If you live in Orange County, you’re probably no stranger to the gourmet “taco truck” phenomenon. You can get Korean barbecue, tapas, Greek food, tacos, Argentinian food, sweet baked goods and even crepes.  But the most exciting part? A gourmet, Jewish deli on wheels, also known as Brooklyn Boys New York Style Deli.

Brooklyn Boys was founded by Marc Gabriel and Debbie Voltura.  Debbie has been a professional jazz singer for 40 years and Marc is a friendly guy with a passion for good food and 25 years of experience in the food industry.   They’re both natives of New York and they both remembered fondly and longed for the deli food they grew up with.   According to Marc, “When you put us together, “Knowledge and Hutzpah” will ensue!“  Marc has owned a few food businesses in Orange County, with great success and he even smoked meat for Whole Foods Market.  It’s safe to say that Marc really knows food.  So they set off together on a new adventure.  And all of Orange County is reaping the benefits.

Now let’s talk about the food.  Oh, the food!  First off, you have to start with at least a sample of their matzo ball soup.  This soup is amazing.  The matzo balls are light and fluffy, the chicken is tender and the broth is super flavorful.  Next, the sandwiches.  I tried the Pastrami the first day and Mom’s Sunday Brisket the next time.  I was absolutely in love with the Pastrami.  It is hands down the best Pastrami sandwich I’ve ever had in my life (for all you Hat lovers… the Hat’s Pastrami doesn’t even compare).  I couldn’t imagine that anything could be better than that Pastrami.  That was, until I tried Mom’s Sunday Brisket.  The brisket in this sandwich melts in your mouth and the Russian dressing is perfect.  And I didn’t even mention the bread yet!  Brooklyn Boys buys their bread at a very special bakery.  And yes, of course it’s rye bread.  It’s always soft and fresh with amazing flavor.  Each sandwich comes with a drink, cole slaw, potato salad and a pickle.  Most sandwiches are around $10 so this is quite a deal.  I’m not a big potato salad fan but it’s pretty amazing.  And their cole slaw isn’t the soggy, mushy mess you’ll find most places.  It’s crisp and crunchy with a sweet and tangy dressing.  I didn’t get a chance to try the other sandwiches or the hot dog but I did get a look at the hot dog (and a photo, below) and it looked amazing.

Their menu can be viewed here.  Their weekly schedule is posted on their website. They’re also on Twitter and Facebook, and it’s easy to follow them or become a fan, which gives you the most up-to-date information on their location.  They also offer a sandwich club card (pictured below).  Buy 9 sandwiches and the 10th is on them!

Please don’t take my word for it… Go find them and try it for yourself!

[View with PicLens]

Photographs by Jennifer Vincent

Memphis Group is probably larger than most people in OC realize. Not only do they operate Memphis Cafe and Memphis at the Santora (my personal favorite), but they own and run Memphis Catering and Events, the beloved Detroit Bar and Tin Lizzie Saloon. While I’ve never had occasion (or desire) to visit Tin Lizzie Saloon, I’ve been able to experience all other aspects of the Memphis Group. The Memphis Group’s main focuses are food (obviously), community and culture. Most people in Orange County could attest to the fact that Memphis does a great job of being focused on building community (as with Dinner with Dave) and also on culture. OCAC recently covered the Ndebele Art Project, a cause that Memphis seemingly cared about also, as they hosted a fundraiser at their location near The LAB in Costa Mesa.

Anyone with any reason to spend time in Downtown Santa Ana has probably visited Memphis at the Santora. I took a trip there recently to review their new menu. As usual, the atmosphere and service were unparalleled. And while I must admit that the fall and winter season boast my favorite seasonal ingredients (think Thanksgiving, root vegetables, yams and squash), Memphis at the Santora is making better use of them than most other local restaurants. Chef Diego whipped up miniatures of many of the new dishes so that I could try them and report back to you, dear readers.

