Just a few weeks ago, I was enjoying Newport Beach Restaurant Week. Who'd a thought the time has come to open wide for all of OC's dining scene with Orange County Restaurant Week.
The five-year-old foodie event kicked off February 24th. Not to worry, you still have until this Saturday, Mar 2nd to gobble up what's left of the reservations.
Here's a list of restaurants – from Asian to African – I've visited with dishes that are part of the prix-fixe deal. (3-course Lunches range from $10 to $20 with Dinners from $20 to $40.)
The Grubdown:
- super plump, juicy, great charcoal flavor, large 'n in charge, Grilled Quinzoa White Prawns over Saffron Fried Rice & Piquillo Pepper Fume
- like french onion soup in a bowl without the carbs, tangy 'n tamarind flavors, Bone-in Kona Coffee Crusted Dry Aged Sirloin with Shallot Butter
- the only problem is it's not big enough, fudgey Flourless Chocolate Espresso Cake
House of Big Fish & Ice Cold Beer
- spicy, thick soy glaze, Hawaiian Style Ahi Poke with Seaweed Salad, Sesame Seeds & Wonton Chips
- gummy, too peppery, not enough salt, but seafood is very tender Clam Chowder
- it's like a japanese hash brown that i crave daily, Crispy Rice topped with Spicy Tuna & Jalapeno Slice
- melts in your mouth, sticky 'n sweet, Miso Marinated Baked Black Cod
- sweet, citrusy 'n spicy, thanks goodness for the cooling salsa, Wood Fired Peri Peri Chicken with Mozambique Rice and Mango Salsa
- simple, light 'n refreshing with a lemon chile kick, Tuscan Kale Salad with Lemon, Parmesan & Bread Crumbs
Bite Advice: Don't choose a restaurant you've never been to before during restaurant week. But if you must, I'd go with one that's been on the block for a while. Things tend to get heated in the kitchen with massively long reservation lists. And it's highly likely that special dish you've been salivating over your keyboard for, could sell out. (Trust me, you'll thank me later.)
Bon Appetit!
