Popsicle Therapy
A local teen has discovered a way to help ease his stress, and that of others his age — popsicles. Austin Parker is melting away...
Feast Your Senses
Sweet treats, savory meals, and healthy snacks; Discover delicious recipes and hot spot restaurants the whole family will love.
Editor's Picks
Solstice Restaurant, Tenaya Stone Spa, Sanrio Boutique, Zankou Chicken, and The Sweet Hand
(Photo Courtesy of Solstice) Solstice The Boardwalk in Irvine is home to a new restaurant that is always in season, Solstice. This new restaurant concept...
St. Patrick’s Day Green Treats
St. Patrick’s Day may have started as a religious festival day in Ireland, but cultures all over the world have adopted traditions and customs to...
Recent Articles
Healthier You In The New Year
(Photo Courtesy of Desiree Williams) Local physical therapist and TV personality offers seven tips to help new moms create a healthier lifestyle for the whole family. Welcome to the most impactful, exhausting, overwhelming, all-encompassing, full-time job you will ever have — motherhood! As a new mom, finding the balance between your needs and those of your new child can be challenging, and that bounce-back, post-baby body is never quite as easy as the celebs make it seem. The truth is there is no magic solution to getting you back to your pre-baby bod, nor should you put that additional pressure...
Soul Food
(Photo Courtesy of Bracken's Kitchen) Local chef Bill Bracken took hardship and transformed it as a way to feed those in need in Orange County. It all started in 2011 when the recession was at its worst. Chef Bill Bracken lost his long-lived career cooking for the Four Seasons Hotel and found himself starting over again like many others throughout the country. “I watched a lot of really good people lose their jobs, and I believe God was calling me to do something about it,” says Bracken. That’s when Bracken’s Kitchen was born. Calling themselves a “for impact company,” Bracken’s...
Popsicle Therapy
A local teen has discovered a way to help ease his stress, and that of others his age — popsicles. Austin Parker is melting away stress and anxiety one popsicle at a time, and others are eating it up. The 17-year-old Trabuco Canyon resident got into popsicle making in spring 2020, around the time COVID-19 lockdowns started. Like many of his peers, the Santa Margarita Catholic High School student found himself stressed and anxious about virtual learning, isolation and all the unknowns of the pandemic world. Not a great combination for someone who admits to getting easily stressed in general. ...
Solstice Restaurant, Tenaya Stone Spa, Sanrio Boutique, Zankou Chicken, and The Sweet Hand
(Photo Courtesy of Solstice) Solstice The Boardwalk in Irvine is home to a new restaurant that is always in season, Solstice. This new restaurant concept curates its menu in harmony with the season's harvest. “Chopped” winner, Chef Demetrio Zavala sources ingredients from all around the world to develop the seasonal menu. Solstice offers a variety of food and beverages with larger options for groups to share. This fall, the menu features dishes like Mason Jar Deviled Eggs, Malbec-Braised Wagyu Short Rib, and Celery Root Mignon. Drinks are also based on seasonal ingredients and offer elevated twists to classic cocktails. Each...
Serving the Community
Chef John Park pays it forward with donations to charities and jobs to veterans, addicts and the homeless. Toast Kitchen + Bakery is a new-age diner known for culinary creations like Orange Fried Chicken with Black Sesame Waffle and Taro Blueberry Pie. The Costa Mesa eatery opened in 2018 and while Toast’s Chef John Park is passionate about comfort food with a twist, he is also passionate about paying it forward. “It is Toast’s mission to serve delicious quality dishes while also giving back to the community,” says Park. Toast not only donates 10 percent of proceeds to varied organizations,...
Wrap It Up
Wrap things up with variations of the pita found in Orange County. This Mediterranean-style sandwich can be stuffed with spit-roasted lamb, chicken shawarma or falafel. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorites here and even included a recipe for shawarma you can make at home. Daphne’s California Greek Daphne’s California Greek is a fast-casual concept known for fresh Mediterranean cuisine. They serve classic hand-carved gyro in pita wraps, atop Greek salad and even over French fries. Their classic pita is the perfect on-the-go sandwich for families looking to grab a quick meal. It’s topped with cucumber-tomato salad, red onion,...
Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice — Our Favorite Local Treats
Oh my gourd, it’s hard to believe that PSL (pumpkin spice latte) season is already upon us. But there are plenty of ways to enjoy the unmistakable taste of autumn that don’t involve a latte. Hello Kitty Grand Cafe The Hello Kitty Grand Cafe has you covered when it comes to adorable Sanrio-themed treats. And this month’s seasonal offerings are no exception. Besides pumpkin spice hot chocolate and hot apple cider, guests can also enjoy pumpkin tarts. Each tart shell is filled with pumpkin puree, whipped cream, cinnamon and a Hello Kitty pumpkin head. 860 Spectrum Center Dr., Irvine Salt...
Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!
Given the circumstances, we could all use a little comfort food right about now. Fried chicken to the rescue! Buttermilk Fried Chicken Fried chicken has been among Chef Ryan Adams’ signature dishes for years. We’re lucky he decided to base an entire restaurant concept around his crispy creation. Buttermilk Fried Chicken in Old Towne Orange serves an OG chicken sandwich with mayo and pickles, a classic sandwich with slaw, spicy pickles, spicy aioli and Fresno chilies plus a rotating seasonal sandwich. They also offer a four-piece meal with two sides like smokey bacon braised greens, creamed corn or mac and...
