10 minute read
Orange County United Way’s Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast
SEAL BEACH
320 MAIN
Seal Beach’s dark-but-cheerful indie venue boasts a long-respected cocktail program, and chef Jamie
Carrano complements those craft cocktails with a menu of rich, high-flavor fare. Think bone marrow
Wellington, and for brunch, fried chicken Benedict.
Fun day-of-the-week specials include Tiki Tuesday and Wine and Whiskey Wednesday. 320 Main
St., 562-799-6246. $$
MAHÉ
Mahé is a hot spot for locals. Entertainment and a lively bar are the backdrops for sushi, steaks, and seafood. The inventive rolls, such as the salmon bomb, will make you a regular. 1400 Pacific Coast
Highway, 562-431-3022. Dinner only. $$$
SOUTH COAST METRO
ANQI
Tight focus on the fare makes dining at this South Coast Plaza hot spot better than ever. Executive chef Ron Lee makes delicious harmony with matriarch master chef Helene An’s spicy beef tacos and roasted New Zealand lamb rack, as well as her fabled roast crab (Tuesday only). Zen chic decor turns heads. Drinks at the dramatic bar dazzle the cocktail crowd, but try Sunday brunch for a more kickback experience, or snag a padded stool at the adjacent noodle bar. 3333 Bristol St., 714-5575679. $$$
ANTONELLO RISTORANTE
For more than three decades South Coast Plaza’s
Italian grand diva has reigned for ultrafine feasting on authentic, traditional dishes backed by a savvy wine selection deep with Italian stars. House-made pastas, breads, and desserts. The restaurant’s aura of privilege is underscored by pampering service for VIPs. . 3800 South Plaza Drive, 714-751-7153. $$$
DARYA
Don’t let the chandeliers and acres of marble deceive—this convivial Persian dining room isn’t staid or formal. It’s de facto party central for the county’s Persian expats, their kin, and others who enjoy superb renditions of Middle Eastern kebabs, rice dishes, and classics such as fesenjon, a savory meat entree. Efficient service and huge portions make this a good choice for groups. 3800 South
Plaza Drive, 714-557-6600. $$
DIN TAI FUNG
Fans happily endure long waits to satisfy their craving for xiao long bao, juicy pork dumplings, handpleated with care. Bowls of noodles, rice, and stacks of bamboo steamers crowd tables as diners blend their own aromatic dipping sauce from rich soy, black vinegar, and shreds of fresh ginger. 3333 Bristol St., 714-549-3388. $$
HAMAMORI
Sushi master artist James Hamamori applies persuasive talent to this South Coast Plaza penthouse dazzler of a sushi bar. Son Jim is now behind the bar, too, but this heavenly venue also shows off non-sushi dishes such as uni floating in edamame puree, Kobe rissole, and miso-marinated lamb
chops. Omakase is truly top-notch. 3333 Bear St., 714-850-0880. $$$
KNIFE PLEAT
South Coast Plaza’s rarefied penthouse shines ever brighter with Orange County’s newest Michelin star recipient, helmed by chef Tony
Esnault and partner Yassmin Sarmadi. The Michelinacclaimed duo from Los Angeles was destined to see stars again with this radiant backdrop for
Esnault’s graceful cuisine and Sarmadi’s courtly hospitality. Look for butter-poached lobster, forest mushroom melange, and the signature legumes de saison when nature allows. Save room for Germain
Biotteau’s inimitable desserts. Friday and Saturday night tasting menus are utterly indulgent. 3333 Bristol St., 714-266-3388. Closed Sunday and Monday. $$$
MASTRO’S STEAKHOUSE
Be prepared for gargantuan portions, with drinks to match. Mastro’s offers Prime steaks, wet-aged for 28 days. A hand-cut, 33-ounce chef’s ribeye, and a 48-ounce, double-cut porterhouse will tame the biggest appetite. Retro sides include twice-baked potato and creamed spinach. 633 Anton Blvd., 714-546-7405.
See Newport Coast location. Dinner only. $$$
OUTPOST KITCHEN
A native of Australia’s Gold Coast, founder Jay Lewis brings a surf culture vibe and his passion for clean eats to the second location of the daytime cafe. Slick and sun splashed, the new venue adds cocktails to a site ideal for pre-theater dining or a breezy patio brunch with friends. Best bites include berry pancakes and the Kingswood lamb sandwich, as well
PROMOTION
O.C. Scene PEOPLE | PARTIES | EVENTS | OPENINGS
Orange County United Way hosted the 19th Annual Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast raising nearly $500,000 to support initiatives targeting poverty and housing instability in underserved neighborhoods in Orange County. More than 650 community leaders attended and tuned in for the event, making it one of the most successful breakfast fundraisers in the county. Celebrity guest, Misty Copeland moved attendees and at-home viewers during a special Q&A centered on the importance of on diversity and representation in the arts, as well as the power of giving back to uplift one’s community.
Photo Credit: Orange County United Way
Mapo tofu at Paradise Dynasty
as smoothies and bowls. 3420 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714-852-3044 $$
PARADISE DYNASTY
Singapore’s largest restaurant group opts for the
Bloomingdale’s end of South Coast Plaza for its first
U.S. operation with this wildly popular soup dumpling specialist that pioneered xiao long bao, oozing with luxury ingredients that include black truffles, foie gras, and crab roe. Ultramodern digs seat diners in view of an exhibition kitchen where 20 artisans handcraft a steady flow of dumplings to support a 75-dish menu starring dim sum and Sichuan classics.
