Swicks

Amen to this being grilling and decidedly not barbecue, southerners would be aghast.... I was disappointed by the grilling offerings, I am sure the time, variables, etc limit them somewhat but some of the offerings were just weak.

An update, its on a Saturday so this is severely limiting to our choices unfortunately. Anyone been to Kendall's Brasserie?

It was Charlie Palmer, not Charlie Trotter. There you have it, I AM crazy. As for comparing Cafe Route to Patina at Disney . . . I can't really comment with great authority. When we ate at Patina, we were ushered into the "private chef's tasting room" area so I never got a solid look at the dining room and what was happening throughout the night. I imagine though, it draws a similar crowd. Well-dressed theater attendees looking to get in and out with enough time to spare to find their seat and get ready for the evening's show. Tim was a great cook. When he was solely in charge of Aubergine I really felt like he was giving every restaurant in Southern California a serious run for their money. I recall the original Patina, when Joachim was still behind the stove, running at roughly the same pace and I was unable to decide who was really cooking better at that moment. Tim was sharing the cover of Food & Wine as one of the best chefs in the country and I couldn't go to Aubergine enough during the "golden years", which if my memory serves me correct, were 1997 - 1999. When Tim got funding for several projects at once is when everything spun quickly out of control. The Lodge was brilliant for a whisper in time. Six months maybe . . . and then the whole thing started falling apart. Service was atrociously slow, half the menu items were unavailable, the bar would run out of alcohol because it was being sent to other Goodell properties, and then the awful club scene started. I think that was the same time the pastry chef, formerly of Troquet but then heading up all baking operations at Village Bakery, left. That little outpost languished and eventually closed as well. Red Pearl, during the dark days, was also awful. At first the theme and feel of the restaurant was right. Godzilla and Bruce Lee movies played on the Plasma, hip/alternative waiters offered smart and sophisticated service, and the menu offered a twist on Asian flavors that wasn’t available anywhere else at that time. Then football games replaced well-chosen kitsch films, the service became embarrassing (the bartender told me their signature drink was a mojito . . . at an Asian restaurant?), and the restaurant felt as though it was simply left behind to be neglected. Meson G had a moment in the sun, but also quickly faded. Strong start followed by, from what I hear, unclear leadership. I’d love to see Tim stop for a moment and focus good and hard on that new location in Newport Beach. He should get behind the stove, shop at the Irvine farmer’s market on Saturdays and hit the Santa Monica markets the rest of the week, come up with a great, approachable and executable menu, hire a really good GM to run the front, and do something great again. Orange County is still a starved market for good restaurants. All he has to do is remain consistent and offer good service and he’ll have a hit on his hands. ← Great post Jason.

Thanks for the tips guys, I know keeping it downtown limits the options somewhat but I think Water Grill is going to be a good choice.

I've been wondering about that space for the last few weeks but I haven't heard any rumors about what is slated to open there. It's prime real estate so I doubt a smaller upstart can pull off a space of that size and in that particular location. I can't imagine Fashion Island rents are cheap these days. If it is a club scenario, maybe the guys from Sutra can step in. They're, despite my best wishes, flourishing at Triangle Square. ← I completely agree, with the Irvine Company rents there is no way a private (read: non-chain) restaurant could occupy that space. I have to believe its going to be some high-end chain of sorts (while R & D is next door, Houston's comes to mind), which is unfortunate though not unexpected. Then again...maybe we can convince Ludo Lefebvre to move down to Orange County.... With regards to having a "Sutra-esque" club there...now that is a horrifying thought.

Jason, great to hear about Marche Modern, I definitely have to get there soon, sounds like a great addition to the OC food scene. As you said, initial service problems can usually be easily rectified in time while the food cannot, doesn't seem to be an issue here as your food seemed excellent. Interesting info about the Arches/Goodells, etc. I had read a brief blurb about them coming back to town and I find it very interesting. Last week I was speaking with my friend Austin (the chef at Port in CDM) who also worked at Aubregine when it was owned by The Goodell's, he mentioned the new Arches location will be the old Aubregine location in the Cannery Village area of the Peninsula. I kind of feel like the Goodells return to OC is less than triumphant after having had limited success in LA and returning to their roots after having abandoned Orange County for the bright lights of LA. Maybe I am being a bit harsh here but it will be nice to have some more serious restaurateurs back in the neighborhood. I for one am eagerly anticipating what their new place will be like. On another note...have you heard anything about what is going on with the old Tutto Mare space in Fashion Island? I heard a rumor this weekend it is going to be a club or bar of some sort..though this might be false given Yard House is going in on the other side near Bloomingdales. Gossip....gotta love it.

The French 75 I speak of having enjoyed is the original one in Laguna Beach, i have not been to the one in Irvine, though I ate at the Fashion Island location when it was called Rouge. My guess is that having branched out the restaurant into a mini chaing, the quality of food has subsequently suffered.

Hey all, I will be taking my mother to lunch and then a performance of "Jersey Boys" in downtown LA for her birthday in July and wanted a lunch recommendation in the Downtown area. Is Water Grill still good after Cimarusti's departure? Any other choices? Thanks for the help. -SW

Interesting read and great point Kouign. I would say its much closer to the regionality of somewhere like Italy than most people would think.

