Food City March 2014 by Daily Titan

FOOD CITY

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MARCH 20, 2014 THURSDAY

Downtown Fullerton: Secretly delicious Some of the best food in Fullerton can be found at local bars ASHLEN DOMINGUEZ Daily Titan

In 2013, downtown Fullerton won the title of OC Weekly’s Best Place for a Pub Crawl in Orange County. But what many people may not know is that some of those very same bars have the best food in town. This gold mine of food is often overlooked, despite its vast selection of delicious and original cuisine. Harbor Boulevard is lined with businesses that serve as restaurants during the day and double as bars at night. Here is a list of some of the best in the area: 1. A local favorite is Palapa Grill. Known for its intoxicating fish bowls, the small island-themed bar and diner serves up a mean half-pound burger. It’s the place to go if you’re looking for something delicious and cheap to go with your cold drink. The nachos also come piled high, so prepare to share. If you go during happy hour, most of their popular items are marked down. 2. Another must eat is

the “Italian Job” sandwich from Roscoe’s Famous Deli. Served alongside your choice of sides, this sub is packed with salami, capicolla and prosciutto. It’s a culinary experience you don’t want to pass up. The restaurant serves a variety of hot and cold sandwiches and the large space is perfect for either a casual lunch date or a late night snack. 3. Relatively new to the area is HopScotch Tavern, which will wow foodies with its creative menu. This rustic tavern serves up more than the typical bar with a menu that includes chilaquiles, Rocky Mountain oysters and crème brulee French toast. Where magazine voted it one of the “Best Places to Brunch in Orange County.” Their customers are sure to enjoy some flavorful dishes alongside handcrafted custom cocktails with every visit. 4. The Slidebar is the Rock-N-Roll Kitchen it claims to be. The environment is reminiscent of a simpler time where guests can enjoy the fire hot hamburger “The Cowboy From Hell.” If patties filled with habanero and jalapeno peppers aren’t your thing, try the spinach

salad covered with honey-mustard dressing and caramelized pecans. 5. If you’re after seafood, CHOMP Rockin’ Sushi & Teppan Grills has great variety. The restaurant is known for its all-you-caneat sushi specials as well as some great happy hour prices from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The fish is fresh and the fried tofu is a perfect starting point for any meal. 6. Stubrik’s is a hidden steakhouse just next to The Slidebar. Here you can enjoy a three course hearty meal complete with steak, seafood or pasta. The restaurant’s crab cakes alone are worth the wait. The tall wooden booths make it the perfect location for either an intimate dinner or a friendly lunch. Like many of the local spots it also has a great happy hour with deals on drinks and food. 7. Nothing goes better with Italian food than red wine. Roman Cucina offers all of Italy’s best. From lasagna to cheesy raviolis, there really isn’t anything on the menu not worth trying. The romantic atmosphere goes perfectly with the food and drinks. Be sure to visit on Wednesday when there is no cork fee for home brought bottles to

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ETHAN HAWKES / Daily Titan Palapa Grill is known for its giant fish bowls and island-themed bar and diner.

enjoy with a generous helping of pasta. The next time you’re hungry and in the area, don’t be so quick to

dismiss downtown Fullerton’s impressive restaurant selection. It has much more to offer than just live music, drinks and

dancing. All of these establishments provide a unique experience of their own and there are plenty more to be discovered.

Microbreweries offer beer enthusiasts a place to call home Unique alcoholic concoctions come out of microbreweries NICOLE WEAVER Daily Titan

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Fullerton would not be the first place one would think of when searching for the perfect handcrafted beer. Yet thanks to the creative minds behind multiple microbreweries located in the area, Fullerton is becoming a destination for connoisseurs with developed palates to sample the most obscure beers from the comfort of their own backyard. Unlike large-scale brew houses, microbreweries consist of small-batch specialty beers that cater to the most advanced beer drinkers. These unique concoctions consist of flavors that are unlike anything one can find at the average grocery store. These limited access beers involve distinct flavors and spices that corporate breweries could never have the capacity to incorporate into mass production. These specific elements happen to make microbreweries quite special because of their ability to access rare flavors. These qualifications happen to make their beers exclusive and particular, an element that makes drinking these individual beers so unique. Although there are quite a few well-respected institutions in Fullerton that serve up specialty beers, nothing happens to surpass the attention of Bootlegger’s Brewery located in the heart of the city. Bootleggers happens to be the largest craft brewery in Orange County. The institution was founded in 2008, and can be visited for tastings and tours alike at 401 S. Richman Ave. The creator of Bootleggers happens to be a graduate of Cal State Fullerton. He was enrolled in

