12 for Tuesday: Romantic, Date Night Restaurants

1. Anaheim White House, Anaheim
2. Blue Bayou, Anaheim
3. The Cellar, Fullerton
4. French 75, Laguna Beach
5. The Hobbit, Orange
6. k'ya Restaurant, Anaheim & Laguna Beach
7. Melting Pot, Irvine, Brea & San Clemente
8. Napa Rose, Anaheim
9. Spark Woodfire Grill, Huntington Beach
10. Stone Hill Tavern, Dana Point
11. Studio Restaurant, Laguna Beach
12. Watermarc Grill, Laguna Beach

xoxo, K

12 for Tuesday: Disney Treats & Eats to Crave

For me, part of the "Disney" experience is definitely the yummy treats. Rarely do I go & not get something to nibble on. Sometimes, only an entire meal can suffice me. Other times all I need is a little sugar fix. Here are some of my favorite Disney treats & eats, in no particular order...

1. Corn Dog from the Little Red Wagon on Main St.
2. The Dole Whip at the Tiki Juice Bar, outside the Tiki Room
3. Chicken Tenders from the Stage Door Cafe
4. Churro (have you tried the filled churros found in Downtown Disney?)
5. The famed Monte Cristo from either Cafe Orleans or the Blue Bayou
6. Beignets from Cafe Orleans (you can also pick some up from The Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney)
7. Turkey Leg
8. Funnel Cake from the Stage Door Cafe
9. Sonoma Chicken & Apple Salad from the Pacific Wharf Cafe in California Adventure
10. Candy Apples on Main St.
11. Big Thunder Ranch BBQ (come hungry, it's all-you-can-eat)
12. Macaroon from the Blue Ribbon Bakery

So which of YOUR favorite Disney treats or eats did I leave off the list?

xoxo, K

Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour & Restaurant

I scream, You scream. We all scream for Ice Cream. That's right, if you haven't heard the buzz yet, the Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour & Restaurant that you remember from your childhood, is opening today! Located at the Shops at Mission Viejo, right across from PF Chang's. Farrell's offers full-service dining, a HUGE candy area filled with specialty, hard-to-find & old-fashioned candies, lots of fun & of course - lots of ice cream. Employees wearing pin-striped vests, ties & cane hats, the banging of the Farrell's drum, the siren whirling, & the whistle blowing, even the Zoo (a ginormous dessert with over 40 scoops of ice cream) has made it's return... everything that you remember from your childhood, only better. I can't wait to do a little "time warp," kids in tow.



Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour & Restaurant
799A The Shops at Mission Viejo
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
(949)364-5411

xoxo, K

Kids Eat Free at Jerry's Dogs

Let me get this off my chest... I LOVE hot dogs. Phew! I feel better. It doesn't matter if they roasted over a bonfire, purchased at a ball game or eaten at Costco - I just love hot dogs. So it should come as no surprise that I LOVE Jerry's Wood-Fired Dogs. What's not to love? An entire menu filled with specialty hot dogs, sausages & burgers (& maybe a salad or too). Not to mention, over 30 fixings & fresh toppings to finish off your dog, sausage of burger.

But now, there's even more to love at Jerry's Wood-Fired Dogs. On Mondays & Tuesday nights from 4-9pm kids eat FREE (ages 12 & under). That's right, when you buy an dog, sausage or burger combo you will get a kids combo FREE.

To find your nearest Jerry's Wood-Fired Dogs location, go HERE.

xoxo, K

Watermarc

image via Watermarc

I have been itching to try Watermarc in Laguna Beach for what seems like months and our anniversary was the perfect excuse to make it happen. Luckily, we were seated upstairs where it was quieter and we could enjoy our dinner conversation. I have to say that every plate was brilliant, but I should have known because the Chef/Owner is the same visionary of 230 Forest. My favorites were: the Lobster Congac Bisque with Tarrogon Gelato, the Yellow Fin Tuna Two Ways, and the Espresso Chocolate Cake. Find an excuse to go to Watermarc this weekend because it is a wonderful dining experience.

