Your Next Bite

The Top 10 Best Bites of 2017

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As we ring in the New Year, it's time to reflect on the Best Bites of 2017.

From Classic American Comfort food to Spanish Tapas and Liquid Nitrogen Dessert, here's where to get Your Next Bite from LA to OC, listed alphabetically.

The Grubdown:

Captain Jack's – Historic & Nautical Prime Rib & Seafood

- sweet 'n succulent, didn't need the extra butter, Alaskan Red King Crab Legs 20 oz. (Market Price)

Cauldron's Ice Cream – Sweet Cream and Liquid Nitrogen Dessert

- everything you ever wanted in one, The Cauldron Ice Cream Puffle with Vanilla Cinnamon Ice Cream, Oreo Cookie & Thin Mint crumbles on a warm, soft & pillowy Waffle Cone $6.25

Crocker's – Hot Dog Spot

- sweet 'n sour, plump with soft bun, Balboa Bratwurst with Spicy Mustard, Warm Kraut & Potato Bun $9 (PicturedTop Left)

Good Measure – Wine Bar

- a vegan or anyone-for-that-matter's dream, nutty with the right acidity, Roasted Baby Carrots & Sunchokes with Carrot Top Salsa Verde & Pistachios $9

The Hobbit – Family owned, Formal Dining

- juicy tender, reminiscent of Thanksgiving, Grilled Stuffed Quail with White Quinoa & Indian Spiced Apricot Chutney

Jimmy's Famous American Tavern – Classic American Comfort Food

- what they're known for, crispy buttery crunchy, Southern Fried Chicken with Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Thyme Gravy & Green Beans $19

Manchego – Spanish Tapas

- divine, tart 'n sweet, Jamon Wrapped Dates with Spanish Goat Cheese, Microgreens, and Pomegranate Seeds $10

Mr. G's Bistro – California & Italian-Inspired Cuisine

- melts in your mouth, very rich, Tagliatelle with Lump Crab, Sea Urchin, Calabrian Chili, Lemon & Pecorino $28

WaterGrill – Raw Oyster Bar & Seafood Spot

- velvety, buttery, melts in your mouth, Wild Ross Sea Chilean Sea Bass with Cauliflower Puree, Lemon Chutney, Hazelnuts & Brown Butter $45

Zinque – French Cuisine

- pure greens with a spicy kick, Broccoli, Spinach & Green Curry Soup $9

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Happy New Year!

 

 

 

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!

Spring has Sprung at Skyloft in Laguna Beach

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Spring has officially sprung, which means it's time to step out on one of the most unique patios in Laguna Beach.

Skyloft is in the heart of downtown Laguna. It overlooks the hills, the beach, and the historic Hotel Laguna Tower.

The Cocktail List is abundant and best enjoyed at Happy Hour on the roof (all day Monday from 3pm-Close, Tuesday through Friday from 3pm-6pm, and late Sunday through Wednesday from 10pm-Close). Enjoy $3 off Cocktails, a glass of Wine, and Draft Beers. They also offer $5 featured Cocktails daily and $2 off Bottles & Cans. 

The food is Southern-inspired with dishes like Popcorn Crawfish, Gumbo, Smoked Brisket, and Bourbon Bread Pudding.

Not to worry, Chef Arthur Ortiz kept the California diet in mind, serving up Kale Salads and Ceviche.

The Grubdown:

- tough standing, thick, bold 'n sassy, Fried Green Tomatoes with Avocado, Chives, Buffalo Sauce Drizzle, Lemon Dill Aioli, Pink Peppercorns & Cilantro $11

- thinly pounded, oily 'n not worth the bland gravy, Panko Crusted Chicken Breast with Lemon Rosemary Herb Gravy $26

- devlish 'n drenched in syrup, Cajun Seasoned Brussels Sprouts with Maple-Glazed Bacon (comes with Chicken Entree)

- so creamy, doesn't need the extra butter, Parmesan Crusted Mashed Potatoes with Creamed Chive Butter (comes with Chicken Entree)

- perfect balance of lemon and Bourbon, Skinny Lexington Lemonade with Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Ginger, Citrus, Raw Sugar, Bitters & Mint $10.95

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There were so many more dishes the hand model and I wanted to try, but the Fried Chicken, Gravy, Bacon, and Brussels Sprouts left us feeling heavy.

