Now what connection does this have to Mexican food? Not much except that the commercials for them were animated in Mexico by the same studio that animated the old Rocky and Bullwinkle show.
Official Site
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Quisp!
Recently ordered a couple boxes of Quisp, a cereal introduced in the 1960's by Quaker Oats. I would've ordered a Quisp t-shirt at the same time but they were out of stock when I placed my cereal order. The cereal's mascot is a quirky little pink alien with a green outfit and beanie-like propellor sticking out of his head. The cereal was discontinued sometime in the early to mid 1970's but was reintroduced a few years back as the only cereal you can only get over the Internet (there is a very small handful of supermarkets in the mid-West that sell it). Apart from the fact that each piece of cereal is shaped like a flying saucer (i.e., an indented disc) it is exactly like Cap'n Crunch but somehow it tastes better when it comes out of a Quisp box. The back of the box features Part 1 of a Spumco cartoon created by John Krisfaluci, the guy who gave us Ren and Stimpy. Part 2 is on the Quisp website.
Now what connection does this have to Mexican food? Not much except that the commercials for them were animated in Mexico by the same studio that animated the old Rocky and Bullwinkle show.
Official Site
Now what connection does this have to Mexican food? Not much except that the commercials for them were animated in Mexico by the same studio that animated the old Rocky and Bullwinkle show.
Official Site
Taco Bell Grill, RIP
I don't remember too much about Taco Bell Grill but it was to Taco Bell what El Torito Grill is to El Torito: keep some of the basic, core items while adding and focusing on fancier items. I visited at twice, perhaps three times and to the best of my memory I believe they had tacos al carbon and tortas and more freshly made guacamole than a regular Taco Bell would have and a few other items. It was a test from about four or five years ago and the only location I knew of was at Harbor and Garden Grove Boulevard in Garden Grove. It has since reverted to a standard Taco Bell restaurant. Personally, I would've liked for them to have kept it as a Taco Bell Grill.
Roundup #4
Met up Tuesday night with Joy, Elmo (of the Monster Munching blog), and Omar (from SqueezeOC's "OC in the OC" blog), at the Black Sheep Bistro in Old Towne Tustin for some Mediterranean food. Our waiter was from Mexico City so I asked him what Mexican restaurants he likes and he mentioned Super Antojitos, Taco Rosa, El Gallo Giro, and Zocalo's.
The dessert was a passionfruit sorbet wrapped in a layer of soft white chocolate, then wrapped in a layer of hardened white chocolate, then set to float in a pool of white chocolate sauce; the berries were added upon request.
Omar's Black Sheep Report
Mexican places I'm trying to get to soon: Just found out about a new place in Costa Mesa I am going to try to get to on Saturday for lunch; been invited to La Capilla in Huntington Beach for dinner on Friday; need to go to the two places our Black Sheep waiter mentioned that I haven't been to yet. Also have to try Kantina that was mentioned in the previous post. And many, many other places I can't begin to list but are all floating around in my brain waiting to be reviewed. There is also another guest review by James coming soon.
Some non-Mexican restaurants I've been to lately include: Kabuki, King's Hawaiian, California Fish Grill, Daphne's Greek Cafe, pho bac ky, and the Crab Cooker.
The dessert was a passionfruit sorbet wrapped in a layer of soft white chocolate, then wrapped in a layer of hardened white chocolate, then set to float in a pool of white chocolate sauce; the berries were added upon request.
Omar's Black Sheep Report
Mexican places I'm trying to get to soon: Just found out about a new place in Costa Mesa I am going to try to get to on Saturday for lunch; been invited to La Capilla in Huntington Beach for dinner on Friday; need to go to the two places our Black Sheep waiter mentioned that I haven't been to yet. Also have to try Kantina that was mentioned in the previous post. And many, many other places I can't begin to list but are all floating around in my brain waiting to be reviewed. There is also another guest review by James coming soon.
Some non-Mexican restaurants I've been to lately include: Kabuki, King's Hawaiian, California Fish Grill, Daphne's Greek Cafe, pho bac ky, and the Crab Cooker.
