I’ve been waiting for Chef Ross Pangilinan to open his own place. Having been an avid fan and follower of his while at Leatherby’s Café Rouge at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, I knew his talent and creativity would one day take him on to bigger and better things. So having said that, I didn’t […]
El Mercado Modern Cuisine opens in Santa Ana
Over the weekend, Chef Daniel Godinez’s long awaited El Mercado opened in downtown Santa Ana two doors down from Yost Theater. There is a little social media buzz, but mostly, a quiet opening. Friends in the know convene to check out the trendy spot serving Mexican regional cuisine focusing on tapas-style shared plates. The bar program is […]
surprisingly good fare at Spoons Grill & Bar
I’ve always thought that Spoons Grill & Bar is a chain, but it turns out, Spoons has been independently owned for a decade now. There is only one Spoons Grill & Bar left, and the menu is completely different from what it used to be. It is essentially a sports bar, but also has that pseudo diner feel […]
Kutsi Cocina — Santa Ana
A new year, and another new restaurant for Chef Chris Tzorin. The last couple of years have been a whirlwind for Chef Tzorin, with a stint at Tortilla Republic after leaving Savannah Chop House, then returning to Savannah, before anchoring himself at Kutsi. The new spot is housed in the old Memphis spot in downtown Santa […]
Peruvian tapas in the heart of Santa Ana
Located on 3rd Street, hidden out of sight from Broadway, is Eqeko, a new Peruvian tapas restaurant which eschews the old with the new. The building is definitely filled with history having been there for decades. The menu, is traditional but presented small plates style, going completely the opposite of how typical Peruvian dishes are usually served. The restaurant […]