12 for Tuesday: Cheap Eats in the OC

1) Carne Asada Fries from Albatros
2) The Mint Chocolate Munchie from Hans
3) A Dole Whip from Disneyland
4) A Fish Taco from Chronic Tacos
5) A Cream Pan from Cream Pan
6) Spring Rolls from a Brodard Restaurant
7) A Jerry's Dog from Jerry's
8) The Tarna Chicken Wrap from Zankou
9) A cheeseburger from TK burger
10) Udon from Fukada
11) A breakfast burrito from A's Ace Burgers
12) A bowl of Pho from Pho 79

I could go on forever on this topic, but those are my favorite for now.

xoxo, C

Sno on the Go

Ever since the Fastfood Maven posted about Sno on the Go I've been dying to try it out! & I can definitely say I wasn't disappointed! Don't be fooled into thinking this is your average "shaved ice," because it isn't... it's so much more. The ice is shaved so thin, they can actually shape them into snow balls. Of course you can top your "snow ball" with over 20 "scrumptious" flavors (such as cotton candy, lemon-lime, watermelon or wedding cake), or try one of their "cream" flavors (praline, banana, or caramel to name a few) & there's always the "coffe house" flavors. If you are worried about your kids (or even you) spilling all over the place, they offer several "clear" flavors, & they even have a selection of "sugar-free" flavors. But, the fun doesn't have to stop there. In addition to flavors, you can top your "snow ball" with all kinds of toppings (everthing from soft serve vanilla ice cream to sweetened condensed milk), or real fruit. &, If you don't feel like creating your own concotion, try one of the pre-determined "speciality" treats. I LOVED the "tropical treat." Orange & Pineapple Sno stuffed with ice cream & strawberries, what's not to love?

Sno on the Go is located on the corner of Jeronimo & Los Alisos in the City of Mission Viejo, CA (25567 Jeronimo, Mission Viejo, CA 92691). For directions, go HERE. They are open from 11am - 9pm daily. If you go, we'd love to know what your favorite flavor combination was!

xoxo, K

p.s. Other than the yummy treat, that definitely hit the spot on a hot summer day.... I LOVE that Sno on the Go has a drive-up window! I think everything in life should have a drive-up, it makes life sooo much easier when you have little itty bitty kids.

The Counter

Who doesn't LOVE a good burger? Especially if you can also get a thick and creamy shake & some delicious crispy fried onion strings on the side (or if you prefer you could do french fries, chili fries, sweet potato fries, or fried dill pickles). What would make this experience even better? If you could build your burger exactly how you want it, & I do mean exactly...

Well, if this sounds like something you'd like, then you definitely need to check out The Counter where they specialize in "custom built burgers." As their website says "Step into The Counter & you're greeted with a clipboard and an extensive list of fresh mouthwatering ingredients that allow you to build your won gourmet burger. Our 312,120+ different burger combinations make every burger as unique as each customer."

But don't worry, if you have a hard time making decisions & an entire clipboard of options is just to much to handle (as it is for me), they have a whole slew of signature burgers & sandwiches you can try. Plus, every month they feature a new burger & shake of the month. Check out their entire menu HERE.

So the next time you're craving a burger, I'd definitely recommend you check out The Counter. Find the nearest location HERE.

xoxo, K
p.s. My favorite? A Counter Burger, Vanilla Milkshake & Onion Strings.

The Secret In-N-Out Menu

In college I was introduced to the Animal Style Burger (mustard, cheese, pickles, grilled onions, and extra spread) at In-N-Out and never turned back. I learned that there were certain menu items that you could order that were not on the menu. For example, a root beer float (so good) or Neapolitan shake (a mix of strawberry, chocolate and vanilla ice cream) are two drinks that I like to get that are not listed on the menu. If I am feeling particularly hungry I might even get cheese fries to really increase my calorie intake. The In-N-Out secret menu has great options and allows everyone to figure out their own perfect combo.

What are your " secret" In-N-Out favorites?

xoxo, C

OC Dining Deals

image via Flickr

The recession has me watching my wallet like most Americans, but I still cannot give up eating out because I love memorable dining experiences. I have found that restaurants have been really trying to reach out to their patrons by creating OC dining deals. Here are my current favorite recession friendly and foodie pleasing restaurants:

Infusion offers recession specials Wednesday night for 9.99

French 75 is offering a 10.00 menu

Kimera offers 50% off you bill on Mondays

Have you found any great restaurant deals in the OC?

xoxo, C

Eating at Disneyland

Maybe I'm crazy. Maybe I just don't know what good food tastes like. But, I actually think a lot of the food at the Disneyland Resort is quite tasty. Here are some of our family's favorite places & treats to eat within in the parks...

