Restaurants Archives - Page 2 of 2

Dinner at Bayside Restaurant, Tango, and The Spirit Of Argentina Show at Segerstrom OC

In celebration of Tango-Buenos Aires- The Spirit of Argentina I headed to Segerstrom Center for The Arts for a tango lesson with Marcelo Ortiz. After I danced under the stars, I headed to Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach for a beautiful dinner. (check out the promotion below)

Get Your Tickets To The Spirit of Argentina!

Saturday, November 18, 2017 – Sunday, November 19, 2017

Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA
(714) 556-2787
www.scfta.org

TICKETS Start at $39.

PERFORMANCES

Saturday, November 18, 2017 at 2 pm and 8 pm
Sunday, November 19, 2017 at 2 pm and 7 pm

Get your dancin’ shoes and Tango at the Party on the Plaza Saturday, Nov. 18 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, November 18, its time to dance at the Center’s free Tango Party on the Plaza from 5:30-7:30 p.m. just before the 8 p.m. performance by Tango Buenos Aires in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.

Dinner Promotion before or after Tango Lessons!

Patrons of the show get a free glass of wine at Bistango or Bayside Restaurant with any food purchase.

The restaurant had a lovely ambiance and was dimly lit. A live a piano player filled the air with romantic music. The restaurant was idyllic, and set the tone for a perfect date night.

The food and presentation was perfectly balanced and delicious….

Here is my dinner recap at Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach…

bayside-restaurant-tango — Photo by @Queenbeelatina MILD SMOKED SCOTTISH SALMON Lemon-Chive-Pepper Blini, Capers, Dill, Bermuda Onion

The lamb was cooked perfectly and was very tender.

The Cabernet from Paso Robles paired with the pork chops was divine…

Save room for dessert!

Restaurant Address

Bayside Restaurant

900 Bayside Drive Newport Beach,
California, 92660

Bistango Restaurant

19100 Von Karman Avenue Irvine,
California 92612

Seasalt Woodfire Grill: Santa Maria Style Barbecue in Huntington Beach

Living in the Central Coast was a unique and a memorable experience… I have wonderful memories of taking my children on lovely hikes at Oso Flaco Lake, picnics at local wineries, and eating delicious Santa Maria barbecue. The food and wine is like no other, and continues to be a highlight in my memory book.

On weekends, my family loved driving up Broadway street in Santa Maria. Local churches and organizations would set up on the main road, to grill and fundraise for different causes. As we drove we could smell the amazing aroma of the barbecue pits grilling up tri-tip, linguisa, chicken, and other central coast favorites.

I recently heard about Seasalt Woodfire Grill in Huntington Beach, and I was thrilled to learn that I didn’t have to drive four hours up the coast to get some authentic, Santa Maria-Style barbecue. I was curious to know if this restaurant was the real deal, and let me tell you…. It is!

Thank you Seasalt Woodfire Grill for letting me review your restaurant. All opinions are my own.

About Santa Maria Barbecue

Have you ever tried Santa Maria-style barbecue? If not, you MUST!

Santa Maria barbecue is unique and centered around beef tri-tip. It is usually seasoned with salt, black pepper, and garlic salt. It is grilled over coals of native coast live oak, and often referred to as “red oak” wood.

Pinquito Beans are also an important component of traditional central coast barbecue. They are a cross between small white beans and pinto beans. They grow well in the fertile soil, and in mild climate of the Santa Maria Valley.

santa-maria-huntington-beach — Photo credit to Seasalt Woodfire Grill

The ambiance is casual, yet chic. I could feel the Pacific Ocean breeze as I entered the restaurant. Patio seating is available, and surrounds a large fire pit.

Memory: This reminded me of our lazy days at Porter Ranch, when we would sit around a large fire pit, barbecue, and let the kids run free.

Different seasoning are brought to the table to add a little flavor to the dishes. (if desired)

As you walk into the restaurant, there is a full service bar. The Farm Craft Rim libations added to the whole Central Coast foodie experience.

I sipped on this fresh Grilled Piña cocktail (tequila + pineapple +jalapeño). It was much like my personality, and was the perfect combination of sweet and spicy… Sooo good.

