Greer's OC | The latest in Orange County fashion, dining, and trends.

Calixican cuisine

By Greer Wylder

March 22, 2010

There’s authentic Mexican fare and then there’s the California spin on Mexican food. Which brings us to La Fogata in Corona del Mar. The small, fast-casual eatery is known for its juicy rotisserie chickens and emphasis on Mexican fare done fresh and healthy. There are no chemicals, frozen meats, lard or preservatives used in the cooking, the chile relleno is baked (not fried), and only organic tortillas are used. Among the trademark La Fogata offerings is a giant wet burrito known as the California Grande, which is almost as large as a brick and came stuffed with fresh grated zucchini…

Icy cool treats

By Greer Wylder

March 16, 2010

If you haven’t tried the Asian-shaved ice dessert trend that’s been all the rage the last few years—well, it’s never too late. At Milk + Honey at The Camp in Costa Mesa, the small coffee and tea shop has been delighting patrons with The Milk+Honey Special, a giant parfait of shaved ice, fresh fruits, frozen yogurt, sweetened red beans and condensed milk. The shop’s selection of iced teas has recently been given a extra boost with the addition of flavored crunchy jelly bits. The bits are crunchy and fun, totally different from the chewy and mushy tapioca ball drinks known…

Sandwiches galore

By Greer Wylder

March 16, 2010

There’s nothing like the quintessential sandwich to make for a solid lunch. At The Sandwich Box in Tustin, there are 30-some kinds of tasty sandwiches to mull over, from specialty submarine-style selections like The Cuban (roasted pork, ham, pickles and swiss cheese), The Texan (roasted pork or beef slathered in BBQ sauce) and The Southern (ham, swiss cheese and fried green tomatoes) to classic favorites like The Italian (thinly sliced ham, cotto dry salami, mortadella, provolone, tomatoes and pepperocinis with balsamic vinaigrette), pastrami and turkey, all of which are served on soft white bread rolls. Psst ... definitely try The…

Panini & more

By Greer Wylder

March 05, 2010

Italian panini sandwiches are normally pressed thin but not at Panini Cafe in Corona del Mar. Their version is a bit heftier compared to the dainty Italian sandwiches, and every bit delicious. There are 17 kinds of grilled panini on the menu at Panini Cafe, from the popular roasted salmon with brie and red onions to the prosciutto with fresh Buffalo mozzarella and tomato. Panini sandwiches are $10 and come with your choice of salad or soup. If you’re craving something even more substantial, you can’t go wrong with the Charbroiled Chicken Kabob. The large chunks of juicy chicken are…

Cozy BBQ

By Greer Wylder

March 05, 2010

There’s nothing like good ol’ BBQ to make you yearn for some carefree summer days. At Beach Bit BBQ in Costa Mesa, you can capture that feeling and eat it on a plate, too. The adorable eatery blends in almost perfectly with the picturesque homes around 17th Street. A quaint white picket fence surrounds the red cottage-like restaurant, with a screen door to boot. Our favorite at Beach Pit BBQ is the tri-tip steak sandwich: generous slices of tender tri-trip slathered with a tangy (but not too sweet) BBQ sauce all tucked in a fluffy potato bread bun. Must-order sides:…