Your local favorite joints to grab the grub
 

I just discovered a fantastic new place to eat, so I thought I'd start a thread to share my favorite local eateries (no, Kevy, the Cheesecake Factory that just opened doesn't count!). There's nothing I like better than a small independant place that just knows how to serve good, fresh food.

The place I just discovered is Taco Mesa. Now, they've got a few locations and I actually think I've been to their Mission Viejo location. But I do not remember it being this freaking good. This time I went to the original, on 19th in Costa Mesa. It turns out they are doing $1 tacos on Tuesdays. I ordered 3, figuring they'd be little 2-bite street tacos. Holy moly, these things were more like little burritos than tacos! And it's not like the $1 was a huge discount. Normal price is $1.50-$2.50 depending on the kind of taco. And they tasted so damned good. Nothing better than when something tastes 100% fresh. Mmmm. If you're in Costa Mesa and are looking for Mexican...

Also in Costa Mesa is The Gypsy Den, at the Lab Antimall. A tiny little bakery/cafe that serves delicious sandwiches on fresh baked bread. Their soups leave something to be desired as every soup they serve is basically cream of cumin that's been dyed the color of whatever it's supposed to be. But man, those sandwiches. And it's all about the atmosphere. Seating is a mix of little cafe patio tables and couches with coffee tables. They've got two big doors that are always open to the outside seating area, so it's nice and airy. It's decorated in a great eclectic lounge style, with randomly filled bookshelves. It's just the most relaxing place to sit and have a meal.

My last recomendation will have to be updated later, because I don't actually know the name or exact location of the place. My sister used them to cater their Superbowl party this weekend, and my BiL and his friend are actually renting their kitchen for a little side business they're running. But it's a soul food restaurant in Encino, and by God the food at that party was absolutely sinful. A killer real deal mac and cheese casserole, heavenly corn bread, hush puppies served with hot sauce (kinda like buffalo wing sauce) that were just delicious. But the star of the show were the ribs. Oh...my....goodness. Literally falling off the bone, and the most flavorful ribs I've ever tasted. I stuffed my self silly, and I'm still craving it. Apparantly there were also supposed to be some yams that were equally stellar, but they never made it. I think we lived anyway (or maybe that's WHY we lived). I can't wait to eat at the actual restaurant.

So those are a few from me. What are yours?

Oh, Ann brought that? I missed that. Well, it was delicious none the less.

One of my faves is in Lake Forest and is called "Philly's Best". They also have a location in Aliso Viejo. If you want a to-die-for Philly Cheesesteak, you can't do any better. They proclaim that all of thier ingredients are imported from Philly, including and especially the bread, which is delicious. The trademark "Philly's Best" sandwich includes Steak, Onions, Mushrooms, and grilled peppers, all smothered in gooey melted cheese. Prices average about 6 bucks for a sandwich that you will inhale. Good stuff but expect a good 1/2 hour wait if you go at lunch.

Another that comes to mind is Los Golandrinas. They have at least two locations. One in Laguna Niguel (Crown Valley Pkwy and Greenfield) and the other in Capo Beach. It is the epitome of "hole in the wall" and all food is ala carte. I've been told that have been voted best mexican food in orange county for many years.

They have a refrigerated section where you can buy their own tortillas, salsa, guacamole, flan, and sweet tamales (coconut and pineapple tamales are to die for, btw). From what I understand, they sell a lot of their stuff to other restaurants. We always pick up some of their yummy chips and guac.

As far as regular items, my favorite is the wet chile verde burrito, with big chunks of fall-apart pork that have been simmering in verde sauce for what seems like an eternity. The soft tacos are huge and on Tuesdays they are a buck each. They also have huge breakfast burritos that are served all day. I highly recommend this place.

Ok, now that I wrote all of that, I realized that it is Tuesday. I'm doomed, especially since I mentioned aloud what I was writing about and now everyone around me is putting in orders for tacos. I guess I'm off to Los Golandrinas...

:( We've yet to find anywhere in Tucson besides chains that have good food...I think it's just my taste buds.

We did find wonderful mexican food finally. BUT..it's on the other side of town...about 30-45 minute drive thru traffic...The kind of place you have to be going to to find. But it was so yummy...I've been having cravings for it since the day we ate there..about 3 months ago. I think it was Mischa's...rumored to be the Mexican food place that Pres Clinton flew in special to dine at. Of course, every Mexican food place in town claims to be that place!


When we lived in Abilene, Texas, there was a little hole in the wall BBQ place I loved...They made hot water cornbread, both spicy and plain and fall off the bone tender meats...and turnip greens! I'm a born and bred Southern girl and we love turnip greens...And it's almost impossible to find somewhere to get them that are worth eating....Ahhhh...I can just imagine them now...A big bowl of greens, cornbread and hot pepper sauce! Ahhhh...I miss Texas!

I love the Gypsey Den. I miss the days when I was a regular customer. They have another location in Newport or Santa Ana in a museum. I'm blanking on it now. I must disagree with you on their soups... the Adobe Stew rocks. The sandwiches and salads are amazing, the portions are huge and the prices can't be beat.

In HB there's a little Italian restaurant called Manja Manja. It's at Golden West and Edinger, a hole in the wall place. The food is excellent. Their garlic bread is melt in your mouth and the pasta is always done right. Their chef will create a sauce if you don't like what the pasta comes with.

Also in HB is Kings Pizza. Located on Springdale and Heil a few stores down from Vons, this pizza place has been in that center for over 25 years. Total hole in the wall, tables in the front and a small banquet area in the back. Cash only. The pizzas are huge and to die for. I have never had a pizza as good as Kings.

One more in HB is Kung Pao Chinese Restaurant. This gem is located at Bolsa Chica and Warner. It is a family style restaurant with warm intimate seating areas. The service and food are amazing and the prices are great (especially for lunch).

In Laguna Hills there is a Chinese Restaurant that I just discovered located off of Carlotta Ave in the Trader Joes shopping center. Amazing.

I wasn't refering to the adobe stew, I was talking about their soups of the day. They are the same base of thick, cumin flavored soup mildly flavored to whatever the vegetable of the day is, and colored to match. Not bad once, but if you've had one variety, you've had them all.

We have a few places we like to frequent.

I’ve posted this one before: www.matterhorn.co.nz - it’s got a great bar and the food is really good. This place is also nice.

This is our local pub – we’re usually here at least once or twice a week. It’s just across the road (literally) from my work and close to some other places we hang out.


For Mexican, I like to go here. Good food, good bar, and it’s in a cool area of town.


I’ll add some more later.

Mmmmm Taco Mesa - I miss them, if they still have them, try the massa tacos

Since I'm in Chicago today I'll mention Pot Belly Sandwiches - they're a chain here, at least in the city and they have by far some of the best sandwiches ever - oh and shakes and malts. I always try to have at least one meal at one of these when I'm in town.

I've yet to find any good BBQ in Orange County. Anyone got any tips? There used to be a place by Knott's called "Tree's BBQ" that was incredible but they went out of business. I'm forever searching for a replacement.