Your Next Bite

Historical yet Hipster vibes at Panama 66 in Balboa Park, San Diego

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Over Labor Day weekend, my family and I visited Balboa Park in San Diego for the first time. We were looking for a quick place to grab a bite before heading to the San Diego Zoo, so a friend recommended Panama 66. ­(We enjoyed the outdoor atmosphere and live band so much that we ended up staying.)

The outdoor restaurant is adjacent to the San Diego Museum of Art. It overlooks one of Balboa Park’s most famous sights, the historical California Tower, blending Spanish-Colonial, Gothic, Baroque, and many more types of architecture. At night, the tower is lit up with different colors, while hipsters 'n families gather 'round the grassy park, listening to the live band playing next door at Panama 66.

The restaurant is café style. You place an order for your food and drink, then grab a number while you patiently wait at your table to be served.

To pass the time, there’s plenty good to drink, like local San Diego Craft Beers, California Wines, and seriously amazing Craft Cocktails – from old classics like The Hemingway to new ones, such as the Friendship Garden.

And, the food is definitely something to salivate over with three types of House-Cut Fries and six types of Sandwiches, ranging from vegetarian to Wagyu Beef. All the ingredients are local, and the menu changes frequently.

The Grubdown:

- went down way too fast, a marriage of my favorite things, Friendship Garden Cocktail with Matcha Infused Rum, Housemade Coconut Liqueur, Ginger Syrup, and Lime $12

- fight-worthy, truffle is subtle, House-cut Kennebec Potato Fries with Truffle & Parmesan $6.50

- I wanted to drink the sauce like a soup, House-cut Kennebec Potato Fries with Vegan Curry Sauce $6.50

- way too spicy, and for the first time I couldn’t take the heat, Blistered Shishito Peppers with Poblano Ginger Sauce & Cilantro $8

- refreshing, big enough to share, Watermelon Salad with Cotija Cheese, Pickled Onion, Cucumber, Mixed Greens, Citrus Vinaigrette & Spicy Salsa Macha $10

- filling with a hint of spice, Tuna Melt with Catalina Offshore Tuna Confit, Olives, Capers, Fontina Cheese & Harissa Aioli on Sourdough $13

- tender ‘n juicy, Impreial Wagyu Beef Burger with White Cheddar, Ancho Remoulade, Butter Lettuce, Pickle Slices & pickled Onions on a Bread & Cie Bun $13

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Panama 66 definitely elevates café style eating featuring fine, local ingredients for food & drink, that will make your thirsty for more.

1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101. 619-696-1966.

The Best of OC Weekly's Summerfest 2017

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This past weekend was the 5th annual OC Weekly Summerfest 2017. It's hard to believe it was my first time attending, being that it's held at one of my favorite venues, the Newport Dunes in Newport Beach.

It's a great place, perched on the bay overlooking paddle-boarders, swimmers, and oversized inflatable water slide launcher-off-ers.

The event took place on Saturday from 1pm to 5pm. The hand model and I were debating whether or not to get the VIP Package ($50 per person, which included a Shrub Tasting Garden overlooking the bay and tons of Farm-to-Table bites from local restaurants), or the General Admission Ticket ($35 per person, which was in the parking lot with food truck vendors at $5 each).

This was a no brainer. VIP all the way!

The Grubdown:

Restauration, Long Beach

- my favorite of the 'fest, sweet salty 'n umami all in one bite, Salted Doughnut with Oxtail Jam & Black Garlic Salsify Puree

The Water Brewery, Costa Mesa

- second best for surprisingly flavorful 'n delish vegetarian dish, White Bean Summer Chili with Squash, Tomato, Green Onion, Cornbread, and Greek Yogurt

True Food Kitchen, Newport Beach

- bright fresh 'n spicy, Albacore Tataki with Avocado, Jalapeno, Toasted Sesame & Yuzu Ponzu (pictured right) and their famous Tuscan Kale Salad (pictured left)

Three Seventy Common, Laguna Beach

- tender fatty crisp 'n fruity, Pork Belly with Jicama & Watermelon

L.A. Biryani, Costa Mesa

- another vegetarian dish stole the show with fresh fruit 'n spice, Chana Masala with Pomegranate Seeds, Toasted Vermicelli & Pasta (pictured left) and spicy tender Chicken Tikka (pictured right)

Side Door Pub, Corona del Mar

- smokey creamy 'n crisp, Smoked Salmon Rillette with Horseradish, Pickled Onion & Limpa Toast

