Families Forward “Light up the Night” Gala

SUSHI ROKU

The sixth location of this Cal-Japanese concept makes a huge impression with striking decor and vibrant cuisine. If the dining room’s busier than the sushi bar, blame the thoughtfully designed and executed menu, notably dishes such as fluke kumquat sashimi, blue crab tartare, Prime ribeye Japonais, and the deconstructed s’mores. The creative sushi deserves a night all its own, and the bar and patio offer their own vibes. Look for scores of noodles, salads, and bento boxes at lunch, and sakes. 327 Newport Center Drive, 949-706-3622. $$$

TACO ROSA

With agave-sweetened margaritas and house-made churros, these flagships of the Taco Mesa chain take fresh Mex to the max. 2632 San Miguel Road, 949720-0980. See Irvine location. $$

TAVERN HOUSE KITCHEN + BAR

David Wilhelm, the county’s restaurant laureate, returns to Newport Beach with this fetching and welcome rehab of a waterside venue. Menus read like a playlist of Wilhelm’s champion recipes tweaked for 2020. Stand out new dishes for dinner and weekend brunch include red snapper Veracruzana, Buddha bowls, sirloin meatballs, and fried chicken with malted waffles. Look for a natty presunset happy hour on weekdays. 333 Bayside Drive, 949-673-8464. $$

TOMMY BAHAMA RESTAURANT, BAR & STORE

Freshly unveiled after a major face-lift, this local favorite strives to remain relevant. The coastal cuisine is well-executed, from a menu that keeps up with dishes such as seared scallop sliders, za’atarcrusted ahi tuna with Beluga lentils, and filet mignon flatbread. As always, drinks are inviting with a tropical theme; the Mai Tai is the best around. A supersleek new patio is lighter, brighter, and bigger. This is a great place to meet for happy hour. 854 Avocado

Ave., 949-760-8686. $$

THE WINERY RESTAURANT & WINE BAR

The snazzy venue overlooks the yacht and Duffy boat traffic in Newport Harbor, flaunting its waterfront charms with 180-degree views from two floors plus a cigar patio. The space sizzles with bonhomie— and diners who love their surf, turf, wine, and VIP treatment. Expect cosseting service from partners JC

Clow, William Lewis, and executive chef Yvon Goetz.

Best bets include Goetz’s signature Alsatian “pizza” and the Colorado buffalo carpaccio. 3131 W. Coast

Highway, 949-999-6622. See Tustin location. $$$

NEWPORT COAST

THE BEACHCOMBER

The surf’s-edge view might be better than the food, but the drinks and eats are good enough to keep this iconic spot packed with beachgoers, especially in summer. Stick with basics such as grilled artichokes, lobster club, and stuffed salmon. Executive chef Carlos Olivera oversees the breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus that change slightly each season. 15 Crystal

Cove, 949-376-6900. $$$

BLUEFIN

Adroit chef Takashi Abe applies his considerable talents to pristine ingredients he fashions into gorgeous works of edible Japanese art. His omakase is transcendent (and cheaper at lunch). The setting is suitably spare and visually soothing. Superior sake selection. 7952 E. Pacific Coast Highway, 949-715-7373. $$$

MARCHÉ MODERNE

BEST NEW RESTAURANT 2018

The finest French bistro south of Beverly Hills is reborn in coastal digs that express a fresh chapter for the redoubtable Florent and Amelia Marneau. Added space and oversize windows let the outdoors into a room that oozes grace and sophistication. Beloved dishes such as Spanish octopus with chorizo return to the dinner menu alongside new creations from the open kitchen—think crispy suckling pigs and beans, a three-day cassoulet. Amelia’s new desserts include ravishing Napoleons served weekends only. 7862 E. Pacific Coast Highway, 714-434-7900. $$$

MASTRO’S OCEAN CLUB

O.C.’s flashiest hipsters gather here to be nursed like they’re bleeding cash. And they are. Megamartinis, obese lobsters, and Bible-thick steaks don’t come cheap, but this dramatic setting does offer the ocean view and suave service worthy of its position as our finest castle of cholesterol consumption. Thursdays are famed for singles action that approaches tournament level. 8112 E. Coast Highway, 949-376-6990.