ELEONOR SEGURA / Daily Titan Bootlegger’s Brewery is the largest craft brewery in Orange County.

the entrepreneurship program when he discovered his passion for beer with a creative focus. With his vision supported by his family and friends alike, beer lover Aaron Barkenhagen constructed the brewery locals flock to and adore daily. Through the construction difficulties and obtaining a liquor license, the brewery was involved in a year-long struggle to gain its public adoration and notoriety. The resulting product was a modest institution with seven brew houses and three barrels, but with plenty of space to grow. The first keg was delivered to a manufacturer in April 2008, and it has been nothing but absolute success for Bootleggers ever since. Although the company is constantly expanding with its growing popularity and production capacity, the small-scale company prides itself on staying true to the original business plan, which is constructing a local artisan brewery supported by local consumers while continuing to make the the most unique beers possible. This idealism is reinforced by the company’s motto, “Drink Fresh,

Drink Local.” Bootleggers has a laundry list of popular beers, but all of them have seasonal aspects that make a visit to the brewery a special event, thanks to the ever-changing menu. The tasting room is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until midnight. Bootleggers brewery may be the largest microbrewery in Fullerton, but there are quite a multitude of other brew houses that are available for the public to sample and discover. The Twisted Vine is another local favorite, as well as The Pint House. HopScotch Tavern happens to serve local beers on tap weekly, so there is always something exciting to experience there. Local beer not only supports the economy and development of our small community, but it also promotes community involvement. The next time you think about going out for happy hour, remember that selecting a local microbrew on draft helps support a ripening culture that is flourishing in our own backyard.

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FOOD CITY

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ELEONOR SEGURA / Daily Titan Although Cha2O will operate late at night, it will not serve any alcoholic beverages. It hopes to provide a specific atmosphere along with serving “delish” and “yummy” food and drinks.

Local restaurants hope to cash in on local foodies Fullerton foodies will soon have more restaurants to eat at BENJAMIN BURKHARDT Daily Titan

Change is coming for the Fullerton dining scene. Cal State Fullerton students, Fullerton residents and north Orange County foodies alike will soon have more options for indulging their appetites and tastes this year. As a result, already established local restaurants will

face steeper competition as they try to keep up with the new businesses sprouting up around them. First, the popular substyle sandwich chain Jersey Mike’s will open its first Fullerton location on Chapman Avenue this month, as the Orange County Register reported in February. The New Jersey-based casual sandwich shop’s new location is only a few doors down from Oggi’s Pizza and Brewing Company beneath the University House apartments at 2595 E. Chapman Ave.

This location is within walking distance from campus and perfect for lunch during long breaks between classes. Jersey Mike’s hopes to open about 200 stores this year, said Peter Cancro, the founder and chief executive officer, in an interview with TheStreet.com. Cancro bought the original Jersey Mike’s restaurant from his employer at 17 years of age, and has since grown the still-private company into a successful national sub chain. Meanwhile, restaurateur

Michael “Mick” Schepers and his partners are betting a new age deli concept will attract the same trendy hipsters and restaurant enthusiasts to downtown Fullerton as his well-received Irvine-based Mick’s Karma Bar burger joint did, despite its office park locale. The Pie Dog will open shop at 229 E. Commonwealth Ave., according to OC Weekly. Schepers told OC Weekly he plans to keep the business, which will offer 100 craft beers along with

other alcoholic drinks. Pie Dog will have extended business hours extend until midnight upon opening. Pie Dog is searching for a general manager position, according to its Facebook webpage. The new American deli concept, Pie Dog, will supposedly open later this year. Also opening soon is Cha2O, a new hip lounge expanding from its first location in Artesia to downtown Fullerton at 100 S. Harbor Blvd.

