61487 Mon Jul 12 13:39:50 -0700 2004 15 2 Los Angeles Area 0 326289 Good, fast, to-go (or eat in) place for fresh Mexican is Caliente on 17th street in Costa Mesa. Had a typical southwest chicken salad for lunch. Was impressed. Light, quality ingredients, southwest style. I like a mild salsa (avocado dressing or baja salsa like Baja Fresh), but all were good, so I'm told. Better than La Salsa next door. Not too far from Taco Mesa. Comparable on some dishes. Caliente Southwest Express 271 E 17th Costa Mesa 949-515-0909 Mon Jul 12 13:39:50 -0700 2004 0 kc girl 1 326302 We were discussing that 17th Street in Costa Mesa is a "sleeper" area where some great restaurants are found. We went shopping at Paris to the Moon (about 1 block from 17th) and commented on that store and many eateries around that area as being surprisingly good as compared to just looking at the area itself (older and lower income). What places have you enjoyed in that area? Or, comment on the places below? SURPRISING: Tea and Sympathy - comfortable, old country family setting for a great Engligh tea and scones. They know how to do tea service right and their "buns" are tasty. Picnics - in addition to tasty sandwiches and salads, they have imaginitive "gourmet" items for a picnic - one bite tidbits - salmon with sliver of chive on a latke, oriental chicken on wonton, chicken salad with teeny carrot piece on zuccini cake, more. And they provide a basket on a deposit basis. That specialty grocery store at Irvine Ave and 17th? REGULAR AND POPULAR Plums (catering platters are good - crudite platter is a very attractive "English Garden" and healthy). Mi Casa - told about this 20 years ago. Love their Mexican Pizza (half chicken/half beef. I also order a side of salsa verde for it). Their chips are good, too. But, I get food to-go there as I don't like the service sometimes or the somewhat cigarette/alcohol smelling interior, even after remodel. Mother's Market - Health food restaurant, deli, and grocery store. I like their mock "chicken picatta" made with tempeh. Brown rice/vegetable rice salad in deli is good. Maybe its the rent rate and close proximity to Newport? Mon Jul 12 14:15:21 -0700 2004 326289 0 kc girl 2 326335 Wow, KC girl thanks so much for visiting my low income part of town. Guess us low income folks don't enjoy good chow - must be all you fancy folk coming to the hood. Mon Jul 12 15:59:45 -0700 2004 326302 0 salesgirl 3 326375 You're welcome??? I never said lower income folks don't enjoy good chow. Never did and won't, in general. But, I am guilty of being immature in my description of that area such that some poeople would take offense. And, this "fancy folk" has been "visiting" that area of Costa Mesa since before college. Big deal. I know the area fairly well, but don't know all the good places to eat. Sorry if I worded it such that you took immediate offense. Maybe some people don't know that area well. Mon Jul 12 18:24:09 -0700 2004 326335 0 kc girl 4 326380 Since moving to Costa Amazing in 1993 I've become a real enthusiast of its charms - culinary and otherwise. Although unashamed of its blue color roots I assure you that there is very little "low income" left. Sorry if I, as an adopted resident reacted a bit strongly. Friends? Mon Jul 12 19:00:42 -0700 2004 326375 0 salesgirl 5 326436 That's cute. Costa Amazing. So, what places do you enjoy eating in that area? Mon Jul 12 22:34:51 -0700 2004 326380 0 kc girl 4 326438 Interesting how basic eateries in the 'hood like Taco Mesa & Spices Thai coexist comfortably with mid-range like Plums & Scampi, retro like La Cave & upscale like Golden Truffle & Promeli's for takeout. Ah, but sometimes I do miss Issay & that weird steak joint Sid's a few doors down, capisce? Mon Jul 12 22:36:38 -0700 2004 326375 0 bernardo 2 326412 I assure you, the area actually has some of the highest home prices in So Cal, thus constitues a higher income bracket. I have many friends in the Young President's Club who live in that area...which is why the high end (Butera) retail shops do amazing well. So do the food joints. There are many to be had, but I don't venture into OC that often anymore. Mon Jul 12 20:48:14 -0700 2004 326302 0 Cat's Chow 3 326431 I didn't really intend to refer to the financial rather than the food meccas on 17th Street. I know the area R.E. well, dear, as do you. BTW, Butera is in Newport Beach. Anything between Irvine Blvd and Dover on 17th is Newport Beach. Close, but no taxes. Can you mention a good place you remember as a good eatery on 17th in Costa Mesa? I don't know all the places, but am near there more than a few times a month. Mon Jul 12 22:26:30 -0700 2004 326412 0 kc girl 4 326432 Oh, sorry, I hadn't read your other post above. Thanks. Mon Jul 12 22:27:21 -0700 2004 326431 0 kc girl 2 326413 Mmmmm.....I love Mi Casa so thanks for bringing up good memories! I will have to check it out again soon. Tea and Sympathy is lovely. There's also a wonderful Mexican rest right on NB Blvd, near corner of 17th...do you know it? Has a really nice Sunday buffet! Mon Jul 12 20:51:56 -0700 2004 326302 0 Cat'sChow 3 326416 Slightly kidding, but surely the memories of the burro room ( Mi Casa ) are of the enormous amounts of beans and cheese ladelled onto the plates. :-) I think the other place you are thinking of is El Matador. Which i always liked better but have not been in for a while. Mon Jul 12 21:07:54 -0700 2004 326413 0 Stuartmm 4 326434 El Matador is a good Mexican experience and consistent. I don't recall another Mexican place in the area she mentioned that has brunch. 1768 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa, 645-1771 I haven't been there since my girlfriends and I went three years ago for dinner and then walked all around the Mainly Seconds vicinity. So fun. Mon Jul 12 22:33:45 -0700 2004 326416 0 kc girl 4 326457 That's it! I always forget the name....KC girl you MUST check it out. I think they have some amazing dishes. Nothing fancy and prices are good. Tue Jul 13 00:34:41 -0700 2004 326416 0 Cat'sChow 1 327051 Was wondering about other places when you're on the go & need a fast fix, like Las Fajitas on Newport Blvd, Arriba in Metropointe & On the Border on Jamboree in Irvine. Passable at all? Fri Jul 16 11:28:59 -0700 2004 326289 0 bernardo 2 327055 I haven't tried any you mention but Arriba. I like Arriba (in University Center), but just get their fish taco (combo or solo). I like it very much and go often. The size of their burritos look like they'd feed two people! They have Paradise iced tea, also. I like that. When in Newport Blvd. area, I always stopped by a small place on Wilson at Fairview. It sold about six months ago and changed the menu. Not as good (now El Rincon). Don't get to the part of Irvine near Tustin area much, so On The Border would be a destination, not a fast fix if in the area. Is it light Mexican or the more traditional like El Matador? Also like El Ranchito (Costa Mesa or Irvine) for some menu items. I also remember liking the fried ice cream dessert at Red Onion when we'd stop in from the boat dock in Newport. Are there any Red Onions around anymore? Fri Jul 16 11:53:48 -0700 2004 327051 0 kc girl