Recognize the name? Chef Amar Santana dazzled viewers as a finalist on Bravo’s “Top Chef.” He competed on Korean Food Battle, and although he doesn’t speak Korean, almost won the competition. The HALL Global Eatery, SCP, Costa Mesa: Along with business partner Ahmed Labbate, Chef Santana has opened a extraordinary food hall at South Coast Plaza (it’s the spot where…
Cocktails
Many remember the joys of dining at Gustaf Anders, the acclaimed restaurant in South Coast Plaza Village that closed in 2004 when owners Gustaf Magnuson and Ulf Anders Strandberg returned to Sweden. For some, palate memories conjure up forkfuls of buttery gravlax or the irresistible walnut rolls. I remember all those dishes with great fondness, and miss them dearly. But…