tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046849096451825910Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:37:45 +0000IndianInternationalAlfresco diningSundanceCosta MesaCasualTustin$$Dana PointCaliforniaLos AngelesNorma’s$$$4 StarsIrvineBreakfastRomantic3 Stars5 StarsFrench$Fine DiningSpecial OccasionOrangeHermosa BeachAmericanCafeSouthernNewport BeachGreat for GroupsMexicanMalibuPalm SpringsGardenaCasual ElegantPatio/OutdoorsHipVietnameseGarden GroveHollywoodSana AnaJapaneseKoreanGlobalSteakhouse$$$$"Great restaurants are, of course, nothing but mouth-brothels. There is no point in going to them if one intends to keep one's belt buckled." ~Frederic Raphaelhttp://menutaster.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Menu Taster)Blogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046849096451825910.post-8193958756284371660Sat, 29 Aug 2009 01:39:00 +00002009-08-28T18:42:59.805-07:00Hi All,I haven't been writing on this blog since I've used Yelp. Check out my reviews at: http://menutaster.yelp.com Bon appetit~http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/menutaster/~3/Zn3ZK16e4cc/food-review-update.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Menu Taster)0http://menutaster.blogspot.com/2009/08/food-review-update.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046849096451825910.post-4586597793884581251Mon, 13 Apr 2009 23:32:00 +00002009-04-13T16:34:15.989-07:00Happy Hour Week is this week. Get ready to enjoy a week of fabulous drinks and delicious appetizers at VERY HAPPY prices. Restaurants, Bars, Pubs and Breweries through-out Orange County can razzle and dazzle locals with Happy Hour All Day…All Week. There will be special PRIX-FIXE Happy Hour menus…yes you read it correctly..prix fixe happy hour. You can find all the cool places to visit during http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/menutaster/~3/4Wczl_bSxZs/happy-hour-and-dinner-deals-in-oc.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Menu Taster)0http://menutaster.blogspot.com/2009/04/happy-hour-and-dinner-deals-in-oc.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046849096451825910.post-7213898056656894692Sat, 28 Mar 2009 18:40:00 +00002009-03-28T11:48:00.877-07:00South Coast Plaza food dealsFour course dinner menus for $40. Three course lunch menus for $20.See participating restaurantsAnother DealIntroducing Happy Hour in the LoungeLocation: Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale's South Coast PlazaEvery day from 4-7pm and again from 10pm to midnight. Enjoy all wines by the glass, cocktails and beer, half price. Kobe Beef Sliders and Fries for $9.http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/menutaster/~3/JmvGKKhDTuw/fashion-plates-at-scp-march-20-29.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Menu Taster)0http://menutaster.blogspot.com/2009/03/fashion-plates-at-scp-march-20-29.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046849096451825910.post-7942144456334576806Thu, 12 Mar 2009 05:30:00 +00002009-03-11T22:50:09.220-07:00Asia de Cuba - MenuTheir happy hour is daily from 5-7pm. Cocotails, sake, wine, tapas, and sushi is 50% off. Food ranges between $2 to $9.50.5-course tasting menu (amuse bouche, appetizer, intermezzo, entree, and dessert) is $67 per person.Citrus at SocialMichel Richard's Citrus, is offering a French-California, 4-course, tasting menu for $45. Now, who wouldn't want to eat food made by a James http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/menutaster/~3/howi8UqojSo/another-food-deal-at-asia-de-cuba.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Menu Taster)0http://menutaster.blogspot.com/2009/03/another-food-deal-at-asia-de-cuba.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046849096451825910.post-8270429631071763867Wed, 25 Feb 2009 20:53:00 +00002009-02-25T13:26:10.532-08:00Love to eat out? This is the year to do it. Check out this list of good eats for less.Ruth's Chris - Various locationsFor a limited time, enjoy a complete three-course meal featuring a starter, entrée, side dish and dessert ($39.95). A very good deal since this price is normally just a steak. View Ruth's Classics MenuKimera Restaurant and Lounge - Irvine, CAWinter Wonderland Mondays means that http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/menutaster/~3/O7japXvzzpE/year-of-food-deals.