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$10 Sunday Suppers at Nesai

By Greer Wylder

October 24, 2009

Head to Nesai Restaurant in Newport Beach for the best Sunday specials around: $10 dinner plates! Choose from selections such as grilled shrimp tacos, pulled pork sliders, linguine bolognese and herb roasted chicken thighs. There’s also coffee-braised beef brisket with mashed potatoes and sauteed vegetables for $12 and an 8 oz. pan-seared filet mignon with smoked bacon mashed potatoes for $30. The cozy neighborhood eatery, which boasts California cuisine with Italian influences—has been a quiet favorite among the locals for nearly a decade. Not to be missed is the impressive boutique wine list (all handpicked by owner Michiko Soffer) and…

Cakes, breads and coffee, oh my!

By Greer Wylder

October 24, 2009

If you haven’t already joined the hordes of sweet-toothed fiends at 85C Bakery in Irvine, we can give you a few delicious reasons: The cakes at 85C (85 degrees - reportedly the ideal temperature at which coffee should be served) are a delightful alternative to the overly sweet ones found at regular supermarkets and bakeries. Our favorites so far are the Strawberry Cream and Strawberry Tiramisu—with light frosting whipped into airy perfection and studded with sweet berries. The pretty 8-inch cakes go for $28 a pop, but they’re worth it. Then there’s the scores of pastries, savory breads stuffed with…

Hot Pot Wonders

By Greer Wylder

October 19, 2009

Now that the weather’s finally getting cooler, nothing’s more comforting than a hot pot of meat and noodles, and a fun, do-it-yourself-meal at that. California Shabu-Shabu was the first Japanese hot-pot style restaurant to open in Orange County in Fountain Valley in 1997. Since then, similar shabu-shabu houses have popped up all over Southern California. Now, there’s a second California Shabu-Shabu location in Costa Mesa. The idea is simple: Sit at a slick U-shaped bar. A pot of water is brought out to you at your tabletop burner, along with plates of thinly sliced meat, seafood or tofu, noodles, vegetables…

Italian hot: Cucina Alessa

By Greer Wylder

October 11, 2009

Since it opened along PCH in Newport last year, the wait at Cucina Alessa has been known to reach past an hour at the popular Italian eatery. Thankfully, the owners decided to open a second outpost in Huntington Beach on Main Street (where the old Shorehouse Cafe used to be). Expect the same homemade pastas, reasonable prices and big helpings. Chef-owner Allessandro even takes the time to greet each table. The calamari here is perfectly crisp and light with a zesty arrabbiata sauce, while many have raved about the squash ravioli in a brown butter sage sauce. The pizza here…

Sushi Oasis: Murasaki

By Greer Wylder

October 11, 2009

When it comes to pleasing a plethora of sushi cravings, Murasaki in Santa Ana pretty much has it covered: Traditional, non-fussy nigiri sushi and sashimi? Sushi cut rolls? Yes to both and better yet, the elegantly cooked fish dishes at the Japanese restaurant deserve praise, too. For more experienced sushi lovers, sit at the bar and order the omakase, or chef’s specials, which can start at a reasonable $35 per person. Or try the prix-fixe sushi set for $30, which comes with miso soup, salmon skin salad, miso cod, an 8-piece sushi selection and ice cream to finish. Other standouts…