The restaurant and lounge will be open all night, despite not selling alcoholic beverages. Cha2O’s website describes itself as a lounge that provides an environment and atmosphere that “fosters and cultivates meaningful conversations and lifelong relationships.” It also notes it has “delish,” “yummy” drinks and food, and that it uses no preservatives, MSG or “food enhancers.” Cha2O, is currently hiring all positions.

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FOOD CITY

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MARCH 20, 2014 THURSDAY

THE BEST OF BEST PLACE TO GET A BURGER Heroes 125 W Santa Fe Ave., Fullerton, CA

1. Boardwalk Fresh Burgers and Fries

1505 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton, CA

2. Burger Parlor

204 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, CA

ETHAN HAWKES / Daily Titan The classic Hero Burger boasts a juicy flame-broiled beef patty topped with red onion, lettuce, tomato, pickles and Thousand Island dressing piled on an onion roll.

BEST PLACE FOR BREAKFAST Kimmie’s Coffee Cup 1605 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, CA

1. Pepe’s

821 N. Placentia Ave., Fullerton, CA

2. Jay’s

10581 Garden Grove Blvd., Garden Grove, CA MARIAH CARRILLO / Daily Titan The wide selection of classic breakfast options come with a generous helping of redskin potatoes, hash browns or fruit. On top of that, diners also get either biscuits and gravy or toast.

BEST PLACE FOR BARBECUE L&L BBQ 339 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton, CA

1. Leadbelly’s

711 N Placentia Ave., Fullerton, CA

2. Maui Hawaiian BBQ

1323 S Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, CA

ETHAN HAWKES / Daily Titan The chicken katsu and macaroni salad are customer favorites among the many menu options at this local Hawaiian barbecue restaurant. Pictured here is the barbecue combo.

BEST PLACE FOR LATE NIGHT Buffalo Wild Wings 260 S. Brea Blvd., Brea, CA

1. Denny’s

1101 S. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, CA

2. Molca Salsa

115 Imperial Hwy., Fullerton, CA MARIAH CARRILLO / Daily Titan Late night deals on popular drinks and food items, including BWW’s signature wings, make this sports-themed restaurant and bar a great choice for an after-hours get together.

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FOOD CITY

MARCH 20, 2014

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FULLERton BEST PLACE ON TACO TUESDAY Matador Cantina 111 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, CA

2. Rubio’s

1935 W. Malvern Ave., Fullerton, CA

3. Chronic Tacos

133 W. Chapman Ave., Fullerton, CA ETHAN HAWKES / Daily Titan This Spanish-themed downtown spot celebrates a weekly favorite with gourmet style tacos for $1.25 each after 2 p.m. every Tuesday.

BEST PLACE TO GET PHO‘ Pho’ Olivia

BEST PLACE FOR SUSHI Chomp

159 E. Imperial Hwy, La Habra, CA

181 E. Commonwealth Ave, Fullerton, CA

2. Banh Mi Che Cali

2. Honda-Ya

1000 S. Harbor Blvd. Fullerton, CA

MARIAH CARRILLO / Daily Titan A wide selection of moderately priced Pho options are offered at this Asian bistro located within walking distance from campus.

3. Pho’ Ellie

765 S. State College Blvd., Fullerton, CA

2980 Yorba Linda Blvd., Fullerton, CA

ETHAN HAWKES / Daily Titan With weird roll names such as “The Sexy Mutha Roll,” Chomp is known for its specialty rolls. Besides sushi, it has a great selection of beers and appetizers at happy hour.

3. Samurai

1158 S. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, CA

BEST PLACE FOR THAI FOOD Thailandia 2500 E. Chapman Ave., Fullerton, CA

2. Thai Basil

2431 E. Chapman Ave., Fullerton, CA

3. Thai Original BBQ

211 E. Orangethorpe Ave., Fullerton, CA

MARIAH CARRILLO / Daily Titan Thailandia may have odd hours, but it is easily boasts the best combination of taste and pricing in Fullerton. Make sure to try the Pad Thai.

