Scarlet Kitchen & Bar opened in Ladera Ranch less than two months ago. I was invited to a media dinner, and then returned with a friend shortly after that initial visit. While Scarlet is tucked away in the corner of a non-descript shopping center, it is apparent that the restaurant is anything but covert. Both […]
Travel
Pizzeria Bianco — Phoenix, AZ
Arriving at Nobuo for dinner the night before, we saw that Pizzeria Bianco was right across the courtyard. It was one of the first places I bookmarked for my trip to Phoenix but didn’t think we’d have time to visit. After dinner that evening, we decided to have lunch at Pizzeria Bianco before heading to […]
Nobuo at Teeter House — Phoenix, AZ
Before visiting friends in Phoenix, I did a little research and presented my friends with a list of places I was interested in dining at. Since my friends are recent transplants themselves, they were eager to check out some restaurants themselves. Reservations were made at Nobuo at Teeter House weeks prior to my arrival, and […]
San Diego
best new eats of 2019
As the year (and decade) comes to a close, I reminisce about all the meals I’ve had this year, and have summarized my favorite five of 2019. Fable & Spirit — this new Newport Beach restaurant is not only stunning to look at, but also boasts one of the best bar programs in OC, as […]
Fort Oak — San Diego
It’s been a long time coming, and I finally made it to Fort Oak, the second restaurant from the good people at Trust in San Diego. If you’re following my blog, you will know that I loved Trust, and Chef Brad Wise has killed it again with Fort Oak — the group opened its latest […]
Jeune et Jolie: Carlsbad’s latest darling
I had no idea when we decided to dine at Jeune et Jolie last week, that it would cause such a stir. I didn’t realize that it was the current IT spot until a few people told me how jealous they were that I had eaten there. I was in Carlsbad with some friends for […]
Long Beach & Los Angeles
Plancha Latin Kitchen at Long Beach Exchange
Plancha Latin Kitchen has opened at Long Beach Exchange and the menu is a solid offering featuring dishes from many countries. Diners pick from a list of available ingredients to create their own bowls, and there is a nice array of a la carte appetizers and dishes, should you choose to go that route. Start […]
Shanghailander Palace serves up legit childhood favorites
It’s been quite some time since I last had a stellar Shanghainese meal. We had some very pedestrian Shanghainese food this summer up in San Francisco, and there aren’t any good Shanghainese restaurants here in OC. Last weekend, my friend suggested we take a trip to the Rowland Heights area, and I was absolutely down […]
Sponsored
Popcornopolis Organic Nearly Naked arrives at Costco today
Organic Nearly Naked popcorn by Popcornopolis is now available at Costco stores all across the country, and sells for $5.39 a bag — a steal considering how big the bag is. But wait — from April 19 to May 13, you’ll be able to pick up the same bag for only $3.49. We love popcorn and Popcornopolis […]
cook with ease using Chef’d meal kits
Meal: 20 Cloves Garlic Chicken Cook Time: 45 minute Price: $19.99 (on sale from $24.99) When Chef’d approached me to be one of the very first to try out the new meal kits they’re rolling out at Gelson’s grocery stores, I jumped at the opportunity. While ordering meal kits online is super convenient, it isn’t ideal […]
