If you fancy yourself a craft beer connoisseur or, like me, just like to treat your palate to great tastes, there are more options than ever to be a part of the burgeoning craft beer scene and no better way to appreciate, be introduced to, and learn about the trendsetters in brewing than at tasting […]
Restaurants
Five Crowns Participates in Green Feast
The Octopus Carpaccio with citrus, frisée and yuzu vinaigrette, pictured above, was a stunning example of the magical fare emerging from the kitchen of Executive Chef Greg Harrison, the culinary talent behind Orange County’s acclaimed Five Crowns, and its sister restaurant, SideDoor (both members of the Lawry’s family of restaurants). In August, Executive Chef Ryan O’Melveny Wilson […]
Champagnes Bistro and Deli
I have a soft spot for “Mom & Pop” operations that stand the test of time and Newport Beach’s popular Champagnes Bistro & Deli is celebrating 23 years by responding to requests from their loyal customers with an expanded dinner menu featuring traditional bistro specialties. Patrons still clamor for Champagne’s brick oven pizzas, “remarkable” burgers, fresh salads, […]
Breakfast at the Beach
The Nike US Open of Surfing® kicks-off next weekend in Huntington Beach and runs from July 28th to August 5th. For the past week, the golden sand north and south of the pier has been covered with stacks of steel that rise like a phoenix transformed into a gleaming modern spectator area emblazoned with the signature […]
Beach Eats: Zimzala
SEXY, SURFER, CHIC – is a spot-on description of Huntington Beach’s Shorebreak Hotel and its restaurant & bar Zimzala. Only steps away from the famous strand in Huntington Beach which annually hosts the US Open of Surfing, Zimzala is fast becoming our favorite sit-down and relax-at-the-beach restaurant. We enjoy Zimzala’s youthful vibe, the menu’s emphasis on […]
Destination Dining: Stonehill Tavern
Stonehill Tavern at The St. Regis Monarch Beach lives up to, indeed, surpasses, what General Manager Pallava Goenka states as their concept: “At Stonehill Tavern, the food, the staff, the service, and the ambiance combine to create an award-winning restaurant that is a consistently amazing experience for our guests – and Chef Polignano’s new menu […]
Beach Eats: Eat Chow 2
Another beautiful day at the beach! After a few hours of sun, sand, and surf you can really work up an appetite – fortunately, Newport Beach and Huntington Beach have an abundance of great places offering mouthwatering, creative eats that are conveniently located within walking or biking distance from the beach. No need to battle […]
SOL’s Sweet Potato and Black Bean Taco
In February, I attended a party at SOL COCINA to celebrate Chef Deborah Schneider and her Baja-style tacos being featured in Oprah’s O Magazine! (February issue). Writer Julie Powell declares a Taco Fiesta: the Easiest Dinner Party You’ll Ever Throw; there’s no argument from me that a taco bar with an array of fillings and toppings is a […]
Hong Kong: a City of Contrasts
A week in Hong Kong is not long enough to fully experience all that this island metropolis holds within its heart, but long enough to realize the contrasts in the old and new and marvel at how they co-exist in the 21st century. Indeed a city of contrasts, the idea that they exist in perfect […]
Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen Sizzles
Sunday brunch at Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen in Brea is nothing short of sizzling hot! Take two margaritas, add the energetic Latin rhythms of Sombra Quieta, shake it up, and you just might find your inner Latina/o! What we found on a gray and rainy Sunday in March was flavorful, familiar Latin food, killer cocktails, […]