Zach Scherer and Drew Adams are introducing a new concept to Orange County: everyday fine dining, with a side of vinyl. darkroom will open for dinner service on Thursday, September 12, at its location on S. Harbor near SOCO & The OC Mix.
The menu focuses on smaller shared plates, large-format mains, and desserts, with a wine list featuring small-batch artisanal wines. “We want to feature winemakers who are as passionate about their craft as we are about food,” said Chef Drew.
Music is a key part of the experience. “Music is incredibly important to me,” said Scherer. “We’ll have vinyl playing, a great sound system, and a live DJ on weekends.”
darkroom’s menu highlights seasonal ingredients with a global flair. “For us, everything starts with the ingredients,” said Chef Drew. “If I get a perfect tomato, I’m not limited to a tomato tart or caprese. I can use techniques from around the world to showcase it in the best way possible.”
“We’re lucky to have access to such diverse, high-quality ingredients,” said Scherer. “It’s our job to turn those into something truly memorable.”
The menu will change with the seasons, featuring dishes like soft shell shrimp from Transparentsea Farms with hystrix lime leaf dukkah, and a whole duck, slow-cooked for 24 hours, smoked, and served with cured stone fruit and olive caramel.
The wine program, like the food, is an adventure. “Yes, we’ll have Napa Cabs and chardonnays, but they’ll be better made, more affordable, and from smaller producers,” said Zach. “We also want to introduce guests to wines they’ve never tried.”
The curated list includes a Champagne-style rosé from South Africa, dry German rieslings, and wines from Bordeaux, the Rhone, and beyond. “The nice thing about lesser-known wines is the better value for the money,” said Adams. “We have over 25 wines rated 95+ points, offering world-class quality without breaking the bank.”
The bar menu, designed by Scherer and Adams, takes the same creative approach as the kitchen. “I used to think some elements would be great in a cocktail,” said Chef Adams. “Now we can bring that creativity into the bar and make it world-class.”
Open 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
darkroom is located at 3751 South Harbor in Santa Ana.
information about the restaurant menu, hours, and reservations, please visit wearedarkroom.com
The Latest from greer's oc
An Evening of Musical Masterpieces: Rachmaninoff, Beethoven & More
Experience an extraordinary night of music with the Pacific Symphony! From September 26–28, 2024, at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, the evening begins with Ticheli’s Shooting Stars, setting the tone with vibrant energy. Next, Ravel’s Alborada del gracioso…
Step into ‘The Gathering’ at Roger’s Gardens Halloween Boutique
The much-anticipated Halloween Boutique at Roger's Gardens is open! Step into the enchanting world of Roger's Gardens, Southern California’s go-to destination for all your seasonal shopping needs. This year's theme, "The Gathering," invites you into a mysterious realm where…
Flora Avocado Farm: A Scenic Venue for Private Events and Photoshoots
Flora Avocado Farm offers a picturesque backdrop for private events, including weddings, corporate gatherings, commercial shoots, and personal photo sessions. Set on 10 scenic acres in the secluded De Luz community of Temecula, the farmhouse is surrounded by ancient…
Support Local Hairstylists Battling Breast Cancer: Enter The Jill Foundation’s Fundraiser Today!
Exciting news from The Jill Foundation, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting Orange County hairstylists diagnosed with breast cancer! Now, you can easily contribute to their mission by donating through The Jill Foundation's PayPal. Every $10 donation gets…
Follow Greer on Pinterest
from the blog
- 09.27.24 – An Evening of Musical Masterpieces: Rachmaninoff, Beethoven & More
- 09.26.24 – Step into ‘The Gathering’ at Roger’s Gardens Halloween Boutique
- 09.24.24 – Flora Avocado Farm: A Scenic Venue for Private Events and Photoshoots
- 09.23.24 – Support Local Hairstylists Battling Breast Cancer: Enter The Jill Foundation’s Fundraiser Today!
- 09.23.24 – Market Broiler Celebrates 35th Anniversary with Exclusive Tasting Dinners
- 09.22.24 – Oktoberfest Menu at Bayside: New for 2024
- 09.22.24 – Celebrate National Taco Day at Puesto with Golden Ticket Giveaways and Exclusive Specials!
- 09.18.24 – Transformative Currents: Where Art Meets Ocean Action at Crystal Cove
- 09.18.24 – Empowering People to Change the World at the 4th Annual Mother Earth Market
- 09.17.24 – Frankies Bikinis Warehouse Sale in Tustin
- 09.17.24 – Sweetgreen’s New Fall Harvest Menu
- 09.16.24 – Celebrate LEGO Fest at Sgt. Pepperoni’s on 9/18 Benefitting CHOC!
- 09.16.24 – Pacific Airshow Huntington Beach - Class Pass Promotion
- 09.16.24 – Gutzy Pet: Empowering Animal Lovers, Healing Pets One Gut at a Time
- 09.13.24 – Fleur De Lys Celebrates 20 Years with a Day of Festivities, Freebies, and Fun!
- 09.12.24 – Celebrate Tradition and Innovation at MO.MI.MEI’s Mid-Autumn Festival Pop-Up
- 09.12.24 – Art in the Park to Feature Over 100 Artists
- 09.11.24 – Ike’s Celebrates Smash Mouth’s 25th with Exclusive Sandwiches
- 09.11.24 – What’s It Worth at Laguna Art Museum?
- 09.10.24 – Explore Wellness & Style: Mantra Hot Yoga Open House Event
More Daily Doses
- 09.27.24 – McG Ushers in New Era for The Lido Theater with Restoration and Expanded Entertainment
- 09.24.24 – 2024 Newport Beach Film Festival Honors Nicolas Cage, Colman Domingo, June Squibb and More
- 09.23.24 – Newport Beach Film Festival Kicks Off 25th Anniversary with World Premiere of ‘Old Guy’
- 09.18.24 – Paddle Up Pickleball Tournament to Fight Cancer
- 09.18.24 – ROL Hand Roll Bar Opens Third OC Location in Irvine
- 09.17.24 – All-New IMAX with Laser Now Open at AMC Tustin 14 at The District at Tustin Legacy
- 09.16.24 – Discover Six New Exciting Additions at The District at Tustin Legacy
- 09.16.24 – OCAPICA – An Evening with Tastemakers of Orange County
- 09.13.24 – Preservation Hall Jazz Band at Musco Center
- 09.11.24 – Learn & Grow Family Fair: Free Fun, Live Entertainment, and Activities at The District
- 09.08.24 – Darkroom: OC’s Newest Everyday Fine Dining Destination with a Vinyl Twist
- 09.06.24 – Project Playhouse: Tour, Bid, and Support HomeAid at Irvine Spectrum
- 09.04.24 – 28th Season of The Witte Lectures
- 09.03.24 – Spotlight on Cinema: Orange County Film Society
- 08.29.24 – Georgia’s Restaurant Debuts at Irvine Spectrum, Serving Southern Soul Food
- 08.29.24 – 10th Annual Farm to Fork App-Off: A Culinary Showdown with MaxLove Project
- 08.27.24 – Pacific Wine & Food Classic Returns to Newport Dunes
- 08.25.24 – Irvine Barclay Theatre Launches 2024-25 Season with World-Class Performances
- 08.23.24 – Celebrate Labor Day Weekend at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort
- 08.22.24 – New Stores, New Styles: Don’t Miss This Exclusive Shopping Event!