We started out with the Tri Tip Nachos with manchego cheese sauce, cowboy cavier and Santa Maria Beans. They were tasty and we devoured them in 2.5 seconds!

The Whole Grilled Cauliflower with manchego cheese fandue, was appetizing and melted in my mouth.

I tried the Tri-Tip, Ribs, and Linguisa… The rustic presentation was impressive and the portions were generous. The meats were tender, juicy, and delectable.

The 12 ounce Spencer is also a great option.

Dessert anyone?

You cannot leave without eating dessert. Omar’s OG Pudding is to die for, and the Scorched S’mores is a MUST TRY!

The flavors at Seasalt Woodfire Grill were authentic, exquisite and reminded me of the beautiful time we lived in the Central Coast. I can’t wait to go back with family and friends… Cheers!

Address

21200 Beach Boulevard

Huntington Beach, CA 92648

714-804-5545

Urban Plates In Aliso Viejo: Food That Tastes Good and Feels Good

My foodie friends and I headed to Urban Plates in Aliso Viejo earlier this month. We all share a passion for good food, and we love to try out new places. We were excited about our visit to Urban Plates in Aliso Viejo, because we had taken a glimpse at the menu online, and we knew there were several options for our diverse palates.

Hosted: Thank you Urban Plates for inviting me to your Aliso Viejo location to try your delicious food. All opinions are my own.

WARNING: The images below may cause some drooling…

As I walked into the restaurant it smelled heavenly…

Everything looked colorful, fresh, and appetizing. The options were endless. I was a little overwhelmed at first, but the attentive staff walked me through the menu selection.

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options are also available.

I was craving a salad, and I made my way to the salad bar. It was prepared and tossed right in front of me.

This Antioxidant salad was fresh and crisp.. This UP salad had a lettuce blend, organic baby kale, cucumbers, celery, mint, pickled onions, raw walnuts, grapes, blue cheese, seasonal fruit, and a mint-lemongrass balsamic vinaigrette.

The Urban Pizzettes are hand-stretched and made with organic dough. You can choose from margherita, pepperoni & cheese, bbq chicken, and portobello & pesto. Soooo good!

My pescatarian friend raved about the Herbed Salmon Salad.

It has bibb lettuce, up lettuce blend, roasted and chilled salmon, organic tomatoes, sliced fennel, red bell peppers, garlic croutons, organic egg, green onions, and green goddess dressing.

I indulged, but I felt guilt free because the food was fresh and made with high quality ingredients. It was wholesome, delicious, and affordable.

UP is casual and family friendly. They offer awesome kid options to choose from such as pizza, grilled cheese, mac and cheese, and the urban kid plate that has the choice of grilled free range chicken or grilled steak & any hot or cold side and chargrilled focaccia.

Dessert anyone?

The bakery section at UP is incredible. The pastries and selection of baked goods includes a variety of made-from-scratch cookies, cupcakes, tarts, brownies, layer cakes, cheesecake, cream pies and much more!

My personal favorite was the Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Crunch Cupcake. This chocolate cupcake is topped with peanut butter frosting, peanut pretzel caramel crunch, chocolate and a ganache drizzle.

I love this place so much, I went two days in a row! On day two, I ordered the Caprese Sandwich and Tomato Soup. I’m sure I will be back with my family soon…

Take out and delivery options available.

Urban Plates Address:

Aliso Viejo Town Center
26661 Aliso Creek Road, Suite B
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656

(949) 424-6160

Giveaway: Enter to Win A Fresh Brothers Pizza Party for Eight Kids

I am a Pizzaterian, you know when you only eat pizza…

We are serious pizza lovers in my home, and last month we checked out Fresh Brothers in Newport Beach. This family friendly spot is a new favorite of ours, and my fam bam is raving about it…

I love throwing parties and gatherings in my home, but honestly the cooking and cleaning is a pain. I recently learned that Fresh Brothers offers convenient pizza parties.

I would LOVE for you to check this place out with your family and friends, so I am giving away a pizza party for eight kiddos. Enter the Rafflecopter below by August 9th!

Hosted: Thank you Fresh Brothers for inviting us to try your amazing pizza and other awesome menu items. All opinions are my own.