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Menu Taster)0http://menutaster.blogspot.com/2009/02/year-of-food-deals.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046849096451825910.post-7273505729953542994Thu, 03 Jul 2008 04:23:00 +00002008-07-02T21:56:41.451-07:00$$$3 StarsIrvineAmericanCasual ElegantCenter-Cut Filet ($31)After a long day of cleaning our place, we decided to rewarded ourselves with a nice dinner. Yup! No cooking tonight. My friends always spoke highly of Houstons for their classic American food.At the Irvine location on Michelson DriveThis location is always packed. The exterior is very sleek and modern, yet when I stepped into it looks like a fancy cigar lounge. Dark http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/menutaster/~3/BQfe6VqLSXs/classic-american-fare-at-houstons.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Menu Taster)0http://menutaster.blogspot.com/2008/07/classic-american-fare-at-houstons.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046849096451825910.post-2379642959597145224Sat, 07 Jun 2008 20:04:00 +00002008-06-14T19:25:58.474-07:003 StarsCasualGreat for Groups$MexicanThe taco station by the bar, and on the right, 2 carne asada and 2 carnitas tacos ($1 each) Don't let the food-price crisis get you down. There are still some good deals out there like the hora feliz (happy hour) at El Torito Grill. Stop in at El Torito on Tuesdays for $1 tacos.Your server will ask you how many tacos you'd like and will hand you a ticket(s), good for use at the taco bar. Your http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/menutaster/~3/HUYPjGSMQYs/catina-menu-aka-hora-feliz-at-el-torito.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Menu Taster)1http://menutaster.blogspot.com/2008/06/catina-menu-aka-hora-feliz-at-el-torito.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046849096451825910.post-6462257354525534621Tue, 13 May 2008 03:48:00 +00002008-06-08T23:55:16.423-07:00$$$5 StarsCasualJapaneseMalibuForget about the celeb clientèle and $100K+ cars parked outside. The "real star" here is — the food — especially Omakase.Nobu is known for Omakase, which means "I trust you, the chef, to serve me with whatever you feel like making." There are three levels of Omakase: $90, $120, and $150 course. The more complex the meal, the more it'll cost. We're foodies. Thus, we got the $150 omakase tasting http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/menutaster/~3/hVsClRAZPkk/sushi-with-south-american-flair-nobu.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Menu Taster)1http://menutaster.blogspot.com/2008/05/sushi-with-south-american-flair-nobu.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046849096451825910.post-8903372412294476541Mon, 21 Apr 2008 06:29:00 +00002008-04-21T00:23:01.082-07:004 StarsGarden GroveCasualGreat for GroupsVietnamese$Brodard is a great place for good, cheap, and authentic Vietnamese food. If you've never been here, you might miss it. It's on Westminster Ave and Brookhurst St. — tucked behind the Mall of Fortune — more specifically around the corner of the 99 cent store.Today I stopped by to grab some dinner. This place is famous for their Nem Nuong Cuon ($6), which is grilled pork wrapped in a thin rice paperhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/menutaster/~3/F13CD6DZnEg/brodard-restaurant-garden-grove-ca.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Menu Taster)1http://menutaster.blogspot.com/2008/04/brodard-restaurant-garden-grove-ca.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046849096451825910.post-6864248983439127296Tue, 15 Apr 2008 05:41:00 +00002008-04-20T23:28:58.807-07:003 StarsCasualOrangeHipMexicanPatio/Outdoors$$Old Town Orange is a great spot to find hole-in-the-walls to hip places to eat. One of the hip places is Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen. The restaurant has no prominent signs, just a black awning providing shade for the front patio.The menu features Mexican, Spanish, Indian and greater-European influences. We had dinner here before and today decided to stop by for lunch. I had the Chile Relleno ($14). http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/menutaster/~3/-Z9nImhyreM/gabbis-mexican-kitchen.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Menu Taster)0http://menutaster.blogspot.com/2008/04/gabbis-mexican-kitchen.