I’d been a huge fan of Chef Renzo Macchiavello’s ever since the first time I ate at his restaurant, Renzo’s A Taste of Peru, a decade ago. A friend brought me to the restaurant, and I loved it so much, it became the first article I wrote in the Orange County Register. Several years later, […]
Travel
LaFrida — resort fine dining in Cabo
On a recent trip to Cabo San Lucas for a friend’s wedding, we stayed at the Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach resort and enjoyed five days of sunshine, relaxation and lots of eating and drinking. Almost the entire wedding entourage purchased the all-inclusive package — myself included — which allowed access to 95% of the restaurants […]
Taylor Shellfish Farms — Seattle
On our last evening in Seattle, we decided to indulge in a seafood dinner before we leave town. We decide to pay a visit to Taylor Shellfish Farms, a little space across the street from the Starbucks Reserve Roastery where tanks of oysters reside prior to becoming tasty treats on your plates. Since I’m allergic […]
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 […]