The staff at Fresh Brothers is warm and friendly. As soon as we walked in the restaurant ,we felt very welcomed.

The fresh vegetable pizza is crazy good. You can choose your own crust with green peppers, onions, mushrooms, and green & black olives.

I scarfed down the meatball sliders. They were served in a warm Hawaiian bun. They also have salads, tasty chicken wings, soft drinks, and beer.

These warm cinnamon rolls came straight from the oven. The warm icing melted on the roll and in my mouth.. Seriously yummm and another MUST-TRY on the menu.

Host a pizza party at Fresh Brothers

Fresh brothers is an awesome spot for birthdays, graduation party, and /or end-of-season team parties…

Here’s an example of activities offered for kids parties: (customized parties available upon request)

Kids get a Fresh Brother’s pizza box, plus stickers, markers, and crayons to decorate it with.
Kids make their own kid-size pizza, anyway they want to (so long as it’s edible).
Off the pizzas go into the oven, and when they’re ready, we put them in the boxes they decorated and bring them out.
Everybody gets dough to play with, plus a one-of-a-kind “I Made My Own at Fresh Brothers” T-shirt, too.

Fun? They’ll eat it up. I know where I’m hosting my next party…

My son and his friends enjoyed decorating their pizza boxes.

This mini chef truly enjoyed creating his own pizza!

How adorable is this t-shirt?

We had a blast at Fresh Brothers with our friends, and we know you will to!

Other Orange County locations:

Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, Newport Mesa, Irvine Harvard Place, and Irvine Market Place

I would LOVE for you to check this place out! Enter the the Rafflecopter below to win a party for eight kiddos!

Restrictions: Must be used within the next year. Good for up to 8 kids. Prize will be fulfilled by Fresh Brothers Pizza. One prize per household. Must be used at the Newport Beach or Laguna Niguel location.

Enter below before August 9th!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pinch. Peel. Eat. Repeat. Reel Cajun Restaurant & Bar In Garden Grove

The City of New Orleans is a colorful, festive, and one of my favorite places to visit in the South. The food is unique, and has distinct flavors that are forever embedded in my memory book. After traveling and eating my way through “The Big Easy,” I have a whole new level of appreciation for Cajun cuisine. I was thrilled to discover that I don’t have travel far for the authentic flavors of the South. Reel Cajun Restaurant & Bar is now open in Garden Grove….

This month, I hit up this awesome spot with my foodie pals. We were blown away by the fresh selection of crawfish, crab, shrimp, and fish. Everything on menu was OMG delicious. This little hole in the wall is a Cajun food gem!

Thank you Reel Cajun Restaurant & Bar for inviting me to try your Southern Cajun Cuisine. All opinions are on my own.

Reel Cajun is casual and kid friendly…

Score! I love places like this where I can unwind, eat good food, and enjoy a cold beer.

The menu has a variety tasty options and the prices are reasonable.

My favorite items on the menu were the garlic noodles with kielbasa and shrimp, boudin balls, and the crawfish. The cajun fries were also delicious..

Don’t forget the yummy sauces to dip everything in!

Dipping Sauces:

Creole Mustard

House Sauce

Crawfish Dip

Tarter Sauce

Spicy Ranch

Spicy Remoulade

The flavors at Reel Cajun are bold and authentic. The Gumbo was delish and had just the right amount of spice….

The Shrimp Brochette was wrapped bacon, and filled with jalapeños, mozzarella cheese, and served with cajun fries- SO GOOD!

The service was great and the staff was friendly…If you are in the Garden Grove area, this is a great spot to eat. Check out their Facebook page for daily specials..

Address:

10561 Bolsa Ave.

Garden Grove, Ca 92843

Phone number: (657) 266-0800

New Northagate Market Opens In La Habra

I grew up shopping at Northgate Market, and I have watched the store evolve over that last couple of years. Some of my fondest childhood memories include going to the mercado (grocery store) with my mama on Sunday morning, to pick up the ingredients for our family meal. Northgate Gonzalez Market’s opened its newest flagship store in the City of La Habra. Let me tell you, these new stores keep getting bigger and better…

My mom’s kitchen always smells heavenly… Food is very important to my family. Our large gatherings are always centered around good food. Much like Northgate Market, our family recipes have evolved. My Papa makes yummy nopalitos (cactus), my sister Yolanda makes a great Lasagna, and my brother Ernie makes incredible fried noodles. Our family’s cuisine has become somewhat international.