The meal started off with a bang, featuring the goat cheese and beet salad. The mixed greens were tossed in a roasted garlic vinaigrette, and served over perfectly sweet beets with warm spheres of goat cheese, crusted with candied pecans. And if that weren’t enough, the salad was topped with yam chips. The yam chips were, quite possibly, my favorite part of the meal. Or so I thought. Next I was served a platter full of pork shoulder, sweet potato fries and fried okra. The pork shoulder is smoked in house, and as a result is very flavorful and so tender that it melts in your mouth. This quickly became my new favorite of the evening. It was served with a fantastic barbecue sauce that I’m told was also made in house, though I have to say, the pork just didn’t need it. The sweet potato fries were rather typical of what is seen everywhere lately, but had the added benefit of being skillfully prepared. They weren’t over-fried, so you still got a great deal of flavor. I’m not sure whether the okra has changed or not, but I loved it equally as much as I have in the past, if not more. Next came the pan-roasted chicken with honey glazed root vegetables, oyster mushrooms, sweet potato dumplings and a pan jus, topped with fried herbs. The chicken was definitely done right, with a beautiful crust and a rich jus, but it was quickly upstaged by the sweet potato dumplings. The texture of the dumplings was absolutely perfect. They had just enough density to them to be chewable, but then began to melt in your mouth. And the flavor of the dumplings was complex and divine. I’d found yet another new favorite. My last entree was the blackened white fish served on top of red beans and rice with collard greens. Again, the fish, while seasoned and blackened to perfection, was upstaged by the side dish. The red beans and rice were amazingly packed with flavor. I can’t confess to having had them before but I was aware of them, knowing them to be a decidedly southern dish. Let me tell you, they delivered. The collard greens were fairly typical, luckily lacking the bitterness that can sometimes accompany them. The barrage of entrees ended with the tender pork shoulder and the red beans and rice vying for the title of favorite. I’d be hard pressed to pick one.

You might think that this amazing new menu is the most exciting new development for the Memphis Group, but you’d be wrong. They’ve recently opened a new location in Manhattan Beach. I made a trek out there, so that I could give you the lowdown on the new location. I’m not under the illusion that anyone would undertake such a journey simply for the sake of a restaurant (even though, the trip would absolutely be justified by this new location and menu) but occasionally, we humble (ha!) residents of Orange County are prevailed upon to leave the cushy comforts of home and forced to visit LA. Next time you find yourself in that situation, remember Memphis at the Beach in Manhattan Beach… It’s well worth the 10-15 minute jaunt off the 405.

Upon arrival, one is likely to be stunned by the grass façade. Once recovered and inside, if one is well acquainted with the Orange County Memphis counterparts, one might initially be equally as shocked. The feel of this location is decidedly more beachy; which is appropriate since it is only about a block from the pier. The space is large and open, but manages also to have two distinctly separate dining areas. One, to the left upon entering, is more of a lounge/bar. There are many options for seating in the lounge, such as couches (not pictured) and large retro chairs around tables. This section is now separated from the section to the left, which has a bit more of a family appeal. There is now a curtain down the middle (also not pictured), atop the glowing white wall that, while gauzy and mostly transparent, helps to give the space the feel of being separated into two rooms.

Former OC residents turned Manhattan Beach locals Ken and Tracy Stickney worked together with the Memphis Group to bring the signature Memphis philosophy of food, community, culture to the beach side community of Manhattan Beach. “We all felt strongly that the well-heeled city of Manhattan Beach was an ideal setting for Memphis restaurants’ signature down-home, come as you are authenticity and that residents would immediately embrace our brand of soulful eatery. Since opening, that is proving to be the case,” says Dan Bradley, co-founder and President of The Memphis Group.

I was lucky enough to sample the menu at this new location, also.  I tried an olive oil poached tuna salad on dried pear chips, a mixed greens salad, a spicy gumbo served with rice and cajun-rubbed shrimp (pictured, right), an individual-sized chicken pot pie and an apple pear crumble topped with vanilla ice cream and a candied orange slice (pictured, above left). While I won’t go into great detail regarding the food, I will say that not only does it stick with the basic comfort, soul food fare that Memphis has come to do so well, but that the quality of the food and the ingenuity of the menu rivals that of the Orange County Memphis locations.  But that’s all you’re getting out of me… You should go experience it for yourself.

