OC's Top 100 Tastes You Must Try Before You Die
I was hoping we could get a list of some of the best tastes in Orange County. I am sure that this would be a useful list for other Chowhound's and our visiting guests. Please list the name of the dish, the restaurant where you can get it, and the city where it's located. I'll start with a few:
1. House Special Lobster from Newport Seafood, Santa Ana
2. Cream Pan from ... Cream Pan, Tustin
3. Shoyu Ramen with extra Chashu, Santouka Ramen Mitsuwa, Costa Mesa
4. Sweet & Sour Shrimp, Golden Dragon, Costa Mesa
5. Spinach Artichoke dip, Houston's, Irvine
6. Nem Nuong spring rolls, Brodard, Westminster
let's see how many "special tastes" we can put together.
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1. Ham, egg and cheese waffle sandwich - Bruxie, Orange
2. Custard shake (any flavor will do) - Bruxie, Orange
3. Broasted chicken - Chicken Box, La Habra - is this OC?
4. Carnitas plate, chips and salsa - El Farolito, Placentia
5. Octopus appetizer - Olive Pit, Brea
6. Falafel and zataar - Zait & Zataar, Anaheim
7. Salami and Anaheim chile pizza - Pizzeria Mozza, Newport Beach-----
El Farolito
201 S Bradford Ave, Placentia, CA 92870Pizzeria Mozza
641 N. Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036Olive Pit
834 E Lincoln Ave Ste B, Orange, CA 92865 -
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- ABC Burger at Peter's Gourmade Grill, Tustin
- Odessa Sandwich, Moscow Deli, Costa Mesa
- Saltenas, Rollies Bakery & Mexican (and Bolivian) Cafe, Tustin
- Pambazos and any type of tacos (but esp. carne asada) with tortillas "hecho a mano" at Tacos Y Mulitas Ruben, Santa Ana
- Barbacoa and/or Pancita tacos at Tacqueria Don Victor, Huntington Beach
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Moscow Deli
3015 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626Peter's Gourmade Grill
16851 Mcfadden Ave, Tustin, CA 92780›1 Reply-
re: mikester
ocshooter
Sep 14, 2011 01:17 PM
Seared Toro at San Shi Go on Newport Peninsula.
Fresh Slamon Roe (imported in season from Japan) at San Shi Go
Any of the desserts from Zov's
Crying Tiger from Thai Nakorn-----
Thai Nakorn
11951 Beach Blvd, Stanton, CA 90680Zov's Bakery
17440 E. 17th Street, Tustin, CA 92780Thai Nakorn Restaurant
12532 Garden Grove Blvd, Garden Grove, CA 92843San Shi Go Sushi and Asian Cuisine
205 Main St, Newport Beach, CA 92661
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- Almond croissant from Boulangerie Pierre & Patisserie, Garden Grove
- Mesquite-grilled California spiny lobster (in season) at the Crab Cooker, Tustin
- Italian beef sandwich at Portillo's, Buena Park
- Lemon meringue pie, Marie Callender's or Hof's Hut-----
The Crab Cooker
17260 17th St, Tustin, CA 92780 -
Great Topic:
1. Tony's Deli - Anaheim (Any sandwich.- I challenge anyone to find a better sandwich place. I also challenge anyone to find better potato salad)
2. Tustin Brewery - Tustin (Fettuccini Caliente is money, as is their award winning chili)
3. Oh Those Doughnuts - Costa Mesa (I know you will roll your eyes, but you must order a sandwich in this place - drunk or sober)
4. Great Mex - Balboa (Everything in this place is amazing. Especially the chorizo egg burrito)
5. Maggiano's - Costa Mesa (Until you go family style, you haven't lived)
6. First Class Pizza - Santa Ana (There is only one pie you need to know - The Porker)
7. Haveli Fine Indian Cuisine - Tustin (The luch time buffet is not only amazing, but only $7.95)
8. Cabana - Laguna Beach (Fondue Grill Sticks - Incredible. And don't leave thhe place without ordering a Mai Tai)
9. Rutabegorz - Tustin (Cockie Leeky soup. You'll feel dumb ordering it, but it's awesome)
10. Bandera - Corona del Mar (The Cluck & Moo. It's not on the menu, but they'll make it for you. It's a half of their Rotisserie Chicken and Ribs - It will leave you clucking and mooing)›2 Replies-
re: Johnny California
groover808
Nov 20, 2007 08:00 PM
I've heard about the unlimited refills of the Maggianos family style...what's the price range?
