Your Next Bite

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!

Where to Grab a Burger and a Beer for Father's Day

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Let's face it. When it comes to dear 'ole dad, all he really wants for Father's Day is to grab a Burger and a Beer – at least my dad does.

So, in honor of him, here are a few spots by the water to do just that.

The Grubdown:

Ballast Point – Long Beach

- malty, roasted barley notes, The Commodore American Stout $7 16oz. (pictured left)

- two different kinds of 100% American Wagyu Beef Burgers, one with Beer-glazed Onions and the other with Raspberry BBQ Sauce (not pictured)

Jimmy's Famous American Tavern – Dana Point

- big, bold 'n bursting with sweet 'n spicy flavor, Jimmy's Burger with Applewood Smoked Bacon, Spicy Jalapeno Jam, Southern Pimento Cheese & Fries $18

Patty Macs – Newport Beach

- smooth, mild hops, Lagunitas IPA $7

- glisteningly juicy, sweet 'n spicy, pillowy bun with crisp edge, Pan Seared 8 oz Cheeseburger with Caramelized Red Onions, Tillamook Cheddar, Arugula & Roasted Garlic Aioli on a Brioche Bun $12.95

Simmzy's – Huntington Beach

- bold hoppiness & citrus, Stone 20th Anniversary Citracado IPA $6.50 for 10 oz

- juicy, cheesy, great oak flavor, Simmzys Burger with Angus Beef Patty, melted Tillamook Cheddar, Chow Chow Onions, Garlic Aioli, Lettuce & Sliced Tomato $10.25

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Happy Father's Day!

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.

The 16 Best Bites of 2016

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As the year comes to an end, it's time to reflect on the 16 Best Bites of 2016.

From Spanish Tapas to Taiwanese and good 'ole fashioned Fried Chicken, here's where to get Your Next Bite from LA to OC and San Diego. (Listed alphabetically.)

The Grubdown:

A Restaurant - Contemporary American

- creamy 'n silky smooth, earthy with sweet 'n sour notes, Duck Liver Pate with Cinnamon Applesauce, Curried Mustard Yellow Raisins, Rhubarb, Grand Marnier Gelee & Grilled Bread $16

Arc - Locally Sourced American Food

- unreal heartiness, love the mix of shredded & finely ground beef, Chili with Beef, Lentils, Sour Cream, Chive & Grilled Toast $16

Crack Shack - Fried Chicken House

- crispy outside, super juicy inside, buttermilk flavor with just the right amount of grease, Fried Chicken 10 PC $28.00

Din Tai Fung - Taiwanese Dumpling House

- must order, tender, soup explosion in your mouth, Pork XiaoLongBao Soup Dumplings

Farmhouse - Farm to Table Cuisine

- curried cauliflower is the star, while succotash is bland, Farmhouse Vegetable Plate with White Beans & Greens, Curried Cauliflower Cous Cous, Lemon Mint Yogurt, Grilled Corn, Peppers, Red Onions, Squash & Farro with Grilled Peach Chutney $23

Lola Gaspar - Latin & Spanish Food

- the best taco I ever ate, I had an outer body experience, complex sweet 'n smokey flavors, uniquely light 'n thin handmade tortilla, Carnitas Tacos with Salsa Negra, Avocado, Cream & Pickled Chili $10

North Italia - Modern Italian Food

- unique, creamy 'n eye-opening spice, Short Rib Radiatori Pasta with Parmesan Cream, Fresh Horseradish, Wilted Arugula & Herbed Breadcrumbs $21

Ola Mexican Kitchen - Mexican Food

- it'll change the way you eat corn forever, creamy, cool 'n filling, Elote Man Roasted Corn with Cotija Cheese & Lime Aioli $7

Plan Check Kitchen + Bar - Modern American Comfort Food

- juicy, cheesy with ketchup that packs a punch, PCB Plan Check Burger with Americanized Dashi Cheese, Ketchup Leather, Schmaltz Onions, Mixed Pickles & Crunchy Bun $12.50

The Ritz Prime Seafood - Steak & Seafood

- delicate, organic, creamy 'n rich, The Ritz Egg with Smoked Salmon & Caviar $16

The Royal Hen - Gastropub with British, European & Asian Influences

- fluffy, great presentation, Craft Ale Fish & Chips with irresistible Mushy Peas, light homemade Fries & Malt Vinegar Aioli $18