Ocean & Earth, Yorba Linda

- clever faux bacon, Watermelon Skewer with Faux Bacon Slice topping

Mesa, Costa Mesa

- genius "taco" shell, Ahi Tuna with Watermelon Radish "Taco"

Fresh Brothers, Newport Beach

- a refreshing change from my usual "Da Works" order, Margherita Pizza with fresh-sliced Mozzarella, Tomatoes, Basil, Tomato Sauce & Pesto

butterleaf, Irvine

- it's all about the creamy spicy sauce, Quinoa handmade Taco with Chives, Corn, Pickled Onion & Signature Kimchi Mayo

Cucina Enoteca, Newport Beach

- loved it like a dessert, Burrata with Prosciutto, Cherry Compote & Flatbread Crisp

Bosscat Kitchen, Newport Beach

- i voted "Best Cocktail" for my favorite floral spa treatment flavors, Lavender Lemonade Shrub with Tito's Handmade Vodka, Lemon Juice, housemade Lavender Syrup, Lemongrass Tea & Soda

The Blind Rabbit, Anaheim

- i voted "Most Unique" & "Best Lookin'" because you literally tasted every flavor, Coconut Shrub with Coconut Fat Washed Titos Vodka, Pineapple Chocolate Shrub, Pineapple Juice, Lime Juice & Smoked Sea Salt

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The VIP Package definitely delivered 100% from endless complimentary cocktails to upscale farm-to-table tastings, and live bands all with a bay view.

Meanwhile, back at the General Admission parking lot, there were food trucks with fare for $5 (say that five times fast), Whiskey tastings, and farmer's market delivery vendors, as well as the star of the show, the main stage featuring bands like Pacific Dub.

And, no matter which package you chose, everyone got to take home a complimentary goodie bag.

See you next summer!

Ballast Point is the place to be for Craft Brews & Ocean Views

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This past weekend, the hand model & I finally made it out to Ballast Point in Alamitos Bay. It's one of his favorite Craft Beers, offering quite a range of hoppy IPAs to newer light 'n fruity Wheat Ales and toasty Stouts.

Ballast Point started out as a small group of home brewers. Today, they have an impressive roster of over 85 Beers and 6 breweries – their newest being at Alamitos Bay and it is on point, literally.

It's a modern, vast space at the end of the bay, literally in the shape of a point. Walk inside and you're greeted by the main square bar and dining room with expansive views of the bay and Pacific Ocean. Along the window, there is a more intimate lounge seating area. To the left is a smaller bar and outside patio, complete with a game of corn-hole. Up top is a third bar with more lounge seating in front of floor to "ceiling" windows.

The whole place offers plenty of different sections great for parties. The crowd is upbeat and lively. And, the menu has plenty to snack on or make a meal out of. 

The Grubdown:

- malty, roasted barley notes, The Commodore American Stout $7 16oz.

- yeasty pale ale, Brett Grunion $8 16oz.

- perfect, light 'n crisp summer ale, Sea Rose American Wheat $7 16oz.

- dig right in, melty nacho-cheesiness with big chunks of roasted peppers & medium spice, Queso Poblano & Tortilla Chips with Roasted Salsa $9

- fresh but a little dry and needed more sauce, Blackened Grilled Yellowtail Fish Tacos with Cajun Spice, Cotija Cheese, Lime, Salsa Fresca & Cilantro Crema $15 for 3

- made for the kids but big enough for grown-ups, Chicken Fingers with French Fries & Ranch Dressing

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Ballast Point is definitely the best brewery my hand model has been to. There's hefty pours, great ocean views, and plenty of people & water sports activity watching, while you kick back with a phenomenal beer.

110 Marina Dr., Long Beach, CA 90803. 562-296-4470.

Drink Your Greens this St. Patrick's Day at Club Detox

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This St. Patrick's Day, trade in your green beer for a green juice from Club Detox in Newport Beach.

Let's be honest. Bikini season is right around the corner – thanks Spring break for reminding me. That's where Club Detox can help. They're not just your typical juice bar, offering freshly pressed 100% natural juices. But inhouse, they also provide Far Infrared Saunas to eliminate toxins, inflammation, and stubborn fat cells skin deep. Put it all together and you get packages from a 1 Day Cleanse to a 21-Day Transformation.