Disneyland Park
* Surprising, I think the Fruit Stands scattered throughout the park always have delicious, fresh & healthy offerings. You can find fruit stands on Main Street, inside Adventureland right next to the Jungle Cruise, & across from Splash Mountain.
* Near the end of Main Street, right by the Plaza Inn, is the Little Red Wagon Corn Dog Cart. My pick? A corn dog & apple slices, but you can also get chips if you'd prefer.
* Bengal BBQ inside Adventureland. My favorites are the Bengal Beef Skewer, the Chieftain Chicken Skewers & those yummy bacon wrapped asparagus skewers.
* River Belle Terrace, also in Adventureland-ish, has a tasty prime rib sandwich if you're in the mood.
* & Quite possibly the most refreshing treat at Disneyland (the Dole Whip & Float) can be found at the Tiki Juice Bar, & fairly cheap too!
* Cafe Orleans in New Orleans Square, has that delicious Monte Cristo Sandwich that the Blue Bayou is famous for, without the reservations.
* Across the way, the Royal Street Veranda has wonderful soup bowls (clam chowder, steak gumbo & vegetarian gumbo) but the fritters are to die for!
* Inside Frontierland, the Stage Door Cafe is our favorite for fried foods. Awesome chicken tenders (they have a really good honey mustard sauce), fish & chips and mozzarella strips. They also serve funnel cake - one of the best desserts ever!
* Also in Frontierland, the Mexican place Rancho del Zocalo Resaurante has a wonderful tostada salad & a great hacienda chicken ceasar salad.
* Redd Rockett's Pizza Port, located in Tomorrowland, has some good (but greasy) pizza, decent pastas (my favorite is the chicken fusilli), & some yummy salads (try the asian chicken salad).
* & You definitely don't want to miss the churros & turkey legs... located throughout the park.

For all of the Disneyland Restaurants "at a glance" go HERE, for entire menus, go HERE.

California Adventure
* Looking for a hot dog? Then Award Wieners, in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot, is your place.
* Another place to find those yummy chicken fingers, fish & chips and mozzarella strips is the Bountiful Valley Farmer's Market, outside "A Bug's Land".
* Right across the way, is the only place inside either of the two parks (to my knowledge) that you can get a milkshake... Sam Andreas Shakes.
* On the Pacific Wharf, my favorite is the Pacific Wharf Cafe. Sandwiches, bread bowls, but I LOVE the Sonoma Chicken & Apple Salad. Yum!
* Craving Corn Dogs? Head on over to the Corn Dog Castle near the Paradise Pier.
* & If you want something cool on a hot summer day, ice cream & homemade waffle cones can be found at Burr-r-r Bank Ice Cream. & The lines aren't usually as long as the ones you'll find at the Main Street Cone Shop.

For all of the California Adventure Restaurants "at a glance" go HERE, for entire menus, go HERE.

Hope I haven't made you too hungry.

xoxo, K

Sabatino's Sausage Company

Recently I was in the mood for Italian - it must be pregnancy cravings. As my hubby & I were bouncing around restaurant names, nothing was really sounding good. That is, until he suggested a place we haven't visited since our BC (before children) days... Sabatino's Sausage Company a.k.a the Lido Shipyard Sausage Company.

I like to think of Sabatino's as our "little secret". Mostly because it's so hard to find - you don't exactly "stumble across it". It's actually located in a private residential area behind Bluewater Grill on Lido Island. From Lafayette Road, take a right turn onto Shipyard Way, & don't forget to wave hi to the security guard, from there, it's just up ahead on the right.

Once you are there, you will definitely want to try the sausage - it's what they are famous for, you can even have them package it up & take some home. But honestly EVERYTHING is good, check out their menus HERE. The little boys & I started with the Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms, while my hubby had their award-winning Caesar salad. Next I had their Homemade Sausage Ravioli, the hubby had Rigatoni with bolognese sauce & the little boys some of "Grandma's Meatballs". Just writing about it, is making me hungry! It was all so delicious. I can't wait to go back again - maybe next time we will have to hit up the Italian Style brunch on Saturdays & Sundays from 8:30am - 1pm.

Sabatino's Sausage Company
251 Shipyard Way, Cabin D
Newport Beach, CA 92663
(949)723-0621

xoxo, K
image via Sabatino's

p.s. The restaurant isn't exactly huge, so you might want to call for reservations.

Johnny Reb's

When we're in the mood for BBQ, Johnny Rebs' is always at the top of our list. Just one look at the restaurant & you know you are in for a real southern treat. The exterior is exactly what I'd imagine a southern roadhouse to look like, & inside the floor is covered with peanut shells & a deer (or two) hangs on the wall.

The menu is filled with authentic southern favorites including fried green tomatoes, sweet potato french fries, hushpuppies & collard greens. My personal favorite is the Pulled Pork & my kids love the Mac 'n Cheese (actually, so do I). The portions are large, I always end up bringing something home, & the desserts are delicious (ever had fried apple pie?).

Next time you get a "hankering" for the south, I'd suggest you stop by Johnny Rebs'. (They do breakfast too!) & if you're bringing the kids along, every Monday night in February 2009, kids eat FREE.

Johnny Rebs'
2940 E. Chapman Ave.
Orange, CA 92869
(714)633-3369

xoxo, K
image via johnny rebs'.