Sip Sip Hooray!
Stay hydrated and refreshed during the hot season with one or more of these frozen drinks you can enjoy with your family. Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen Cha Cha’s Platinum Mojito is our favorite version of the white rum cocktail. Platinum rum, fresh lime juice, cane sugar and plenty of mint get churned in a slushee machine to make this frosty frozen cocktail. The Irvine location is open for take-out, patio dining and free delivery for orders over $75. 13126 Jamboree Rd., Irvine Sonic Drive-In There’s cold and then there is crushed ice cold. Sonic Drive-In serves their beverages over a...
Grilling Up Summertime Burgers in OC
Summertime is synonymous with grilling burgers. But if you can’t take the heat, try one of these beefy bites in Orange County. If you are looking to fire up your own burger, we’ve got VaKA Burger’s recipe for their OG burger. And don’t forget to check out Orange County Restaurant Association Burger Week, July 12-18. This week-long event will highlight burgers from local restaurants with menus priced at $10, $15 and $20. Farmer Boys For over 40 years, Farmer Boys has offered fresh breakfast served all day, hand-chopped salads and burgers. The Big Cheese burger features 1/4 lb., 100 percent,...
Cheers to Dad
We can all admit there are things we’ve been missing while sheltering in place. Adult beverages doesn’t have to be one of them. Plenty of local restaurants are offering beer, wine and cocktails for delivery and takeout along with your favorite dishes — just in time for Father’s Day. Stowaway Stowaway Tiki Bar inside Union Market Tustin at The District is open for food, beer and tiki cocktail takeout Tuesdays and Fridays from 4 pm to 8 pm. Pick up a Bahama Mama batched for two or four, and Spam musubi or a fried chicken sandwich with pineapple slaw. Grab a...
Now Serving
During my time running a restaurant, I learned that the work is stressful and profit margins are slim. It’s still some of the most rewarding work I’ve ever done. Guests became friends and employees became family. During this pandemic, local restaurants need our help — as they help us. We’ve highlighted local spots offering family meals and dinner kits. If you don’t see your favorite restaurant here, reach out to them and see how you can order and support. Family Meals Curry Up Now Choose between family-style entrees or burrito pack plus daal lentils and turmeric rice. Meals feed four...
PB&J Comfort
We all need some extra TLC these days. Is there anything more comforting than a soft, gooey peanut butter and jelly sandwich? Whether you’re 4 or 40, it’s always a treat to find this classic on your plate. Check out how these local restaurants are putting a spin on PB&J, and even a couple you can make at home. The Butchery The Butchery is a premier butcher shop and gourmet grocer. And their deli serves one mean PB&J. The classic gets elevated with pepper jam and a stack of smokey bacon, sandwiched between peanut butter and honey on fresh ciabatta...
Cooking Camp for Kids
[caption id="attachment_34808" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Cute Kid Winner Aliya Wallace at Lil Chef School in Irvine. Photo by Ralph Palumbo[/caption] Lil’ Chef School in Irvine celebrates 10 years of teaching local children a passion for cooking. Tracey Doty started cooking with her mom and grandma at a young age. When she was still in elementary school and around the holidays, they would spend the whole day cooking during a given holiday. As she got older, she started doing more cooking and even made dishes ahead of time, so the family could devote more time on their other holiday tradition: a family...
Thinking Outside the Box — of Chocolate
A heart-shaped box full of chocolate is romantic, but predictable. Here are some unique ways you and your family can enjoy chocolate this Valentine’s Day. The Dirty Cookie If your family digs milk and cookies, try a cookies-and-cream cookie shot from The Dirty Cookie. A soft, chocolatey and chewy cookie forms an edible shot glass that can hold milk, cold brew coffee, ice cream or even alcohol for Mom and Dad. You can order cookie shots by the dozen or half dozen and don’t forget to check out their assortment of other flavors like red velvet and chocolate chip, and...
Knott’s Is Nutty with Its Annual Peanuts Celebration
Charles M. Schulz gave us some of the most recognized and beloved characters through his comic strip, “Peanuts.” You and your family can celebrate Snoopy, Linus, Lucy and good ol’ Charlie Brown at Knott’s Berry Farm’s Peanuts Celebration each weekend now through March 1. Look out for unique photo opportunities that let you step right into the “Peanuts” comic strip at the park’s main entrance and throughout Camp Snoopy. Rock out to family-friendly band The Jelly of the Month Club at the Calico Mine Stage for Woodstock’s Music Festival. Kids can pen their own comic strip at Peanuts Sketch School...
Bonkers for Açaí Bowls
We bet you’ve heard of açaí and you’ve probably heard it’s healthy for you too. But you might still be wondering, “What exactly is açaí?” And, “Am I even saying it right?” (It’s pronounced ah-sigh-EE.) Açaí berries grow on açaí palm trees in South American rainforests and look a lot like grapes. These little superfoods are packed with antioxidants, fiber and calcium. They are made up of mostly pit, which is why you usually find açaí in puree form. They make a great base for yummy, healthy açaí bowls, which you and your family can find all over Orange County....