See South Coast Metro location. $$$

PROMOTION

O.C. Scene PEOPLE | PARTIES | EVENTS | OPENINGS

FAMILIES FORWARD “LIGHT UP THE NIGHT” GALA

Families Forward which is committed to helping local families experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless is pleased to announce that its supporters contributed more than $380,000 during its annual “Light Up the Night” Gala which was held virtually. Announced at the gala, it has joined forces with Orange Coast Gateway to Housing (formerly Orange Coast Interfaith Shelter), furthering its mission of providing lasting housing solutions to families experiencing homelessness in Orange County.

Photos Courtesy of Families Forward

ZOV’S NEWPORT COAST

This attractive shopping center offshoot of the popular original Zov’s in Tustin is a go-to patio cafe that lures locals with creative 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. 21123

Newport Coast Drive, 949-760-9687. See Tustin location. $$$

ORANGE

BOSSCAT KITCHEN & LIBATIONS

Old Towne’s newest gastropub thoughtfully transforms a historic corner into a lively whiskey bar serving worthy eats with a southern accent. Look for parm-crusted meatloaf, gulf shrimp and grits, and a yowza burger. The service is sharp. Sunday brunch and a robust midweek happy hour. 118 W.

Chapman Ave., 714-716-1599. $$ HAVEN CRAFT KITCHEN + BAR

A serious contender in the gastropub category, this popular storefront in Old Towne lures a mixed crowd of brew fanatics and foodies, thanks to a rich roster of esoteric suds and polished pub grub from chef Craig Brady. Dishes such as a braised lamb pappardelle and coriander roasted baby carrots. Lunch and early dinner are options for bypassing the deafening din that rises with the crowd. 190 S. Glassell

St., 714-221-0680. $$

THE HOBBIT

Gustatory delights worthy of Gatsby attract diners on special occasions to this gracious hacienda, where dinners are seven-course pageants that start with bubbly and nibbles in the wine cellar, and end hours later on the cigar patio. Each night’s menu is set weeks in advance—and so are most reservations. 2932 E. Chapman Ave., 714-997-1972. Reservations required. $$$

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA

THE BLIND PIG KITCHEN & BAR

Lakeside seats, terrific craft cocktails, and daring fare by young chef Karl Pfleider earn local love for this rare gastro-canteen in Rancho

Santa Margarita. Midweek tapas start at 3 p.m. with goodies such as steak tartare with pistachio XO sauce. But wait until 5 p.m. for the mahi-mahi with paprika mole. 31431 Santa Margarita Parkway, 949888-0072. Second location (not reviewed) in Yorba

Linda, 4975 Lakeview Ave., 714-485-2593. $$

CARMELITA’S KITCHEN

This lakefront sprawler offers top-notch Cal-Mex fare from the culinary vision of owner Clemente

Heredia Jr., a third-generation operator. Expect

Prime beef in the steak tampiqueña, Kurobuta pork in the wonderful carnitas. Outstanding margaritas.

Warm, spiffy service. 31441 Santa Margarita Parkway, 949-709-7600. See Laguna Beach location. $$

SAN CLEMENTE

BRICK

The menu of authentic, seasonal cuisine says Italy, but the unfussy setting and beach-casual regulars make for a solid California vibe at this trattoria by chef-owner David Pratt. Thin-crust pizzas from the wood-fired Valoriani oven are composed with care, but don’t miss the house-made pastas and seasonal Shakshuka at Mayfield

salads. Amazing meatballs, too. 216 N. El Camino

Real, 949-429-1199. $$

MRK PUBLIC

Three chefs, two of them former co-chefs at Tabu

Grill in Laguna Beach, transform a fast-casual fixture into a winning spot that offers craft beers, all $5, and a tightly edited menu of elevated favorites, notably

Tuscan toast, and a terrific fried chicken sandwich.

The rear counter offers a distant ocean view. 1402

S. El Camino Real, 949-441-7621. Beer and wine. $

NICK’S

On a prime stretch of vintage Avenida del Mar, this inviting bar and grill is just urbane enough to lure grown-ups who prefer to skip the surfer grub scene in favor of crackerjack cocktails and a compact allday menu of comfort classics with a modern twist.