BEST PLACE FOR HEALTHY FOOD Rutabegorz

BEST PLACE FOR A SANDWICH Which Wich

211 N. Pomona Ave., Fullerton, CA

2720 Nutwood Ave., Fullerton, CA

2. Sansai ETHAN HAWKES / Daily Titan This downtown Fullerton hidden gem provides a cozy atmosphere to accompany its vast menu of health-conscious options. Come back each month to try a different dip for only $0.44.

2323 E. Chapman Ave., Fullerton, CA

3. Green Bliss

305 N. Harbor Blvd., #103, Fullerton, CA

2. Lee’s Sandwiches AMANDA SHARP / Daily Titan Which Wich thrives in customizable sandwiches. It goes beyond traditional sandwich chains like Subway by offering an astounding range of toppings.

1028 S. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, CA

3. Roscoe’s

116 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton CA VISIT US AT: DAILYTITAN.COM

FOOD CITY Oggi’s comes to Fullerton PAGE 6

MARCH 20, 2014

THE DAILY TITAN

Southern California brewery is working hard to expand MICHAEL HUNTLEY Daily Titan

The combination of greasy food, ice cold beer and sports on oversized televisions is arguably the most American dining experience one could have. Fullerton recently gained a new venue for such an experience. Oggi’s Pizza and Brewing Company opened a new location off Chapman and Commonwealth in December. Oggi’s was founded in 1991 by brothers George and John Hadjis in Del Mar.

Each Oggi’s location has its craft beers on tap along with two seasonal beers and 16 other taps for management to use as they see fit. The original Oggi’s was intended to attract families, but those families were the ones impacted the most by the downward cycles in the economy, so the Hadjis family decided to change its strategy. George Hadjis explained the evolution of Oggi’s in an interview with Business World magazine.

THURSDAY

“We struggled to raise the average spend per person in the restaurant, and we decided that we had to bring some other people in,” Hadjis said. “Craft, micro-brewed beers were getting big at the time and they sold well, and we were getting a higher price for them. I remember thinking, ‘Ok, maybe craft beer is the way to go.” Oggi’s has eight craft beers on tap at every location that they brew themselves. Three of its beers have won gold medals at the World Beer Cup, a biannual international beer competition. Each Oggi’s location has its craft beers on tap along with two seasonal beers and 16 other taps for management to use as they see fit. “If you have more beers available, you’re going to sell more beer, and that’s a good thing for all of us,” Hadjis said. “We want them to have that broad spectrum, because that’s what the customers are there for.” Oggi’s is also known for its extensive menu. Like most sports dining establishments, chicken, wings and burgers are prominent menu options. They have a “build your own burger” option that allows you to choose between angus beef, turkey or chicken breast with various toppings and sauces. The menu has 12 pizzas available, with options like thin crust for calorie counters. The large menu also includes “build your own”

Oggi’s opened in December of last year, boasting an extensive menu of American favorites.

calzones, salads and various appetizers. Oggi’s prides itself on its ability to constantly evolve. It is easy to evolve in a corporate-owned business but Oggi’s is franchise-based. “If a business is corporate owned, you simply recognize the change and then you make it across the board,” Hadjis said. “In our case, creating change is extremely difficult. They’re buying into a concept and we oversee things to make sure they’re adhering to brand standards and things like that, but we’re not in there running the business on a dayto-day basis.” Each location gets a design makeover every seven years to keep the theme

current, according to Hadjis. They decide on improvements by meeting with design and architecture partners as well as customer focus groups. Oggi’s has worked hard to expand its brand. They are “the official pizza” of the San Diego Chargers, Anaheim Ducks, San Diego Padres, Phoenix Coyotes and the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. “We do research. We talk to our customers,” Hadjis said. “And the three things that are top of mind in terms of the roles we play are sports, brewhouse and pizza. Having the relationships with the teams in a high-octane market like this is like sprinkling lighter fluid on a fire.”