Holiday Overeating Health Concerns
Q: [All Ages] Should I be concerned about overeating? What effects does it have on my body and can I get through the Holiday? A: The gut is the digestive system. It helps break complex compounds that we eat into basic molecules that can be absorbed through the intestinal lining, allowing these molecules to be used as energy and building blocks for function and growth. There are roughly 40 trillion bacteria in our body, most are located in our gut (the intestines). The gut microbiota is important for our health. There are hundreds of species of bacteria in our gut...
Setting the Bar for Hot Chocolate
[caption id="attachment_34219" align="aligncenter" width="346"] Photo by Sarah Mosqueda[/caption] In-N-Out That’s right, OC’s favorite burger chain serves hot cocoa. In-N-Out’s tightly edited menu includes a cup of hot cocoa reportedly made with Ghirardelli Chocolate and freeze-dried marshmallows. Honesty, drinking hot cocoa out of a palm tree-adorned cup is about as California as it gets. Bonus points if you are wearing flip-flops. Multiple Locations [caption id="attachment_34221" align="aligncenter" width="402"] Photo courtesy of Sugarbuzz[/caption] Sugarbuzz With milkshakes, ice cream, and cake by the slice, it is hard not to achieve a sugar high at Sugarbuzz in Anaheim. There is also a selection of hot...
Go Nuts for Doughnuts
Seaside Bakery Situated near the Newport Beach pier for more than 25 years, Seaside Bakery is an OC classic. Open 24 hours, you’ll find cake doughnuts, puffy yeast doughnuts and even crullers and old fashions. But they haven’t been open all these years without learning some new tricks, too. Cronuts (the popular croissant/doughnut mash-up) in both a glazed and sugar variety are available here, along with Thai tea doughnuts and green matcha doughnuts. 2108 W. Oceanfront, Newport Beach Cream Pan Most people queuing up outside Cream Pan, Tustin each morning are waiting for their famous strawberry croissants (totally worth the...
Tropical Drinks throughout Orange County
If a staycation is on your summer itinerary, we have some beverages to help you feel like you are on island time. Twisted Tiki Orange County’s newest Tiki Bar can be found at the McFadden Public Market in Santa Ana and the space is designed to be a “true taste of island escapism.” You’ll find classic tiki drinks but you can also count on original creations too, like the Purple Polynesian Sunset. This purple pina colada uses a blend of pea-flower-infused Captain Morgan coconut rum and Haven coconut rum. The 26-seat tiki bar offers happy hour Wednesday to Saturday from...
Chicken Wings for Dad
[caption id="attachment_32379" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Courtesy of Slater’s 50/50[/caption] Slater’s 50/50 Slater’s 50/50 is known for their burgers (comprised of 50 percent ground beef and 50 percent bacon) but they are also frying up some pretty tasty chicken wings, too. Available in classic or boneless, Slater’s wings are hand-breaded and fried twice. Choose from Nashville Hot, Thai Sriracha, Honey BBQ or Maple Bourbon Bacon. 6362 E. Santa Ana Canyon, Anaheim Hills | 17071 Beach Blvd, Huntington Beach [caption id="attachment_32378" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Courtesy of Krave[/caption] Krave Asian Fusion Restaurant Krave Asian Fusion offers traditional dishes and non-traditional takes but it’s their signature...
Tips for Picky Eaters
Packing a healthy and tasty school lunch can seem like an overwhelming task. If you are like most parents, you spend a fair amount of time and energy on preparing something healthy for your kids. And it can be discouraging to open the lunchbox at the end of the day to find that lunch half eaten … or not eaten at all. If you have a picky eater at home—which according to WebMD, is one in five kids today—packing lunch is even more challenging. No kid can live on PB&J only, can they? So, to make it easy, here are...
Brunch with Mom
Ways & Means Oyster House Serve Mom an ocean view with her bottomless mimosa at Ways & Means Oyster House. Tucked inside Pacific City in Huntington Beach, Ways & Means serves a seafood-studded brunch with Maine lobster Benedict, shrimp avocado toast and crab huevos rancheros. Mother’s Day Brunch will be offered from 10 am to 3 pm, with reservations highly recommended. 21022 Pacific Coast Hwy. B140, Huntington Beach Old Vine Cafe Costa Mesa’s Old Vine Cafe is known for seasonally driven and innovative dishes and their Mother’s Day Brunch will be no exception. Indulge in family-friendly favorites like caramel apple...
Superfoods for Athletes
You may have heard about “carb loading” before a game (as in bread and pasta). These options before, during and post-game might have more of a role for young athletes. Watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew and other melons. On a hot and humid day, these fruits provide refreshing and necessary salts and fluids. They are particularly good for kids who don’t care for water and when trying to avoid higher processed sugar levels in commercial sports beverages. Bananas. Does your athlete get butterflies in the stomach that make it difficult to eat a pre-game meal? Bananas have plenty of potassium and other...