It’s impossible to please everyone and my kiddos are also picky eaters. I used to shop at five different markets to get what I need, but now I don’t have to. The new Northgate Market in La Habra is GINORMOUS and has everything I need, including international products!

Please note that this is a sponsored post. Thank you Gigasavvy for inviting to the grand opening of the Northgate Market in La Habra. Rest assured, that all opinions and gushing enthusiasm are my own.

At the Grand Opening, customers stood in line since 4:30am to get a glimpse of the new store. It was awesome to see the customers dance to “El Mariachi Loco.”

I made my first stop at “La Barra” to get my coffee fix. (One of my favorite things to do) Aguas frescas, teas, and fresh juices are also served at the bar.

You can also get wheat grass shots here…

The produce is so fresh and organic products are available…

This is new!

I made my way to check out the new “Dulceria” (candy shop). The spicy tamarindo reminded me of my abuelo’s little candy store in Mexico.

The variety meats and mariscos (seafood) is colorful and fresh. They also have grass fed meats.

The ceviche bar had an array of delicious options (at least 10) Why cook it all from scratch, when you can count on the freshest ingredients and high quality food at Northgate Markets?

Don’t want to clean up? If you are planning to visit the new Northgate Market, you can relax and enjoy authentic hispanic food. You will find a fresh salad bar, pupusería, menudo, posole, fresh tortillas, and so much more! ( I love this)

Wait they have sushi too?! I think I won the lotto…. I found two sushi chefs preparing some fresh sushi. I was stunned.

I love the warm Conchas ( in the picture shown above) from the panaderia (bakery) in the morning. The bakery is loaded with my favorite carbs. (includes more than 100 new artisan breads, cakes, and cookies made fresh daily)

It’s comforting to know I can find my traditional Mexican products at Northgate Market, but it’s also exciting to see all the new food trends there too!

The new super-sized Northgate Market in La Habra is my favorite store to visit and shop at because they have everything I am looking for and then some! I also frequently visit the Northgate Market on 17th St, in Santa Ana and the Northgate Market on Lincoln in Anaheim.

New store address:

1305 W. Whittier Blvd., CA. La Habra CA 90631

The Full Churrasco Experience at Fogo De Chão

Brazil is known for their dreamy beaches, warm people, and amazing cuisine. This is why it is so easy to fall in love with the culture. Much like the Brazilians, my family loves to surround themselves with good food and good conversation.

This month my family dined at Fogo De Chão to try a full “Churrasco Experience.” A churrascaria is a restaurant that serves grilled meat, and offers as much as one can eat. The waiters move around the restaurant with the skewers, slicing meat onto the guest’s plate. This serving style is called espeto corrido or rodízio. This is popular in Brazil.

Thank you Fogo De Chão for inviting me to try your Brazilian Cuisine. All opinions are my own.

CAUTION: The following images may cause drooling.

The fresh Market Bar showcased a colorful variety of food choices such as: crisp salads, fruit, cheese, smoked salmon, meats, and much more….

Everything was so fresh and delicious… The restaurant is located in the heart of Beverly Hills, California. This spot offers an incredible city vibe that cannot be beat.. In particular, I enjoyed the selection of cheeses. Who wouldn’t love delicious small plates, while sipping on a Brazilian crafted cocktail like the Fogo Premium Caipirinha? (Fogo Premium Aged Cachaça fresh muddled limes, cane sugar)

The salads are fresh and seasonal.

The choices were endless and there is a little something for everyone.

How To Go Fogo

Each guest’s plate is a creation of his or her own, so feel free to mix your favorite meats, sides and selections from the Market Table as you wish. There’s no wrong way to enjoy Brazilian cuisine.

Seafood options are available for my pescatarian friends…. This Mango Chilean Sea Bass was served with fresh homemade mango relish, and malagueta pepper sauce, atop delicious asparagus spears.