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046849096451825910.post-1649155022790204685Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:16:00 +00002008-03-31T00:44:42.379-07:00RomanticAlfresco diningCosta Mesa4 StarsCasualSpecial OccasionHipPatio/Outdoors$$A wall of greenery encloses a romantic heated patio, candles line the walls, hanging lights twinkle above and a lively atmosphere makes it feel like you've stepped into a cafe in Havana. This is one of our favorite restaurants in OC.For over 10 years, Habana's ambiance, great food, and service keeps us (since 2001) and in-the-know OC'ers coming back for more. Nueva Latina dishes ranging from http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/menutaster/~3/EMaCvA6_1TM/habana-costa-mesa-ca.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Menu Taster)1http://menutaster.blogspot.com/2008/03/habana-costa-mesa-ca.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046849096451825910.post-9055732346701722185Thu, 27 Mar 2008 19:10:00 +00002008-03-31T00:46:26.674-07:00BreakfastLos Angeles4 StarsGreat for GroupsAmerican$Philippe's has been serving their specialty — French dipped sandwiches — for nearly a hundred years, making it one of the oldest restaurants in Los Angeles. And since 1918, not a lot has changed. This famous restaurant is located near Union Station, in the heart of downtown Los Angeles.After viewing the works of renown artist, Takashi Murakami, at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, we headed to http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/menutaster/~3/QpXpmJAuFDg/philippe-original-los-angeles-ca.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Menu Taster)1http://menutaster.blogspot.com/2008/02/philippe-original-los-angeles-ca.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046849096451825910.post-1934875253585320918Mon, 04 Feb 2008 07:40:00 +00002008-04-21T00:34:01.586-07:00Global$$$4 StarsIrvineInternationalGreat for GroupsHipCasual ElegantTHE SKINNY & VIBEOn Sunday we had dinner at Kimera Restaurant Lounge. It's located inside a corporate plaza next to one of Google's business offices. Dark woods, colorful Japanese artwork and a curvy bamboo ceiling set the mood of the restaurant. The vibe is contemporary and hip, very LA-ish.THE FOOD & SERVICEWe arrived with no reservations and were seated promptly. The service was friendly and http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/menutaster/~3/vWwjVnHe704/kimera-restaurant-lounge-irvine-ca.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Menu Taster)0http://menutaster.blogspot.com/2008/02/kimera-restaurant-lounge-irvine-ca.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046849096451825910.post-1161728259330733783Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:03:00 +00002008-04-21T00:31:31.812-07:00Alfresco diningBreakfastCalifornia3 StarsCasualSana AnaFrench$$We have been to most of OC's fav breakfast spots. Sunday morning arrived and we wanted to try a new breakfast place. After searching online, we came across Tangata, a restaurant part of the Patina Group; since we loved Patina we thought we'd try this place.THE SKINNYTangata is located inside the Bowers Museum of Art. Great architecture and museums go hand-in-hand, so you would imagine a http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/menutaster/~3/nquk762nJK8/tangata-at-bowers-museum-santa-ana.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Menu Taster)0http://menutaster.blogspot.com/2008/01/tangata-at-bowers-museum-santa-ana.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046849096451825910.post-2068750100021555448Fri, 18 Jan 2008 07:00:00 +00002008-04-21T00:34:11.330-07:003 StarsIrvineCasualJapanese$$Yummy! Wasa is the place to eat if you're looking for non-traditional and creative sushi dishes.Since moving to the OC, we haven't found a great sushi restaurant. Late Thrusday night after work we went to Wasa Sushi. We've always seen this restaurant next to IHOP, but haven't tried it.THE SKINNYIn 2001 Irvine welcomed a new restaurant called Wasa Sushi. Their mission is "to provide top notch http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/menutaster/~3/Du2p1KL38jE/wasa-sushi-irvine-ca.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Menu Taster)0http://menutaster.blogspot.com/2008/03/wasa-sushi-irvine-ca.