I try not to use the word “staple” too much, when I’m talking about dining, or the community, a coffee shop, etc. There aren’t too many places in my vocabulary that can live up to the standard of being a “staple” in my life, the lives of my husband and kids, my friends. Bistango, however, is a staple. In November this year, the restaurant and the incredible family that founded it celebrated 35 years of service to the Newport Beach community, and let’s be honest - to the greater Orange County area as well. The menu showcases extensive offerings in…

Valentine’s Day was right around the corner when I booked a reservation to sample the culinary offerings at PUBlic Legacy - Chef Kent’s newest restaurant located in the center of the bustline and historic City of Orange. Located within the Stadium Promenade center, PUBlic Legacy is not only the brainchild of partners Chef Andrew Kent and Chad Dickey, it is a flagship culmination of their passions, experiences in the industry, and core values. The chef-driven dining experience focuses on elevated comfort food, hand-crafted cocktails, craft beer, and the most thoughtful choices in wine around. While I’m typically not a fan…

Surf City’s Newest, Elevated Dining Experience Surf-fare isn’t necessarily a new term, but it is certainly taking on new meaning at Henry’s Coastal Cuisine. Located in the Waterfront Beach Resort, Huntington Beach’s most elegant and inspired oceanside dining experience, Henry’s takes endless waterfront views to the next level with an open-air patio, a carefully selected French and Californian wine selection and specialty craft cocktails. Dishes showcase regional flavors from the Southern California shores with an emphasis on seasonal, local ingredients. Executive Chef Lewis Butler pairs rich French traditions with an expansive, airy venue that put a delicious spin on farm-to-table…

There’s something so satisfying about seeing an iced tray of gorgeous Eastern or Pacific oysters on the half shell appear at the table, served with fresh horseradish, mignonette, cocktail sauce and habanero-lime relish. Or the truly great Maryland Blue Crab - straight from the softshell crab capital of the world - where they are packed and flown alive and kicking direct from the Chesapeake to the restaurant several days a week. I am the unabashed seafood aficionado in our family so I am always particularly thrilled when ocean fare is on the menu. My husband, on the other hand, is…

Celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with an unforgettable experience on the water. The two-hour Thanksgiving brunch cruise is available in Newport Beach, San Diego and Marina Del Rey, and includes a menu of freshly-prepared Thanksgiving staples as well as drinks, including unlimited champagne, live music, and unbeatable views. For those who wish to skip the holiday meal preparation and spend more quality time with loved ones, the Thanksgiving Day Dinner Cruise offers an evening cruise complete with a decadent Thanksgiving dinner and entertainment. Dinner will be offered at the Newport Beach, Marina Del Rey, San Diego and Long Beach ports. CItyExperiences.com(800)…

The last time I visited Orange Hill Restaurant was pre-pandemic for a friend’s bon voyage party. Though I am certain that the menu has changed here and there since that time, the quality of its culinary offerings, absolutely breathtaking views and stellar service have not changed one iota. Perched on the hills of Orange County, the restaurant offers panoramic views of Catalina Island, downtown Los Angeles, Disneyland’s nightly pyrotechnic extravaganza and the gorgeous SoCal coastline. Pair the views with a glass of wine from the award-winning house list, or partake in a hand-crafted cocktail. A contemporary California steakhouse, Orange Hill…

With the change of seasons always comes an exciting time in food - especially at your favorite restaurants. My new go-to in Orange is O SEA, located in the historic heart of Orange on the circle. Open since June 2021, this innovative eatery features a refreshingly modern, upbeat atmosphere and excellent seafood offerings which shine with the passionate personalities of its founder and general manager Mike Flynn and his team. Mike’s dream “for a decade” came to fruition after a restaurant journey that took this clearly talented concept creator to popular seafood establishments across the country and back home to…

Savory is one of those words that gets tossed around indiscriminately. I suppose the synonyms are a bit lackluster (appetizing, toothsome), but none of the adjectives really do an unforgettable meal justice. At North Italia, it doesn’t matter how you describe the food, as long as you know you’re always in for something special. Every day there are new items waiting to be devoured, like the Chef’s daily pizzas or their house-made cocktails. On a recent date night, my husband and I spent a considerable amount of time perusing the menu, trying to decide between dishes made with house-made pasta…

The tastes emerging from downtown San Clemente’s new contemporary Mexican restaurant Gema are influenced by its chef’s childhood memories and high-level culinary techniques. Partnering authentic ingredients straight from Mexico with locally sourced seasonal fare, Gema’s Executive Chef Juan Pablo Cruz takes tradition and gives it new life. His menu is scratch-made and inspired by authentic Mexican gastronomy which “supports local farmers markets, purveyors of naturally and humanely raised meats, sustainable seafood and the use of top-quality products and ingredients.” Al pastor, birria, fish, shrimp, and wagyu take center stage at this seaside city’s newest upscale eatery, accompanied by quesillo cheese,…

