Dining
ZCAFE ROCKS SOUTH COAST PLAZA!
03.11.12
Review by Sheryll Alexander
ZCafé has quickly become our favorite (and oh-so reasonable!) fast casual eatery in The OC. Located in the former CPK ASAP space in the Macy’s Home Store wing of South Coast Plaza, ZCafé is the first concept of its kind by beloved ZPizza founder Sid Fanarof (who is particular about using fresh, local and mostly organic ingredients!).
We sat down in ZCafé’s breezy open-air lounge on low, wide sofas for a tasting of ZCafé’s menu. I started with a cold Flat Tire while my food and travel writer mother Joanne Tucker ordered up the bold house red.
A plate of hummus was dropped off at our living-room like eating area where the family lounged in anticipation of classic pizzas and newly-created salads and sandwiches. The pillowy pita bread went perfectly with creamy housemade hummus (only $5.95!) along with salty cured olive slices, some marinated peppers and thin-cut crispy cucumber slices.
We sat back with our brew, our vino and our hummus plate to enjoy the view. Fanarof says he created ZCafé’s patio as a sophisticated urban oasis. We agree. Designed by Mark Singer and Associates, the patio has comfortable seating areas with chilling sofas and modern colors of lime green, burnished silvers, matte blacks and flat screen TVs.
We want to return to the patio, which overlooks the center’s striking contemporary bridge across Bear Street, for a bowl of warming tomato basil soup ($4.95). This creamy concoction is light and hearty at the same time. We especially appreciate the soups freshly-cut basil ribbons and the green-colored drops of high quality extra virgin olive oil floating atop.
Next, the pizzas started to arrive. The classic Margherita ($9.95 small/$16.95 large) is made delicious with ZPizza’s crunchy thin crust, gooey and slighty tangy cheese and ripe tomato slices. Although the curry chicken and yam pizza ($9.95 small/$16.95 large) was different and delicious, we fell in love with the Tuscan pizza.
ZCafé’s Tuscan pizza is a revelation for a fast casual restaurant. For just $9.95 (small), this pizza feels luxurious with its crisp crust, earthy roasted Crimini and Shitake mushroom slices, caramelized onions, juxtaposed feta and mozzarella cheeses, creamy roasted garlic sauce and precious drops of pungent truffle oil. Delicioso!
My picky daughter even loved the plain cheese pizza ($6.95 small/$13.95 large) as the sauce wasn’t spicy and didn’t overwhelm the melted cheese.
We also fell in love with the steak sandwich. Slices of smoky and perfectly medium rare asada steak are placed between two slices of delectable wheat chiabatta bread, along with pickled red onion, sweet corn salsa and a slightly spicy chipotle aioli sauce.
The quinoa tabouleh salad entree was surprisingly delicious. Light-as air quinoa is dressed with cilantro, parsley, golden raisins, slivered almonds, caramelized onions and drizzles of high-quality balsamic vinegar. A perfectly grilled chicken breast ($9.95) or steak slice ($10.95) accompanies this satisfying, nutritious, healthy and refreshing protein-filled "salad."
Need another reason to visit ZCafé? How about the free wireless and lots of phone charging stations? What about the gluten-free and vegan dishes?
We can’t wait to return for another Fat Tire and a slice of Tuscan truffle pizza perhaps after an afternoon of designer shopping or a performance at the neighboring Renée and Henry Segrestrom Concert Hall. WE LOVE ZCafé!
ZCafé, 3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa, 714-545-5500, www.zcafe.biz
Dining
Mi Casa Comes to RSM!
03.08.12
By Sheryll Alexander
One of our favorite neighborhood Mexican joints, Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant & Bar, is set to open its second location this spring in Rancho Santa Margarita at the Plaza El Paseo shopping center.
The family-owned restaurant has been a fixture on Costa Mesa’s bustling 17th Street since 1972 and this is the Moore family’s first try at expanding their “rustic-chic” Mexican concept. The 5,500 sq. ft. interior features brick accent walls, reclaimed wood and repurposed materials, flat screen TVs, a (soon to become local fave?) bar, semi-private dining rooms, an open kitchen, an original custom painting by local artist Todd Marinovich, and a large covered patio (with fireplace!).
As for the food, Mi Casa is famous for its generous portions of Sonoran-influenced dishes such as enchiladas, burritos, tamales and tacos. Mi Casa is also known for its steaks, seafood, margaritas and sangria.
And don’t miss happy hour (Mondays-Fridays from 3-6 p.m.) for $3 drinks and tapas and $1 tacos on Tuesdays in the bar or on the patio.
To follow the progress of the Rancho Santa Margarita opening, follow Mi Casa on Facebook at www.facebook.com/micasafoods.
Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant & Bar, Plaza El Paseo, 22322 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita, [url=http://www.micasa1.com. ]http://www.micasa1.com. [/url];
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