AMANDA SHARP / Daily Titan

AMANDA SHARP / Daily Titan The restaurant and brewery is located conveniently below University House, within walking distance from CSUF.

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A look into Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour The new ownership wants to keep Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour as close to its original roots as possible. To ensure this is upheld, the owners seek constant feedback from original foundCECILY MEZA er Bob Farrell as the establishDaily Titan ment continues to expand. The parlour stays true to FarWith servers dressed in pin- rell’s legacy. One step inside the striped vests, old-fashioned ties parlour will take you over a cenand cane hats with a traditional tury back in time. ice cream parlour appearance, The restaurants feature the Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour has “old Farrell’s” atmosphere with become one of the most talked newspaper type menus, old about dessert destinations in fashioned candy and delicious the Fullerton/Brea area. food and ice cream to satisfy Founded by Robert “Bob” Far- guests of every age. rell, the first popular ice cream There are also food options to parlour originated in Portland, accommodate specific dietary Ore., in 1963. needs. Within seven If someone is years, Farrell’s had looking to stay in Farrell’s Ice become a promishape, he or she Cream Parlour might want to take nent ice cream establishment with could be fitting a look at the “Fit 58 restaurants. Farrell’s Lean and Bob Farrell was for any occasion Not So Mean” secapproached by a from date night, tion of the menu, number of major which has delicious satisfying a late and corporations innutritious terested in puritems that eliminight dessert chasing the small nate the guilty feelcraving or even ing for consuming chain. Bob eventually so many calories. celebrating a sold the establishThere’s even a birthday. ment to the Marspecial “Lean Not riott Corporation, So Mean” dessert which would grow Farrell’s and section that offers healthy opgive it national recognition tions, including a single scoop with 130 locations. vanilla ice cream with no sugIn 1990, many Farrell’s restau- ar added on top of a blueberrants closed and the Marriott ry compote served along with Corporation gave up the “Far- fresh strawberries. rell’s” trademark and stopped This treat is under 250 calthe development for further ories, and it will satisfy your expansion. sweet-tooth without the caloric Years passed, and finally af- remorse. ter a five-year legal battle, FarFarrell’s also serves seasonrell’s has finally been on the rise al beer and wine that could be again in Southern California. perfectly paired with choices Under new Orange Coun- from its famous “Farrell’s buddy ty-based ownership, Farrell’s system” section of the menu. has regained its delicious repThe beer and wine selection utation among Orange County can be complemented with one residents. of Farrell’s all-beef burgers,

This atmospheric ice cream parlor has something for any palette

MARIAH CARRILLO / Daily Titan Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour offers customers the experience of eating at a restaurant as if it was 100 years in the past.

Philly-cheese steak or even its good old fashioned bowl of chili from this section that would certainly satisfy anyone’s palette. If you have somewhat of a unique palette, one of Farrell’s unique beer shakes might be just what you’re looking for. If the abundance of options on its menu is too intimidating, there are Bob Farrell face stamp of approvals in the “Funatics Fave” section of the menu, indicating its well-known items on the menu. Some of the items include “Pizza-pie-tizzers,” “Chipsticks Chicken Salad” and the “Chili Cheese Frank.”

One of the most popular items is the old-fashioned burger, “Talk of the Town.” A fresh, half-pound beef patty with melted American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, mayo, grilled onions and topped with bacon slices can make a delicious treat to a night on the town. After finishing your “Talk of the Town” burger, you can dive into the Bob Farrell’s famous “Gold Rush” sundae, which includes chocolate and vanilla ice cream, peanut butter, hot fudge, spanish nuts topped with whipped cream, roasted almonds and a cherry. Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour

could be fitting for any occasion, from date night, satisfying a late night dessert craving or even celebrating a birthday. Just make sure to call ahead and set up a reservation because with its reputation, you could miss out. As for Bob Farrell, his legacy still lives on. He is currently one of the most sought-after motivational speakers focusing on customer service. Farrell currently has a book on the market titled Give ‘Em The Pickle, which has been used in many training videos and is a best seller. He currently resides in Washington state with his wife.

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