We were definitely happy we asked for a table on the roof, as the the vibe downstairs was definitely a scene with a crowded bar & live music stage.

'Til next time!

P.S. I hear their Brunch is amazing!

422 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. 949-715-1550.

The Best Bites of New Orleans

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In the spirit of Fat Tuesday, I bring you The Best Bites of New Orleans.

While I visited back in 2012, the great ones still remain, from classics like Cafe Du Monde's Beignets and Emeril's Gumbo to my favorite find, "dirty" Barbecue Shrimp at Mr. B's Bistro.

The Grubdown:

1.) Cafe Du Monde

- your trip to New Orleans wouldn't be complete without these soft fried pillows of dough covered in Scarface proportions of Powdered Sugar, Beignets $2.42 for 3

Bite Advice: Don't wear black, 'cuz if the wind blows the wrong way, you'll end up looking like Tony Montana in the famous ending "mountain" scene.

2.) Emeril's Delmonico

- if i hadn't already ordered from the tasting menu, this would've been the only thing I needed, hearty, meaty, stew-like-thickness, Gumbo with Smoked Sausage $8

Bite Advice: Dip the warm, scrumptious, sweet 'n spicy Jalapeno Cornbread in it from the clever complimentary assorted bread basket.

3.) ACME Oyster House

- like nothing you've ever tasted, blackened yet fresh, plump 'n juicy, Chargrilled Oysters with Parmesan $11.50 for half dozen

Bite Advice: The Peacemaker Po-Boy was a major disappointment being way too try and tasting like cardboard. If you're gonna order it, make sure to ask for extra sauce on the side.

4.) August

- the hand model had to restrain me from licking the plate of unbelievable Oyster Sauce & Red Wine Glaze, Slow Roasted Strip Loin of Two Run Farms with P&J Oyster "Bordelaise", Roasted Garlic & Salsify Puree

Bite Advice: The Crab Crusted Trout with Hollandaise came in close 2nd. Oh, and only order the tasting menu with a side of Foie Gras Pate if you plan on being in an hour long coma immediately afterwards.

5.) Mr. B's Bistro

- unexpectedly the best thing I ate, and I'm still craving the dirty spicy buttery bread lappin' brown sauce, Mr. B's Signature Barbecued Shell-On Shrimp in Pepper Butter Sauce with Fresh French Bread $18

Bite Advice: Come here on a weekday for cocktail lunch specials around $3 (being from LA, the hand model and I instantly thought it was a major typo – we were pleasantly mistaken). You also can't miss the addicting Chili Spiced Pecans served in their Signature Greens Luncheon Salad.

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Bon Appetit!

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.

Happy Hour at Social in Costa Mesa

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I was first drawn to Social in Costa Mesa for the drinks. Upon reading their "bespoke cocktail menu", I couldn't make a decision, so I ordered three, even though they were all different spirits.

The housemade ingredients spoke to me, like Black Tea Syrup and Cinnamon Meringue. I was awe-struck by the mixologists' presentation too, especially the "Gunslinger" served on a plank and filled with smoke.

When I found out their food menu was comprised of classic Southern and new-American inspired dishes, I knew I had to make it a social occasion and go with a group – the more dishes, the merrier!

Social's Happy Hour, a.k.a. the "Social Hour", is every Tuesday through Friday from 5-6pm. Blink and you might miss it. Here's a list of what to order, so you can fire it off to your waitress as soon as you arrive.