Deviled Egg Hunt
Coloring and hiding Easter eggs is a fun family activity, but these family-friendly restaurants will have you on the hunt for a different kind of egg. Deviled eggs are deliciously easy to enjoy (and make with all those leftover Easter eggs). Take a cue from these inspired deviled eggs served throughout Orange County and get cracking. Buttermilk Fried Chicken Chef Ryan Adams built an entire Sunday Supper around his famed fried chicken at his former restaurant, 370 Common. But Adams has come home to roost in Old Towne Orange, with a concept dedicated entirely to the dry cured and crispy:...
St. Patrick’s Day Green Treats
St. Patrick’s Day may have started as a religious festival day in Ireland, but cultures all over the world have adopted traditions and customs to celebrate the day. Nearly all of them involve the color green. Here are some green treats you can find in Orange County that are a lot less predictable than green beer. Mr. Matcha Follow the glow of a green neon heart-shaped sign to find your way to Mr. Matcha. The organic soft serve shop in Downtown Santa Ana serves matcha (finely ground Japanese green tea leaves) as a hot tea, cold tea, latte and a...
The Sweet Life – Foodie Sr.
Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to show the sweeties in your life how sweet they are. And there are plenty of places in Orange County to help you get your sugar fix. Treat your kids (or spouse) to any of these unique desserts for a happy heart day. Honey and Butter Macarons, the meringue-based confection conquering dessert tables far and wide, are a fancy treat for any occasion. But nobody makes them fancier than Honey and Butter. Macarons are hand-piped with care in Irvine to resemble Disney princesses, succulents, dumplings, anime characters and more. Beginning Feb. 1, Honey and...
Healthy Eats
Beetology Beat cold and flu season the natural way with Beetology, a new line of craft beverages that are organic, cold-pressed and made from 100 percent pure goodness. Beets are a nutrient powerhouse and these tasty drinks are the perfect way to get your veggies in on the way to work, after a workout or just relaxing at home. Beetology comes in five delicious varieties: lemon and ginger, veggie, tropical fruit, berry and cherry, and are so satisfyingly sweet your little one will never know it’s good for them. Look for Beetology in the refrigerated section. $2.99-3.49, www.beetology.com Innit Take...
Holiday Spirits – Foodie Sr.
A Restaurant “Classically hip” since 1926, this classic Newport Beach restaurant has been serving up a fine dining experience for over 90 years. This December, come on in to enjoy their one-of-a-kind holiday cocktail The Maple Kind, which combines Woodford rye with maple, black walnut and orange flavoring then finished with a succulent strip of real maple bacon. There is nothing else like it. 3334 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Newport Beach Five Crowns/SideDoor This season both the Five Crowns Restaurant & Steakhouse and the English-style gastropub SideDoor, housed in the same historic building, will be offering up the Christmas Morning...
Making Thanksgiving Cooking Easy
The Clay Oven Treat your family to something a little different this Thanksgiving with a Tandoori Turkey from The Clay Oven. For the past 26 years, this much-loved Irvine establishment has been preparing its herb and spice marinated birds in a tandoor oven, which retains the moisture but lowers the fat content. Turkeys are served with a spiced, vegetable-infused Basmati rice and a mouth-watering cranberry chutney on the side. Seasonal sides such as eggplant bhurtha, okra, Brussels sprouts, cumin sweet potatoes, butternut squash soup and curried pumpkin achari are also available throughout the holiday season. Their catering calendar fills up...
Halloween Sweets and Treats
Sensitive Sweets Skip the allergens, not the sweets! Dietary restrictions should never mean missing out on Halloween treats, which is why Sensitive Sweets is dedicated to serving up the most delicious and adorable goodies in Orange County that everyone can enjoy. These boo-tiful creations are gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, soy-free, peanut-free, tree nut-free, sesame-free, vegan and almost too cute to eat! Stop by for a gingerbread skeleton, a crazy-eyed pumpkin cookie, a creepy cupcake or a chilling cake pop. Sensitive Sweets also creates customized cakes so the only limit is your imagination. sensitivesweets.com Zombee Donuts It takes real dead-ication to make...
Restaurants with Bite-Sized Foods for Kids of All Ages
Burntzilla Burntzilla is the product of a merger between two popular Orange County food trucks: Burnt and Dogzilla. This family-friendly restaurant has taken the best flavors from both trucks and created a fun and delicious menu of comfort food served in bite-sized portions. Slider options include everything from the classic cheeseburger to the more exotic pineapple pork. For the little vegetarians out there there’s the fried cheese slider or the PBJ, made with homemade peanut butter, crushed pretzels, blueberry jam and sliced banana. To venture over to the Zilla, or hot dog, side of the menu kids will have to...
Fried, Fatty, Fun Fair Foods
The annual OC Fair is back at the Costa Mesa fairgrounds with an eclectic assortment of the most unique eats for the entire family to stuff their faces. Here are six of this summer’s must-tries. Spaghetti Donut No, it’s not spaghetti on top of a donut; it’s donut-shaped spaghetti. This latest food craze, which reaches far beyond the culinary laboratories of county fairs, combines the mobility of a donut with the flavor of pasta. The “donut” (which more closely resembles a bagel) is made with heavy whipping cream, mozzarella cheese and spaghetti and is topped with pesto, Alfredo or marinara...