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re: groover808
Das Ubergeek
Nov 21, 2007 05:57 AM
$15-$25 for entrees, but the salt content is so high that I get headaches unless I drink litres and litres of water.
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Excellent topic!
Off the top of my head:
1. Cream Pan, any item
2. carnitas taco, Q Tortas, downtown Placentia
3. cabeza anything, Taqueria Guadalupana, Orange
4. cold miso ramen w/chicken, Kairakutei, Tustin
5. chile relleno burrito, Celinda's, RSM
6. Cream of Poblano soup, El Cholo, La Habra›4 Replies-
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re: Allmodcons
Great thread!
No one ever mentions this but I've always enjoyed the beef tongue dinner platter at Tacos Jalisco in Orange. And their albondingas soup satisfies on cold nights.
[And great user name mod cons. You flashed me back to my highschool days when me and a few of my friends were the only Mods at our highschool. That's back when the famous Circle City nite club (Orange Circle) was still around. They used to have a pretty cool Mod night. I'll never forget going on scooter rallies with my buddies to places like Camel Records in H.B., The Whiskey, The Starwood and tons of other places. The heads we turned; those were the days. I still have my old bikes (1 Vespa and 1 Lambretta) in storage at my parents' house. ]
Sorry to get off topic but your tag brought me back to the 80's...
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bananna slug
Nov 12, 2007 10:43 AM
I may be over-reading the original post. I have been trying to come up with some tastes sort of unique to or associated with Orange County, rather than just the best dishes. (Hence my boysenberry pie at Knott's post, though I stand by the Pasty Kitchen as both representing OC as well as a best dish. God, I miss that place so much.)
Anyway, staying with my interpretation of what was sought by the original post, I will throw out Balboa Bars at Dad's on Balboa Island, Newport Beach.
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FoodieKat
Nov 12, 2007 10:04 AM
What a fun topic! I only have a few items, as I'm still pretty new to the area, but this will be updated soon. So here goes, in no particular order:
1. Swordfish piccatta from Zov's Bistro, Tustin
2. Chirashi from Maki-Zushi, Tustin (especially the yellowfin and big toro)
3. Albalo polo (black cherry basmati rice) and grilled scallops from Darya Persian restaurant, South Coast Plaza
4. banh beo from Quan Hy, Westminster
5. Green tea and red bean bread from 99 Ranch Market, Irvine
6. Almond milk boba tea from Cha for Tea, Irvine
7. Pan dulce and fresh bread rolls from El Gallo Giro, Santa Ana
8. Clam chowder soup (and sticky toffee pud) from The Olde Ship, Santa Ana
9. Potato noodles Goong Korean restaurant, IrvineFavorite local finds (so far):
Sim's British sandwich shop San Juan Capistrano
99 Ranch Markets (all locations, but especially on Culver in Irvine) -
Das Ubergeek & kingkong5,
If I may ask, have either of you noticed the decline in quality at Santouka (Costa Mesa) over the past 1/2 year?
When Santouka first opened up here in the OC, my friends and I were amazed at the quality of Ramen and Broth, and it became a regular place for us. It was my favorite Ramen in LA/OC, bar none.
But I've noticed completely different staff (both the front & back of the house, so to speak) and the quality of the noodle and broth and chasyu have definitely been in decline the last ~5 visits I've paid to it. I called up a couple friends of mine who also visit regularly, and they said they noticed the same thing (a bummer to be sure).
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Very fun!
1. Corned Beef Sandwich, East Coast Italian Deli, Huntington Beach
2. Chocolate Cake Shake, Portillos, Buena Park
3. Steak Chili, Harbor House Cafe, Sunset Beach
4. Mac 'n' Cheese, K'ya, Laguna Beach
5. Ahi Poke, K'ya, Laguna Beach
6. Fried Squid, Lucky Chinese, Fountain Valley
7. Durbin Curry, Mozambique, Laguna Beach
8. Garlic Fries, Phils, Fountain Valley
9. Meatball Pizza, Pizza D'oro, Fountain Valley
10. Waygu Fillet, Silvera's, Huntington Beach -
bananna slug
Nov 11, 2007 12:44 PM
It has been a long time since I had a slice, but the boysenberry pie at the Knott's Berry Farm chicken restaurant (Buena Park) was very good and very Orange County.