The Grubdown:

- spicy, hearty 'n garlicky, Fried Cauliflower with Chickpea Puree, Fire Roasted Peppers, Garlic Oil, French Feta, Benne Seeds & Aleppo Pepper $8

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

- lemon salty, plump 'n blistered, Shishito Peppers with Togarashi, Thai Chili Aioli & Smoked Salt $6

- toast is small, but crab is bountiful, Crab & Avocado Toast with Cream of Belgium Endive, Granny Smith Apples, Bacon Vinaigrette & Espelette $18 (Not on Happy Hour)

- best BANG for your buck, smoke 'n citrus, Gunslinger Cocktail with Rittenhouse Rye, Bourbon, Black Tea Syrup, Chinese 5-Spice Bitters, Smoke & Citrus Oils $14 (Not on Happy Hour)

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Their cocktail & food menus change seasonally, but the top three items listed here are consistently served during Social Hour.

The crowd is lively and they even play old fashioned movies at the bar for entertainment.

Bottoms up!

512 W. 19th St., Costa Mesa, CA 92627. 949-642-2425.

Ramos House Cafe - My New, Old Favorite Brunch Spot

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Just in time for Easter brunch, I bring you Ramos House Cafe. Apparently I've been coming here since I was 4 – according to my mother – but, it wasn't until recently that I discovered why it's such a historical hidden gem.

Ramos House Cafe is located on Los Rios in San Juan Capistrano, a street that's been around since the 1800s. Driving by, you might miss it because it's on a tiny road just south of the railroad. But, once you turn in, you feel like you've been exported to a small town on the countryside. There are beautiful overhanging trees and small shops with handmade goods.

Look for the old wood building with the century old Mulberry Tree and you've found the Ramos House Cafe. It's a rustic, open air patio with homegrown garden herb potted plants, wines stored in the cellar, and mason jars for glassware. The food is locally sourced, "contemporary American cuisine with an obvious skew towards breakfast and the South".

The Grubdown:

- piping hot, soft pillowy inside, crispy fried corners, could use more fruit, Apple Cinnamon Beignets $8

- citrus 'n spice, Dungeness Crab Cake Salad with Kale, Romaine, Mixed Greens, Mango, Red pepper, Avocado, Fennel & Smoked Chili Remoulade $20

- it's everything, hearty 'n filling, smokey, buttery 'n slightly sweet, Smoked Bacon Scramble with Wilted Rocket & Apple Fried Potatoes $16

- the butteriest biscuit you ever did eat, Buttermilk Biscuits with Apple Butter $3

- fruity, herbal 'n sparkling, Housemade Sangria $12

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The hand model and I dined off their A La Carte menu, served Monday thru Fridays from 8:30am to 3:00pm. For Easter or any regular Weekend Brunch, you get one cocktail, a small plate & large plate for $40. Or, if you're really thirsty, you can sub your small plate for another drink.

Enjoy!

Food Crawlin in Nawlins

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This past weekend was the Rock 'N' Roll Marathon in New Orleans. And while everyone else was gearin' up for the big day, Your Next Bite was exercising her stomach, indulging in the best Creole cuisine The Big Easy had to offer.

From uptown to downhome, here's what to bite from the following 5:

The Grubdown:

1.) Mr. B's Bistro

- unexpectedly the best thing I ate, and I'm still craving the dirty spicy buttery bread lappin' brown sauce, Mr. B's Signature Barbecued Shell-On Shrimp in Pepper Butter Sauce with Fresh French Bread $18

Bite Advice: Come here on a weekday for cocktail lunch specials around $3 (being from LA, the hand model and I instantly thought it was a major typo – we were pleasantly mistaken). You also can't miss the addicting Chili Spiced Pecans served in their Signature Greens Luncheon Salad.