25 Loves: Five Favorites

image via flickr

I am going to finish up my 25 Loves with my five favorite restaurants for a Valentine date or for any romantic occasion. Most of my choices are in Laguna, but you can’t fault a girl for loving one of the most beautiful coastal cities in the world.

1) K’ya A view of Laguna Beach with tapas and exotic dishes-Could you ask for more?

2) Sapphire Its all about food for me here (I like to finish off with their creme brulee) and if you are feeling romantic take a walk on the beach after dinner.

3) La Sirena Don’t forget to order the guacamole and head over to the Montage for dessert at the Loft.

4) Lawry’s Carvery It’s Lawry’s but fast and on a budget. The best part is that you can go shopping after dinner at South Coast Plaza.

5) Tommy's Yes, you read right. I am putting Tommy’s because its one of my husbands faves and he is my sweetheart, so I am willing to make a sacrifice on special occasions.

Ruby's Diner

We've talked about Ruby's Diner before... their thick & creamy shakes, yummy burgers, & very family-friendly atmosphere. But did you know that on Tuesday nights (after 4pm) Kids eat FREE? Yep! Yep! With the purchase of an adult entree, kids eat FREE from the kid's menu. For your nearest Ruby's Diner location go HERE.

xoxo, K

Paradise Bakery

Paradise Bakery is my favorite stop in the food court. They have great sandwiches and salads, even better than their food items are their cookies. I LOVE their cookies. My favorites alternate between the black and white chippers and the coconut chocolate chip cookie. There are two paradise locations in Orange County, one in Santa Ana and the other in Mission Viejo (check the website for details).

Just in case you are not close to a paradise bakery, you can have the whole cookie experience at home thanks to Picky Palate. I made a batch of the Chewy White Chocolate, Chocolate Cookie for my family and we loved them. They are exactly like their black and white chippers, except I made them bigger. Enjoy!

xoxo, C

On the Border's Chips & Salsa

I'm a chips & salsa kinda girl. There's just something about it that I love. I seriously could eat it all day, every day. & while there are plenty of yummy places to get chips & salsa, one of my personal favorites is On the Border. Did you know that you can get On the Border chips & salsa for takeout? Yep! A decent size bag is about $3. It's one of my favorite treats. Whenever I'm in the mood for a little "pick me up" I swing on over to my local On the Border for a quick order. So next time your in an chips & salsa kind of mood, remember to try On the Border, you'll be thanking me later. Do you think they are open yet? All this thinking about chips & salsa has got me hungry.

xoxo, K

El Torito

I don't know where I've been, obviously hiding under a rock, but I just found out that Kids Eat FREE on Wednesdays at El Torito. (The small print reads: one free kid's meal from our kid's menu per regular adult entree purchased. Limited to children 12 & under. Not valid with any other offer, discount or coupon. Good for dine in only.) It looks like we might be headed to El Torito this week, I've always loved their cornbread. Find your nearest El Torito location HERE.

& on a totally random note, did you know you can buy those fabulous El Torito tortilla strips for your own "home use". & it's cheap! Less than $3 for a big 'ole bag, & they're are so yummy... perfect for soups & salads.

xoxo, K

Reader Tip: The Origianl Pancake House

One of our fabulous readers recently emailed us about one of her new favorite restaurants... The Original Pancake House. In her words, the restaurant offers "HUGE pancakes, yummy crepes, omelets the size of your plate, savory bacon, homemade butter, tropical syrup to die for, etc." Yum! Yum! Yum! Thanks for the tip Cathy!

The Original Pancake House
3322 E. Chapman Ave.
Orange, CA 92869
(714)221-8674
M-F, 6am-2pm
Sat & Sun, 7am-3pm

xoxo, K

Avila's El Ranchito

I've been fighting a cold all week. This weekend I finally had a little energy to actually leave the house. My destination of choice? Avila's El Ranchito, one of our favorite Mexican restaurants. I was definitely craving a big bowl of their Mamá Avila's Soup... it's your basic chicken & rice soup loaded up with chunks of fresh avocado, lots of cilantro, onions, tomatoes & served with warm tortillas. Whenever I'm sick, it's all I can think of. But that's not the only thing that's good, pretty much everything on the menu is delicious. But be sure to check out the menu for your nearest location, because each one is slightly different because they "cater to the community".

We love Avila's because it's definitely a family-friendly restaurant. They always bring out the crayons to keep the kids entertained & the children's menu has both Mexican food choices, as well as basics, like chicken tenders. Plus, because of the hustle & bustle of the restaurant, I'm not usually concerned that if my kids are being a little "louder than usual", that I'll really be interrupting anyone.

Avila's El Ranchito
11 locations throughout Los Angeles & Orange County, for your nearest location, go HERE.

xoxo, K
image via avila's el ranchito.