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bananna slug
Nov 11, 2007 12:23 PM
Beef pasty (especially with a Cactus Cooler), Pasty Kitchen, Los Alamitos
Chocolate shake, Volcano Burgers, Los Alamitos -
Links
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Santouka Ramen
665 Paularino Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92626Cream Pan
602 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA 92780Newport Seafood Restaurant
4411 W 1st St, Santa Ana, CA 92703Golden Dragon Restaurant
2023 Harbor Blvd Ste A, Costa Mesa, CA 92627Houston's Restaurant
2991 Michelson Dr, Irvine, CA 92612Brodard Chateau
9100 Trask Ave Garden, Grove, CA -
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Toroniku shio ramen; Santouka, Costa Mesa (much better than their shoyu IMHO)
Hakata ramen with firm noodles and mentaiko/Yakiramen; Shin Sen Gumi, Fountain Valley
Beef liver sashimi/Oxtail soup/Pork Belly; Tsuruhashi, Fountain Valley (and I agree about the Kobe short ribs too)
Lamb chops; Black Sheep Bistro, Tustin
Omakase; Shibucho, Costa Mesa›1 Reply -
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1. Pan fried dumplings - Peking Restaurant, Westminster
2. Bun Bo Hue - Ngu Binh, Westminster
3. Chicken Shawarma plate - Sahara Falafel, Anaheim
4. Cuban sandwich - De Simone, Huntington Beach
5. Beef Noodle soup - A & J, Irvine
6. Cream puffs - Manmi Bakery, Garden Grove
7. Stuffed Chicken Wings - Thai Nakorn, Stanton
8. Bratwurst plate - Einbech Inn(sp?), Old World, Huntington Beach
9. Filet Mignon Pho - Pho Thanh Lich, Westminster
10. Cheese Steak sandwich, Philly's Best, Fountain Valley -
Das Ubergeek
Nov 10, 2007 09:22 AM
1. Tacos de alambre, Taco Mesa, Orange, MV and Ladera
2. Shio ramen (sorry kingkong5, I'm not all about the shoyu!) with negimeshi, Santouka, Costa Mesa
3. Mango salad with crispy catfish, Thai Nakorn, Stanton
4. Cheeseburger with bacon and avocado, Original Mike's, Santa Ana
5. Kalbi with dduk bo ssam, Shik Do Rak, Garden Grove
6. Tacos al pastor with grilled pineapple, El Farolito Jr., Anaheim
7. Sesame bread (da bing), Mas' Islamic Chinese, Anaheim
8. Macanese-style daan taat, Desir Bakery inside 99 Ranch, AnaheimDamn it, now I'm hungry.
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re: Das Ubergeek
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Original Mike's
100 S Main St, Santa Ana, CA 92701Old World German Restaurant
7561 Center Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92647Sushi Shibucho
590 W 19th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627Taco Mesa
647 W 19th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627Pho Thanh Lich
14500 Brookhurst St, Westminster, CA 92683Taco Rosa
22922 Los Alisos Blvd Ste P, Mission Viejo, CA 92691Taco Mesa
3533 E Chapman Ave Ste E, Orange, CA 92869Taco Mesa
27702 Crown Valley Pkwy, Mission Viejo, CAShik-Do-Rak
9691 Garden Grove Blvd, Garden Grove, CA 92844El Farolito Jr
1339 N East St, Anaheim, CA 92805Ma's Islamic
601 E Orangethorpe Ave, Anaheim, CA 9280199 Ranch Market
15333 Culver Dr, Irvine, CAPeking Chinese Restaurant
8566 Westminster Blvd, Westminster, CA 92683Ngu Binh Restaurant
14072 Magnolia St, Westminster, CA 92683De Simone Bakery & Deli
6850 Edinger Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92647Manmi Bakery
18732 Colima Rd, Rowland Heights, CAPhilly's Best
18691 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708Gemmell's
34471 Golden Lantern St, Dana Point, CA 92629Taco Loco
640 S Coast Hwy Ste 1, Laguna Beach, CA 92651Black Sheep Bistro
303 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA 92780Rothschild's Restaurant
2407 E Coast Hwy, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625Muldoon's Irish Pub
202 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660Mastro's Ocean Club
8112 E Coast Hwy, Newport Coast, CA 92657
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choctastic
Nov 10, 2007 06:39 AM
the banh mi xiu mai, Banh Mi Cho Cu, Garden Grove
and baked pandan cake are special tastes I learned from CH. -
groover808
Nov 10, 2007 06:29 AM