Brazilians love food and it shows. The choices on the menu at Fogo De Chão will make you forget that you are in the U.S.

The meats were seasoned just right and cooked to perfection…

My picky eater was happy to sink his teeth into this delicious chicken. There are so many options that make Fogo De Chão the perfect spot for big families. They offer many packages and deals to choose from.

After you eat as much as your heart desires, make room for the Caramelized Pineapple dessert. This warm pineapple is caramelized with a sugar coating, served à la mode, and drizzled with caramel.

Fogo De Chão made us feel like royalty and like family at the same time. If you want a taste of Brazilian heaven, you need to eat here….

Newport Beach Restaurant Week 2017

My friends and I are serious foodies and are on a mission to try as many culinary hot spots in Newport Beach during Restaurant Week as we can. We truly enjoy our time together and share a passion for delicious food, good conversation, and handcrafted cocktails. This also gives us the opportunity to explore our senses and indulge in some culinary experiences.

Newport Beach Restaurant Week is back in town showcasing SoCal’s best cuisines. Now through January 29th food enthusiasts can take advantage and enjoy special prix-fixe menus offered at participating restaurants.

This year over sixty restaurants will participate in Restaurant Week! (listed below)

This event showcases Newport as OC’s premier dining destination. Participating restaurants offer special prix-fixe menus with lunches available for $10, $15, $20, or $25, and dinners for $20, $30, $40 or $50.

At preview night, I got a sneak peek of the hottest food trends and spoke to the innovative chefs making waves in the Newport Coast.

*Disclosure- some of the images below may cause some drooling! Thank you Dine Newport Beach for inviting me to Newport Beach Restaurant Week preview night.

Newport Beach Restaurant Week 2017

Sessions West Coast Deli– Mushroom Chorizo Slider

Tackle Box– Buffalo Cauliflower (one of my favorites)

Don’t forget to search Dine Newport Beach Restaurant Guide to discover your next culinary experience and check for dining offers and promotions.

THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF RESTAURANTS PARTICIPATING IN 2017s RESTAURANT WEEK

21 Oceanfront
3Thirty3 Waterfront
A Restaurant
Andrea
Avila’s El Ranchito Corona del Mar
Avila’s El Ranchito Newport Beach
Back Bay Bistro
Bayside
Beachcomber Cafe
Benihana
Billy’s at the beach
Bluefin Restaurant
Bluewater Grill Restaurant
Campus JAX
Canaletto Newport Beach
Cannery Seafood of the Pacific
Citrus
Coliseum Pool & Grill
CUCINA enoteca Newport Beach
Dory Deli
Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens
FIG & OLIVE
Five Crowns
Fly N Fish Oyster Bar & Grill
Gratitude Newport Beach
Harborside Restaurant
Hopdoddy Burger Bar
Hornblower Cruises & Events
Juliette Kitchen + Bar
Lighthouse Bayview Cafe
Mariposa Restaurant
Modo Mio
Mr. G’s Bistro
Muldoon’s Irish Pub
Newport Landing Restaurant
Oak Grill
Pelican Grill
Pescadou Bistro
Pizzeria Mozza
Port Restaurant and Bar
Provenance
Red O
Rockin Baja Lobster Newport Beach
Rothschild’s
Roy’s Restaurant
Rusty Pelican
Sessions West Coast Deli
Slapfish
SOL Cocina
Stag Bar
Summer House
Sushi Roku
Sweet Lady Jane
Tackle Box
The Bungalow Restaurant
The Ritz Prime Seafood
The Village Inn
The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar
Tommy Bahama Island Grill
True Food Kitchen
Woody’s Wharf
Zinqué

The Ritz Prime Sea Food– Spanish Octopus with romesco, fingerlings and shaved asparagus.

Cucina Enoteca– Polenta creation

Stag Bar + Kitchen– Caprese Slider with mozzarella, habanero-pesto, basil and tomato.

Lighthouse Cafe– Pecan Banana Bread Pudding

Lighthouse Cafe -Dessert For Breakfast by Chef Ryan- Ganache Tart with hazelnut crumble and orange coulis