418580 Fri Jul 06 17:34:43 -0700 2007 11 2 Los Angeles Area 0 2725908 Anyone out there got any good recs in their little bag of tricks? I would like to explore a new, delicious place in the OC for my b-day this Sunday. I am game for anything ---- would prefer a place that has both winning food as well as great ambiance. Sock it to me, please. Fri Jul 06 17:34:43 -0700 2007 28056 vlad 1 2725929 Memphis if you haven't been -- http://www.memphiscafe.com/ Everyone I've taken has liked the place. 2 locations 1 in Santa Ana other in Costa Mesa both have pretty good ambiance though you might want reservation as neither is very big. P.S. I've never eaten at the S.A. one though I have gone by it, but assuming the food should be the same. Fri Jul 06 17:40:24 -0700 2007 2725908 108816 Mando 1 2725991 CLAE'S at the Laguna Hotel has been really good lately since new Chef Todd has taken over the kitchen a few months ago. OCEAN FRONT! Fri Jul 06 18:03:11 -0700 2007 2725908 10210 russkar 1 2726027 Try The Bungalow in Corona Del Mar - great local steak house. Fri Jul 06 18:20:55 -0700 2007 2725908 13463 OC Mutt 1 2726052 The place I'd want to get treated out is Bluefin...and that's what happened last year. A blast! Get the omakase. Here are some pics: http://elmomonster.blogspot.com/2006/10/bluefin-newport-beach.html Fri Jul 06 18:29:27 -0700 2007 2725908 11757 elmomonster 1 2726199 Marche Moderne in South Coast Plaza is excellent and attractive--only glitches are service (though they are trying to improve) and oddly uncomfortable chairs. I would also second the recommendation for Blue Fin, though, again, some service issues to be wary of there. Fri Jul 06 19:38:16 -0700 2007 2725908 10728 New Trial 2 2726609 Marche Moderne all the way. I do not like French food, and yet I managed to have so many options to choose from! It was divine, from start to finish. The chef is from a number of well-known places such as Pascal and Pinot Provence. Wife is the pastry chef, and the staff is friendly all around. Great wine selection...you can even order a half or full glass, allowing for sampling of many. Sat Jul 07 00:51:01 -0700 2007 2726199 42707 brekkie_fan 3 2727955 brekkie fan, Where is Marche Moderne. I loved the chef from Pascal. I would love to go try this place.. which dishes were your favorite. Thanks! Sat Jul 07 16:33:05 -0700 2007 2726609 58442 karynx78 4 2728069 Marche Moderne is in South Coast Plaza, on the third floor above Tiffany's. Here's a detailed review: http://www.ocweekly.com/food/feature-review/moderne-love/27350/ Sat Jul 07 17:21:10 -0700 2007 2727955 11757 elmomonster 5 2728115 Thanks so much! Can't wait to try it. Sat Jul 07 17:41:31 -0700 2007 2728069 58442 karynx78 1 2726418 Bistangos for Californian, also has great dessert souffle.In Irvine Onotria for Wine Country/Italian in Costa Mesa Garlic Joes for Japanese fusion in Newport Beach 230 Forest has great Seafood and Steaks.. Great porkchop with sweet potatoe fries, small but nice and cozy with great martinis. Fri Jul 06 21:43:06 -0700 2007 2725908 58442 karynx78 1 2730888 So Vlad, where did you end up on Sunday? Sun Jul 08 20:57:03 -0700 2007 2725908 99199 OCKevin