OC Cooking and Baking Classes
Whether it’s girls’ night out or family bonding time, these OC cooking and baking classes will make you feel like a domestic goddess with fun, food, and laughter. Sweet Crumb Bakery Every little girl dreams of owning a pet unicorn, and while they can’t be bought, they can be made. Sweet Crumb Bakery runs a class that teaches moms (and children ages 10 and up) how to bake a cake that takes the form of the mystical and elusive horned horse (pictured). Students begin the class by learning how to assemble, cut, fill and level their cakes. Next, they crumb...
Father’s Day Grub
Treat dad with one of these fun and delicious OC-based Father’s Day events, complete with servings and entertainment fit for a king. Pelican Grill Already have Father’s Day plans this year? No problem because rather than celebrating for just one day, Pelican Grill, part of The Resort at Pelican Hill, has decided to celebrate Father’s Day for the entire weekend, with festivities kicking off Friday. Enjoy ocean view alfresco dining on the terrace while indulging in modern American fare, wood-fired pizzas, salads and fresh fish. Chef Marc has also assembled a special a la carte menu for the occasion. 22800...
Summer Sweets
From ice cream to churros to ice-blended drinks, cure your sweet summer cravings with one of these. Honey and Butter Macarons The creature macarons are inspired by its owners’ two things they love most – animals and macarons. This summer, the shop will launch a cool-looking Corgi in Sunglasses Macaron, which will be filled with flavor rotations of cookie butter or oreo filling. The pastel colored classics are also delicious, and fun to share (or, you know, not). 633 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine | 949-536-5556; honeynbutter.com Sweet Rolled Tacos Take your Taco Tuesday to another level with an ice cream...
Guac Star Max Schlutz
Chef and father of three Max Schlutz combined his love for his family with his love for food by creating healthy gourmet dishes that even his baby and twin toddlers gobble up. The Executive Chef and Partner at Sessions West Coast Deli in Newport Beach, Huntington Beach and Irvine shares his story of what led him to go from lawyer to culinary master, advice on how to be creative with cooking, and his epic pea guacamole recipe for families to try in their own kitchen. City of residence: Santa Ana, CA What inspired you to become a chef? After graduating...
Sports Drinks: To Drink or Not to Drink
Q: [School-Age] My son loves playing sports, but I want to make sure he is maintaining good nutrition. How can I make sure he is as healthy as possible in his eating and drinking? A: Trying to figure out if your young athlete needs iron to boost performance? Uncertain if water or sports drinks are the best choice? Looking for healthy post-game snacks that assist in muscle recovery? Well you’ve come to the right place for practical answers to sports nutrition questions. There are particular nutrition categories and vitamins/minerals that are of particular importance for adolescent athletes. Protein: An athletic...
Going Gourmet with Goofy
The Food & Wine Festival at Disney California Adventure might sound like it’s for adults, but Disney makes sure there’s plenty of things to do for children too. One of those offerings for kids is a chance to learn how to bake the right way at an event called “Jr. Chef.” But this is no simple live cooking show; after all, this is a Disney theme park – so the children chefs have a special teacher. “It’s Goofy’s show,” said Gary Maggetti, general manager of Disney California Adventure. “He does make a mess.” The baking takes place on the Hollywood...
Meal-Prep Primer
Plan ahead to get everyone fed. If you find cooking to be time-consuming and messy, you may be one of the many people who stray away from the clatter of greasy pots and pans. This leads us to the inevitable, take-out or drive-through, which is a major disadvantage for the long-term health of your family. Cooking from home guarantees control over what is going in the food and can also be a fun activity that brings the family together. Start by getting organized at the beginning of the week by dedicating just a couple hours. Without preparation, you may find...
Yummy Education for Mini Chefs
Newly donated mobile cooking station at Children’s Hospital of Orange County allows its patients to have fun with cooking. Families and patients of the Children’s Hospital of Orange County will learn about nutrition, how to cook simple snack recipes, basic kitchen skills, and engage in fun cooking competitions alongside some of O.C.’s top chefs. All thanks to a recent addition to the hospital – a mobile cooking station adoringly named Charlie Cart. The fully-stocked station was a recent donation to the hospital assisted by the O.C. non-profit organization MaxLove’s culinary medicine program Fierce Foods Academy, which has offered monthly cooking...
Foodie Sr.
Sometimes it just gets to be about the parents. This month, we know how hard you will work to make your little ones’ holidays amazing so we are bringing you a more mature collection of foodie finds. So carve out a bit of time and celebrate like a grownup! Prego Mediterranean The District at Tustin Legacy | www.pregooc.com OC foodies have an extra reason to be thankful this holiday, the return of Prego! Executive Chef & Partner, Ugo Allesina, has enjoyed nearly three decades of OC appreciation for his culinary talents. Born and raised in the region of Piemonte, Italy,...
Katella Grill
This neighborhood favorite has been operated by long-time local residents for over 50 years. Three generations of the Learakos family have brought heart to the table, every night, but perhaps never more so than Monday evening, October 9th. When the tragic Anaheim Hills wildfire broke out, many Anaheim Hills, Tustin and Orange residents were put on mandatory evacuation. That’s when Mike Learakos stepped forward to do what he could for the community. “For us, it started through Facebook and social media, we recognized so many people and neighbors that were our regulars in this position. It was distressing to watch...
