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…
Transformative Currents: Where Art Meets Ocean Action at Crystal Cove
Crystal Cove Conservancy is excited to announce the upcoming exhibition, Transformative Currents: Art and Action in the Pacific Ocean, in partnership with Getty's PST ART: Art & Science Collide. Hosted in Crystal Cove’s historic Cottage #46, this exhibition…
Empowering People to Change the World at the 4th Annual Mother Earth Market
Anaheim’s historic Packing District, in collaboration with Eco Now, is set to host the fourth annual “Mother Earth Market” (MEM) on Sunday, September 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Farmers Park, 412 S. Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim. This…
Frankies Bikinis Warehouse Sale in Tustin
Mark your calendars for the Frankies Bikinis Warehouse Sale, happening in Tustin from September 19 to 22, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.! Don’t miss out on up to 70% off on top-quality swimwear, including bikinis, one-pieces, cover-ups, and more.
Whether you’re…
Follow Greer on Pinterest
from the blog
- 09.18.24 – An Evening of Musical Masterpieces: Rachmaninoff, Beethoven & More
- 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
- 09.08.24 – Celebrate California Wine Month at South Coast Winery
- 09.08.24 – Stonefire Grill Supports Hunger Action Day on September 10
- 09.06.24 – Centennial Farm’s 35th Anniversary
- 09.06.24 – Celebrate the Heartbeat of Mexico at Musco Center for the Arts!
- 09.04.24 – Anaheim’s Brewery X Opens First Brewpub Inspired Eatery in San Diego
- 09.03.24 – Shop RVCA, Volcom, Billabong & More at the Liberated Brands Warehouse Sale!
More Daily Doses
- 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
- 09.03.24 – Step into ‘The Gathering’ at Roger’s Gardens Halloween Boutique
- 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!
- 08.21.24 – Celebrate Labor Day in Style at Waldorf Astoria’s Endless Summer Soiree
- 08.21.24 – Segerstrom Center for the Arts Unveils Spectacular 2024-2025 Dance Series!