341209 Thu Nov 09 08:18:28 -0800 2006 14 2 Los Angeles Area 0 2008033 I know there are MANY posts about great OC restaurants, but I would appreciate if you could refer a great meat & potatoes locale. My husband is not very adventurous, so many place I would definitely consider for myself are out the window. Many thanks! Thu Nov 09 08:18:28 -0800 2006 11484 wedplanner 1 2008045 How about a parade of beef, Brazilian BBQ style? Waiters walk around with different cuts of grilled beef, skewered on swords, and slice off as much as you ask for. It's a fun way for carnivores to enjoy a non-American style of all you can eat red meat without getting too exotic and "icky." With your set price meal comes two buffet lines, where you can help youself to cold and hot dishes. I'm pretty sure there's enough potato variations in there among the veggies, smoked salmon, salads and the like to keep your DH happy. There's enough chowy goodness to keep things interesting for the adventurous eater, too. So with that, I suggest Agora Churrascaria in Irvine. Nice looking room, suitable for a date w/ your husband, or entertaining business clients, even. It's not a top tier "special occasion" type place with prices to match (e.g. Splashes or either of the two OC Mastro's locations), but I'm not sure that's what you're asking for. Is it? A little more guidance, please. 1830 Main St (SW corner of MacArthur. Oddly enough Main & MacArthur intersect twice, you want the intersection east of the 55 fwy) Irvine, CA 949-222-9910 Thu Nov 09 08:52:57 -0800 2006 2008033 10023 Professor Salt 2 2008047 I second Agora Churrascuria . . . if you love meat . . . this is the place. Thu Nov 09 08:54:59 -0800 2006 2008045 11027 Alice 1 2008292 What area in O.C. I you are near Newport/Corona Del Mar, I would suggest Banderas. Simple but great menu. Ribs, mashed potatos, coleslaw and amazing corn bread. Thu Nov 09 14:27:30 -0800 2006 2008033 10815 cdmedici 1 2008398 Soprano's in Costa Mesa is fun, intimate, inexpensive, and has both familiar pastas and "adventurous" items like osso buco. The lamb shank is a must try. Good place if you want a relaxed, romantic evening. Soprano's Italian Restaurant 2400 Newport Boulevard, Suite A4 Costa Mesa, CA 92627 1-949-675-4070 http://www.sopranoseatery.com/ I second Agora, although you'll probably spend twice as much. Some of the items, like the pirahna or crocodile, might be a bit too much for your husband. - Chubbypanda http://epicurious-wanderer.blogspot.com/ Thu Nov 09 15:15:01 -0800 2006 2008033 25806 Chubbypanda 1 2008643 Try The Ritz Restaurant in Newport. Great steaks, veal, special osso buco. Nice place for a special evening. Thu Nov 09 16:41:59 -0800 2006 2008033 25129 Philly 1 2008679 Bungalow - Corona del Mar - it's perfect for a special occasion. Steaks/Fish/Martinis & much more. Ask for a booth. Husband & I split an amazing Porterhouse Sat night & still had 2 small steaks to take home in a doggie bag... Thu Nov 09 16:50:51 -0800 2006 2008033 10392 torta basilica 1 2008695 Had a really great meat and potato experience at Maestro's in Costa Mesa, near South Coast Plaza. Darker room, great service, it was a birthday celebration for a friend, our dime. Not cheap but probably the best steak I've had in the county. Thu Nov 09 16:54:01 -0800 2006 2008033 13263 Ginger Wolf 1 2008794 I second Mastro's Steakhouse. So far, the best steak I've ever had. Ever. PHOTOS: http://elmomonster.blogspot.com/2006/07/mastros-steakhouse-costa-mesa.html Thu Nov 09 17:20:12 -0800 2006 2008033 11757 elmomonster 2 2008995 WOW, your blog report sounds phenomenal!!! What kind of money are we looking at? We are not heavy drinkers and no wine. I'm game for $150 or so. Thu Nov 09 18:10:06 -0800 2006 2008794 11484 wedplanner 3 2009526 You can get by with $150 or so if you are not drinkers. Two steaks and a couple of sides (no apps or dessert) and your at about $80-$100 depending on the cut of meat. The portions are very big, so order appropriately. Thu Nov 09 20:42:49 -0800 2006 2008995 10601 MEalcentric 4 2009591 Thanks so much - sounds like a winner!!! Thu Nov 09 21:06:07 -0800 2006 2009526 11484 wedplanner 5 2009921 go to www.800774food.com you can find the menu and prices for Mastros and MAstros ocean club. Thu Nov 09 22:41:47 -0800 2006 2009591 10601 MEalcentric 6 2009999 I loved the Sugar Snap Peas we had on another visit. Enjoy and let us know what you think if you do try it. http://elmomonster.blogspot.com Thu Nov 09 23:13:09 -0800 2006 2009921 11757 elmomonster 1 2010155 There's always trusty Mortons in Costa Mesa. Fri Nov 10 00:21:23 -0800 2006 2008033 45925 nikinaka