it for FREE! That's basically getting a $100 gift card for $50 - half price! This is available ONLINE only and ONLY on November 29th. 

Roy's Restaurant in Anaheim

Enjoy the island flavor at Roys when you buy a $100 gift card and get two $20 Bonus cards. Offer available til December 31st and bonus cards can only be used one at a time from 01/01/20 thru 03/31/20 excluding holidays. 

Islands 

With several locations in OC, Islands is offering buy a $25 gift card, get a $5 bonus gift card FREE! Bonus cards are valid for use from 01/01/20 thru 02/29/20. 

Lemonade

The tasty Lemonade with two locations in OC is offering buy a $25 gift card, get a $5 Bonus Card for use 1/1/20-02/29/20. The bonus card will be emailed to you after purchase. 

Ruby's Diner

Another OC favorite, Ruby's is offering buy a $50 gift card and get a $10 bonus gift card! Valid at the majority of Ruby's locations but you may want to confirm if you're hoping to use it at a specific location. 

Del Taco

Perennial favorite Del Taco is offering two deals - 1) Buy $30 in gift cards and get coupons for 2 FREE small size combo meals or 2) Buy $100 in gift cards and get coupons for 8 FREE small size combo meals! You MUST buy the gift cards ONLINE on 12/2 or 12/3 and the combo meal coupons are only valid til March 3, 2020. 

Keep your eyes open as I'm sure there will be many more dining gift card deals popping up but wanted to let you all know about the ones I'd heard about so you can be ready! 

Get your Seafood and Steak (and more!) on at San Manuel Casino!

Have you been to San Manuel Casino lately? Admittedly, I hadn't been there in quite awhile and was pretty impressed with how modern San Manuel is these days! Located in Highland, I didn't realize it's also one of the closest casinos to Orange County! It took me a smidge over an hour to get there this past weekend, MUCH closer than Vegas or any of the other Southern California casino. 

My main motivation for visiting San Manuel Casino was to try out the well known weekend Steak and Seafood Buffet at the Serrano Buffet. The buffet features on a daily basis, a wide array of American, Asian, Italian and Mexican cuisine, but on the weekend it's known for its extended selection of seafood and steaks. You definitely don't need to go to Vegas for a great buffet folks! 

Special seafood selections for the weekend buffet include a Seafood Medley Scampi Station, Lobster Pasta, Crab legs/Crab & Seaweed Salad (Crab - Saturday only), Lemon Parmesan Shrimp Pasta, Peel & Eat Shrimp, Garlic and Chile Shrimp, Fried Shrimp, Shrimp and Grits (Shrimp - Sunday only) 

If you're more in a steak mood, Serrano Buffet offers just about anything your beef-craving heart could want including grilled NY Steaks, Rojo Flank Steak and of course, a decadent carving station with slices of slow cooked roast beef cut to your preference. You really can't go wrong with a little surf and turf on the weekend folks! 

Of course, the daily selections are also available on the weekend. There's literally something for everyone from pizza, sushi, mounds of peel and eat shrimp to fried chicken and an expansive salad bar. 

When it comes time for dessert, the dessert station is no slacker at San Manuel! They not only have a wide array of pastries, cakes, and other desserts but there's actually a scoop to order gelato bar with ten varieties fo gelato! Nobody is going to leave unsatisfied at the Serrano Buffet!  

In addition to the Steak and Seafood Weekend specials, the Serrano Buffet at San Manuel Casino also offers several feature nights, including an ALL YOU CAN EAT lobster night on Wednesday and Thursdays. This special features whole Maine lobsters as well as tails and claws. One of my readers recently attended and said it was beyond worth the money and the short drive! 

One feature I also found unique to the Seranno Buffet is that you can actually skip the line by making a reservation! Reservations are limited but I get the feeling not many people know that you can do this so it's a great little tip to use on your next visit. The Serrano Buffet on the weekends runs from 4pm - midnight on Saturday and Sunday. $33 for Club Seranno Members (join for free) or $37 for non-members. For more info on the Seranno Buffet or to see all the daily specials see the website: https://www.sanmanuel.com/dining/serrano-buffet

When you're done indulging at the Serrano Buffet, be sure to check out San Manuel's NEW high stakes room, The Vault Gaming & Provisions  A little nondescript (see pic) and located on the second floor, near the elevator it's very worth the easy search as it's sure to knock your socks off! 

While it is a high stakes gambling room, let me fill you in on a little secret - you don't have to play high stakes to grab a drink or a bite to eat at this gorgeous speakeasy-inspired bar. However, if you're inclined it's really the perfect venue as they even offer an on-site concierge to help with any detail you might need to make your high-end night complete. 