Memphis at the Beach
1142 Manhattan Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA 92066
For reservations: (310) 545-7172

Photos of Memphis at the Beach, Sean Rosenthal.
Food photos, Jennifer Vincent.

Are you still hungry? Head on down MacArthur to Fusion Roll and Sushi. A low key sushi restaurant in a Santa Ana strip mall? May not sound very impressive, but don’t be fooled by the facade. While it may not be as glamorous as some of OC’s more hoity-toity eateries, the food definitely gives them a run for their money. You cannot go wrong with the Double-double roll or the Maui roll. On the other hand if you’re looking for a great date-night spot, Sankai across from South Coast Plaza is also another sure bet for some good grub. The green tea walls, soft white leather booths, and dim lighting will calm your tortured soul and fulfill your culinary desires.

Now that you know of these great spots; take a moment to sit back, relax, and enjoy your saki.

Most people who frequent downtown Fullerton have probably been past the Tranquil Tea Lounge. Siblings Michellee Phelps and Jonathan Munsayac have owned the space for quite awhile. The awning went up shortly after they acquired it, but they didn’t open until just recently.  And I’ve got to tell you, it was worth the wait.  Michellee’s passion is social gatherings and event planning and Jonathan’s is food.  But they both share a love of tea.

I stopped by to meet Michellee and sample some teas.  Michellee gave me a short tour, explaining each area.  Near the front, under the menu, is a wall of carefully labeled teas in small jars, so that customers can see, smell and explore the teas on their own.  The large selection makes this a must. Next to that, against the front window is a full wall of tea-related gifts.The theme of the space is definitely modern and urban but the natural touches, such as the incredible, suspended wood ceiling, and bright orchids scattered throughout, make it warm and inviting at the same time.  The art on the walls belongs to local artists and I’m told it will be changing monthly.  It’s important to the owners to support local artists and the Tranquil Tea Lounge provides ample space to display and sell art.  The small dining area hosts ten or twelve tables and a small, couched lounge space near the back that can be converted to house a small band or acoustic musician.  Hidden behind that is a sizeable event/tasting room with a large conference style table to gather around, great lighting and a large flat screen tv.  Behind the bar, is a massive wall of tea in sleek, stainless canisters on natural wood shelves and a small food prep area.

The menu boasts over 85 different varieties of loose teas, sandwiches, salads and heavenly desserts.  I was able to sample Road to Hana Rooibos and Mauna Loa Green.  They offer all teas both iced and hot.  The iced is refreshing (and not watered down at all!) but the hot tea comes with the added bonus of the presentation.  They steep it tableside and even return at the right time to remove the loose tea and pour you a cup.  Unfortunately, on this visit, I was unable to sample much of the food.  But I did try some macaroons.  They have 12 varieties to choose from, and I tried Raspberry, Pecan Caramel and Cappuccino flavors.  They were so rich and delicate.  And the presentation was fresh and simple.  It’s clear that somebody knows their pastries.

If you haven’t stopped in yet, make it a point to do so soon.  Once word gets out, this place will be packed all the time.

tranquiltealounge.com
106 W. Wilshire Avenue, Fullerton, CA 92832

There are some restaurants where you simply must linger and savor the atmosphere, the finely-crafted food, and the leisurely pace of drinking and dining that so typifies European style. C’est La Vie in downtown Laguna Beach is just such a place. If you come here with an already-jaded palate dulled by slabs of cheap pizza or the latest over-promoted mishmash from Fast Food, Inc., you will be disappointed that you cannot immediately stuff your jowls, twitter your buds about the low-cost, and jet to your next unsatisfying destination. No. C’est La Vie is experience-dining for the connoisseur.