Ace bets include the steakhouse salad and blackened fish sandwich. And there’s a sidewalk patio with fireplace. Sociable service is notably polished. 213 Avenida del Mar, 949-481-2200. See Laguna

Beach location. $$ SOUTH OF NICK’S

From the festive boxes of Chiclets at the reception station to scores of fine-sipping tequilas at the roomy bar, this beach burg shop from the team behind Nick’s is all about hospitality and scratch cooking. Cocktails are special, so are desserts, but don’t miss the feel-good dishes such as mini-sopes, sea bass in poblano cream, and pork chile verde. 110

N. El Camino Real, 949-481-4545. Second location (not reviewed) in Laguna Beach at 540 S. Coast Hwy., 949-376-8595. $$

VINE

A decor revamp of the cozy dining room and a menu overhaul add up to impressive new heights, because owner Russ Bendel Jr. wisely gives sauce monster and executive chef Jared Cook full reign over the kitchen. Look for killer duck wings and nightly specials that tend to sell out. A garden out back only sweetens this beach burg gem. 211 N. El Camino Real, 949-361-2079. Dinner only. $$$

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

L’HIRONDELLE

This pudgy, white adobe in the mission’s shadow charms with home cooking of the French-Belgian sort. The snug room has a cozy aura for chilly nights; the flowery patio suits the cuisine. 31631 Camino

Capistrano, 949-661-0425. Beer and wine. $$

MAYFIELD

Modern, hyper-seasonal California fare meets the timeless food ways of the Middle

East at this ingenious newcomer. Breezy two-story digs include a pretty quartz bar for leading-edge cocktails. Do try fried eggplant, lamb meatballs, and shareable dips. By day, look for indulgent brunch dishes. 31761 Camino Capistrano, 949-218-5140. $$$

PUBLIC 74

This county-line gastropub radiates a welcoming vibe that attracts customers of all types to its fauxramshackle chic, second-story venue. Craft brews, booze, and decidedly eclectic eats change often, as executive chef Gerry Kent keeps the smallish menu seasonal. Definitely consider the two-handed Reuben, and there’s a seasonal monster burger. 27211

Ortega Highway, 949-481-2723. $$

RAMOS HOUSE CAFÉ

A sweet adobe hiding in the historic Los Rios district,

Ramos House Café turns out some of South County’s most delectable daytime fare. Contemporary and clever American breakfasts and lunches (brunch on weekends) have a distinct Southern accent that fits the rustic, alfresco setting with passing trains as soundtrack. Look for ethereal biscuits and crab hash. And don’t miss the killer bloody mary. 31752

Los Rios St., 949-443-1342. $$

SUNDRIED TOMATO

This breezy cafe is a great find for light lunch and uncomplicated dinners. Small and large plates for the California palate: sundried tomato soup and memorable sandwiches, such as the honey-cilantro chicken pesto, or lamb burger with Gorgonzola and aioli. 31781 Camino Capistrano, 949-661-1167. Second location (not reviewed) in San Clemente at 821 Via

Suerte, 949-388-5757. $$

SANTA ANA [ SEE ALSO SOUTH COAST METRO ] BENCHMARK

Quirky but capable, this Santa Ana newcomer goes all-in for alfresco, luring diners with a tree-shaded setting on a vintage residential street. The modest menu of American bistro dishes is just big enough to have wide appeal. Happy hour and weekend brunch have a backyard party vibe. Dinner surprises with upmarket dishes, say a lovely bavette steak atop celery root puree. 601 E. Santa Ana Blvd., 714-480-0225. $$

CHAPTER ONE

The diverse crowd here drinks with gusto as proved by the enduring fame of its Moscow Mule, made with fresh-daily house ginger beer. Best bets include daily specials, unique hooch pours, and Sunday brunch. 227 N. Broadway, 714-352-2225. $$

CHATO’S BAR AND GRILL

This intrepid Mexican canteen offers less familiar dishes—corundas, roast quail—alongside comfort favorites such as ceviche and chilaquiles. Michoacán native Sergio Ortega previously of Descanso,

is executive chef. Inaugural meals include dinner nightly and Sunday brunch. Commendable cocktails. 400 N. Broadway, 714-852-3256. $$

EL MERCADO MODERN CUISINE

Deceptively bare bones, the menu offers about 20 dishes, each showcasing a regional recipe from-

Mexico’s distinctive territories. Don’t miss a sublime aguachile verde. Also impressive: crisp tacos ahogado in hot broth. We loved the guajillo salsa-soaked bread in the open-face pork pambazo at brunch.