The hip modern bar in The Vault features premium wines, liquors and handcrafted artisan cocktails including such highly sought rarities as Screaming Eagle Cabernet and Pappy Van Winkle Reserve Bourbon. 

The mixers in the cocktails are made fresh in-house and the cocktails follow along the same speakeasy theme with names like "Smoke & Mirrors."  It doesn't hurt that the bartenders are as friendly as can be, and super knowledgeable to boot! 

The Vault also has an exclusive shareable plates menu curated by San Manuel's Executive Chef Jerrold Brooks. If you don't feel like enjoying your libations at the bar, there's also a cozy secluded sitting area to sit down and enjoy your food and drink. 

They've really thought of everything here, as it's really a casino within a casino, and definitely worthy of checking out on your next visit!  

San Manuel Casino is located at 777 San Manuel Blvd in Highland, CA. 

For more information on everything San Manuel has to offer see their website: https://www.sanmanuel.com/ or call 800/350-2464.

Don't forget to tell them OCFOODIEGIRL sent you! 

New Restaurant Review: MAMÓN in Foothill Ranch

If you're a Peruvian food fan like myself then you've for sure been to one of the delicious Inka Mama's Restaurants in OC, BUT did you know that right next door to the Foothill Ranch location of Inka Mama's is another Peruvian-influenced treasure, MAMÓN?  Brought to you by the children of the two "Mama's" who started it all, it's a unique presentation of wholesome food cooking emphasizing healthy eating but without sacrificing flavor! 

I recently visited and was beyond impressed with how flavorful every dish I tried was! From their delicious brunch offerings to the moist juicy roasted meats they serve with their plates, it was a pleasant surprise to find such unique tasty offerings in a place I never knew was there. MAMÓN is a casual eatery with fun modern decor. They have both inside and outside seating, as well as bar seating. The service is upbeat, friendly and helpful. 

The menu at MAMÓN offers a little something for everyone including sandwiches, wraps, salads, and their infamous roasted meat plates.  The roasted meat offerings include pork, tri-tip, salmon and the seasonal turkey that was recently added. I chose to try the turkey which proved to be cooked perfectly moist and seasoned to perfection. It was also served up with a nice sauce that is reminiscent of the green Peruvian sauce you'll find at Mama Inka's.  An especially nice touch to the meat platters is that you get to choose your portion size ranging from 4 to 8 oz, depending on how hungry you are and how much you want to spend. Each plate comes with a side, as well as a serving of their crave-able pickled beets - yes, I know they're beets but trust me, these were some of the BEST beets I've ever tried. They were SO good that we actually inquired about taking some home, and was informed that they do indeed sell their sides a la carte to-go!

Chanco en Cama 

MAMÓN is also known for their unique sandwich creations so I couldn't leave without sampling one. At the suggestion of one of the owners, I chose to try the traditional Chanco en Cama (Pig in Bed) which comes with roasted pork shoulder, charred thinly sliced sweet potato, lime marinated red onions and cilantro, and a decadent yellow pepper aioli. Reminiscent of a pulled pork sandwich but with an added sweetness from the sweet potato and a unique twist with the yellow pepper aioli. It was delicious and I'd definitely order it again on a return visit. 

Brunch is also offered at MAMÓN on Saturday and Sundays. Having seen a few pictures prior to my visit, I had to try the uber popular "Toasted" from the brunch menu.

The "Toasted" French Toast

The "Toasted" is a banana pudding stuffed french toast, served with a seasonal berry compote and warm maple syrup. It's as heavenly as it sounds with banana pudding oozing out the sides of the thick slices of grilled up toast. I can see why this is such a popular dish and if you're a french toast fan, you definitely want to put this on your "must try" list! if you're not in a sweet mode, the brunch menu also offers up several savory items including the "Loaded" breakfast sandwich and a "Hammered" spinach tortilla breakfast burrito. 

Although known for their roasted meats, MAMÓN does have quite a few vegan/vegetarian options and 75% of the menu is actually V friendly!  Options include an Avocado and Tomato Toast,  a decadent sounding three cheese Grilled Cheese,  and many of the sides are also V friendly so definitely don't be put off by the meat-centric menu. 

Check out MAMÓN for yourself at 26676 Portola Parkway, #D in Foothill Ranch. 

Hours: 11-8 Monday - Friday

             9-4 Saturday & Sunday

See the full menu and learn more about MAMÓN on their website:  https://www.mamonrestaurants.com/

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

New Restaurant Openings!

