Dining
Still smitten: Lola Gaspar
02.01.10
After more than year in business, downtown Santa Ana’s darling gastropub-meets-tapas bar is still going strong. Three words you should become acquainted with when you arrive to Lola Gaspar: duck confit fries. The dish—which features pulled duck piled on a crispy bed of fries and topped with salsa verde, crema and queso—is a tasty play on carne asada fries, a popular Mexican fast food treat. Come to think of it, Lola Gaspar’s menu pays homage to another street food: tacos, except you can find specialty versions including venison and buffalo meat tacos, too. The mac & cheese, served in a cast-iron skillet, comes with chicken and mushrooms, yet another tasty comfort dish. Coming soon: Monday night BBQs and whiskey tastings that won’t bust your wallet.
Lola Gaspar is located at 211 W 2nd St in Santa Ana
714.972.1172
www.lolagaspar.com
The Underground Place to Be
01.21.10
La Cave isn’t just a steakhouse and beloved locals’ watering hole – it’s an institution. For 48 years, La Cave’s cozy hideaway setting (it’s actually located underground), marvelous seafood and cuts of meat have made it a longtime favorite restaurant and bar.
No need for the menu – the evening’s specials, whether it be ribeye, filet mignon or Porterhouse, to lobster, crab or shrimp – are all rolled out on carts to each table for consideration and then cooked to your liking. La Cave also recently started serving lunch – all items are under $20 and there’s also a petite portion dinner special for $22.
Oh, and ladies might appreciate that La Cave has the kind of rosy and dim lighting that’s flattering to the skin, perfect date lighting, if you will.
La Cave is located at 1695 Irvine Ave. in Costa Mesa
949.646.7944
www.lacaverestaurant.com
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