7 Suggestions For OC Restaurant Week
It happens only once a year and it's already begun!
OC Restaurant Week launched Sunday and it's your chance to try 100 top area restaurants with special prix fixe menus, ranging from $10 to $40 per person for lunch or dinner.
“We have more than 100 talented Chefs who demonstrate so much skill, creativity and passion during Orange County Restaurant Week, and without them, this grand culinary celebration wouldn’t continue to grow in excitement every year,” said Pamela Waitt, president of the OC Restaurant Association. "We’re showcasing these top Chefs at the county’s best restaurants, so diners can expect to be presented with a truly special event with the county’s crème de la crème offering great incentives during this one week. After all, the goal is for everyone involved to have fun!”
This weeklong event runs through March 3.
Here are a few of my recommendations for restaurants to try out this week:
118 Degrees: If you're a vegetarian or curious about the raw food movement, check out 118 Degrees in Costa Mesa, located at The Camp behind the gas station. They have a lunch special for $10 and dinner for $20.
Charlie Palmer: Located in South Coast Plaza at the ritzy fashion retailer Bloomingdale's, this is a swanky date night spot and my favorite place to hang out for happy hour.
Cucina Enoteca: This is a new addition to the Irvine Spectrum located across from the theater. The hipster decor and the modern trendy dishes will impress you and your date. This is a hot and happening spot in south OC.
Lucca: This cozy European bistro is quickly becoming my favorite spot in Irvine. Located in Quail Hill, it's a great romantic getaway and Chef Cathy treats each guest like they're in her home.
Lumberyard: Located in Laguna Beach, the Lumberyard had me at "Go Green." This refreshing take on a classic mojito is the perfect way to start your evening. On the outside, the restaurant looks like a hobbit house, but the warm wooden decor is the perfect setting for any lunch or dinner.
SOL Cocina: With breathtaking views of the beach and Chef Deb's mouthwatering street tacos, you can't go wrong with SOL Cocina. Chef Deb's cuisine was also recently featured in "O" magazine. I would recommend coming here for lunch and grabbing a window booth.
The Rooftop Lounge: If you're not familiar with Laguna Beach or never been, this lounge can be hard to find. Spot the Hotel La Casa del Camino, take the mystery stairs and you'll be at the Rooftop. Since most of the appeal is the scenary, take the lunch deal and bring a date or a friend.
All participating restaurants can be found online at OCRestaurantWeek.com.
Emily Updegraff
12:36 am on Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Charlie Palmer isn't that fabulous...hands down would recommend Andrei's in irvine. Probably one of my top 5 places to eat in OC and maybe it's bc I know not too many people know about bc it's not in a "cool" location. Others I'd recommend: Zovs, k'ya, French 75, mozambique and rooftop lounge are all great spots
Sukhraj Beasla (Suki)
1:56 pm on Tuesday, February 28, 2012
I like visiting Charlie Palmer for their happy hour and I do like the vibe and decor there.
Ken Lopez
5:14 am on Tuesday, February 28, 2012
I'm a big fan of Casanova's in Dana Point. Awesome Italian!
ms.sc.
8:11 am on Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Sonny's Pizza in San Clemente gets my vote!
Glenn Acosta
7:49 am on Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Favorite in So Cal - Mastros in Crystal Cove
RSM favorites - Hannas, Tutto Fresco, BJs
Sukhraj Beasla (Suki)
1:56 pm on Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Awesome! Thanks for those suggestions!
Laura Lee Bloor
10:27 am on Tuesday, February 28, 2012
I've been wanting to try 118 Degrees for a while now -- this is the perfect opportunity -- thanks for reminding us about it!
Sukhraj Beasla (Suki)
1:55 pm on Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Awesome Laura! Let me know what you think!
Shoppergrl
1:51 pm on Tuesday, February 28, 2012
We just came back from New York City where they have "Restaurant Week" for a month so there is time to actually get to the restuarnts. AND the most expensive menu is $35. We went to two of the most expensive restaurants in New York for $35 per person. Worth the plane fare. I looked at the menu for True Food for instance and you save ONE dollar for restuarant week VS. the regualr price. Silly Games
Susan Critelli
5:01 am on Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Wow - that is pretty amazing! I lived in NYC for 7 years and never knew about "Restaurant Week." These OC restaurants sound interesting - would love to check out 118 degrees.
Penny Arévalo
7:00 am on Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Here's the list of San Juan Capo restaurants participating:
Cedar Creek
Simply Fondue
Sundried Tomato
The Hot Lunch Lady
Love those, but there are so many good restaurants they missed! In Newport, I see True Food Kitchen is on there, and I really like that place. Yummy AND healthy.
Rick Clark
1:10 pm on Wednesday, February 29, 2012
I've learned long ago to trust your judgement Suki. How about a couple of recommendations for us folks stuck way up north... like maybe 240 South or other top end hotspots at the edge of the orange curtain. Tama'a mai'tai!
Jeff Hester
5:29 pm on Wednesday, February 29, 2012
I like the Rooftop Lounge (my fiance and I had a drink up there the night we first met), but Charlie Palmers? Meh.
Would love to see more FAR south OC restaurants represented. The Vine, South of Nicks, Mediterranean Village Inn are all great.
Sally Witt
6:54 pm on Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Awesome! Wish I still lived in the area so that I could come, too!
Debra Eckerling
11:12 pm on Wednesday, February 29, 2012
I really need to get down to the OC and check out all those great restaurants. Everything sounds delicious. I think the Rooftop Lounge would be my first stop. Food is one thing, but food with a view ... awesome!
ms.sc.
11:44 pm on Wednesday, February 29, 2012
When you think about a restaurant, the name, the food, the quality..seldom do we think about what goes into making a restaurant work and thrive. The most successful restaurants have owners, family members that dedicate their lives to just that...it's the family business or their own idea and they make it "their life". It is a very demanding business that requires long days/nights and sometimes makes one lose their "hair". With faith, hard work and a love and respect for originality of food, special restaurants are born. I may also know my way in the "kitchen", but my apron is off to Orange County and especially San Clemente! What a fun event! Yum!
Denise Sonnenberg
5:38 pm on Thursday, March 1, 2012
I've been to the Lumberyard and 118 degrees. Both were delicious. I still have to take my husband back to Lumberyard to try their roast chicken. It was really out of this world.
Maria Stefanopolous
6:26 pm on Thursday, March 1, 2012
All good restaurants on the list Suki. I'll remember to check out the ones I haven't been to when I am visiting Orange County from LA.
ms.sc.
8:53 pm on Thursday, March 1, 2012
Enjoyed this article and discussions posted. We all need a smile and "feel good" article. Bon Appetit! And much blessings, because you cannot have food without a giving of thanks.
M
5:07 pm on Saturday, March 10, 2012
At cucinaenoteca the rissoto was amazing!! I would go back anytime to get that! Also the Mac n cheese with truffle, yum! That's more like a side dish though.