IT’S ALL AT THE HALL

from SCP Taste 2020

PALATE DAZZLING COCKTAILS

DAVID CHIEM @davidthefoodie The food options in Orange County never cease to amaze me. Everyone who follows the local restaurant scene was excited about the opening of chef Amar Santana and business partner Ahmed Labatte’s latest project, The Hall Global Eatery. It finally debuted earlier this year at South Coast Plaza, and I couldn’t wait to see it for myself.

The Hall is spacious, inviting and tastefully decorated with warm wood tones, modern Photo: Sarah King lighting and an understated Moroccan vibe from accent pieces.

The quick-service Patisserie is a great way to start the day. Fresh pressed juices, wellness shots and a complete coffee

bar are complemented by freshly baked pastries and cookies.

For a fast-casual lunch, don’t miss the Mediterranean Grill. My sight immediately fixated on the vertical spits of slow-turning roasted meat—chicken, beef and lamb. Thin slices of meat are artfully carved for platters or sandwiches. Cocktail king Michael Rooney is held in high regard for his creative libations. He did not disappoint. I took a seat at the spacious bar and sampled some outstanding drinks, with False King and Winter Rose being particularly memorable.

I ordered the shawarma chicken combo platter on saffron rice, liberally drizzled with Santana’s proprietary (and fiery) sauces, with sides of tabbouleh and Greek salad. So good. The food was served to order, quick and full of flavor.

Crudo offers all sorts of pristine seafood beautifully displayed. The star dish was the Peruvian scallops. I could not get enough of the delicious coconut-lime sauce

that perfectly drenched the scallops.