Lunch recs for OC on Monday

[gaylenwaydelich]

Want to try somewhere new. Here is the been there done that list:
Bistangos
Scott's
Pinot Provence
French 75
Antonello's
Mr. Stox
All of Doentown Disney
HB Pier
KIngs Fish House etc.
Memphis
Clubhouse
The anti-mall

I've always wanted to try Zov's, does it live up to the hype. I've only had stuff from the bakery. Help this fellow blow some expense account bucks.

[OCKevin]

Not sure if you're going to be in the north, south or central parts here behind the orange curtain, but I'd highly recommend the lunches at Marche Moderne on the third level of South Coast Plaza, Nordstrom wing. The L.A. Times restaurant critic Irene Virbella described the place as having the best French bistro food in Southern California, and I agree. The daily menus feature $20 fixed price, 3-course lunches which are fantastic deals. Your client will be impressed!

[kdoc]

I completely concur on Marche Moderne. I've been there for dinner a few times and it has been outstanding; I'm sure lunch won't disappoint. Park in the Nordstrom's structure on the fifth floor and walk across the bridge (not the one into Nordstrom's) for easy access.

Having been to Zov's countless times (for the lack of better local options) it's fine, but I can never shake the feeling that it shouldn't quite cost what it does. Of course, if you're on an account, knock yourself out.

Steak too heavy for lunch? There's always Morton's, Ruths Chris, etc...

[karynx78]

I agree with you regarding how the prices of Zovs have risen. A lunch for 2 can easily cost $35 to $40 .. for sandwiches and ice tea? I think the prices have risen about 20% with the last couple of years. I have opted for other options since the price increase. The Malaysian restaurant in the same plaza is also quite good. Tropika.. is the name I believe.

[cdmedici]

Sapphire in Laguna Beach. You should call ahead for reservations. I prefer the patio. It is right on PCH with an ocean view. The style of food is global cuisine. When done, pop over to the gourmet store next door.
http://www.sapphirellc.com/

[karynx78]

I've been going to Zov's for lunch for the last 3 years. It's a nice little cafe with good sandwiches and pastries. My favorite there is the Chicken kebab plate.. extremely tender and juicy .. comes with a great side of eggplant and brown rice. Their shitake mushroom ravioli is also quite good. The lentil soup is always a good start.. ask for extra lemon to squeeze in .. gives it a nice citrus-y taste. I love all their salads... very fresh with a great taste. Try the ahi tuna salad. The mezza platter is always good to share for appetizers... it comes with hummus, this pomegranate and walnut paste, pita, and bobagonoush. It can get quite busy.. try to go before 12noon or after 1pm.

[OCKevin]

So, GLWDL, where did you end up going for lunch today? Inquiring minds want to know!

[gaylenwaydelich]

Marche Moderne. Did the prixe frix lunch. Great bargain for $20.00. A little disappointed that both entrees offered were fish. There was a tuna sashimi and a sand dab with wilted frisee, and mushrooms sauteed in lardoons. As I recall, the soup du jour was an asparagus and celery bisque finished with a truffled oil and kalmata olives. It was waydelich-ous! the desert was an almond cake that was dense, moist and sweet topped with a light cream and fresh strawberries. My lunch partner had the ocean trout and enjoyed it immensely. Thanks for the great recs. Is that where Aubergine use to be located? I had lunch there with the same person several years back, but we recall it being another name. I think it was owned by Tim and Lisa Goddell back then and there was some scuttlebutt about the lack of continuity after they sold the restaurant.

[torta basilica]

Correct owners, wrong name - it was Troquet. Aubergine was in Newport Beach. And yes, it did do a big downhill slide...

[cdmedici]

It will be interesting to see how Tim & Lisa Goodell do with their new restaurant in Newport Beach in the old The Arches location. I have yet to hear what the concept will be.

[OCKevin]

Excellent! I'm glad that it worked out. Troquet was the name of the place that occupied that location prior to MM. The less said about that restaurant's sad demise and how its owners scoffed Orange County as they drove their moving vans to L.A. the better!

[LisaStitch]

Taleo - get the Queso Fundido and the guacamole to start

Chat Noir - great steak frites, but as it's in the French 75 family, not sure if maybe you've already been there, done that...

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Taleo Mexican Grill
3309 Michelson Dr, Irvine, CA 92612

Chat Noir
655 Anton Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626