Walk-up wait list. 3333 Bristol St., 714-617-4630 $$
RITTER’S STEAM KETTLE COOKING
Chef-partner Mike Ritter and crew create Cajun-
Creole magic in 12 steam-heated steel caldrons that cook seductive versions of gumbo, chowder, and the legendary pan poast—a heady concoction of various shellfish bubbling in a rich sauce of cream, tomato, and secret spices, topped with a dome of perfect jasmine rice—that’s by far the bestselling dish. 1421
W. MacArthur Blvd., 714-850-1380. Beer and wine. $$
ROYAL KHYBER
Arun Puri, the creator behind Orange County’s first
Indian restaurant, is still buying the spices and manning the tandoor oven in the skilled kitchen at this upscale choice for first-rate renditions of classics such as butter chicken, tikka masala, and the signature Khyber’s Nectar. 1621 W. Sunflower Ave., 714436-1010. $$
TABLEAU KITCHEN AND BAR
South Coast Plaza’s shiny new addition categorizes its cuisine as New American—a hazy designation for chef-owner John Park’s canny brunch and dinner menus that defy easy labels. Think fried burrata sandwich with pumpkin seed pesto, souffle-light berry pancakes with chamomile whipped cream, and shrimp and grits with surprise slices of lap cheong.
Desserts are dazzlers. 3333 Bear St., 714-872-8054. $$
TERRACE BY MIX MIX
Canny chef-owner Ross Pangilinan’s minimalist aerie overlooking the stylish Bridge of
Gardens skywalk at South Coast Plaza lacks a full bar, but it has wine and beer and is open daily with ample free parking. Fans love the three-course lunch, but weekend brunch with its mimosa cart beguiles, and dinner offers the best prix fixe in the center. Don’tmiss dishes include Asian ribs, hamachi crudo, and pork cheek adobo. 3333 Bear St., 657-231-6447. $$
VACA
Top chef Amar Santana and ace partner Ahmed
Labbate return to Costa Mesa with an exuberant, singular ode to Spain. Santana sidesteps the “eat local” crusade, offering peerless jamon Iberico, lush bomba rice for paellas, and verdant Mahon gin for cocktails. Dozens of authentic tapas beg to be tried, but do consider excellent wood-grilled steaks, dryaged in-house. Dinner tables at prime times are scarce, so plan, wait, or aim for lunch. 695 Town
Center Drive, 714-463-6060. $$$
TUSTIN
CENTRO STORICO
Old Town Tustin’s new kid on the old block transforms a vintage building into a spaghetteria and bar, plus a back-pocket cafe. Artisan, fresh daily pasta is the latest effort from the Pozzuoli family behind Centro, the excellent micro pizzeria next door. Signature dishes include Capperi e Olive (casarecca), Aglione (bucatini), and grilled porterhouse for two. 405 El Camino Real., 714-258-8817. $$
CHAAK
Gabbi and Ed Patrick of Gabbi’s Kitchen chose Old Town to show off the county’s most sophisticated take on the regional fare of Mexico’s wondrous Yucatán Peninsula, naming their new location after the Mayan rain god. The dazzling space features a retractable roof and sliding Roman shades to lovely effect. Must-have dishes include sikil pec, a roasted pumpkin seed dip, as well as cochinita pibil and carne cruda. A 16-seat bar invites lingering over elaborate cocktails or a glass from an uncommonly diverse wine list. 215 El Camino
Real, 657-699-3019. $$$
THE WINERY RESTAURANT & WINE BAR
The O.C. power crowd doesn’t care that this isn’t a winery, but a huge, handsome restaurant that attracts disciples of steak, wine, and cigars. They’re exactly the folks you’d expect would follow partners
JC Clow and William Lewis from their previous gig at Morton’s, with executive chef Yvon Goetz in tow.
Best bets include Goetz’s signature Alsatian “pizza” and the Colorado buffalo carpaccio. If the 7,500-bottle wine cellar isn’t enough, you can always purchase a private wine locker. 2647 Park Ave., 714-258-7600.
See Newport Beach location. $$$
THE YELLOW CHILLI
The Yellow Chilli is another franchise by Sanjeev
Kapoor, India’s mega-celebrity chef. Bigger than
Wolfgang or Martha. The massive menu proves the master chef isn’t stingy with recipes, not after writing more than 150 cookbooks. Knowledgeable servers help navigate the options. Don’t miss
Sham Savera, one of Kapoor’s most famous creations: open-face spinach dumplings filled with fresh white paneer that float in silky tomato gravy spiked with garlic, cardamom, and mace. 2463 Park
Ave., 714-389-5280. $$
ZOV’S TUSTIN BISTRO
Fans love Zov Karamardian’s modern, creative way with Mediterranean flavors. Zov keeps her flagship venue fresh and stylish. Expect
Cal-Med dishes such as Moroccan salmon salad, spiced lamb burger, and pomegranate baby back ribs. Desserts are a standout, as are cocktails and chic mezze starters. The patio cafe out back stays busy at lunch and weekend breakfast. 17440 E. 17th
St., 714-838-8855. See Newport Coast location. $$$
YORBA LINDA
BLUE AGAVE
Southwestern favorites, from tamales to carnitas, and mole enchiladas in generous portions, keep regulars coming back. For something different, try the
Puerto Nuevo tostada with shrimp, mahi-mahi, sour cream, and raspberries in a pumpkin seed-citrus dressing. 18601 Yorba Linda Blvd., 714-970-5095. $$
THE WILD ARTICHOKE
Chef-owner James D’Aquila and his winsome crew raise the culinary bar at this teensy, modest storefront. Expect skillful, gourmet incarnations of comfort fare, such as pasta Bolognese. Desserts are few but mighty. 4973 Yorba Ranch Road, 714-777-9646.
Beer and wine. Dinner only. $$
DINING NEWS
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