Greer's OC

Dining

ADYA Turns One

06.15.15

ADYA at the Anaheim Packing District is unlike any other Indian restaurant in Orange County. It’s fast casual, modern and features eclectic menu items like Indian-style Sloppy Joe’s, and merchi grilled cheese sandwiches with tamarind chile chutney. ADYA’s Chef Shachi Mehra is hands-on and goes out of her way to introduce Orange County to fresh, contemporary Indian street foods.

You can stop by for a light bhel puri puffed rice salad; a vibrant thali (a meal plates) with a variety of dishes including tikka masala, the curry of the day, fresh naan, raita, and basmati Rice; kebabs; or griddled kaathi rolls and some house-blended chai.

It's been an exciting first year for ADYA, and this week Chef Shachi is celebrating its anniversary with two specials featuring ADYA’s most popular items from the tandoor! Now through Saturday, June 20, enjoy specially priced chicken tikka naan sandwich and a grilled paneer naan sandwich.

You can also learn from the best as Chef Sachi teaches a cooking class on Saturday, June 20 at 11 a.m. The hands-on class will be outside on the private boxcar patio, with an interactive culinary demo showcasing an array of grilled Indian specialties prepared with unique blends of traditional spices.

You can learn to recreate simple and delicious recipes at home, and enjoy a light lunch. Class availability is limited. Cost is $30 per person. Reservations required at 714.533.2392.

Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

ADYA is located at the Anaheim Packing District at 440 S. Anaheim Blvd #201; upper level, across from the main entrance) in Anaheim. 714.533.2392.

El Granjenal Tacos Por Favor

05.21.15

We’re going to go out on a limb and say the best tacos in Costa Mesa, and easily among the best in Orange County are at the little known Taqueria El Granjenal on West 19th Street. Granted, El Granjenal is not fancy, you will feel like you’re in the non-touristy parts of Mexico, but its food is tasty, fresh and affordable.

The owners are hardworking and sweet as can be. Part of its charm is the TV that’s interminably stuck on a Mexican soap opera with bad audio and reception, the bright red and green tables, and open air ambience.

Do yourself a favor and order their Korean style Kim’s Tacos that come in pork or beef. They can easily rival Koji’s—with a perfect balance of spicy and sweetness. Or, go for any of their hard or soft shell tacos with carne asada, carnitas, grilled chicken, al pastor, de camaron or de pescado. They come with a small, but perfect bag of chips, salsa, a pile of jalapenos and mildly marinated carrots.

And, you will not find better taquitos—the hearty trio of chicken or beef taquitos are flaky, fresh, and come with guacamole, sour cream and salsa. Other favorite menu items are the super filling nachos served with two melted cheeses, sour cream, refried beans salsa and avocado; their whopping burritos and fresh horchata and orange juice.

For those who love breakfast, it’s served all day. Try the breakfast burrito with eggs, bacon, ham and chorizo; or one of six breakfast tortas.

Open 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

899 W. 19th St. in Costa Mesa. 949.645.4964.