Greer's OC

Looking for a great new lunch dining spot for the New Year? Acclaimed Joachim Splichal of Patina Restaurant Group recently unveiled the redesign and new menu of Tangata at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana. Even restaurant critic Brad A. Johnson at the OC Register gave it a glowing review last month.

The new space, in the museum's Mission-style courtyard, reflects the architectural style of the museum with a clean and modern aesthetic. Executive chef Donald Harris is offering an extensive menu featuring Pacific Rim influenced dishes with California flair such as Korean Marinated Skirt Steak with sesame glass noodles, spicy cabbage, and charred green onion; Spam Tacos with corn tortillas, sesame marinated seaweed salad, and spicy Sriracha crema; and Thai Style BBQ Chicken with crispy rice, farmer’s market vegetables, and spicy peanut sauce.

You can also order delicious salads, sandwiches and burgers served with a choice of sesame fries, mixed greens salad or ginger sweet potato fries. Favorites include the candy stripe beet salads with togarashi pepper, fennel, toasted peanuts, fresh herbs, and anise vinaigrette; the Laughing Bird Shrimp Salad with gem lettuce, mango, avocado, cucumber, green papaya and passion fruit vinaigrette.

Tangata’s cocktails are globally influenced and divided into “North America,” “South America,” “Far East,” and “French Polynesia” sections, with creations as the Oaxaca Old Fashioned, Peruvian Smash, and Dreams of Lychee. There’s also a nice selections of wines and premium Japanese sakes.

The restaurant is perfect for al fresco dining and is an ideal venue for weddings or evening receptions. Tangata offers special pricing for groups by reservation only.

Open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Bowers Museum is at 2002 N. Main St. in Santa Ana. 714.550.0906.