Does this mean — at Laguna’s bistro by the beach — that you need to be elite to eat? Mais non. It means you need to slow down to Euro time and pamper yourself with what must be described as “le classic,” whether its form is breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.

Just a couple of short blocks from The Greeter’s Café (which we’ll review shortly) along Pacific Coast Highway, C’est La Vie entices you into to its deceptively shadowy interior with a storefront display of freshly-baked pastries and breads that should already be making your mouth water. The hostess waltzes you past the showcase with its wafting aromas and sights that murmur “Dessert is a must” (even if you have to take it home for later). If you’re lucky and you’ve timed your appearance wisely to avoid crowds, you can ask to be seated upstairs out on the patio. Unlike many bistros al fresco dining, C’est La Vie’s does not thrust you on the sidewalk. Instead it gives you a breath-taking view of scraggly rocks, cliffs, palm trees, pale sandy-shore, and the sussurating waves of the blue Pacific Ocean. Beneath the table umbrella, sipping your cocktail — and they have all the best varieties, including champagne cocktails — and musing over what delectables the menu offers, your eyes will stray to the horizon and you can easily imagine you are sitting in Nice, or (lacking the throng of cruise ships) Cap d’Antibes, in France.

When it comes to Euro cocktail taste, the object is not to get rapidly hammered into oblivion with the potent, but to sip the soothing. We ordered a La Nina (which is basically the same as a French Martini – vodka, Chambord, pineapple juice, and lemon twist) and a similar concoction of vodka, Chambord, Frangelico, and cream (delicious!).  The back-flavor and aroma of Frangelico is hazelnut and mixed with the cream was one of the more memorable cocktails I’ve tasted.

The menu is exclusively California French with various croques (sandwiches), quiches, pasta dishes, salads, entrees, etc. — and yes, for the Philistine who is no gourmet, even a French ‘burger and fries! We opted for matching monte cristos, which is a variation on the vintage ‘30s croque-monsieur — a cheese and ham sandwich which is batter-dipped and deep fried served with jam or preserves (we had strawberry). The first bite proclaimed “Now, this is how a monte cristo should taste!” The sandwiches are served with a healthy portion of penne rigate. The large, ridged tubular pasta is tossed with a subtle blend of finely-diced carrots, zucchini, parsley, and red onion, and lightly coated with olive oil and seasonings.

After a slow and sensual meal, comes the piece de resistance: dessert! At C’est La Vie, the desserts are displayed on the traditional large tray where a dozen or fifteen temptations vie for the remaining space in your tummy. Fruit glazed cakes and tarts, custard filled pastries, chocolate adorned delights, and a browned — very scentful –brick of warm bread pudding reclining on a pool of crème fraise: what to choose, what to choose!

We decided on the bread pudding and, believe me, this is not your mother’s pudding (unless of course she’s a Cordon Bleu graduate). It’s accompanied by a perfectly-sized scoop of rich vanilla ice cream and C’est La Vie’s signature shortbread cookie in the shape of the Eiffel Tower. “Yum!” hardly does it justice.

In conclusion, the next time you’re strolling the galleries in Laguna or boutique shopping there, hike yourself over to C’est La Vie for a memorable, slow, leisurely-paced California-Euro dining experience that will leave you sumptuously sated.

www.cestlavierestaurant.com
373 S. Pacific Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA

What if you found the perfect place to eat, but it was only open until three or 3:30 P.M.?  Exactly, you’d make it there for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or mid-afternoon dining, right? Combining the “Euro boulevard bistro” feel of al fresco dining with the most authentic nostalgia of small town America — on a sunny, slightly breezy spring afternoon, it doesn’t get much better than sitting down to breakfast or lunch at Old Towne Orange’s premier local café, The Filling Station.