Benihana — Play with your Food!
It’s National Seafood Month! When parents are trying to broaden the culinary horizons of their little ones, sometimes the easiest path is to reach them where they are at — make food fun. Let the chefs at Benihana apply a little peer pressure as they toss, flip, volcano’fy and sizzle the dishes with fiery flair, urging the little ones on to try new flavors, veggies and proteins...even if that means a challenge to catch a stray shrimp as it flies through the air. Another nice touch with a visit to this hibachi classic is the communal table concept. The crowd...
Foodie Jr. Readers’ Choice Edition
This issue’s Foodie Jr. is celebrating our Readers’ Choice Award winners in the oh-so-delicious category. If you haven’t enjoyed the below OC faves, you are missing out! Best Pizza Place Blaze Pizza 3 Year Winner If you’re looking for yummy oven-roasted pizza with made-from scratch dough and fresh, artisan ingredients, this is your place. The ambiance is great and you couldn’t find an easier spot to hit for satisfying all the picky eaters in your crew, they literally build their own meal. Mom and Dad will love the cold brews and unique natural sodas on tap, not to mention tasty...
Rainforest Café
Downtown Disney in Anaheim [Editor’s note: As a parent of a picky eater, I can sympathize with the plight of those fighting the good fight when it comes to mealtime. So we planned an entire page dedicated to making food extra enticing.] You might have passed by this Downtown Disney eatery without ever suspecting just how very, ahem, wild it would be to enjoy a meal inside. The Amazonian jungle-filled interior will calm your beast of a picky eater by its highly elevated fun factor alone. Apes beat their chests, brightly colored macaws squawk from all corners, a trumpeting elephant...
Momma Chef’s S’mores Brownies
This article originally appeared on MommaChef.com. It has been reprinted here with permission. Looking for simple and tasty recipes for you and your family? Momma Chef features dozens of delicious dishes featuring no more than six ingredients and requiring no more than six minutes of prep time. What could be better than combining brownies with chocolate chips and marshmallows? This was a creation developed by my boys and has become a family favorite. While baking, the marshmallows and chocolate chip melt into the brownies making it a gooey, delicious dessert! Best served hot with ice cream. Enjoy! Momma Chef’s S’mores...
Simple and Delicious Summer Broccoli Salad
This article originally appeared on MommaChef.com. It has been reprinted here with permission. Looking for simple and tasty recipes for you and your family? Momma Chef features dozens of delicious dishes featuring no more than six ingredients and requiring no more than six minutes of prep time. This is a great recipe if you need a new fun salad or want something yummy to bring over to a friend’s home. I dress this with a simple olive oil/balsamic vinegar mix. For some crunch sprinkle some almonds on top, put the salad in a pretty bowl, and you have a beautiful...
Coastal Kitchen
Coastal Kitchen’s location dates back to 1928, operating as a cafe to PCH travelers between LA and San Diego. Mike and Christina Grant now serve fresh, simple flavors of food done right. “I was the son of two working parents,” says Mike. “I was taught to lend a hand and was cooking spaghetti from scratch at seven or eight. My wife was the same. We look back at our lives realizing it was a shared reality. We both actually enjoyed and embraced it.” The love of food and spending time in the kitchen has passed to their own kids, Sophia,...
Roy’s Restaurant
Located inside the Anaheim GardenWalk, chase a day of park fun or just treat dad to a delicious fresh seafood feast of inspired bites and enticing cocktails in a vibrant dining room that features Roy’s signature exhibition kitchen. Classic dishes like the Macadamia Nut Mahi Mahi in a savory browned butter sauce pair nicely with a bevy of freshly made tasty sushi rolls to start dinner right. For a spicy cool kick, order dad a jalapeño margarita subtly sweetened with agave. Pacific Rim fusion sets the tone for the expansive menu, which leans heavily on fresh fish popular in Hawaii,...
Ways & Means, Pacific City
Pacific City is the hot new spot to take in the views of Huntington Beach, indulge in retail therapy and sip a craft cocktail at a rooftop lounge before seeking a delish dinner at one of the many eateries and cafes. The only recipe better than that for treating Mom…is probably found in the kitchen of Ways & Means. It can be tough to find a restaurant among the uber cool set, but Ways & Means’ co-owner Jennifer Delcham (with husband, Pharnell and mother, Dena Mathe) assures a warm welcome awaits. “Our own family frequently dines at the restaurant —...
Back at The Ranch (at Laguna Beach)
The Ranch at Laguna Beach is a special sort of place, tucked in a box canyon, it feels swept away from the traffic and hustle of Orange County. This is the sort of place where kids take in the otherworldy air of serenity and breathe a little easier. Parents worried about the junk food populating many kids’ menus these days can breathe easier, too. Part of that is thanks to Harvest’s Executive Chef Charles Imbelli, an exuberant father whose love and pride toward his daughter, Frankie, is as obvious as that he shows in his food. Charles Imbelli’s love affair...
It Isn’t Your Cooking…
Q: [Infants] Is the “witching hour” a real thing? Our normally chipper newborn seems to be happy all day and right as the house starts humming around dinnertime, the wails begin. Is it us? Is there too much chaos that it is stressing her out? Does she hate the smell of my cooking? HELP! A: It tends to strike when parents most need a break. At the end of the day, your well-fed, otherwise happy baby begins to fuss and cry and nothing seems to help. It isn’t your cooking, it’s colic. Colic is common. It is estimated about 40...