The Grubdown:

- well balanced citrus and sweetness, their most popular, Greentini with Kale, Spinach, Cucumber, Parsley, Ginger, Lemon & Apple $6.99 (pictured right)

- snappy 'n sweet, a little much for the size, Gingertini with Apple, Carrot & Ginger $6.99 (pictured left)

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Treat your body like a Pot 'O Gold, 'cuz it's the only one you have.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

New Fall Menu at Boathouse Collective

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This past weekend was exciting for many reasons: 1.) It rained, which is my most favorite form of weather despite having grown up in sunny Southern California, a place devoid of said weather 2.) I finally got to try Boathouse Collective, nevermind the fact it's been open for a year.

Boathouse Collective is located in Costa Mesa's industrial area, which is very fitting considering founder Clayton Peterson's vision. He wanted to create an artistic space true to its roots, built from rustic reclaimed woods and vintage nautical decor.

From the outside, you'd never suspect a restaurant was there, as it looks like a hybrid between a gingerbread shack and a hangar. Walk inside and the herb garden patio with communal picnic tables and string lights is to the right, while the bar and center stage is straight ahead. Boathouse Collective features everything from live bands to local business speaking engagements and art shows.

Depending on the type of event, there may be a cover charge, which is why it's best to arrive at Happy Hour, like the hand model and I did. The farm to table cuisine is fresh, layered, and includes a running theme of Housemade pickles throughout almost each dish.

Here's what to order off of their new Fall Happy Hour Menu, Tuesday thru Saturdays from 5:00pm to 6:30pm.

The Grubdown:

- so many flavors from sweet apple cinnamon to dirty Cajun peanut, Chicken & Waffles with Apple Cinnamon Compote, spicy Cajun Peanut Sauce, Pickled Cucumber & Onion $8

- overflowing with earthy umami and sizable portions of Burrata, Enoki & Shiitake Mushrooms, Mixed Greens & Housemade Pickles on toasted Whole Grain Bread $6

- ridiculously greasy good Boathouse Burger with just the right sharpness of White Cheddar, and acidic Tomato, atop a Char-grilled Bun $8

- surprisingly spicy and a mixed bag of things, Poke with Sticky Rice, Sesame Seeds, Seaweed, chopped Romaine, Creme Fraiche, spicy Red Pepper Aioli & Blueberries $6

- dichotomy of blandness meets spice, Cannellini Bean Dip with Sriracha Salsa & Housemade Tortilla Chips (complimentary)

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Between the two of us and the four Moscow Mules ($8 Happy Hour price) we ordered, we could barely finish the more than generous portions of farm quality ingredients laced with Housemade Pickles, of course.

I definitely want to return to try the Grilled Swordfish Coconut Curry entree and Crispy Rice side.

1640 Pomona Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92627, 949-646-3176.

 

Peet's Pumpkin Latte has Arrived

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Even though fall's weather hasn't arrived yet in sunny Southern California, at least we can enjoy the fruits of my most favorite season – Pumpkin.

This year, I've added a new Latte to the mix from Peet's Coffee & Tea. (Check out prior Pumpkin Latte posts from Kean's Coffee, Starbucks, and Rose Bakery here.)

Ask anyone in California, and they'll tell you that Peet's is a treasured morning ritual. Add a dash of Pumpkin, 'et voila!'

The Grubdown:

- mild acidity, caramel & vanilla notes, nutty nutmeg & spicy cinnamon, Peet's Pumpkin Latte

Stay tuned for more pumpkin love this season.

Mendocino Farms Sandwich Market opens up at UCI's University Town Center

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Last week, the hand model and I visited the newest Mendocino Farms Sandwich Market location at UCI's University Town Center in Irvine. 

I remember back in the day hanging out at this "mini mall" as a teenager. The only fun things to do consisted of a movie theater, some expensive restaurants you'd hope mom & dad could take you to, and, of course, the 18 and over dance club (now gone).

My how times have changed. Nowadays the place is booming with all sorts of options, like Nekter Juice Bar, Slapfish, Tender Greens, Trader Joe's, Yogurtland, and so much more.

This Mendocino Farms location is spacious with a great outdoor patio complete with string lights and my personal favorite pastime, a foosball table.

The cafe is walk-up and order style, but they bring you your food and beverage (Craft Beer and Wine!), and you get free tastings of the delectable Deli Salads at the counter. The service is attentive and super friendly, too (I think we got asked how we were doing about 5 times in 1 hour).