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046849096451825910.post-9099541399641807943Sat, 12 Jan 2008 07:45:00 +00002008-04-21T00:34:43.387-07:00Steakhouse$$$4 StarsGreat for GroupsAmericanSpecial OccasionNewport BeachCasual ElegantIt's my boyfriend's birthday. This year I kept it simple and made dinner reservations at Fleming's Steakhouse in Newport Beach.THE SKINNYInside an area known to locals as Fashion Island is Fleming's Steakhouse. Fleming's in Newport Beach is one of many chain-steakhouses across the U.S. However, this is the original/first Fleming's Steakhouse. It was opened in December 1998 by Paul Fleming and http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/menutaster/~3/TwrGjmMEpZ4/flemings-steakhouse-newport-beach-ca.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Menu Taster)0http://menutaster.blogspot.com/2008/01/flemings-steakhouse-newport-beach-ca.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046849096451825910.post-5530960494155121388Sat, 22 Dec 2007 08:05:00 +00002008-04-21T00:27:18.331-07:00RomanticDana Point5 Stars$$$$AmericanSpecial OccasionHipPatio/OutdoorsCasual ElegantSomeone once said, "An anniversary is a time to celebrate the joys of today, the memories of yesterday, and the hopes of tomorrow." And that is just what we did.Our anniversary day consisted of a romantic picnic at Crescent Bay Point Park, a couple’s massage at Athena Day Spa, and to top it off a romantic dinner at Stonehill Tavern – a must for foodies.THE SKINNYStonehill Tavern restaurant is http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/menutaster/~3/7wzWStFmiXE/stonehill-tavern-at-st-regis-dana-point.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Menu Taster)0http://menutaster.blogspot.com/2007/12/stonehill-tavern-at-st-regis-dana-point.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046849096451825910.post-198296186335218172Sun, 11 Nov 2007 04:01:00 +00002008-04-21T00:31:31.814-07:00GlobalCafeLos Angeles3 StarsInternationalCasualHollywood$$Prior to going to the Billion Dollar Babes sample sale, my girl friend and I has lunch at M de Chaya, a macrobiotic cafe, meaning they serve a low-fat, high fiber diet that is a predominantly vegetarian diet, emphasizing whole grains and vegetables.THE SKINNY & VIBEM de Chaya Cafe is located on the corner Melrose and La Brea. A bright yellow awning, difficult to miss, invites guest in. In front http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/menutaster/~3/AE5QxNQy2Qc/m-de-chaya-cafe-hollywood.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Menu Taster)0http://menutaster.blogspot.com/2007/11/m-de-chaya-cafe-hollywood.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046849096451825910.post-9195623214558388446Sun, 04 Nov 2007 04:11:00 +00002008-04-21T00:31:31.816-07:003 StarsCasualGreat for Groups$IndianTustinOur friend, who is Indian, highly recommended that we try Dosa Place - a south Indian restaurant, which specializes in dosas. What are dosas you say? Dosas are similar to crepes, but is made with mixed rice and yellow bean flour.On Saturday, we decided to go eat at the Dosa Place. We arrived around 6PM. With only four customers inside, we wonder if the recommendation was a good choice. Well you http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/menutaster/~3/7y7EmMxb3Y4/dosa-place-tustin-ca.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Menu Taster)0http://menutaster.blogspot.com/2008/01/dosa-place-tustin-ca.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046849096451825910.post-3038682945458299613Sat, 03 Nov 2007 06:08:00 +00002008-04-21T00:34:43.389-07:00Korean4 StarsCasualGreat for GroupsGardena$$It was my teammate's lay day. The tradition is to go drink up and eat like no other. Our place of choice to eat was Yellow Cow Korean BBQ. See the delectable King's feast below.THE SKINNYThis restaurant is in a small plaza located in the back corner. So you gotta look out for the name of the place on the plaza sign. Parking here is not great - especially during meal hours. It's best to park in http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/menutaster/~3/QlMmMa9Xee0/yellow-cow-korean-bbq-gardena-ca.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Menu Taster)0http://menutaster.blogspot.com/2007/12/yellow-cow-korean-bbq-gardena-ca.