We predict that Costa Mesa will be won over by Pitfire Artisan Pizza, the Los Angeles-based restaurant that just opened in the former Marie Callender’s on E. 17th Street. It’s a perfect hangout for families, a great date night, and anyone wanting a casual and relaxed dining experience. And get this, pizzas (one size fits all) cost about 10 bucks. And what other restaurant in Costa Mesa has a hidden speakeasy bar, and private area with its own kitchen for classes and parties?
Owner Paul Hibler and his team created a cool vibe that pays homage to Orange County’s surf culture, complete with VW Bus lights, original Hobie stripes on the walls, resin wood skateboard like tables, and possibly the first veneered wood fire oven made to look like a classic Chris Craft boat. The pizzas are an overnight sensation that were a 15-year work in progress, (in other words, Pitfire’s pizzas have evolved into perfection.) Each pizza is made from scratch and cooked in a 630˚F wood-fired oven.
The crowd pleaser is the Burrata Pizza with housemade fresh burrata cheese, wild arugula, caramelized onions, and whole hazelnuts atop sweet tomato sauce, drizzled with a crushed pesto sauce; and you’ll also want to get the seasonal favorites while they last, such as the roast pumpkin pizza with sage roasted winter squash, wild greens, Fontina cheese, toasted pepitas, pumpkin seed oil; and our favorite, the Brussels sprouts and bacon with cream, bacon, garlic and parmesan. While you’re at it order, the fantastic greens, egg & ham pizza with braised rapini, farm egg, and Zoe’s natural prosciutto.
Not in the mood for pizza? You’ll be pleasantly surprised with the fresh salads, pastas such as the pitfire chicken salad with shaved scallions, toasted pine nuts, arugula and butter lettuce, torn-bread croutons, and pickled currants; and delicious spaghetti and chicken meatballs. Satisfy your thirst with Pitfire’s on-tap brews, domestic and craft bottle varieties, wines, and famous housemade apple and pear sangria or classic sangria. Pitfire Open for lunch and dinner 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
353 E. 17th St. in Costa Mesa. 949.313.6333
It's 1982 at Ruby's
Thirty years ago today, Ruby’s Diner opened at the end of the Balboa Pier (pictured above) in what was formerly a classic bait shop. Only three employees worked there, and the menu was classic 1940’s diner food: hamburgers, hot dogs and shakes.
Now the SoCal institution can be found across the country in five states and it’s celebrating its 30 year anniversary by rolling back prices to 1982 from 7 a.m. until closing. Get in for original items such as two eggs any style for $2.25, the Original RubyBurger for $2.15, Ruby’s Famous fries for $1, Fantastic Milk Shake (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry) for $1.60, and more.
All SoCal Ruby’s are participating except the Shake Shack and airport locations.