Super Easy and Kid Approved Healthy Banana Muffins
When it comes to baking and cooking, parents know there are times that we just want to get the meal prepared without the helping hands of our sweet children -- because we know that just doubles our prep time! But a recipe my kids love making with me — and I love having their helping hands -- is my Yummy Banana Muffins. I usually add chocolate chips, and they become the kids’ dessert. And best of all, the muffins are a one-bowl and six-ingredient recipe. Enjoy! Super Easy and Kid-Approved Yummy Banana Muffins Ingredients 1 ½ c. whole wheat flour...
Date Night
It’s Date Night in OC, and not just any date night…Valentine’s Day! Here are our picks for a great night out. SOL Cocina Bare your SOL to your significant other this Valentine’s weekend. In addition to Executive Chef Deborah Schneider’s award-winning regular menu, guests can enjoy Valentine’s Dinner Specials on Tuesday, February 14th. Perfect for a romantic Saturday or Sunday morning, SOL’s famous Baja-inspired brunch is available for guests on both Saturday, February 11th and Sunday, February 12th. Reservations are recommended by calling (949).675.9800. Newport Beach | www.solcocina.com Selanne Steak Tavern Cupid, Chef Josh Severson and his team will cast...
Puesto
Irvine area OC’ers have been excitedly awaiting Los Olivos’ latest addition, a familiar hotspot for those enjoying the San Diego Marina or La Jolla’s laid back food scene. Now, they can share this fresh look at Mexican with their own families. “When launching Puesto with my brother and cousin, much of the inspiration came from our childhood memories of sharing delicious home-cooked meals with the rest of our family, says Eric Adler, one of Puesto’s owners. “Now, as a new dad to a 6-month-old baby girl, I’m looking forward to her trying her first taco, and celebrating my family’s love...
Momma Chef: Moroccan Chicken
How easy is it to make dinner while holding a 4-year-old on your hip, calming a 7-year-old throwing a tantrum and helping a 12-year-old with his homework? Sound familiar? Well I have finally mastered a way to serve a fabulous meal with little effort and few ingredients. My recipes are simple and delicious, using no more than six ingredients and under six minutes of prep time. It will look like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen with help from Momma Chef. Prepare to impress with this delicious Moroccan Chicken recipe. Ingredients: 8 Bone-In Chicken Thighs 3 lemons 5 chopped cloves...
Watertable
Hyatt Regency, Huntington Beach The innovative menu at this picturesque dining spot features contemporary American fare — a sort of accomplished Cali-comfort food. Sunday Night’s Southern Supper offers roasted salmon, six different side dishes, and warm biscuits for the table to share while the Family Kitchen features an active cooking station. (A build-your-own meal option gives room to try several of their addictive sauces.) We love that this restaurant offers a classy and romantic evening out for date night, but early sunset hours are ideal to grab an outdoor patio table with the family and let the kids wander the...
Whole Foods for the Whole Family
When it comes to what makes the meal for Christmas, many might argue it is the classic turkey, others might vote for ham — but what truly matters is having the family gather around and spend quality time…while feasting till their buttons pop! A rather unwanted side dish that often makes an appearance, especially for the host/hostess, is a heaping help of stress. Managing dietary restrictions, timing so as not to miss Santa’s arrival, kitchens made to cook normal-sized family meals rather than army-level attendees, stores that deservedly give their employees a break by closing, making those last minute dashes...
Sapphire
Many disputes over OC’s best sunset-spotting location could be solved with a simple visit to the front deck of Sapphire in Laguna Beach. (The expanse of glorious pinks and oranges over the endless sea renders one speechless, making it tough to make coherent arguments.) Diners also might find it difficult to hold conversation when so many delectable bites and craft cocktails beckon. Date night at a spot like this? No brainer. But dinner with the family? Heck, yeah! As dad to four beautiful children, it is no wonder San Juan Capistrano’s Chef Azmin Ghahreman knows a little about how to...
Ciao’ing Down at Brio Tuscan Grille
As we ramp up into the hectic fall weekends filled with soccer tournaments and football games, hours spent scouring a massive shopping center for just the right Halloween accessory for our little ghoul or boy, the Irvine Spectrum seems like a great spot to get everything knocked off the list at once. The problem? You’ll only get halfway through before the “I’m staaaaarving!”s start. We checked out Brio Tuscan Grille, partly because we liked the wine list (and the sound of those Black Raspberry Cosmos and Italian Lemonades!), but also because a quick spin around their children’s menu left us...
Halloween DIY
Frightfully Easy Entertaining Planning a party and feeling overwhelmed by all the little goblins and ghouls you’ll have to cater to? We’ve got you covered with trick’d out treats and pages of impressive, but super-simple ways to celebrate the season. Dracula Donuts Krispy Kreme Donuts, Chocolate Chips, Plastic Vampire Fangs We don’t blame you if you vant to suck the crème from Krispy Kreme treats, but the simple round rings work best for this one. Just slip a pair of plastic fangs into the large opening (other donut brands can work in a pinch, but KK have just the right...