Nestled on the corner of Maple and Glassell, just a block north of the Orange Circle, stands the real deal – none of your mocked up old-timey places with fake Formica and faux chrome settings here. The building housing The Filling Station Café was built in 1913 as a working gas station and continued in its original use until 1969 under various names and owners. The first owner appears to have been F. W. Parsons who sold the business to Pierre H. Baker (as reported in the Orange Daily News of the day). Born in Ohio in 1877, Baker had come to California, been foreman on a farm in Kern county, and then operated a garage up in Tehachapi before settling in Orange. The Bakers, including Pierre’s son Lloyd, continued on at the same location for decades earning a reputation for friendly efficient service with a smile and making customer satisfaction its prime goal.

Skip ahead through several decades and surely the spirits of the Bakers must hover over the old site and channel through the good cooks and wait staff at The Filling Station. Inside, you’ll find tables and booths comfortably situated amid a mini-museum of genuine antique automobile and gas station historical memorabilia, including a chauffeur’s cap, gas cans, advertisements, and photographs depicting the Bakers and the station. Outside, the spacious dining patio sports a real 1920s gas pump, bistro-style umbrella tables, sturdy wrought-iron chairs, and a tidy garden of trees, shrubs, and plants.

The menu fare at The Filling Station is more than just standard diner/café rehashes, though, of course, you can always get the usuals like pancakes, burgers and fries, and omelets. Like at most cafes in Orange County, you’ll also find huevos rancheros, breakfast burritos, and chorizo with eggs. You’ll also find Eggs Benedict and Florentine. The real local breakfast favorites at The Filling Station, however, are the Cinnamon or Cranberry Orange French Toast and the Strawberry or Banana Walnut Belgian Waffles.

The lunch and brunch crowd (and there’s usually a line up at the hostess station) may settle in for typical OC standards ranging from BBQ to BLTs, from chicken burritos to quesadillas, but knowledgeable chowhounds tend to opt for specialties such as The Tuscan Sandwich (Boar’s Head ham, turkey, roasted red pepper, cheddar cheese, pepperjack cheese and Swiss cheese on a thin French roll with garlic butter), The Marlowe Burger (two 1/2 pound patties with double cheese. Bacon, avocado, mustard, mayo, tomato, lettuce, and onion), or the indescribably delicious Cobb Salad. For Vegetarians who don’t want to get their meat on, there’s the zesty Vegetarian Sandwich (Grilled eggplant, grilled zucchini, roasted red pepper, tomato, red onion, lettuce, mozzarella cheese with sundried tomato aioli on ciabatta bread).

Beverages at The Filling Station run the tasty gamut from Cappuccino and Mayan Mocha to Margaritas, Bloody Marys and Woodbridge Chardonnay or Merlot, from three kinds of Mimosa to domestic and imported beers as well as some of the tangiest lemonade you’ll find anywhere (served in large old-fashioned Coca-Cola glasses).

The Filling Station
201 N. Glassell St.
Old Towne Orange, CA
Hours: Mon-Fri. 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Sat-Sun. 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
www.fillingstationcafe.com

Walking into The Gypsy Den in Santa Ana, is like walking into your eccentric grandmothers house. Tall walls are covered with eclectic framed paintings of all different styles, colorful dusty lamps and chandeliers hang from the high ceilings, and mismatched tables and chairs are some of the jewels that make The Gypsy Den so unique and wonderful. The bohemian decor makes this a comforting space that manages to make its customers feel like they are family. This laid back cafe is located in the center of the Art District in Santa Ana and seems to have something going on almost every night.

Monday and Thursday nights starting around 7:30 The Gypsy Den becomes a place where locals can come and listen to Open Mic Night. Now Open Mic, to some people, brings up memories of bad karaoke or episodes of American Idol. In reality, The Gypsy Den’s Open Mic Night is anything but. Instead, its a celebration of the local folk singers, aspiring poets, french guys singing Pretty Woman, and even comic book artists. In a few short hours The Gypsy Den manages to offer a varied collection of OC’s finest performers, musicians and artists. Some performers are regulars and have managed to develop a sort of cult following. Their songs never get old and seeing them gets everybody in the cafe excited. The next time you are at The Gypsy Den be sure to check out these performers:

Memphis Bobby; a Johnny Cash lookalike (shades and all) who sings the blues, and who firmly believes that, “there’s no crowd like The Gypsy Den crowd.” Both his music and presence are expected and enjoyed at every Open Mic Night.

