make it a good stop for appetizers and craft cocktails. Ample free parking is a plus. 30832 S. Coast Highway, 949-715-9200. $$$ 230 FOREST AVENUE Lagunatics and sightseers mingle at this lively openair cafe, where the martinis are as popular as the modern California cuisine. Noisy, cramped quarters are overlooked once the waiter brings your day boat scallops. Primo people-watching from the tables fronting one of the village’s busiest sidewalks. 230 Forest Ave., 949-494-2545. $$$
LAGUNA HILLS BREAK OF DAWN Fine-dining chef Dee Nguyen never looked back when he escaped five-star kitchens to create this daytime diner serving wildly creative comfort fare with Asian inflections. Whether sweet—French toast crème brûlée with Mexican chocolate—or savory— Hawaiian sausage with fried eggs, scallions, green papaya, and rice—the result is spellbinding. 24291 Avenida De La Carlota, 949-587-9418. $$ IRONWOOD The savvy team behind Vine in San Clemente notches another hit with this welcoming dinner house in a zone with scant options. Executive chef Jared Cook’s modern, seasonal menu roams from delicate to hearty, but all dishes showcase his knack for upping the crave factor. Examples: chicken schnitzel with mushrooms, Zinfandelbraised lamb shank with mint yogurt. Terrific craft
cocktails shift with the seasons. On-point service from a gracious crew. 25250 La Paz Road, 949-4468772. Dinner only. $$$
LAGUNA NIGUEL HENDRIX Teeming with natural light and coastal breezes, Hendrix swaggers into Laguna Niguel with a place that promises something for everyone in this optionlean suburb. It’s from the group behind Laguna Beach’s The Deck and Driftwood Kitchen, and partner Austrian-born Rainer Schwarz is executive chef. A showpiece rotisserie roasts plump chickens, porchetta, and lamb while basting potatoes in the catch bin with juices from the meats. Irresistible small plates include prosciutto fritters, Brussels sprouts with Marcona almonds, and chicken-fontina flatbread. 32431 Golden Lantern, 949-248-1912. $$
LA HABRA EL CHOLO It’s combo-plate heaven at this venerable local chain that started in L.A. in 1923. The Sonora-style enchiladas are topped with olives and a fried egg. Green corn tamales (available seasonally) have achieved cult status. This location oozes a family vibe. 840 E. Whittier Blvd., 562-691-4618. See Anaheim Hills and Corona del Mar locations. $
LAKE FOREST BRÜ GRILL & MARKET Ambitious, with 245 seats, this suburban indie goes all in for craft and microbrews, memorable cocktails, and pub food: a killer artisan sausage platter, Belgian-style mussels, and top-tier charcuterie. Entrees can be hit or miss, though the bone-in pork chop is a triumph. Drinks and brews (35 on tap) outshine the wine list. The on-site market retails wine, cheese, and other menu items. 23730 El Toro Road, 949-305-5757. $$
LOS ALAMITOS SHENANDOAH AT THE ARBOR American regional comfort food with a Southern appeal is reason to visit this sweet family-owned cottage with lovely, tree-canopied garden seating in back. This cozy spot satisfies when the craving calls for Granny’s fried chicken, or country-fried pork chops. Commendable gumbo and fried green tomatoes, too. 10631 Los Alamitos Blvd., 562-4311990. Beer and wine. $$
MISSION VIEJO DUBLIN 4 GASTROPUB Publicans Darren and Jean Coyle welcome a varied crowd to this chipper modern pub, designed to rival Dublin’s finest. Executive chef David Shofner applies fine-dining cred and scratch
CHEF & RESTAURANT PROFILES AWARD WINNING
ANAHEIM WHITE HOUSE RESTAURANT Savor upscale Northern Italian cuisine in an elegant, lavish, al fresco setting. A hidden gem located in a historical landmark building that attracts visitors and locals alike. With an elegant atmosphere and spot on unique menu selections, an extensive wine list provides wine by the glass, by the bottle or expertly paired with your meal E\ RQH RI RXU FHUWLƓ HG VRPPHOLHUV 6WULFWO\ adhered Covid 19 safety precautions are maintained to protect our guests and staff.
887 South Anaheim Boulevard Anaheim, CA 92805 714-772-1381 anaheimwhitehouse.com