White House Interns
We elect Sir Bruno Serato one of the best guys in OC. Not only does his Anaheim White House come in tops for a great Italian menu and charming ambiance, he does an abundance of charity work helping out the families of our local communities. Knighted by the nation of Italy and named a CNN Hero, he is best known for feeding 1,600 SoCal “motel kids” nightly, making copious amounts of pasta and salads for kids who might otherwise go to bed hungry or without a hot meal due to the lack of kitchen in their temporary homes. His newest...
Smoothie Moves
Oh What a Beautiful Morning! You probably knew smoothies could be a quick and easy start to your morning (especially once school kicks in and things get hectic), but did you know the superfoods you can stash in these yummy breakfast shakes can help you look gorge This Radiant Hair Smoothie by Philosophie founder (and nutrition guru to stars like George Clooney), Sophie Jaffe, will make your locks luxe and offer a satisfying start to the day. Coconut Bliss Coconut Butter helps hydrate those strands, and packs a punch of Vitamin C which helps build collagen and promotes overall hair...
Saint Marc
Our apologies to those vegetarian and vegan readers, we promise to have something just for you coming up soon (as in, next paragraph!). But when it came to reading about this particular new OC eatery, our minds stopped registering words when we got to “Bacon Bar”. We are fans of bars to enjoy a nice craft cocktail made with organic ingredients and a lot of artistic flair (which you can certainly do here, we’re looking at you, Pommery Pop Champagne). And we certainly love bacon, particularly when it comes in a range of finely cured options, ala the 11 varieties...
Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week
Fine dining in an Alpine forest while enjoying panoramic views of the Coachella Valley might sound farfetched, but dining at Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Peaks Restaurant during restaurant week, is just one of the many ways you can sample the best of the region with the family at a fraction of the normal cost. Restaurant week participants offer three course meals, for $28/$38/$48. From steals to splurges, here are a few of our favorite. $38 Mikado — www.marriott.com Starter - Ahi Poke, Miso Soup, or Fresh Mikado Salad Entrée - New York Steak & Shrimp, Halibut & Scallops, or Chicken...
Food Portion Management
The Magic Trick to Meet Your Goals It’s almost always bikini season in OC, but with the kids about to hit the waterparks and invites to family pool parties rolling in, a little maintenance never hurt anyone. Rather than deprive yourself of favorites because they might not be on your personal plan, indulge…in moderation. Dr. Caroline Cederquist, M.D., founder of bistroMD (www.bistroMD.com) offers some tips on how to keep portions under control. When eating out at a restaurant, have the server box half your meal before it is served so you aren’t tempted to overeat. Don’t eat from the box...
Seaside Brunches for Moms with Great Taste
Let mom relax, and not worrying about little hands dumping the fresh, ahem, squashed orange juice into the duvet, by taking her out for a hearty meal in a memorable setting. Don’t disappoint, call ahead at all of these picturesque options for reservations. The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar Newport Beach | 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Special 3-Course Brunch Menu courtesy of Executive Chef Yvon Goetz with dishes that are sure to transport Mom to a relaxing Napa or Sonoma getaway Waterman’s Harbor Dana Point | Regular Hours Chef Michael J. Doctulero has an incredible buffet planned featuring fresh...
Haven Gastropub
This gastropub is a true haven for culinary-minded parents who want to venture into the land of gourmet, kids-in-tow. Familiar classics, amped up with sophisticated spins, will have kids pigging out on truffle fries and loving the lamb burger. This cozy spot does get busy, so if you are schooling your kids on great food, shoot for the quieter late lunch to early dinner period. The hand-twisted pretzel with bacon-fontina cheese and mac-n-cheese with gruyere and black truffle disappeared in a flash. Almost as quick as our handcrafted Peaches O’Houlahan (with Buffalo Trace bourbon, Crème de Peche, wildflower honey, lemon...
Bruxie: Green Eggs and Ham
Picky eaters meet their match, “Waffles? Yay!” But here’s the catch… These Belgian grids are gateway cakes! Palate benders! Dessert fakes! Not all sweet, but still they’ll eat, When modern meets a classic treat. We do so like them, topped with lox, and pole-caught tuna from the docks. Gruyere, Swiss and cheese of goat, We’d eat on land or on a boat. “Fold in half, Kid. Drop the fork.” Cider slaw meets pink-pulled pork. “Mushrooms, mom? Crimini’s sake!” But soon…another bite they’ll take… “Prosciutto! Chives! Arugula!” Nothing fazes! Shangri-la! They’ll sip cane soda, fizzy wins. (Made by local artisans.) In...
SOL Cocina
Newport Beach | www.solcocina.com This hotspot boasting coastal Baja-inpired cuisine, featuring authentic flavors reminiscent of surf trips and street carts served up in surrounds with a decidedly upscale flair, is helmed by James Beard nom’d Executive Chef & Partner Deborah Schneider. Chef Deb is not only an award-winning cookbook author and successful restaurateur, but a mom. But is this trendy eatery good for families? “It sounds cliché, but there is something for everyone to enjoy; and we like kids!,” says Schneider, who believes in expanding culinary horizons for little ones. “I raised two! My rule was, ‘Just try it —...