The Grubdown:

- a fancy Mediterranean 'everything-but-the-kitchen-sink' style salad, The Sophisticated Chicken & Proscuitto Salad with Roasted Shaved Free Range Chicken Breast, Creminelli Proscuitto, Seasonal Market Roasted Veggies, local Gioala Fresh Mozzarella, Crushed Honey Roasted Almonds, Marinated Red Peppers, Red Onions, Grape Tomatoes, Scarborough Farm's Greens, Butter Lettuce, Romaine & Basil-Pesto Balsamic Vinaigrette $10.95

- spicy, super tenderized meat that melts in your mouth with buttery flaky roll, Peruvian Steak Sandwich with Spicy Aji Amarillo Marinade, Oaxacan Cheese, Herb Aioli, Red Onions, Tomatoes, Shredded Romaine & Avocado (add $1) on Panini-Pressed Torta Bun $10.95

- the best of the deli salads, sweet, spicy n hearty, Curry Israeli Cous Cous

- light, fluffy 'n fruity, Red Quinoa with Beets & Almonds

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You can rest assured the seasonal & local food here is good tasting and good for you. The flavors are clean and yet the portions are big, so bring your appetite! (The hand model and I could barely finish it all, especially with our Craft Beers to wash it down with.)

Bon Appetit!

4187 Campus Drive Irvine, California 92612

Phone: 949.783.2900 - See more at: http://www.mendocinofarms.com/contact-us.html#sthash.4HpjgFuC.dpuf

ocal Gioia fresh mozzarella, crushed honey roasted almonds, marinated red peppers, red onions, grape tomatoes, Scarborough Farm’s greens, butter lettuce & romaine with basil pesto-balsamic vinaigrette - See more at: http://www.mendocinofarms.com/menu.html#sthash.URaMvcxH.dpuf

ocal Gioia fresh mozzarella, crushed honey roasted almonds, marinated red peppers, red onions, grape tomatoes, Scarborough Farm’s greens, butter lettuce & romaine with basil pesto-balsamic vinaigrette - See more at: http://www.mendocinofarms.com/menu.html#sthash.URaMvcxH.dpuf

4187 Campus Drive, Irvine, CA 92612. 949-783-2900.

Red, White & Blueberries for the 4th of July

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This 4th of July, I bring you my favorite fruit in all FOURms – the BLUEberry.

The Grubdown:

Sycamore Kitchen, LA - Breakfast

- screw the carbo pancakes, never-ending plump berries, crumbly goodness, Blueberry Oat Bar $3.25

Hyperion Public, LA - Dinner

- different, like a syrupy Chicken Waffle, Blueberry Gourmet Wings with Celery, Carrot & Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing $17

Watemarc, OC - Cocktails

- fetching & beckoning with two of my favorite things, Blueberry-Coconut Mojito with fresh Muddled Blueberries & Mint, and Coconut Rum $10

Happy Independence Day, America!

Nekter's Pumpkin Pie Smoothie is back!

November is my favorite time of year because Pumpkins are in full bloom everywhere. So I've decided to bring you a month of Pumpkin treats, and kick it all off with Nekter's Pumpkin Pie Smoothie.

It's subtle, nutritious, and the perfect segue to ease you into a season of sweets – especially if you indulged in too much Halloween candy.

The Grubdown:

- pure 'n clean Pumpkin, like the pie without all the sugar, thick 'n nutty with grainy spices, Pumpkin Pie Smoothie with Pumpkin Puree, Nut Milk, Dates, Cinnamon, Agave & Ice  $4.75 for 16oz

Coming up this month is my new favorite Pumpkin Ice Cream from a well known cupcake spot, as well as a surprise Pumpkin treat from a new bakery in town.

This Memorial Day take a staycation at The Beachcomber Crystal Cove

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Whenever I feel the need for a getaway – yes, even in sunny SoCal it happens – I always take a trip down to The Beachcomber in Crystal Cove.

Since the late 1920's, owners James Irvine II and III would frequent this beach hideaway. Movies like Treasure Island were filmed here too because of its resemblance to tropical paradise.

Nowadays you can lease one of the cottages overlooking the ocean. Or, just park the car at Crystal Cove State Park and spend the day at the beach.

The Beachcomber restaurant is always packed, so make sure to get a reservation if you plan on eating a full meal. In fact, I've only made it to the restaurant once, hence impending blog post. 