2.) Emeril's Delmonico

- if i hadn't already ordered from the tasting menu, this would've been the only thing I needed, hearty, meaty, stew-like-thickness, Gumbo with Smoked Sausage $8

Bite Advice: Dip the warm, scrumptious, sweet 'n spicy Jalapeno Cornbread in it from the clever complimentary assorted bread basket.

3.) ACME Oyster House

- like nothing you've ever tasted, blackened yet fresh, plump 'n juicy, Chargrilled Oysters with Parmesan $11.50 for half dozen

Bite Advice: The Peacemaker Po-Boy was a major disappointment being way too try and tasting like cardboard. If you're gonna order it, make sure to ask for extra sauce on the side.

4.) August

- the hand model had to restrain me from licking the plate of unbelievable Oyster Sauce & Red Wine Glaze, Slow Roasted Strip Loin of Two Run Farms with P&J Oyster "Bordelaise", Roasted Garlic & Salsify Puree

Bite Advice: The Crab Crusted Trout with Hollandaise came in close 2nd. Oh, and only order the tasting menu with a side of Foie Gras Pate if you plan on being in an hour long coma immediately afterwards.

5.) Cafe Du Monde

- your trip to New Orleans wouldn't be complete without these soft fried pillows of dough covered in Scarface proportions of Powdered Sugar, Beignets $2.42 for 3

Bite Advice: Don't wear black, 'cuz if the wind blows the wrong way, you'll end up looking like Tony Montana in the famous ending "mountain" scene.

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While I wasn't able to visit old school Galatoire's, soul food Jacques Imo's, or classic cajun K Paul's Kitchen (as in Prudhomme) – hey, I did my best for 3 days of eating – you can bet your Beignets, Your Next Bite will be returning for some more succulent Southern fare.

And where will I be staying? At the W Hotel French Quarter again with a location that can't be beat, central to all 5 restaurants and closest to Mr. B's and ACME Oysters. They're currently undergoing a fabulous renovation with new room decor, lobby, and restaurant/bar. But most of all, it's "Miss" Staci, the concierge, that gives all the more reason to return, offering up the finest in Southern Hospitality – she's sweet, real, and patiently awaits your next request.

To be continued....

The Comfort Truck's comfort zone is definitely in their Fried Chicken Tenders

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Top Chef Season One contestant & Private Chef of Beverly Hills, Brian Hill, sure knows how to dish out some delish 24-hr marinated Golden Fried Chicken Tenders from his Comfort Truck. They're so tender and juicy, I wish I could let those tough, NON-Hawaiian Sliders slide.

The Grubdown:

- glistening, drippingly juicy Golden Fried Chicken Tenders (5 for $5)

- tangy, smooth 'n thin BBQ Sauce

- lots of heat Hot Sauce

- the best part is the Roasted Garlic Aioli, can't even taste the pineapple Hawaiian Beef Sliders (2 for $4)

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I was excited to finally get out of my Miracle Mile Food Truck comfort zone and follow @ComfortTruck to West LA for the day. Described as "Mary J Blige's Favorite", I couldn't resist splitting The Golden Fried Chicken Tenders with my hand model, as well as the new featured Hawaiian Beef Sliders.

The Chicken Tenders are a MUST ORDER. First of all, you get 5 large and in charge, plump pieces. Second of all, these babies will be the softest, tenderest, juiciest Tenders you ever had. The Batter is light and doesn't have that heavy fake crunch, but rather gentle crisp in all the right places. You can taste some Black Pepper too, but I wish they used a little more Salt. And the Chicken really does glisten inside with all the juices flowing (soon to be down your chin).

The Tenders also come with complimentary BBQ or Hot Sauce – I, of course, asked for one of each. I really liked the tangy, not too sweet BBQ Sauce because it's thin, not thick. As for the Hot Sauce, all you can really taste is heat.

The Sliders, on the other hand, really were a disappointment. After reading the following tweet that day...

