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Award-Winning Chef Ralph Estrada Joins IL Girasole in Costa Mesa

08.17.25

Award-winning Chef Ralph Estrada has joined Orange County’s destination for modern Italian cuisine, IL Girasole, bringing more than 20 years of culinary experience and a decade of leadership to the restaurant. Chef Estrada has partnered with restaurateur Antonio Bevacqua to help shape one of Orange County’s defining modern Italian kitchens.

IL Girasole, located within SOCO & The OC Mix in Costa Mesa, is known for its disciplined execution, deep understanding of global flavors, and commitment to sustainability. 

Chef Estrada’s approach blends technical mastery with a genuine respect for ingredients and people. His background includes key roles at acclaimed restaurants such as Knife Pleat, Angler (Saison Hospitality Group), and Meteora, where he cultivated his passion for biodiversity and sustainability.

From the beginning of his career, working with the Charlie Palmer Group, Patina Group, and Rick Bayless, Chef Estrada became passionate about creating dining experiences that engage the senses. Throughout his career, he has prioritized organic, seasonal produce, sustainable seafood, and ethically sourced meats, while building relationships with local farmers and purveyors. 

His kitchen philosophy is rooted in reducing waste, composting, and fostering a culture of excellence through mentorship and collaboration. Trained in both classic and contemporary techniques, Chef Estrada draws inspiration from French, Italian, Latin, and Asian cuisines. His menus reflect the seasons while maintaining a precise, elevated style.

“I am inspired by the united vision that Chef Estrada and I share as we strive to create a dining experience that is rich with character, charm and unwavering quality that stands out in the restaurant world.” – Antonio Bevacqua, Owner, IL Girasole

“It’s an exciting opportunity to work alongside a chef and entrepreneur like Antonio whose values around food and sustainability closely align with my own. As we continue to pursue excellence, I’m looking forward to bringing thoughtfully crafted Italian flavors and time-honored techniques to your next dining experience. Salute!” – Chef Ralph Estrada, IL Girasole

IL Girasole is open daily for lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., with extended hours on Friday and Saturday until 10 p.m. Happy Hour specials, seasonal offerings, and unique tasting menus are available daily, with Industry Nights held every Monday. Reservations available on Open Table.

IL Girasole is located at 3321 Hyland Ave., Suite E, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Follow on Instagram @ilgirasole_oc 

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Puesto Unveils Flavor-Packed Summer Menu Across SoCal Locations

08.05.25

Puesto Mexican Artisan Kitchen & Bar, a Southern California favorite with deep Mexico City roots, is turning up the heat this summer with an all-new seasonal menu. Executive Chef Raul Casillas introduces bold new bowls, tacos, and desserts that celebrate the vibrant flavors and complexity of Mexican cuisine.

The highlight of the summer menu is a lineup of hearty, protein-forward Bowls served with black beans, herb lime rice, and sweet corn. Guests can choose from standout options including the Short Rib Birria Bowl with guacamole and Jalisco salsa; a Filet Mignon Cali Bowl with Morita salsa and jalapeño pico; Chicken Al Pastor with hibiscus-chipotle tinga; and Shrimp a la Plancha featuring yuzu kosho mayo and ayocote salad.

Puesto’s award-winning tacos—served on handmade, organic, non-GMO blue corn tortillas—are joined by two summer additions: a Pulpo Taco with grilled octopus and yuzu kosho mayo, and a vegetarian Rajas Taco with crispy cheese, nopales, and chile verde sauce.

The new dessert menu features a Churro Sundae with cajeta drizzle and dark chocolate chunks, and a Pistachio Tres Leches with passionfruit whipped cream.

To cool things down, VP of Bar & Spirits Beau du Bois introduces a playful Mexican Coke Slushy spiked with ElVelo blanco tequila and fresh lime.

Seasonal Specials & Promotions
Puesto keeps Taco Tuesday front and center with half-off all tacos for dine-in guests every Tuesday from 3 p.m. to close. Guests can mix and match nearly a dozen tacos—from Carnitas and Filet Mignon to Shrimp Tamarindo and Mushroom.

Weekday Happy Hour runs Monday through Friday from 3 to 5 p.m., featuring $10 Puesto Perfect margaritas, $9 wines by the glass, $6 Puesto draft beers, and half-off all Snacks & Shares. Beers are brewed in-house at Puesto Cervecería in San Diego and include a rotating IPA, Mexican Lager, and award-winning Mexican Negra Lager.

Since opening its first location in La Jolla in 2012, Puesto has become a beloved dining destination across California with eight locations. Known for its Mexico City-style tacos, housemade blue corn tortillas, and scratch salsas, Puesto offers a fresh, contemporary take on authentic Mexican fare.

Puesto Locations in Orange County
Irvine – Los Olivos Marketplace
8577 Irvine Center Drive
(949) 608-9990
Mon–Thu: 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Fri: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Sat: 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.
Sun: 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m.
Taco Tuesday: 3–9 p.m. | Dine-in only

Irvine – Park Place
3311 Michelson Drive
(949) 608-7272
Mon, Wed, Thu: 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Tue & Fri: 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Sat: 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.
Sun: 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m.
Taco Tuesday: 3–9 p.m. | Dine-in only
Happy Hour: Mon–Fri: 3–5 p.m.

Anaheim – Across from Disneyland
1040 W. Katella Avenue
(714) 294-0362
Daily: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Taco Tuesday: 3–10 p.m. | Dine-in only
Happy Hour: Mon–Fri: 3–5 p.m.

For more information, menus, and reservations, visit eatpuesto.com.

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