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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.…

Piping hot deals

By Greer Wylder

December 28, 2009

Cold weather is always a compelling reason for a bowl of hot soup. And nowhere might it be hotter than at Gyu-Kaku in Huntington Beach. While the popular Japanese-Korean BBQ chain is known for its yakiniku or chargrilled meats, a must-try is the goma negi udon ($8)—the savory noodle soup arrives bubbling from a substantial stone bowl so thick and heavy that the broth won’t grow tepid before the last slurp. It will warm you from head-to-toe! The Happy Hour at Gyu-Kaku is also beloved by locals: from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. to closing, enjoy $3…

Turkish Delights

By Greer Wylder

December 08, 2009

Hooray for another Turkish eatery in Orange County. If you’re a fan of perfectly spiced kebabs, hummus, eggplant dips and doner—tender meat that’s sliced off a rotating spit—you’ll enjoy the fare at Spinner’s Turkish Kebabs in Fountain Valley. Locals are raving about the Halal-certified restaurant and its flavorful offerings, from kofte (a ground meat patty seasoned with parsley and mint) and spicy chicken kebabs to the shawarma (shaved meat tucked in lavash or pita sandwich)—all reasonably priced, too. Don’t forget to nab some baklava to finish your meal on a sweet note and some house Turkish tea, which is complimentary.…

Hippie taco heaven?

By Greer Wylder

December 04, 2009

Ah, the little hippie taco stand that could. Locals will tell you that Taco Loco in Laguna Beach has become a little hole-in-the-wall icon of the picturesque seaside town. Purists may decry the Californianized Mexican fare, what with offerings like the blackened mushroom and tofu taco ($3) to calamari nachos, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less enjoyable. Perhaps the most popular item there? The blackened mushroom and tofu burger—just a basic a square of tofu with sauteed mushrooms that’s made thoroughly satisfying with a scoop of avocado pico de gallo and healthy douse of hot sauce ($6). Then head…