Inventive cocktails lean on mezcal and house-made bitters. The vintage site with soaring ceilings seats 115 and boasts modern artwork. Expect kind, unflappable service. 301 N. Spurgeon St., 714-338-2446. $$

LOLA GASPAR

Offbeat but not outlandish, this Artists Village indie draws an eclectic crowd for creative cocktails and lusty pub grub, often with a Latin twist. Inside, the quarters are dark and chummy, while the Euroesque patio opens to the village promenade. 211 W.

Second St., 714-972-1172. $$

MIX MIX KITCHEN BAR

BEST NEW RESTAURANT 2017

DTSA got a major dining upgrade with this winner from chef-owner Ross Pangilinan. A veteran of highend dining, his major culinary chops rule the day but not the tab at his breakout venue with zero pretension and multicourse meals packed with finesse. Think prosciutto toast with quince honey, and seared foie gras with al pastor spices and charred pineapple. Spiffy craft cocktails, too. 300 N. Main St., 714-836-5158. Dinner only. $$$

PLAYGROUND

Chef-owner Jason Quinn’s pioneering venue in downtown Santa Ana is maturing, as seen in the knowing choice of craft beers, a deepened wine list as well as crackerjack cocktails. What hasn’t changed is the dinner house’s maverick approach to cuisine from a crew hell-bent on dishes made the slow way, the new way, the unexpected way. Think wagyu ribeye tartare frites, charred Tamaki rice lettuce wraps, seared broccoli with dashi butter and slow egg. 220

E. Fourth St., 714-560-4444. $$$

WURSTHAUS

This convivial brats-n-brew salon succeeds by owning a deep niche: custom sausages and all-Euro beers on 20 taps. When all others swoon over local craft brews, this crew goes long on atypical sausages with wild sauces on pretzel buns. And no pint is complete without Belgian fries made the Old World way. 305 E. Fourth St., 714-760-4333. $

SEAL BEACH

320 MAIN

Seal Beach’s dark-but-cheerful indie venue boasts a long-respected cocktail program, and new chef

James Miller 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. $$

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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. A full-service wine bar is the latest update. 3800 South Plaza Drive, 714-751-7153. $$$

THE CAPITAL GRILLE

Florida’s Darden Group (parent of downstairs restaurant Seasons 52) takes on an increasing amount of square footage at South Coast Plaza with this upscale, 400-plus-seat steakhouse. Despite an emphasis on dry-aged steaks and seafood classics, some of the best dishes are lunch items, appetizers, and desserts. Gracious service, plush surroundings, and a deep, steep wine list. 3333 Bristol St., 714-4321140. $$$

THE HALL GLOBAL EATERY

Upscale yet low key, full service Crudo gets a bit lost amid The Hall’s 10,000-square-foot wonderland of casual offerings, but do search out the latest menu from Amar Santana. It stars seasonal riffs on crudos exploding with worldly flavors plus endless choices from the raw bar, charcuterie list, and don’t-miss intricate cocktails by bar star Michael Rooney. Patio seating highly recommended. 3333 Bristol St., 714515-5544. $$

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 kebobs, 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 O.C.’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 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. Do save room for Germain Biotteau’s inimitable desserts. Weekly tasting menus are utterly indulgent. 3333 Bristol St., 714-266-3388. $$$

MASTRO’S STEAKHOUSE

Be prepared for gargantuan portions, with cocktails to match. Mastro’s offers Prime steaks, wetaged for 28 days. A hand-cut, 33-ounce chef’s ribeye, and a 48-ounce, double-cut porterhouse will tame the manliest appetite. Retro sides include twicebaked potato, and creamed spinach. 633 Anton Blvd., 714-546-7405. See Newport Coast location. Dinner only. $$$

MORTON’S, THE STEAKHOUSE

Steaks, including a 48-ounce porterhouse and a double-cut filet mignon, are wet-aged three to four weeks. Fill your plate with giant sides of broccoli and hash browns, but leave a little room: There’s chocolate cake for dessert. Killer happy hour deals, early and late night, Sunday through Friday. 1641 W.

