Greer's OC | The latest in Orange County fashion, dining, and trends.

Crawfish craze continues

By Greer Wylder

January 21, 2010

If you haven’t indulged in the Little Saigon food craze that is Cajun-style crawfish, well, where have you been? The mudbug mania hit in 2002 and since then, more than half a dozen crawfish restaurants have popped up in Garden Grove, Westminster and the surrounding cities. Folks tired of the up to two-hour waits at the reigning king of crawfish houses, Boiling Crab, have been migrating over to Claws, the latest darling of the crawfish trend. The eatery is decked out in pirate-themed décor, but that’s where the frills end. Like other crawfish joints, look for plastic bibs, paper plates…

Waterfront dining at its best

By Greer Wylder

January 08, 2010

There is such a thing as a restaurant with the total package: The Dock Restaurant in Newport Beach features pristine views of the bay, an intimate alfresco dining patio and elegant fare. The Dock is the latest reincarnation of its beloved predecessor, Le Quai. Located right on the bay in historic and charming Cannery Village, The Dock boasts waterfront dining in a relaxed setting ideal for weekend brunch with the girls or family and romantic dates. Look for Mediterranean-infused offerings such as braised short ribs with polenta; New Zealand lamb loin with couscous and a mint emulsion, and grilled romaine…

Old-time favorite: Zlaket’s in Garden Grove

By Greer Wylder

January 03, 2010

Talk about history—Zlaket’s in Garden Grove has been around since 1927 and more than eight decades later, it still retains that wonderful small town market feel. The family-owned deli has remained a favorite among residents for its selection of high quality meats, deli foods and catered goods. Zlaket’s is also known for having what might be the largest selection of old-fashioned soda pop in Orange County—they carry nearly 30 kinds of bottled soda, including Bubble Up, Frosties, Filbert’s, and more! Classic sandwiches are $6 to $7; for the meat gourmand you can find leg of lamb stuffed with ortega chiles,…

Belgian feast: Brussels Bistro in Laguna Beach

By Greer Wylder

January 03, 2010

Get an authentic taste of Belgian cuisine right here in Orange County - in downtown Laguna Beach to be exact. Just walk down a short flight of stairs to the below-ground brasserie known as Brussels Bistro. Once inside the brick-walled eatery, the atmosphere is usually lively and boisterous, filled with patrons tucking into classic Belgian favorites like savory pommes frites (the Belgians are famous for their fries!), crock of mussels and of course, throwing back plenty of Belgian beers like Chimay. Find other Belgian specialties like Flemish asparagus, cheese croquettes with gray shrimps from the North Sea, traditional waterzooi (a…

A Taste of France in Newport

By Greer Wylder

December 28, 2009

Transport yourself to France with a meal at Pescadou Bistro in Newport Beach. Once inside the warm and inviting restaurant, tucked away on Newport Boulevard, you might actually forget you’re in Orange County. Owners Jacques and Olga de Quillien are gracious hosts of the longtime eatery—they’ve been offering their popular Blackboard Specials (3-course dinners for $29) before the prix-fixe craze hit restaurants in the area. The Onglet steak, with shallots in a red-wine reduction ($21), is steak done right and the magret, a roasted duck breast with a green peppercorn sauce, is another stellar pick ($25). Photo via OC Register.…