While not a fine dining mecca OC certainly is improving, and attempting to compare a spread out, mostly suburban area like OC to a large city like San Francisco in terms of dining is just unfair, its apples and oranges. As savy said, those selections are quite reputable and by all accounts highly regarded, Marche Moderne, just got a three star review from the Los Angeles Times, a very respectable score, if I recall correctly Stonehill recieved 4. I would disagree that French 75 is at the lowest rung of OC dining, I think that is too harsh. I have eaten there on several occasions and found the food simple and delicious, and found the setting very nice. While certainly not mindblowing it was simple french bistro type of food.

Very comprehensive list by Kalypso, you could eat at any of those and be very happy. A few personal favorites not mentioned: Osteria Panevino for italian The Grape-nice little wine bar with some good apps The Cheese Shop - great breakfast and sandwiches A definate second for Oceanaire, Chive, and Tin Fish Gas Lamp Strip club - cool vibe, cook your own steaks Taka - great japaneese Flemings or Lou and Mickey' sfor Steak Bandar for persian Rama for upscale Thai Masala for upscale Indian

I'd be very surprised if they didn't receive a star, but time will tell. ← I definately agree, I think if anywhere in OC has a chance its defiantly Stonehill.

Damn Jason, that sounds awesome! I definately need to get back soon.... Carolyn, I think everyone here definately would suggest making Stonehill a stop on your trip.

I would think that praised dishes from the past would still hold up at this point. As the menu is reasonably seasonal there might be some nice produce selections given that it is summer. I am jealous, I haven't been since my initial trip last year.

I have eaten at the SD location on several ocasions as well as the Charlotte location, all times the food was excellent. Though at the SD location there is one particular waiter which I have had twice who I really did not like at all, very aloof, treated us like we were idiots, not friendly, etc. In any case, its a great spot, look at it like a steakhouse but with seafood.

U.E., What area of San Diego will they be staying? Or is location not really an issue? Osteria Panevino is a good choice for traditional Italian food, its the best of a host of mediocre Italian places located in the Gaslamp. If they are from out of town Mexican might be a good choice as there are many good choices in San Diego. Old Town Mexican Cafe and Guadalajara both located in Old Town are quite touristy but both very good. Indigo Cafe in Little Italy is very good and interesting but not too dramatic. Oceanaire Seafood Room is very good for Seafood as is Blue Point Costal Cuisine. Trattoria Aqua in La Jolla is excellent as well. All of these choices are good but not too exotic.

I thought the show was interesting but the food was very, very unimpressive to me, especially given that they didn't have to purchase the protein. Stephen's was clearly the best, which was interesting. I cringed when Marcel was "talking shit" to the group back at the room, you could tell everyone else was just embarrassed and over that kind of garbage and he was trying so hard to stir it up. The way he interacts with people is like an awkward teenager, I know he is still young at 25 but that is not that young. Ditto to whoever said if Illan is out of his comfort zone he can't cook, never was this more obvious, I still can't believe Sam wasn't the winner, he is clearly the most talented. I tend to think he might have done something to piss off someone and they decided to oust him. Don't get me started on Marcels skills. I think Elia deserved to be in the final more than Marcel and Illan.

The article was a profile on Jim Denevan, the founder of a program called Outstanding in the Field (www.outstandinginthefield.com), wherein he travels around the country via bus and puts on dinner events at local farms, gardens, and other natural settings. The founder's goal it is to eliminate the middle man and cook and present fresh, local ingredients directly from their sources; to emphasize the astounding regionality of products available across the country. Additionally, the farmers and purveyors of the evening's products offer education on aspects of their profession both good, bad and otherwise. I found this piece to be quite timely in today's environment of the "superstar chef". The founder mentions how the chefs are being highly emphasized and focused on these days while at the expense of the purveyors of their ingredients. He believes it should be the opposite and the farmers, producers, and purveyors should be showcased more than the Emeril's, Bobby's, and Rachel's of the world. A really interesting and excellent read, I highly recommend it. Cheers, -SW

I forgot to mention, and perhaps it has already been suggested but for a business breakfast Arterra at the Mariott Del Mar is a great choice. Bungalow in La Jolla would be nice as well, especially if the weather is nice.

While not highly touted on the forums i was at Brix in Yountville about two weeks ago and thought it was lovely, especially the back patio and grassy area, just a beautiful setting. I was there for a wedding rehersal dinner so we didn't get individual food ordering but some things I saw looked good.

If you want cheap and quick sandwiches Capriotti's is a great choice, I believe they have two Vegas locations, one just off the strip next door to the World's Largest Giftshop and also one in Henderson. The Bobby is recommended, its a turkey dinner on a roll.

I will second the Potato Shack for breakfast.

Great suggestions Kalypso. Not sure if I can add much else really, those are all great. I do love Harry's for breakfast in downtown La Jolla as well.

Well, I am a big sandwich guy for lunch, and to wit, I really enjoy the old standby of The Cheese Shop downtown.

Where in SD will you be and what type of food do you desire?