Mendocino Farms in OC
Los Angeles-based Mendocino Farms, the restaurant specializing in gourmet sandwiches filled with seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms and artisans, just opened its first Orange County location on East 17th Street in Costa Mesa.
Mendocino Farms’ menu, created by co-owners Mario Del Pero and Ellen Chen along with the Executive Chef Judy Han, elevates a classic sandwich with seasonal ingredients and finishes them with housemade aiolis, chutneys, pickled veggies, and mustards.
On the menu, signature sandwich our favorites include the Pork Belly Banh Mi, a reinterpretation of the Vietnamese classic made with rich, caramelized Kurobuta Pork Belly, bright pickled daikon and carrots, cooling cilantro, and spicy fresh jalapeño on toasted ciabatta; the Not So Fried Chicken, a lighter version of a cold fried chicken sandwich with shaved free range chicken breast, Mendo’s krispies, herb aioli, juicy tomatoes, pickled red onions, and mustard pickle slaw served with a side of house made barbeque sauce; and The Drunk’n Goat on Highway 128, a sandwich inspired by the Anderson Valley wine country where Mendocino is located, featuring creamy Drake Family Farms goat cheese, French brie, sweet cranberry chutney, and Scarborough Farms mixed greens, balanced by slices of tart green apple between two pieces of hearty cranberry walnut bread.
Vegans will be more than satisfied too with a “Vegan for All” section, which features full-flavored offerings like the Vegan Shawarma made with Mediterranean spiced chickpea (instead of the traditional spiced beef or lamb) and a creamy cucumber tzatziki made without yogurt.
Salads include the Kale Caesar, a healthier version of a classic Caesar salad featuring Scarborough Farms butter lettuce and romaine, crispy wheatberries, and fresh local kale with a light lemon parmesan vinaigrette.
There is also a list of ingredients to create a “Build Your Own” sandwich or salad.
Kids menu items will include a PB&J with housemade peanut butter and strawberry rhubarb jam from Coldwater Canyon Provisions, served with a side of fresh fruit and a drink.
Open for lunch and dinner daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Mendocino Farms Costa Mesa is at 450 E. 17th St. in Costa Mesa. 949.548.2500.
