Swicks

Charlie Palmer's new venture in Orange County opens 5/30 according to a blurb in EaterLA. A sample menu is included as well. http://la.eater.com/archives/2008/05/14/po...rlie_palmer.php Menu looks pretty straightforward. Should be interesting.

While In-N-Out is absolutely delicious I think there are two awesome dive places that have much better burgers and are not chains. Rocky's in Pacific Beach and Hodad's in Ocean Beach, both are great dive bars with awesome burgers, both have been voted best burger in San Diego numerous times. I myself am a major sandwich aficionado so I will recommend a few sandwich spots. My personal favorite is E-Z J's in Pacific Beach, their Biter's deluxe is awesome. I also really like the mini chain called Gourmet Bagger. Saffron, located in Mission Hills, has awesome Thai food and rotisserie chicken. I will second Bronx pizza, really awesome. I will also second Sushi Ota. For breakfast spots you can't beat Kono's in PB or Hash House A Go Go in Hillcrest, both are famous San Diego spots with awesome food.

I need new friends. Bravo!

You could always hit some of the heavy hitters... Mozzas, Craft, Providence.... Russell might be able to verify whether those are open on Sundays, I am not totally sure about that. Also a new Father's office just opened in Century City. I loved AOC when i went there.

Will you be staying at disneyland? What part of San Diego will you be staying in?

I will wholeheartedly second A16 and Acquarello. Carolyn, I'll have to give that place a shot next time I am up there. I rarely go out for Italian food but I guess I will have to make an exception.

The shaking beef and noodles were excellent when I was there.

I have to strongly disagree with this off-ing. And as much as I love Ted Allen, I have to disagree that not playing to the audience was enough to oust Ryan over Nikki. That was an awful effort, I can't believe she is still there. At least Ryan stood by his dish.

So true... How could you not know "Big Night" or "Goodfellas" or at the very least "the Godfather"

I still don't understand cutting Manuel when the judges primary criticisms seemed, at least to me, had to do with the idea and execution of the dish, both of which seemed to come primarily from Spike, he took the lead and should have been let go. I understand their reasoning in criticizing Manuel but not enough to cut him over Spike. Ditto on the person who said Spike makes better TV. Manuel seemed like such a classy guy too. He has taken an interesting road from being the head guy at Babbo to To Chef to Dos Caminos (which it was reported that he is gone from as well), I wish him all the best.

Glad you had a nice experience!

Maybe this discussion should be moved to the MM thread....

I've tried the lunch meal several times, but I didn't really consider that great of a bargain. The dessert is really uninspired, and been pretty much the same thing anytime I've eaten their lunch meal. And, if its going to be like that, I'd rather not get the dessert and so I start looking at the lunch as if I'm paying for two, not three courses. I've also noticed that the lunch menu isn't really that market driven, as they regularly repeat those dishes. I also suspect that the diners who buy the lunch meal are not treated the same as those who don't. One time, there was a bone in my fish. And, another time, I noticed that the chef stopped by and talked to all the diners without stopping by at my table. The food is nice enough, and the place is definitely fabulous looking, especially the outside patio, but I think foodwise, there are better bargains in OC if you go to Westminster or Santa Ana. ← Interesting. Sorry you had bad experiences. What places do you think offer that type of quality for that price level? (of course assuming you got a satisfactory meal) For the record I have eaten at Marche several times (one lunch, 3 dinners) but not had this specific lunch deal.

You could also get some terrific Vietnamese in some of the local establishments in the Westminster area which is right next door to FV. There is a huge Viet population that calls the area home, its known as the Village and a ton of great cheap spots. You could also grab some bahn mi sandwiches to go for your flight and skip the awful airplane food. Let me know if you want a few recs.

I'd take that blog with a grain of salt as I wouldn't necessairly trust the writer's recommendations. I find he makes the mistake of overpraising average places, and missing great dishes when he does end up going to a good place. For example, when he went to Lotus of Siam in Vegas, he end up ignoring the Northern Thai menu and ordered dishes like Pad Thai. ← Good to know, i don't read it that much and don't consider many blogs to really be a be all end all for advice. That was just one that popped into my head.

Second Marche Modern. Nice bar for solo dining and a great little patio for outdoor dining. Ample shopping to cruise after or before dinner depending on your timing. That drive back up will be hellish and I would recommend waiting until after traffic-ish. Say post 7 pm or later. without traffic its about a 45 minute hike.

Market, a new spot in Del Mar, is supposed to be excellent.

Fastidious.... We must share a brain, you literally recommended all the exact places I was going to suggest. I would also add that Market, a newish place in Del Mar (20 min north of downtown), is supposed to be excellent. Tin Fish is nice for a casual lunch. Oceanaire is good for seafood in a steakhouse-type atmosphere.

While maybe a bit more fancy than you were hoping for, Pizzeria Mozza would be worth it if you can wrangle a last minute res. Also a walk in for lunch or early dinner is usually works too. In my opinion it really is that good and you can get out for $20-$40 per person depending on alcohol comsumption. monster munching is a decent blog for OC ethnic eats... http://elmomonster.blogspot.com/ Mitsuwa Market in Costa Mesa is also a goood Japanese market, Santouka is located inside, not sure why I didn't mention that in my earlier post.

Biscuts and Blues is really really awesome, I think it would be a really fun first date. It is definitely music focused but I think it would be a great spot, something different and semi-casual.

Are you coming down to spend some time in OC or just on your way to the airport? There is a ton of great Vietnamese in the Westminster/Garden Grove area (mid OC). If you are looking for something to take with you on the plane you could grab some bahn mi to take with you. I like these two, both are insanely cheap and delicious: Bahn Mi Che Cali - 13840 Brookhurst St Garden Grove, CA 92843 Bahn Mi Cho Cu - 14520 Magnolia St., Ste. B Westminster CA 92683 Also there is great ramen in Costa Mesa right near John Wayne Airport at Santouka Ramen - 665 Paularino Ave Costa Mesa, CA 92626 Hope this helps.

What would be the price point difference if your tried to do some sort of similar experience at ssam bar?

Totally agree that it was a complete waste of Wiley. I am clearly not privy to the shows inner workings but I will never understand how these people don't taste the food before it goes out???? Especially in a catering situation.

I will echo the others sentiments and extend my thanks to you for posting about your food adventures, for a Californian who was in NYC just about a year ago it has been great to live (and eat) vicariously through you. That meal at JG looks stunning. It is amazing to see a restaurant that has not only been around for a long time but also one that is a small piece in a huge empire still executing on such a high level. The chefs there deserve high praise, many of the old guard in NYC fine dining I think could take a lesson from JG.

Sounds like quite a meal at Providence, are we going to have the pleasure of seeing a report with more details and photos? If anyone could help make the case for LA, Russell is definitely the person. Now we just need to see about making OC more of a serious food location...hmmm