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 juice, egg white, and a nutmeg grate) and What You Oaxacan ‘Bout (with Nuestra Soledad Mezcal, Yellow Chartreuse, elderflower liqueur, Combier, and a flamed lemon twist).

In fact, the dozens of tempting rotating tap and craft bottled beers on the menu made us vow to return for a date night, particularly after a glimpse at the late bites menu. *And when we wouldn’t have to share the House-made Doughnuts with blackberry jam and dulce de leche caramel!

If you needed more excuse to venture to Old Town Orange, it’s National Grilled Cheese Month, and Haven-adjacent Provisions Market will co-host The Big Cheese, Orange County’s grilled cheese festival and competition.

Event Co-Founder Chef Greg Daniels, who oversees both the kitchens at Provisions Market and Haven Gastropub, will compete with other OC chefs for the title of “The Big Cheese” on April 19th. Co-host OC Baking Company’s Master Baker Dean Kim will supply locally produced freshly baked bread, while farmer-owned dairy cooperative Tillamook will offer a selection of cheeses and butter. Participating chefs will present their own spin on the classic that festival attendees will sample and then vote.

“Now in our third year, this event has served to unite our local chefs and engage them in a lighthearted competition,” says Chef Daniels. “This year, we are taking something as simple as Grilled Cheese and using it to raise funds for our local culinary community through the Golden Rule Charity, which supports those in need within our industry.”

Old Town Orange, www.havengastropub.com