Dining
Sweet treats at Italian Tomato
12.04.09
The name might conjure up images of pasta dishes, but the glass displays full of pretty cakes and pastries would tell you different at The Italian Tomato in Costa Mesa. The little bakery is one of many popular Japanese food stalls at Mitsuwa Marketplace in Costa Mesa. There you can find unique Japanese-Italian-French confections, from Green Tea Tiramisu to Tart Pudding Cake (a white sponge cake with fresh fruits and a layer of tangy pudding), to the house-favorite Today’s Cake, which is white cake layered with delicately crispy phyllo dough, fruit and cream. Try the Mont Blanc, a creamy and not overly sweet chestnut cake with an icing that resembles spaghetti strands. During the week, nab a slice of any cake plus coffee or tea for $4.25. Or order a whole Strawberry or Chocolate cake for $25.
Italian Tomato is located at 665 Paularino Ave in Costa Mesa, inside the Mitsuwa Marketplace
714.557.6699
Seaside Caribbean magic
11.30.09
Gentlemen, look no further if you want to take your date to one of OC’s most romantic restaurants: Eva’s Caribbean Kitchen in Laguna Beach. The seaside gem has been a favorite among locals for years and for good reason. Strings of twinkling lights around the restaurant lend an intimate vibe, but it’s the fiery island-inspired dishes and deliciously strong cocktails that make for a sultry experience. You’ll find that owner Eva Madray is an exceedingly gracious host—don’t miss her rum cocktails like the Brown Suga, which is rimmed with a dusting of cinnamon or the Mango Tango, a mango martini made from actual pureed mangos. And if you can handle the heat, go for the cajun prawns—it burns so good.
Eva’s Caribbean Kitchen is located at 31732 South Coast Highway in Laguna Beach
949.499.6311
www.evascaribbeankitchen.com
Hours:
Dinner starting at 5 p.m. Tuesday - Sunday
Closed Mondays
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