Category Archives: Uncategorized

Share Jason Quinn, executive chef-owner of the downtown Santa Ana restaurant Playground, is one of the most talked about chefs in Orange County. His chef-driven menu reflects impressive culinary talent combined with the courage to create outside the norm. The … Continue reading →

Share In France, families gather at mother’s or grandmother’s house on Sunday for a traditional midday meal. Part of the pleasure, especially for the host or hostess, is that guests and family arrive with contributions to the meal. And, most … Continue reading →

Share Perciatelli or spaghetti? I vote for perciatelli. It’s thicker than spaghetti, and the stands are hollow. (Perciatelli, above, spaghetti below.) A close cousin of bucatini, I love the texture and flavor that this pasta brings. Sauce seeps into the … Continue reading →

Share Moist, chewy, luscious …. date bars are a little bit of heaven. Really. I know I’m sentimental. The day Condé Nast scrapped Gourmet magazine, I felt like a friend had died. The 68-year-old publication had been a part of … Continue reading →

Share THE RANCH RESTAURANT & SALOON  opened in Anaheim a few weeks ago (on the ground floor of the six-story Extron Electronics building). The stunning restaurant feels intimate, with elegant lighting and remarkable acoustics. And the food and drink? Irresistible. … Continue reading →

Share Restaurateur Tim Aspel has a knack for knowing what guests want. His latest venture, Spike’s Fish House with locations in Laguna Niguel and Rancho Santa Margarita, offers dishes that showcase delectable grilled fish. From sliders and tacos, to bowls, … Continue reading →

Share LUCCA, Irvine, revealed their BAR SNACK MENU – served 4 to 6 PM. I ate every bite. Lucca’s cured and braised crispy pork belly, sits atop corn kernel-mascarpone polenta, garnished with dried apricot chutney ($7).  A glorious balance of … Continue reading →

Share Super Bowl Sunday is a day of indulgence. Food is the focal point for many party-goers, the game only an amusing backdrop. Trough-style is the only way to go. Put it out. Guests scoop or ladle up the goods. … Continue reading →

Share Great Somm: Yes, the first time I saw Ian Cauble he was running across his living room clad only in underpants. OK, he was 3 at the time; I’d come to his parents’ Huntington Beach home to pick up … Continue reading →

Share Big taste, few calories. Five vegetables to add to your 2012 repertoire. Could this be the end of popping vitamin supplements? Probably not, but many studies show that a balanced diet high in nutrient-rich produce is the best way … Continue reading →