Orange County :: The Happy Fork

Mar

2011

Javier’s satisfies Newport Beach crowd with elegant Mexican cuisine

by bradvr · Comments (0)

The original Javiers in Laguna was a great place to people watch, grab a beer and eat vey good Mexican food at good prices. The original Laguna Beach location is closed, replaced by large, upscale spots in Irvine and nearby Crystal Cove. The food is still excellent as is the people watching, but the prices are higher and the cuisine a bit more refined.

Get their Carnitas plate, mole, crispy tacos (I like the beef), and any of their Margaritas. Check their website for hours and other locations.

- Posted by fork on the road

Categories : 3 Forks, CA, Orange County, Southern California, The Happy Fork reviews

Comments (0)

Feb

2011

Renzo’s – a taste of Peru

by bradvr · Comments (0)

Renzo’s offers it’s take on Peruvian food to fit the local business crowds. Not always authentic, but always tasty. As an example, the beef Saltado had the subtle flavors but was served in a wrap. Ceviche, soups, and pork dishes are the things to order.

Open every day except Sunday. Check website for hours

- Posted by fork on the road

Location:2222 Michelson Dr Ste 200 Irvine, CA 92612

Categories : 2 Forks, CA, Fork on the Road, Orange County, Southern California, Uncategorized

Comments (0)

Feb

2011

Salmerron’s El Tapatio has been serving excellent Mexican food since 1963

by bradvr · Comments (0)

For over 25 years, El Tapatio in Santa Ana has been my go to place hearty, consistent, Mexican food. Not your Baja Style or Tex Mex or overly creative spot, but traditional fare, far better then any of the chain Mexican spots. The dining room used to be tiny, but years ago they expanded into the building next door, yet still maintain high standards, fair prices, and friendly service. The decor is dated, and sometimes the music or the sports on TV are too loud, but it is most always comfortable and relaxing, however this is not a formal date place or one to impress clients (though I take mine here all the time!).

The dishes to get here are the traditional standards such as Chili Verde, Carnitas – plate or tacos, Chicken Mole, or any of the combo plates. My favorite is the crispy beef taco and chili relleno. The tortilla shell is hand formed, the shredded beef flavorful, and the chili relleno bursts with flavor (see photo). In Santa Ana we have our pick of American style mexican spots and this is one of my favorites. Other dishes to try are the shrimp diablo and the fajitas.

The secret to longevity in the restaurant business is consistency and El Tapatio is consistent. Gloria, one of the waitresses, has been there over 25 years and greets every diner with a smile and is truly happy to work there.

Location: Sameron’s el tapatio restaurant 1214 E Pomona St Santa Ana, CA 92707 (714) 835-4264

Categories : 4 Forks, CA, Fork on the Road, Home Cooking, Orange County, Southern California, The Happy Fork reviews

Comments (0)

Feb

2011

Beijing Express for quick and cheap American style Chinese takeout

by bradvr · Comments (0)

Truly a hole in the wall joint. Great prices and good flavors can be found here. The new owners are just getting started at this cook to order spot, and I expect even better things from them in the near future (like decor). The cook/owner hales from the Hilton in San Gabriel and that means good roots. Again, a take out place with a few tables and a good choice if you are nearby downtown Santa Ana.

BBQ Pork and Broccoli Shrimp combo

No website, so call for hours. They speak very little English and they don’t prepare anything that is not on the picture menu.

Categories : 1 Fork, CA, Fork on the Road, Orange County, Southern California, The Happy Fork reviews

Comments (0)

Feb

2011

Anepalco’s Café humble location surprises with extraordinary Latin cuisine

by bradvr · Comments (1)

Anepalco’s Café has been hiding (from me anyway) in a tiny strip shopping center near St. Joseph Hospital in Orange for over 2 years. Shame on me for not finding it sooner. They serve outstanding and creative breakfasts, sandwiches and french press coffee. I didn’t try any juice, but it appears that offer fresh juices, hot coco and more. On my next visit I want to try the Cubano Sandwich and the name sake, Anepalco slow cooked pork Sandwich.

The pictures below are of our recent Sunday brunch. Both dishes tasted as good as they are described and as they looked – even better!
Huevos Divorciados was simply corn tortillas, ham, bacon, two eggs, red onion, avocado, covered with green sauce and “phosphorescent” red sauce, and sprinkled with cojita cheese. It had little bursts of spice and very complex flavors. The other very good dish I tried was Anepalco’s Chilaquiles. Scrambled egg served atop tortilla chips with red sauce, cotija cheese, sour cream, avocado mousse, and pico de gallo.

[Show as slideshow]

They have limited hours for lunch and breakfast. M-F 8 to 3:30 and Sat-Sun 8 to 2:00PM. Visit their website for more details. It is easy to get to and just off the 22 Fwy. Look for it on Main Street, just south of the Chapman.