One word, two letters, Al. Al is The Gypsy Den’s Piano Man. The lamp that sits on the old out of tune piano shakes and jumps to Al’s upbeat music about being in love and even making love. Amazingly even with an instrument that hasn’t been tuned in years, Al still manages to make it sound like butter.

Steve L’s his quiet demeanor makes his U2 covers much more beautiful. His rendition of With or Without You is much slower and softer than the original, and that much more romantic.

John Carrillo (above, right) helps to host the Open Mic Nights and performs with the best of them. Both his music and presence are known to the locals, as he seems to know everybody. His soft melodies on the guitar seem to be working out for him just fine And everybody seems to agree that his music is well done.

At first glance, Steve and Eric are the last guys you would expect to see performing at The Gypsy Den, especially with their Hawaiian shirts. They tower over average indie performers. Even their style of music is unexpected, with soft melodies about helping people out and being in love, all of which they claim “are true stories about their lives.” Steve and Eric are definitely an entertaining duo.

There are also some new performers that are quickly becoming classics at The Gypsy Den…

Adrian Watkins sounds like a younger John Legend and does an amazing rendition of Otis Redding’s Sitting on the Dock of the Bay. Two songs weren’t enough to fully enjoy what this guy has to offer.

Though Kacie (left) has only performed once, her performance did not go unnoticed. She plays the guitar and harmonica like they were meant for her. She is a talented singer and performer, and it would be no surprise or displeasure to see her performing again.

So if you are in the neighborhood, make sure to pop in and listen. You will be greeted by a variety of people all eager to hear the night’s lineup, who are all more than willing to give shout outs of encouragement to those performing. But if you want a seat make sure you get there early! Tables and chairs are scooped up pretty quickly.

It should also be noted that there is a Gypsy Den in Costa Mesa located at The Lab. The one in Costa Mesa does not do Open Mic Night. To learn more about The Gypsy Den visit their website www.gypsyden.com.

It’s okay really, you know.  You’re among friends.  You can admit — entre nous — when you go out to dine, you want culture, too.  Not fast food culture of plastic and fast fake smiles.  You want the real stuff.  Linen napkins, suave and genuinely friendly folk, maybe some light jazz or soft blues in the background, upscale, sophisticated conversation, and the solidity of old brick walls, crystal glass, a good wine list, and quality enticing food and desserts.  If the weather’s fine, you want to sit out outside and watch the world pass by in its never-ending panorama.  Bienvenue to bistro culture, cheri.

Pierre Des Jardins of Bistro 400, on 4th Street, across from the Santa Ana’s Ronald Reagan Federal Building and US Courthouse, knows his culture as intimately as he does his regular customers.  Pierre’s from Quebec – that quaint and yet modern cultural spot that is, if possible, more French than Paris.  Birthplace of Cirque du Soleil, Quebec’s old world charm mixes and blends with its always cutting-edge Art.  It’s also home to some of the best cuisine on the planet with plenty of bistros and sidewalk patios for people watching.  I know all this because I lived in Montreal for two years and never tired of its European flavors and vibrant art and culture sophistication.

At Bistro 400, Pierre and business partner, Robert Fontes, treat you as if you’re a returning friend who is ready for some pampering in high style.  And what tender mercies they dispense:  mouth-watering Black Mussels (very big this year in culinary circles), Peppered Lamb Chops, Petite Osso Buco, and Pork Chop Dijonnaise (one of my favs!).  Or if you’re in the mood for lighter fare, sip cocktails and dip into their new Artichoke and Bacon Melt served with bread rounds (delish!).

“We change the menu around from time to time.  Sometimes it comes from us, sometimes from something a customer suggests,” Robert confided at a recent visit while Pierre talks about their plans to work with the local artist community to co-host event nights.  On Friday and Saturday nights, the Bistro serves a Prix Fixe dinner (another new hot ticket in 2009) selected from the chef’s specialties and customer suggestions.  No matter what you choose for an entrée, I highly recommend a Chocolate Vesuvius for dessert (Molten Chocolate Cake with a Bittersweet Chocolate center).