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046849096451825910.post-258576178906440888Fri, 26 Oct 2007 05:31:00 +00002008-04-21T00:31:31.818-07:00CafeSouthern3 StarsHermosa Beach$Finding a new spot to lunch is sometimes challenging. Don't know where to eat? Just ask your co-worker. It's just what I did. Today, we had lunch at The Ragin Cajun Cafe. THE SKINNYThis place has been a local favorite since 1992. If you've laid eyes on this place. You would immediately know it's got character. The interior has a home decorated feel and the menus are written on a paper bag. How http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/menutaster/~3/TzgbbPHFIW4/ragin-cajun-cafe-hermosa-beach-ca.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Menu Taster)0http://menutaster.blogspot.com/2007/10/ragin-cajun-cafe-hermosa-beach-ca.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046849096451825910.post-7025841131419858308Thu, 11 Oct 2007 18:50:00 +00002008-04-21T00:33:20.336-07:00Norma’s3 StarsCasualAmericanPalm SpringsHipPatio/Outdoors$$It’s Thursday morning and our team building event is over. All of our things are packed and we were ready to hit the road to get back to work. However, before we get back to reality we gathered Norma’s for breakfast.I love eating breakfast. And today I had a craving for french toast. Browsing through the menu, I opted for orange juice and found a tasty dish called Very Berry Brioche French Toast http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/menutaster/~3/ri0VbdGZJeA/normas-at-parker-palm-springs-palm_22.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Menu Taster)0http://menutaster.blogspot.com/2007/10/normas-at-parker-palm-springs-palm_22.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046849096451825910.post-9006676126148125657Thu, 11 Oct 2007 06:45:00 +00002008-04-21T00:32:44.892-07:00Romantic5 Stars$$$$FrenchPalm SpringsFine DiningDay 2 of team building was not light and fun as yesterday. Today we had a full day of discussions, brainstorming, and planning for next year. All hard work and no fun would drive us crazy. The reward: pre-dinner drinks at the Jewel bar in the lobby of the hotel then feasting next door at Mister Parker’s.At 7:10PM, I headed out of my room and walked to Jewel to meet my teammates. This bar is hard http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/menutaster/~3/V36btoCrMFA/mister-parkers-at-parker-palm-springs.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Menu Taster)0http://menutaster.blogspot.com/2007/10/mister-parkers-at-parker-palm-springs.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046849096451825910.post-1751278694049235142Wed, 10 Oct 2007 06:50:00 +00002008-04-21T00:32:59.055-07:003 StarsCasualGreat for GroupsPalm SpringsMexicanPatio/Outdoors$$If you’ve read the previous entry, then you’ll know that we had a long day. So what can we do to end a long day? We drove downtown and had dinner at Las Casuelas Terraza. Some restaurants have come and gone, but this restaurant has been around since 1958. Owned and operated by the Delgado family. They bring a snippet Mexican flavor to the desert.The entry of the restaurant has a beautiful patio http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/menutaster/~3/AExxIy3Hdrg/las-casuelas-terraza-palm-springs-ca.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Menu Taster)0http://menutaster.blogspot.com/2007/10/las-casuelas-terraza-palm-springs-ca.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046849096451825910.post-2348335945444086017Wed, 10 Oct 2007 05:50:00 +00002008-04-21T00:33:20.338-07:00Norma’s3 StarsCasualAmericanPalm SpringsHipPatio/Outdoors$$For our team building event, our boss took us on a trip to Palm Springs. Let the fun –- and work begin! Tuesday’s itinerary: lunch, meeting, group activities, and finally dinner.The Parker Palm Springs is a boutique hotel. The décor is unique, quirky and reminiscent of 1960s pop art and old Hollywood glamour, thanks to New York designer Jonathan Adler. Since it's opening, this hotel has been the http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/menutaster/~3/qr8MG4VF0kU/normas-at-parker-palm-springs-palm.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Menu Taster)0http://menutaster.blogspot.com/2007/10/normas-at-parker-palm-springs-palm.html