...I was expecting a Burger with the same sweet, juiciness of a Luau Pulled Pork Sandwich, rubbed with Hawaiian Coffee, then mounted by Big Kahuna Chunks of Pineapple. However, upon saying Aloha to the burger with my freshly Leid mouth, no "Culinary Trip" to Hawaii was in flight. I actually walked the Burger back to the truck thinking they had mistakenly given me a different Slider, but this was not the (suit)case. So after re-entering the supposed Hawaiian Atmosphere, I found a mere 2 or 3 tiny bits of pineapple, some fatty turbulence, day old bread, then finally a successful Roasted Garlic Aioli landing. I'm not sure if the heat of the burger made the Aioli run so thin, but I actually quite enjoyed its saucey, drippy consistency and wished there was more to dip.

So next time you're free to move about the Comfort Truck, save yourself some packing and stick to the Golden Fried Chicken Tender 'n juicy ride!

Happy Frying.

Willoughby Road Food Truck Serves Up Humble Southern Sophistication

 

It was another beautiful sunny day on the Miracle Mile 5700 Wilshire Blvd. block and, as always, it was loaded with lots of temptation – 10 food trucks to be exact. But it was a tweet from fairly new food truck Willoughby Road, Classic Southern Cuisine Redefined, that caught my eye:

@willoughbyroad  willoughby will be at 5700 and wilshire from 12:00 to 2:00 come try our new cod po boy with sauteed bacon fennel kale and sweet mustard sauce

A food truck that serves up healthy cod and kale? I had to try it!

The Grubdown:

- tender & crunchy Cornmeal Crusted Cod Po' Boy Burger with Sauteed Bacon Fennel Kale & Sweet Mustard Cilantro Jalapeno Aioli (the sauce steals the show!)

- 8-hour smoked & 1-hour braised Harissa Brisket Tacos with Cotija Cheese & Thai Slaw

- soft & creamy black pepper 4-Cheese Mac

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The Cod Po' Boy special ($7) was definitely the star, and I'd totally go back for more. Although the cornmeal crust was a bit salty, the Atlantic cod was super tender and fresh. (Their product is brought in and made fresh daily.) The green Sweet Mustard Aioli, made from a blend of cilantro, jalapeno, mustard, and a few secret ingredients, was so delish I wish it came with more to dip. I really enjoyed the soft warm sesame seed bun it was served on, as opposed to the traditional baguette. And the heaping mound of kale (with sinful bits of bacon) definitely tricked my taste buds into thinking I was getting a healthy balance of veggies compared to all the carbs we were consuming – thank you Evan for sharing with me!

The Harissa Brisket Tacos ($7) were pretty big and we thought a great value for the price. The flavor of the 8-hour braised meat had so much depth – ancho chile, chocolate, coffee, harissa, vinegar. And the Thai Cabbage & Radish Coleslaw it was topped with helped balance out the spice.

The texture of the 4-cheese Mac ($3) was soft and creamy. But the black pepper seasoning really stood out – this ain't your mama's mac.

The unique flavorings in all 3 items really added a hint of sophistication to Southern cuisine I'd never had before. After speaking with chefs Jeshua Garza & Adrian Ochoa about their culinary backgrounds I soon learned why. Both chefs studied together at Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena. After graduation, both went on to work for famed chefs – Ochoa for Ludovic Lefebvre at Bastide, and Garza for Ming Tsai at Blue Ginger. Garza later refined his BBQ skills working at his Uncle's highly acclaimed real-pit Blue Ribbon BBQ in Massachusetts. The two came together to sell their own refined Southern cuisine at Eagle Rock's Sunday Farmers Market, which shortly after took off as Willoughby Road.

P.S. It was just before the truck left today that the two humble chefs let me in on a little secret – not their recipes of course, they could never do that – the truth is they can barely figure out how to work their twitter account. Pretty ironic considering today's tweet helped them gain 2 new "biters," and after reading this review, hopefully tons more. Enjoy!