El Granjenal Tacos Por Favor

May 21, 2015

We’re going to go out on a limb and say the best tacos in Costa Mesa, and easily among the best in Orange County are at the little known Taqueria El Granjenal on West 19th Street. Granted, El Granjenal is not fancy, you will feel like you’re in the non-touristy parts of Mexico, but its food is tasty, fresh and affordable. The owners are hardworking and sweet as can be. Part of its charm is the TV that’s interminably stuck on a Mexican soap opera with bad audio and reception, the bright red and green tables, and open air ambience.…

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Tasty Persian Cuisine

May 20, 2015

It was a big win for Costa Mesa, when Darbari Persian Grill opened late last year in the former BC Broiler spot across from the Triangle on Newport Boulevard. Now, with the help of its eager to please owner, Mehdi and gracious staff, Darbari is a go to lunch and dinner spot for fresh Mediterranean specialties such as falafel, hummus, dolmeh, borani and beef koobideh served with fluffy basmati rice and charbroiled tomatoes, chicken shish kabobs with tender boneless chicken skewered and charbroiled with onions and green peppers, and our favorite ghormeh sabzi with beef, parsley, cilantro, chives, kidney beans…

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Kettlebar Steam Cooking

May 07, 2015

Kettlebar, the Southern-infused steam kettle cooking eatery just opened at Union Market at The District in Tustin. This is the place to find traditional Southern specialties such as seafood pan roasts, bouillabaisse, jambalaya, gumbo, clams and oysters on the half shell, etouffee and po’boys. The concept, first took off at the Oyster Bar inside Palace Station in Las Vegas and now it’s enticing diners in Orange County. Kettlebar is already a hit at the Anaheim Packing House with its display of stainless steel steam kettles connected by steam filled pipes pumped in unison so that the food cooks rapidly and…

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What’s New at Daphne’s California Greek?

April 10, 2015

It’s no secret that we love Daphne’s California Greek, it’s healthy, delicious, quick and affordable. It’s the go to place for easy and satisfying dining for the whole family. And, there is no shortage of Daphne’s in Orange County; we have 14 locations throughout. Daphne’s just rolled out three-limited time Mediterranean influenced, Shawarma menu items. We're huge fans already! Shawarma is slow roasted chicken seasoned with Mediterranean spice and served three ways. You can choose from the Chicken Shawarma Cobb Salad with fresh greens, corn, cucumber-tomato salad, avocado, Moroccan carrot salad, seasoned garbanzo beans, crispy pita, hummus and Greek dressing…

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Oggi’s Pizza Express Opens in Orange

March 02, 2015

Oggi’s Pizza Express is a new fast-casual build-your-own pizza, salad and craft beer concept that just opened at The Village at Orange by the owners of Oggi’s Sports | Brewhouse | Pizza. The restaurant is the first Oggi’s Pizza Express in Orange County where the San Clemente headquartered company operates four restaurants as well as the award-winning Left Coast Brewery. The original Oggi’s Pizza Express opened at San Diego State University last spring to rave reviews. Oggi’s Pizza Express offers a build-your-own handcrafted pizza experience for one affordable price. Guests can choose from one of eight Oggi’s favorite pizza combinations…

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