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

Still smitten: Lola Gaspar

By Greer Wylder

February 01, 2010

After more than year in business, downtown Santa Ana’s darling gastropub-meets-tapas bar is still going strong. Three words you should become acquainted with when you arrive to Lola Gaspar: duck confit fries. The dish—which features pulled duck piled on a crispy bed of fries and topped with salsa verde, crema and queso—is a tasty play on carne asada fries, a popular Mexican fast food treat. Come to think of it, Lola Gaspar’s menu pays homage to another street food: tacos, except you can find specialty versions including venison and buffalo meat tacos, too. The mac & cheese, served in a…

The Underground Place to Be

By Greer Wylder

January 21, 2010

La Cave isn’t just a steakhouse and beloved locals’ watering hole – it’s an institution. For 48 years, La Cave’s cozy hideaway setting (it’s actually located underground), marvelous seafood and cuts of meat have made it a longtime favorite restaurant and bar. No need for the menu – the evening’s specials, whether it be ribeye, filet mignon or Porterhouse, to lobster, crab or shrimp – are all rolled out on carts to each table for consideration and then cooked to your liking. La Cave also recently started serving lunch – all items are under $20 and there’s also a petite…

Crawfish craze continues

By Greer Wylder

January 21, 2010

If you haven’t indulged in the Little Saigon food craze that is Cajun-style crawfish, well, where have you been? The mudbug mania hit in 2002 and since then, more than half a dozen crawfish restaurants have popped up in Garden Grove, Westminster and the surrounding cities. Folks tired of the up to two-hour waits at the reigning king of crawfish houses, Boiling Crab, have been migrating over to Claws, the latest darling of the crawfish trend. The eatery is decked out in pirate-themed décor, but that’s where the frills end. Like other crawfish joints, look for plastic bibs, paper plates…

Waterfront dining at its best

By Greer Wylder

January 08, 2010

There is such a thing as a restaurant with the total package: The Dock Restaurant in Newport Beach features pristine views of the bay, an intimate alfresco dining patio and elegant fare. The Dock is the latest reincarnation of its beloved predecessor, Le Quai. Located right on the bay in historic and charming Cannery Village, The Dock boasts waterfront dining in a relaxed setting ideal for weekend brunch with the girls or family and romantic dates. Look for Mediterranean-infused offerings such as braised short ribs with polenta; New Zealand lamb loin with couscous and a mint emulsion, and grilled romaine…

Old-time favorite: Zlaket’s in Garden Grove

By Greer Wylder

January 03, 2010

Talk about history—Zlaket’s in Garden Grove has been around since 1927 and more than eight decades later, it still retains that wonderful small town market feel. The family-owned deli has remained a favorite among residents for its selection of high quality meats, deli foods and catered goods. Zlaket’s is also known for having what might be the largest selection of old-fashioned soda pop in Orange County—they carry nearly 30 kinds of bottled soda, including Bubble Up, Frosties, Filbert’s, and more! Classic sandwiches are $6 to $7; for the meat gourmand you can find leg of lamb stuffed with ortega chiles,…