I have to admit - I’m pretty particular when it comes to deciding where to go for dinner on date night, out for a family meal or simply stepping out to enjoy a glass of fine wine and live entertainment after work. Lucky for me, I live in San Juan and am only a stone’s throw from a popular eatery that dishes up all this and delicious Italian cuisine to boot: Brio Tuscany Grille. This place isn’t the kind of establishment that has huge, bedazzled lights pointing to it with acrobatic sign holders out front. This restaurant respects itself in…

Though the groundhog warned us about eight more weeks of winter, the fact remains that spring is on its way. And with the change of seasons always comes an exciting time in food - especially at your favorite restaurants. My favorite go-to for a fine dining night out is Laguna Beach’s own award-winning Selanne Steak Tavern. Located in an exquisitely charming historic 1934 home on PCH the tavern is known for its delicious seasonal fare: locally farmed and fished so you get the freshest entrees and sides imaginable - from succulent steaks and chops, superb poultry, game and seafood, artisan…

There’s a specific kind of joy in that first sip of a good Guinness. Brewed first in Ireland in 1759, the authentic flavor and distinctive look upon pouring it straight from a tap makes it one of the most recognizable beers on the planet. Its reputation, like that of Dublin 4 Gastropub, is unmatched. The family vegetable garden in County Mayo was where the food grew: really good food. The idea of fare that was not fresh caught, plucked, or picked became as foreign to executive chef David Shofner and his team as a pint of Guinness without its signature…

In the past decade, public attention has shifted to focus on the matter of how we obtain our food, and what exactly is going into the making of our favorite meals. While not a new concept to the chefs we hold in high esteem, diners’ focus has made those chefs offerings more and more coveted. It isn’t just ambiance or candlelight anymore: it is locally sourced ingredients, quality extras, artisanal cheeses and handpicked wines. Located in the gorgeous Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel and designed in the spirit of a time-honored classic American steakhouse, enoSTEAK pays as much attention to its decor…

Winner of the Dana Point Times 2017 “Best of Dana Point” People’s Choice Award for “Best Happy Hour” and “Best Bartender” (GOLD) and “Best Overall Restaurant,” “Best Pizza,” “Best Bar” and “Best Take-Out Food!” (SILVER) I have to admit - I’m pretty particular when it comes to deciding where to go for dinner on date night, out for a family meal or simply stepping out to enjoy a glass of fine wine and live entertainment after work. Lucky for me, I live in Dana Point and am only a stone’s throw from a popular eatery that dishes up all this…

My husband recently discovered that there are certain restaurants in our area which have a “ghost menu.” Items the chefs are willing to whip up for guests, but only if you know what to ask for. His immediate request? A grilled cheese sandwich. I couldn’t help but laugh. All the choices in the world awaited, including some of the best kept secret recipes of city’s cooking elite, and he picks a grilled cheese. His response? “You can’t ever go wrong with comfort food.” He was right. And that’s exactly what EATS Kitchen & Bar at the Hotel Irvine offers: except…

Dining at the Ritz-Carlton is itself a worthy reason to pay a visit any day of the week and enjoy a different experience for every meal, each appropriate to the moment: a light, casual breakfast at the Market Place (try the quinoa bowel for a guiltless treat); a poolside snack while lounging midday (the fresh pita and house-made hummus from the Dana Pool Cafe is surprisingly finger-licking); a late drink at the outdoor, oceanfront lounge, 180blû (the Tequila Sangria is a specialty). RAYA, however, is a singular dining experience that simply mustn’t be missed. RAYA showcases Chef Steve Wan’s signature…

Destination dining in Dana Point inspired by the authentic cuisine, tradition and charm of Venice, Italy For a unrivaled dining experience derived from years of education, a passion for preparing delicious, authentic dishes from the freshest ingredients and a dedication to stellar customer service where the owners and staff make you feel like a personal guest in their home, look no farther than Casanova Ristorante. Owner Chris Lagaris and General Manager Stefano Xenos have clearly - pardon the pun - discovered the recipe for success in the Southern California restaurant industry. The cousins have been working together for half a…

The term “fast-casual” was apparently coined by Paul Barron in the late 1990’s. The creator of FastCasual.com, Mr. Barron’s claim to the phrase has been disputed, but the terminology certainly stuck. Restaurants have popped up all over the nation in the last twenty years that set claim to the phrase, and serve up a similar experience: moderately priced meals, self-service or limited service format, and made-to-order food with more flavors than your neighborhood McDonald’s or Taco Bell. With 33 stores in Colorado (and 3 under construction), six stores in Phoenix, three in Dallas/Ft. Worth and now three in California (Laguna…

312 Chicago136 N. La Salle Street Old World charm and authentic Italian cuisine is at its finest in the heart of the Chicago Loop. Located adjacent to the Cadillac Palace Theatre inside the Hotel Allegro, 312 Chicago is presided over by executive chef and Italian native Luca Corazzina. Taste your way through plates of silken Burrata cheese, pappardella bolognese, and Mediterranean branzino (a skin-on sea bass with yellow pepper puree, crab meat, green onions, radishes, fresno peppers, lime juice, olive oil and micro cilantro) so fresh you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to Italy for dinner. Eleven City Diner…