The Grubdown:

- spicy 'n fresh with a mighty crunch, wanted to dive in but its hard to eat, Ahi Tacos with crisp Wontons, Pickled Cabbage & Sriracha Aioli $16

- light 'n healthy, but too simple and "Walnut" Vinaigrette is very faint, Scarborough Field Greens Salad with Roasted Cipollini Onions and Carrot & Cucumber "Linguini" $9

- it had the works but its lack of juiciness didn't work for me, Beachcomber Kobe Burger with Maple Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Mayo, Cheddar, a side of Fries & Pickle $14.95

- tastes like vacation and smells like Hawaiian Tropic, The Bootlegger Cocktail with Banana Rum, Orange & Pineapple Juices on the rocks $9

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If you don't have time to wait, The Bootlegger Bar just behind the restaurant is a great alternative.

They offer more appetizers than the restaurant, their famous Mai Tai comes with a commemorative Tiki mug, and if you land the right seat, you just might get an ocean view.

15 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, CA 92657. 949-376-6900.

Your New Year's Resolution - Nekter Juice Detox

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So you overdid it this Christmas. How could you not with Eggnog Lattes for breakfast, Gingerbread Cookies & Toffee at the office, Cranberry Cocktails at the party, and let's not forget about that extra helping of Pumpkin Pie Christmas Eve?

No worries, because Nekter Juice Bar is to the rescue! I've tried their juices from The Advanced Cleanse (Right now they're having a sale: 1 Day costs $53; 5 Days cost $240.) Each juice was a delight, and I was truly never hungry. In fact, I felt more like I was chasing the clock to down all 6 bottles before midnight.

If a full fledged cleanse is not for you, and you'd rather start out introducing healthier foods into your diet, they've got that too.

The Grubdown:

- i pretty much drink this daily minus the fruit, Kale, Spinach, Cucumber, Apple & Mint Drink #1

- tart 'n spicy, Ginger Lemonade Drink #2

- salad time, Spinach, Kale, Parsley & Lemon Drink #3

- just like the lemonade diet minus the hurt, Lemon & Cayenne Pepper Skinny Lemonade Drink #4

- alkaline and sweet, Beet Drink #5

- soothing & calming, Raw Vanilla Bean & Almond Nut Milk Drink #6

- you can't even tell there's green stuff in it, tastes more like a frozen smoothie, Greenie Bowl with Acai, Strawberries, Blueberries, sliced Bananas, Spinach, Kale, Nut Milk, Agave & Hempseed Granola $7

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Cheers to a leaner you!

 

Lighten up post Turkey Day with Tea from the Boba Truck

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It's the day after Thanksgiving. I know, you're still stuffed. Which is why I'm bringing you a caffeinated beverage to help get you moving along from Trytophan to Tapioca Tea.

Introducing the Boba Truck. If you haven't heard of Boba before, it's a specialty Taiwanese drink. Sometimes referred to as Bubble or Tapioca Pearls, they basically taste like rounded honey gummy bears. Not sure if any nutritional value is associated with them, but the drink as a whole is fun to sip (and chew).

The Grubdown:

- you can really taste the floral 'n earl grey notes, milky smooth Cherry Blossom Premium Milk Tea ($4)

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I must admit, the Boba Truck was my first sampling of a Boba Tea. To be honest, the thought of gummy Tapioca Balls shooting up a straw while I'm trying to swallow tea kinda frightened me. (Does it come with the heimlich? Afraid not.) But after jumping over the hurdle, it actually turned out to be a unique experience with incredibly flavored tea too – tapioca ball or not.

Now Earl Grey is my favorite tea, so I was disappointed they were out of it when it was time to order. But they had such a great mix of other exotic teas – Japan Barley Green, French Rose Black, Fuji Apple Black, Taro Milk, Pomegranate, and more ($3.50-4) – that I was excited to try something new.

After the server showed me all the bottled tea leave options, she recommended her personal favorite, Cherry Blossom Milk. It blew my mind way more than I thought it would. I'm not such a huge lover of floral teas like Jasmine and Lavender because they impart a bitterness too much like drinkable perfume. But this Cherry Blossom was anything but. It was sweet in all the right places, yet balanced with my favorite Oil of Bergamot essence found in Earl Grey tea. And the black Tapioca Pearls had a faint Kahlua, Coffee-like flavor on top of sweet Honey Maple.

Happy Black / Food Truck Friday biters!– now go order one short 'n sweet. Follow @thebobatruck to track 'em down.