nem nuong spring rolls w/sauce - Brodard, Westminster
banh mi - Banh Mi Che Cali, Westminster
mixed pupusa - Pupusa San Sivar, Costa Mesa
nam sod w/crispy rice - Thai Nakorn, Stanton›1 Reply-
re: groover808
More links
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Wasa Sushi
13124 Jamboree Rd, Irvine, CA 92602Darya Restaurant
1998 N Tustin St, Orange, CA 92865Break of Dawn
24351 Avenida De La Carlota Ste N6, Laguna Hills, CA 92653Filling Station
201 N Glassell St, Orange, CA 92866Claro's Italian Markets
1095 E Main St, Tustin, CA 92780Taiko Japanese Restaurant
14775 Jeffrey Rd, Irvine, CA 92618
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russkar
Nov 10, 2007 06:05 AM
Blue Crab Handroll, Sushi Wasabi, Tustin
Ritz Egg, The Ritz Restaurant, Newport Beach
Chicken Soup, Avilia's , Santa Ana
Giant Clam(Genock) Sashimi on Ice boat, China Garden, Irvine
Steak Tartar (special request), Morton's , Santa Ana
Eggplant Sorentino, Mangia Mangia, Huntington Beach
Spicy Pungent Shrimp, Chef Chen, Irvine
Custom Submarine Sandwich, Claro's , Tustin
Chicken Kabob, Darya, Orange
Thai Salad, Houston's, Irvine
Ground Beef Taco, Moreno's, Orange
Bochworst Sausage Sandwich, Mattern Sausage Co, Orange
#4 Special, Taiko, Irvine
Braised Short Rib w/tempura poached egg, Break of Dawn, Laguna Hills
Apple Pie w/walnuts or Pumpkin, Filling Station, Orange
Cheeseburger, Morton's, Santa Ana
Sushi Treasures, Wasa, Irvine -
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re: JAB
link
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Shin Sen Gumi Hakata Ramen
18315 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708Sushi Wasabi
14460 Newport Ave, Tustin, CA 92780Irvine China Garden
14825 Jeffrey Rd, Irvine, CA 92618Tsuruhashi
18798 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708Ritz Restaurant & Garden
880 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660Morton's the Steakhouse
1641 W Sunflower Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92704Mangia-Mangia
16079 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach, CA 92647Chef Chen's Restaurant
5408 Walnut Ave, Irvine, CA 92604
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Here are some of the things I think about when I'm hungry ^^
1. Nam Sod w/Crispy Rice - Thai Nakorn, Stanton
2. Pad See Ew - Bangkok Taste, Santa Ana
3. Szechuan Eggplant - Green China, Orange
4. Crunchy carne asada tacos - Super Antojitos, Santa Ana
5. Media Noche - Felix Continental Cuisine, Orange -
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elmomonster
Nov 9, 2007 01:00 PM
Yay! I'll play!
1. Nem Nuong spring rolls, Brodard, Westminster
2. BBQ Beef Banh Mi, Banh Mi Che Cali, Westminster
3. Linguine with Fish, Franco's Pasta Cucina, Irvine
4. 1/2 Order Carne Asada Nachos, Alertos, Westminster
5. Falafel Sandwich, Sahara Falafel, Anaheim›1 Reply-
re: elmomonster
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Thai Nakorn
11951 Beach Blvd, Stanton, CA 90680Banh Mi & Che Cali Bakery
8948 Bolsa Ave, Westminster, CA 92683Banh Mi & Che Cali Bakery - duplicate
15551 Brookhurst St, Westminster, CAFranco's Pasta Cucina
2222 Michelson Dr, Irvine, CA 92612Alertos Mexican Food
15681 Brookhurst St, Westminster, CA 92683Sahara Falafel
590 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, CA 92804The Olde Ship
709 N Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92832El Farolito
201 S Bradford Ave, Placentia, CA 92870Thai-Rama B B Q
2500 E Chapman Ave, Fullerton, CA 92831Fresca's Mexican Grill
275 E Birch St, Brea, CACaspian Restaurant
14100 Culver Dr, Irvine, CA 92604Cafe R & D
555 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660Bluewater Grill Newport Beach
630 Lido Park Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92663Sam Woo Restaurant
15333 Culver Dr Ste 720, Irvine, CA 92604Quan Hop Restaurant
15640 Brookhurst St, Westminster, CA 92683Green China
595 N Tustin St, Orange, CA 92867Super Antojitos
1702 N Bristol St, Santa Ana, CA 92706El Adobe De Capistrano
31891 Camino, Capistrano San Juan Capistrano, CA
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