Along with the new prix fixe dinners, on Friday and Saturday nights, you can also hear live jazz or blues at Bistro 400.   Upcoming performers include:

• March 21 The Huge Blues featuring, Tim Lewis, Vocals; Brett Caplinger. Harmonica; Paul Hughes, Guitar;  Lisa Duncanson, Bass.  Also introducing some special guest performers.
• March 27 Rebecca Hyrkas with the Three Strangers jazz trio.   Doug Carter on the Piano, Bill Been on bass, and Jon Hyrkas on drums.
• March 28 Maryanne Reall , a local favorite returns to the Bistro by popular demand and Linda A. Smith, just back from touring Japan with Rick Hils on the Grand and Jaco on stand up bass.

Bistro 400
400 West 4th Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 543-9821 tel
bistro400.com

You don’t have to called Sean or Caitlin to get into the festive feeling for St. Patrick’s Day in Orange County, but it never hurts to wear a “wee bit o’green”..  Whether your roots are deep in “the auld sod” of Erin or elsewhere, you can partake of the famous Irish hospitality, do a little jig (or watch professionals kick up their heels), spin some blarney, and get your green on over the mid-March weekend.

The entertainment ranges from Lord of the Dance step-dancing to “Sexiest Kilt” competitions (See Muldoon‘s below), Irish pipe bands to rowdy rousing folk songs (sing along!), sheep dog contests, and good old fashioned friendly mingling among smiling faces.

Even the House of Blues in Anaheim, 1530 South Disneyland Drive, trades its Delta roots for shamrocks by hosting The Fenians popular band for St. Paddy’s Day.  Call 714-779-2583 for tickets and showtimes.

For the best family fun, you’ll want to head out to the Orange County Marketplace at the OC Fairgrounds in Newport Beach for the 3rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival on March 15th featuring the Aniar Academy of Dance (10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) the Claddagh Dance Academy (1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.)  On the ACE Stage Wake the Bard will perform from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more adult-flavored celebration, there’s bound to be an Irish pub nearby from the list below.

Muldoon’s Irish Pub
202 Newport Center Dr
Newport Beach, CA 92660-7505
949-640-4110
Essential Irish and British brews are on tap. The menu features such staples as fish-and-chips, Irish stew, bangers and mash and Irish soda bread..

Gallagher’s Pub & Grill
300 Pacific Coast Hwy
Huntington Beach, CA 92648-5109
714-536-2422
A popular spot for Surf City locals and visitors with more than 20 beers on tap; menu is varied and includes authentic Irish meals.

Irish Mist                                      Hennessey’s Tavern
16655 Pacific Ave                      213 Ocean Ave
Sunset Beach, CA 90742        Laguna Beach, CA 92651
562-592-4782                            949-494-2743

Hennessey’s Tavern                Branagan’s Irish Pub
34111 La Plaza Map                213 N Harbor Blvd
Dana Point, CA 92629             Fullerton, CA 92832
949-488-0121                           714-447-3544

Patsy’s Irish Pub                                        Shamrock Bar & Grill
28971 Golden Lantern Ste 108              2633 W. Coast Hwy. (Tustin Ave.)
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677                       Newport Beach, CA 92663
949-249-2604                                            949-631-5633

…and if you really get the Irish spirit, you’ll want to mark your calendar now for the annual Irish Fair and Music Festival June 20th and 21st, held at Irvine Meadows Fairgrounds, 8800 Irvine Center Drive (Just follow the VerizonWireless Amphitheater signs into the Park, just three minutes off the 405 Freeway)

Irish toast tip:  Remember to say Sláinte! to your neighbors when you sip your pint o’ Guiness or green beer.