Several new restaurants have recently opened in OC so no better time to try out a new eatery! 

Todos Santos in Rancho Santa Margarita

The eagerly anticipated new gourmet Mexican restaurant by Chef Casey Overton, formerly of The Loft at the Montage Hotel, has finally opened! Serving up modern authentic Mexican cuisine in an inviting upscale ambiance with a lovely outdoor patio, it's sure to be a hit! To peruse the menu, see their website: https://www.eatdrinksantos.com/

Located in the El Paseo Plaza shopping center at 22322 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688

SteelCraft in Garden Grove

Not just one new eatery but a whole gathering of new places to dine opened with the opening of the much anticipated SteelCraft. You may be familiar with Steelcraft as they have two existing locations  in Bellflower and Long Beach but this is their first foray into Orange County.. The 20,000 square-foot craft food and drink gathering space made up of re-purposed shipping containers with an open-air roof structure, located in the heart of the City of Garden Grove, houses 9 unique small businesses. Something for everyone, SteelCraft Garden Grove is currently home to: Beachwood Brewing, Dark Horse Coffee Roasters, Cauldron Ice Cream, Honey & Butter Macarons, The Nest: A Breakfast Joint, The Chick 'N Shack: Khao Man Gai, Barrio: Modern Filipino BBQ, Renegade Taco, and Teemu Selanne's The Penalty Box. Located at 12900 S Euclid St, Garden Grove, CA 92840

Everyday Eatery in Irvine

Just opened and already getting rave reviews, Everyday Eatery specializes in breakfast, brunch and lunch. This casual new eatery is serving up unique and creative breakfast items with a healthy bent, made with seasonal local products including fried egg sammies, ricotta hautecakes, breakfast burritos, avocado radish toasts and macro bowls along with special coffees and other "bevvies'.  Sounds like it's worth a try! Located at 6634 Irvine Center Drive - near Sand Canyon in Irvine.
https://everydayeatery.com/

Insomnia Cookies in Irvine

You may have visited Insomnia Cookies before as they have quite a following all over the country. They've eccentrically opened their FIRST location in OC at the University Center Plaza in Irvine. Known for their late hours serving up warm cookies every day til 3am, they're a great addition to the UCI area for all those late night cookie runs! Learn more about Insomnia and check out their cookie options on their website: https://insomniacookies.com/menu

Scarlet Kitchen and Lounge in Rancho Mission Viejo

Scheduled to open any day now and eagerly awaited in the newish area of Rancho Mission Viejo, this new family-run eatery intends to serve up delicious food and libations with fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. Along with signature dishes and fun craft cocktails, guests will be able to enjoy indoor and outdoor seating along with live music and entertainment on the weekends! To keep apprised of the exact opening date, sign up for their mailing list on their website: https://scarletkl.com/

Located at 30865 Gateway Place E-6 in Rancho Mission Viejo

Rock & Brews has opened in Tustin. This is the second location of R&B in Orange County, with the first one in Buena Park. The rock-inspired eatery serves up family-friendly american comfort food. There's also a large  outdoor patio with fire pits and games, and a play area for the kiddos.
Definitely worth check it out!
https://www.rockandbrews.com/tustin/

AND last but certainly not least, is the opening of Bake Cheese Tart in Century City. Even though this opening is in LA not OC I felt compelled to share it as when I visited Asia a few years ago, this was hands-down my most favorite treat that I tried. This is ONLY their second location in the United States, with the first being in SF last year, so we should feel lucky to have a Bake within driving range! Bake is the originator of the Japanese cheese tart that's been copied many times but IMHO Bake is still better than any other I've ever tried. It's hard to describe these little flavor bombs but they're a tad sweet mixed with cheesy goodness and smidge of tartness. Prolly not the best description but rest assure they are delicious and there's a reason people wait hours in Asia to buy them! 

Located at the Westfield Century City Mall, near Eately in the Macy's wing.
https://cheesetart.com/en/

Hope you find a new favorite place 

and don't forget to tell them OCFOODIEGIRL sent you! 

Upcoming Fall Food & Wine Festivals

September may be almost over but there's some great food and wine events coming up in October, and with the temperatures finally heading downwards there's no better time to get out and about for an afternoon of some of OC's best bites and drinks!  

Taste of Lake Forest  Saturday, September 28th

Here's an event for which you don't have to buy tickets ahead of time! It's free admission and you just buy $1 sample tickets to try some of Lake Forest's best restaurants! This year, for the first time, they're also having a beer and wine garden so you can meet up with some local south OC friends for a few bites while enjoying a drink or two.