SeaSalt - Santa Maria BBQ

- must order, smokey, spicy 'n sweet, Smoked Santa Maria Tri-Trip with Linguisa Sausage, Beans & Salsa $22

Snow Monster - Ice Cream & Dessert Shop

- my dream come true, rich 'n creamy, crispy toffee crunch, Giant S'mores Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich with English Toffee Ice Cream $4.25

Social - Classic Southern and New-American Cuisine

- crunchy, nutty, sweet 'n fatty, Brussels Sprouts with Honey, Sweet Potato, House Tasso Ham & Hazelnuts $8

Vaca - Spanish Tapas

- the best thing on the menu, authentic, creamy, smokey 'n sweet, La Bola crispy Potato Balls with Ground Beef, Aioli & Spicy Tomato Sauce $9

Ways & Means Oyster House - Seafood

- if garlic bread and rockefeller had a spinach-free baby...Nola Dressed Oysters with Garlic, Butter, Parmesan, Parsley & Breadcrumbs $10

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Cheers to an even more delicious & Happy New Year with bites from Playground to Scopa.

The Royal Hen softly opens on Balboa Island

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To ring in a celebratory month of the thankful bird, let's talk about The Royal Hen. (We'll talk Turkey later.)

This new gastropub, brought to you by owner Tim Goodell (OC's A Restaurant, Red Pearl Kitchen, and Aubergine ring a bell?), just launched a mere 2 weeks ago in the former Amelia's spot on Balboa Island.

The space is modern with a black & white marble bar, picture frames and pillows, as well as porcelain taxidermy tchotchkes, red accents, and rustic wood floors.

The service is warm, friendly, and pretty impeccable for a restaurant that just opened. While they don't take reservations, Michael, the host, took our number down and offered to call us back, while the hand models and I enjoyed a walk around the island.

The menu is limited for the time being, but there's a great range of appetizers to share and a few entrees.

The Grubdown:

- spicy, thin 'n crispy, Lamb Samosa with Mint, Chive, Dill & Greek Yogurt $7

- should be saved for dessert, sweet 'n tangy with a cookie that was too thick, Foie Gras Macaroons with Parmesan & Hibiscus Gelee $9

- nice flavor, but dry, Arugula & Brussels Sprout Caesar with Reggiano Parmesan & Fried Capers $9

- fluffy, great presentation, Craft Ale Fish & Chips with irresistible Mushy Peas, light homemade Fries & Malt Vinegar Aioli $18

- floral meets bitters 'n bubbles, Elderflower Tonic Cocktail with Alvear Fino, Imbue Petal and Thorn & Jack Rudy Elderflower Tonic Syrup $10

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Being of British decent, I'm definitely looking forward to the Shepherd's, Lamb, and Guinness Pot Pies to come!

It's shaping up to be my new favorite bite.

311 Marine Ave., Newport Beach, CA 92662. 949-873-5603.

Road Trippin' along the California coast this Memorial Day

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When I think about Memorial Day, barbecues, the open road, and the onset of Summer comes to mind.

And there's no better place to go road trippin' than in sunny California.

So pack up the car and grab this coastal itinerary from San Diego to San Francisco.

The Grubdown:

Carnitas Snack Shack, San Diego

- heaven, best thing on menu, soft 'n spicy buttery bread with sink your teeth into steak, Snack Shack Sliced Rib-eye Steak Sandwich with Pepper Jack, Tomato, Pickled Serrano & Chipotle Aioli on Jalapeno Bread

Watermarc, OC

- super filling, plump, fat, snappy 'n juicy, Kobe Hot Dog "New York style" with Sauerkraut & Housemade Dijon Mustard, on their secret bakery Brioche & Pretzel Sprinkled Roll

Geoffrey's, Malibu LA

- a breakfast fit for a king, triple king size Blue Crab Cake Benedict with Toasted Croissant, Rosemary Potatoes, Hollandaise Sauce & Fresh Fruit

Moonstone Bar & Grill, Cambria Central Coast

- creamy, soul-satisfying Moonstone New England-style Clam Chowder in a soft 'n flaky Sourdough Bread Bowl with Buttery Toasted Top

The Tipsy Pig, San Francisco

- refreshingly unique Pulled Pork Sloppy Joe with Pickled Red Cabbage Slaw, Sprouts & Herbed Aioli on a Pain De Mie Bun

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Happy Trails!