A Bit o’OC Irish History

Genealogically- speaking, Orange County’s population boasts of some 8% Irish ancestry so it’s not surprising that some of the county’s more famous historical personages came here from The Emerald Isle.  One of the most notable pioneers, James Irvine, was born in County Down, Ireland on December 27, 1827.  After a stint as a Gold Rush miner and merchant, Irvine went into partnership with the Flint Brothers, Thomas and Benjamin and their cousin, Llewellyn Bixby, and purchased the old 125,000-acre (510 km2) Rancho San Joaquin in 1864.  James’ son, also named James, owned nearly a third of the land in present day Orange County, California.

Judge Richard Egan was another pioneer who hailed from Ireland and planted himself firmly in local history as a county commissioner and was instrumental as a planner for the first public highway system here.

John Wayne, of course, is one of the most famous icons of OC history.  His original family name was Morrison and his father was of Irish, Scotch-Irish, and English descent.  Wayne starred in one of the best known “Irish” movies “The Quiet Man“, directed by John Ford.  Not surprisingly, Ford — who was born John Martin Feeney — was the son of Irish-speaking parents in a Irish Catholic immigrant community in Portland, Maine.

Wayne was governor of the Balboa Bay Club in Newport and today you can sip your Irish whiskey at Duke’s Place, a lively bar that pays homage with numerous photos of the star in his mariner-theme films or just give a tip o’ the hat in homage as you drive past John Wayne Airport.

Thai Gulf is well-hidden in a small strip mall on Beach Boulevard in Huntington Beach. Upon first arrival in the parking lot, you may initially be disappointed. It doesn’t look like much, but fear not, friends; you’ve just stumbled upon the best Thai food in Orange County. Outside, the windows are plastered with pictures of Thai food and advertisements of the dishes within that just don’t do them justice. But once you step inside, the garish HB strip mall quality is lost. The tiny corner shop has only 6 or 7 tables. The decor is nice, inviting and bright but the small LCD T.V. in the corner, permanently tuned to a Thai home shopping network, is a bit annoying. The owner is an amusing little man named John who seems to live to please his customers and the kitchen generally boasts only one cook at any given time. Show up anytime near the conventional lunch or dinner hours and you’ll be in for quite a wait. I’ve found that the best time to go is right around 11am on a Saturday morning or 8-9pm on a Saturday night. If you’re a regular, you’ll often be greeted with a pitcher of Thai tea, served a complimentary appetizer of soup and salad, some frozen fruit with housemade ice cream for dessert. Even if you’re not a regular, you’ll usually still get a free cup of soup and some green tea or coconut ice cream for dessert. And more often than not, you’ll be sent home with an armload of goodies.

When you visit, make sure you try the Kang Ped. It’s a red curry dish with coconut milk, peas, carrots, bamboo shoots, eggplant, and your choice of meat (we chose beef) served over steamed white rice. The red curry has just the right amount of heat and spice, and it’s perfectly balanced with the earthy richness of the coconut milk. It worked very well as leftovers for lunch the next day, too. It feels like a crime not to mention the typical Thai favorites, such as Pad Thai, Pad See-Ew, Garlic Chicken and Golden Wings. I tried these, too, and each dish was immaculate. The rice noodles in the Pad Thai were perfectly limp, and the Tamarind sauce was amazingly fragrant. The Garlic chicken was tender, flavorful and wonderfully glazed with garlicky goodness. Our order of Golden Wings (often called Angel Wings in other Thai restaurants) were perfectly crisped, stuffed and served with a sweet, refreshing cucumber sauce.

Have I mentioned the pricepoint? This is very likely the most well-priced food in Orange County. Most dishes are around $7 and you can even get a lunch or dinner special including soup, salad and egg rolls for under $10. All in all, in my Thai adventures so far, Thai Gulf ranks at the top. They get high marks for service, presentation, preparation and traditionally prepared Thai food. I hated writing this piece for two reasons. One, I don’t want the place to get any more crowded. If you don’t know how to work the schedule, it can already be tough to get a seat without a wait. And two, it made me hungry.