For more info, see the webpage: https://lakeforestbusiness.com/269/Taste-of-Lake-Forest

Taste of Laguna Beach  

Thursday, October 3rd 6-10pm 

This local favorite in OC has been going on for several years, and I have to say it's one of my personal favorite events in OC!. One price gets you in the door for all you can eat from a fabulous representation of all Laguna Beach has to offer, and if you're a foodie you know that LB has some of OC's best places to dine. There's also lots of fun photo ops and a different live band every hour too - all of which makes for a really fun evening! Drinks are also available for purchase at the event but not included in general admission. 

Tix are $ 85 for general admission, $150 for VIP which gets you in an hour early, gives you access to the VIP bar and viewing area, AND includes two drink tickets. 

Get your tix and see the list of participating restaurants here: https://www.tasteoflagunabeach.com/

Newport Beach Wine and Food Festival   

Thursday, October 3rd - Sunday, October 6th

This annual event has gotten bigger and better every year - with multiple events offered throughout the weekend. You better hurry though cuz a few are already sold out! 

What's unique about this event is the caliber of talent it attracts - you'll not only see OC's best Chefs and restaurants represented here but don't be surprised if you see some of your favorite TV Chefs as there's always a large representation of Top Chef talent as well as national talent. There's also some impressive Chef Demo's and Wine Tastings scheduled for this year so hurry over to see who's cooking!  Prices vary by event but head to their website to see the calendar and prices: https://www.newportwineandfood.com/

Taste of Santa Ana Saturday, October 5th

This is a smaller and newer event that's only been going on for a few years but when last year when I attented, it was a really fun time! They had lots of local restaurants, a great VIP area with full size cocktails and super fun live music with a dancing area! Also, the price is a really reasonable $40 for all you can eat! 

$40-$65

https://tasteofsantaana.org/

LA Times' The Taste OC  Friday, October 18th - Saturday, October 19th

This is the 2nd year the LA Times has ventured south to put on an OC version of their iconic The Taste festival that has been happening in LA every Labor Day weekend for the past decade. This year they have quite a great line-up including some really intriguing cooking demos featuring some OC Rockstar Chefs, including Chef Ross Pagnilian from Mix Mix Kitchen and several others. Another great thing about The Taste is that it gives you your pick of $ and times - with two evening events and one daytime. Prices start at $80. Get tix here before it sells out: https://events.latimes.com/taste/costa-mesa/

Whichever festival you go to have a great time and remember to tell them OCFOODIEGIRL sent you! ;) 

Modern Luxury's Passport to Luxury Event!

Modern Luxury's Passport to Luxury Event is back and better than ever this month on Wednesday, September 25th! 

So often I hear complaints from other foodies about how expensive some food events are or how there's not enough other things to see and do at the events. If you share in this thinking, Modern Luxury Magazine's Passport to Luxury is the event for you! 

The first annual Passport to Luxury event will invite not just local culinary masters but also luxury brands and event enhancements to showcase signature dishes, products, services and trends! Guests will gather to experience a guided journey with each stop offering a taste of a different part of the world through bites, signature cocktail or products.  You'll also be able to vote for your favorite bite in the Chef's Challenge, with the WINNER being crowned at the end of the night! 

The event is being held at the beautiful Roger's Gardens in Newport Beach. If you've never visited this lovely nursery you're in for a treat as the location itself is a feast for the senses! 

This list of restaurants is quite impressive and includes:

A Restaurant Newport Beach | Andrea Ristorante | AnQi | Aqua Lounge| Cannery Seafood of the Pacific | Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse| Driftwood Kitchen | Edward Hill Bakery | Farmhouse at Roger's Gardens| Harley Laguna Beach | Harvest at The Ranch at Laguna Beach | Hendrix | Louie's by the Bay | Memphis Cafe | Oak Grill | Ocean at Main | Tres Muchachos fishNchips

There's also a bevy of drink and other partners including: 

Legends Spirits | Beam Suntory - Basil Hayden's | Peroni Italy | Lillet | Hydration Room | Compass | Black River Caviar | Lavender Lane Baking Co. | Protravel International Corona del Mar I High Gorgeous | Chervona Vodka

Tickets for this fabulous event are ONLY $40 pre-sale (til 9/24) and $45 at the door. Get your tix soon before it sells out:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/passport-to-luxury-orange-county-tickets-63792634487

Note: All guests must be 21+

Hope to see you there!!!