Sunflower Ave., 714-444-4834. See Anaheim location. $$$

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.

And don’t miss the mean po’ boy sandwich. 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, a dish of slow-cooked lamb shanks said to be an aphrodisiac. 1621 W. Sunflower

Ave., 714-436-1010. $$

SEASONS 52

Open-kitchen cooking with wood fire serves seasonal eats with a farmers market spin. Flatbreads and shotglass desserts are signatures. Look for nightly music at the piano bar and an inviting patio with fountains and fire pits. 3333 Bristol St., 714-437-5252. $$

TERRACE BY MIX MIX

Canny chef-owner Ross Pangilinan leverages the success of his original Mix Mix Kitchen Bar in downtown Santa Ana with this minimalist aerie overlooking the stylish Bridge of Gardens skywalk at South

Papaya peanut kachumber at The Yellow Chilli

Coast Plaza. This venue lacks a full bar, but it has wine and beer and is open daily with ample free parking. Fans love the three-course lunch for $20, but weekend brunch with its mimosa cart beguiles, and dinner offers the best prix fixe in the center.

Don’t-miss 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. $$$

TRABUCO CANYON

TRABUCO OAKS STEAKHOUSE

This favorite of Nixon’s, where they will cut off your tie and keep it as part of the decor, is 100 percent serious when it comes to steaks: Choice cuts are well-aged and mesquite-charcoal grilled to order.

From the 2-pound cowboy steak to the 8-ounce filet mignon, the smoky, charred flavor shines through in every bite. Small but select wine list of California superstars. 20782 Trabuco Oaks Drive, 949-5860722. Dinner only. $$

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 Yucatan 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. $$$

ROMA D’ ITALIA

Old Town’s durable red-sauce joint keeps fans coming for family-recipe meatballs, pizzas, parmigianas, and pastas. Casual digs include the red-checked tablecloths, and shakers of crushed pepper. Good for groups and speedy work lunches. 611 El Camino

Real, 714-544-0273. $

SNOOZE

Denver-based Snooze handily charms the all-day, everyday brunch crowd it lures to its Tustin Marketplace venue. Consistently delicious riffs on classic egg and pancake dishes make for a brunch you want but will never cook at home. Expect peppy, earnest service that reflects the menu’s slogan of “peace, love, pancakes.” 3032 El Camino Real, 714-415-6269.

Second location (not reviewed) in Orange at 240 W.

Chapman Ave., 657-284-1850. $$

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. $$

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DIGITAL TECHNIQUE

Anaheim Hills native Ally Helman is expanding opportunities for local dancers as owner and artistic director of Ballet Project OC and Ballet Project TV. by Astgik Khatchatryan

What’s your dance background? When I was 14, I moved to New York City to train at The School of American Ballet. After graduation, I was fortunate enough to get an apprenticeship with New York City Ballet. Due to a change in directorship, I then went on to dance with Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle. I was only there for a few months when the pandemic hit, and I moved back to Orange County.

Tell us about Ballet Project OC. I actually started it in 2019. As professional dancers, we have summers free. We grab any teaching or performing job we can get. So I started this company to provide more opportunities for my peers. And once we were all home during the pandemic, I thought, “This is perfect: Let’s dance and create while everything’s shut down.” We’ve created more than 20 new works and employed more than 20 people. So far, we’ve had six shows (with five original pieces each) and a “Nutcracker.”

How did you make the shows happen? We performed in an empty theater. My father, Jon Helman, helped us create a digital network called Ballet Project TV so we could livestream our shows. And then we started livestreaming other companies’ shows as well.

What’s next for Ballet Project OC? Even beyond the pandemic, we’re hoping to keep growing our streaming site as a hub for dance fans—a central place they can go to see people dance across the country. Currently we’re raising funds with the goal of employing 16 dancers full time for 52 weeks. And we have a show planned for early spring.

FIND OUT MORE!

balletproject.tv