Categories : 4 Forks, CA, Fork on the Road, Orange County, Southern California

Comments (1)

Feb

2011

Brodard Chateau

by bradvr · Comments (2)

A few decades ago Garden Grove officially received the nickname Little Saigon to recognize the Vietnam influence on the community. One beneficial outcome for us foodies is the plethora of good Asian eateries, Brodard Chateau being one of the nicest ones.

This weeks lunch coincided with Chinese New Year which explained this shrine on display in the restaurant foyer.

The actual lunch was wonderful and included the mouth watering duck spring roll, shrimp crepe appetizer, and salt and pepper calamari. Next trip I would get the salt and pepper shrimp and bring more friends so I can share more dishes!

Visit their website for hours and location

- Posted by fork on the road

Location:San Diego Fwy,Inglewood,United States

Categories : 3 Forks, Orange County, Southern California, The Happy Fork reviews

Comments (2)

Feb

2011

Pei Wei finds its way onto my fork

by bradvr · Comments (0)

I am a fan of very few national sit down chain restaurants. The ones that I like are Macaroni Grill, Houstons, Mortons, and PF Changs, the later being the parent company to Pei Wei.

Pei Wei serves street style Asian food and does it efficiently and with robust flavors. Having a location a few blocks from my office helps too.

You can get brown rice with any dish (recommended) and they serve excellent unsweetened, but flavorful ice tea, and provide good quality chop sticks.

Dishes to try:

Pei Wei Spicy Chicken, Lettuce wraps, Honey Seared Shrimp, Chil Ramen, Korean BBQ Beef, mandarin orange tea, crab wonton, brown rice.

Visit their website for locations near you and hours.

-Posted by Bradvr

Location:Barranca Pkwy,Irvine,United States

Categories : 3 Forks, Fork on the Road, Orange County, Southern California, The Happy Fork reviews

Comments (0)

Feb

2011

Cafe Hiro – Japanese fusion in Cypress

by bradvr · Comments (0)

Cafe Hiro is one of the standout kitchens in Orange county where you can count on an inspired meal on every visit. Be sure to check the daily specials when ordering. Service is friendly and efficient. Open for lunch and dinner.

: Mushroom Pasta

: Banana Cream Pudding

Try one of his infused pastas. This one above features mushroom pasta with eggplant and bonita flakes, but another must try is their signature dish, Sea Urchin “Uni” Spaghetti. The Chilean Sea Bass and Beef Tongue Stew are also excellent. At Cafe Hiro shy away from the ordinary and be adventurous with your selections. You will not be disappointed.

As usual, check the website for hours and other logistics.

- Posted from Fork on the Road

Location

Categories : 3 Forks, CA, Fork on the Road, Orange County, Scandinavia and the Baltic's, Southern California, The Happy Fork reviews

Comments (0)

Aug

2007

Pete’s Mexican Food

by bradvr · Comments (0)

An institution in Huntington Beach, Pete’s serves their take on mexican food. Get the chicken or ground beef taco – tasty ingredients, shells crisped on the grill. The carne asada burrito includes avocado, lettuce and tomato.
Notable Staff: Carlos and Jenny Gonzales

Pete’s Mexican Food
This information was accurate at the time of posting, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead or visit the website to confirm hours, location and other details.

213 5th Street
Huntington Beach, CA
One block from PCH
714.960.8797

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $10 or less

Categories : 1 Fork, Fork on the Road, Orange County, The Happy Fork reviews

Comments (0)

Jul

2007

French 75

by bradvr · Comments (0)

This David Wilhelm restaurant has managed to replicate the successful formula of the Laguna Beach original and bring it to the burbs.

Start with a Kir Royale and enjoy French classics served with American Portions. The best dining advice here is to split portions. Try the Duck two ways, the Fois Gras appetizer, and any of the house made soups. Very good selection of wines.

Nice space with good acoustics. The main bar lounge is large and and always busy.

Now five locations in Southern California including Laguna Beach, Irvine, Burbank, Century City, and Newport Beach. *My favorite location is the original in Laguna Beach. Great bar. If you visit make sure you check out the Lost World ퟙmonkeyퟘ ceiling paintings.
What To Order: Happy hour drink and dinner specials

French 75

This information was accurate at the time of posting, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead or visit the website to confirm hours, location and other details.

http://www.culinaryadventures.com/restaurants/f75/index.html
13290 Jamboree Rd.
Irvine, CA 92602
Irvine Marketplace, just north of the 5 FWY
714-573-7600

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $30 to $50
Bar dining, Table seating, Private room, Reservations, Open Every Day, Credit cards, Bar, Exceptional wine list, Snappy Casual, Non-smoking
Lunch: Mon-Fri 5 pm to 9 pm
Dinner: Mon
Tue-Thu 5 pm to 10 pm
Fri 5 pm to 11 pm
Sat 4 pm to 11 pm
Sun 4 pm to 9 pm