Kantina Mystery Solved
Kantina
2406 Newport Blvd
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Listing on Ask.com's Citysearch
Official Site
I had been wondering why in the past few weeks a lot of people have been finding this site by searching on the word "kantina." I figured it was people searching for cantinas but just misspelling the word. Then I saw in the Orange County Register today that at the back of the Wine & Food section they have a review of a new restaurant called Kantina in Newport Beach. Apparently it is a high-end Mexican restaurant on the harbor with intriguing items on their menu such as Watermelon Queso Stack, Three Citrus Ceviche, Deconstructed Halibut Paella, Huachinango Tacos, Filet Mignon Burrito, and Guava Cheesecake. And it turns out that their chef, Stephane Beaucamp, was at the SOS Wild and Crazy Taco Night.
Expect our own review of Kantina here as soon as it fits into the schedule. Hard to do when there are over 300 Mexican restaurants in the county. Of course, its newness may bring it to near the top of the priority list. Everything else is so 2005.
Orange County Register Article Online
UPDATE (July 9, 2006): We now have some photos and menus up for Kantina.
2406 Newport Blvd
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Listing on Ask.com's Citysearch
Official Site
I had been wondering why in the past few weeks a lot of people have been finding this site by searching on the word "kantina." I figured it was people searching for cantinas but just misspelling the word. Then I saw in the Orange County Register today that at the back of the Wine & Food section they have a review of a new restaurant called Kantina in Newport Beach. Apparently it is a high-end Mexican restaurant on the harbor with intriguing items on their menu such as Watermelon Queso Stack, Three Citrus Ceviche, Deconstructed Halibut Paella, Huachinango Tacos, Filet Mignon Burrito, and Guava Cheesecake. And it turns out that their chef, Stephane Beaucamp, was at the SOS Wild and Crazy Taco Night.
Expect our own review of Kantina here as soon as it fits into the schedule. Hard to do when there are over 300 Mexican restaurants in the county. Of course, its newness may bring it to near the top of the priority list. Everything else is so 2005.
Orange County Register Article Online
UPDATE (July 9, 2006): We now have some photos and menus up for Kantina.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Azteca's - Review #3 (Mother's Day Brunch)
Date of Visit: May 14, 2006
18033 Magnolia St
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Listing on Yahoo! Local
Listing on Ask.com's Citysearch
No known official website.
Appetizer: Chips and Salsa
Entree: Chile relleno taco/tamale combo plate
Drink: Fresa Jarritos
While discussing with various family members possible brunch options for Mother's Day I jokingly suggested Azteca's in Fountain Valley. Azteca's is right by my parents' house so it is basically our default location for Mexican food and we all like it but I was actually hoping that my brother Lee would cook up some lobster tails at home for the occasion. But Mom picked Azteca's and that's where we went. Azteca's food is very similar to food served by Mexican restaurants that started in the 1970's or earlier, nothing too fancy or intriguing on the menu but they do what they do well. When they opened about five or six years ago I wondered if they would last given the fairly anonymous spot they occupy in a fairly anonymous corner shopping center but they have been going strong with many locals patronizing them frequently and telling all their friends about it. There is also a good Indian restaurant next door with a similar name: Ashoka.
I tried once again to order my old favorite combo, combo #44, but was told this time they can't even cobble it together from ingredients from other combos. So, combo #44, rest in peace. In my mind's eye I can see you at that great taco stand in the sky cavorting about with other long gone Orange County Mexican food traditions such as Taco de Carlos, Pup 'N' Taco, and the limited time only Chicken Monster Tacos they used to have at Jack in the Box.
When I realized I had to decide on something else I noticed something on their menu I had never seen before: a chile relleno taco, so I had to try it. It is only mentioned as an a la carte item but I substituted it for a regular taco on the taco/tamale combination plate. It was just like what I was expecting: a chile relleno stuffed into a taco (profound, huh?). It almost seemed like a breakfast taco, very eggy and cheesy in a crisp shell with fresh, cool lettuce and a pepper that informed the overall flavor of the taco without jumping up and biting me on the nose.
Lee goes for the taco/enchilada combo
David keeps it simple with four tacos
Mom goes for the taquito plate
You can't tell by looking at it but there's a chile relleno stuffed in that taco.
Azteca's retains their original four Speedy Gonzales rating. The food was just right and the service was attentive and they didn't mind when we teased them about typos on their menu (e.g., "cron tortillas"):
Afterwards we went back to the house and enjoyed a fruit tart I had purchased the day before from the bakery at King's Hawaiian Restaurant in Torrance.
18033 Magnolia St
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Listing on Yahoo! Local
Listing on Ask.com's Citysearch
No known official website.
Appetizer: Chips and Salsa
Entree: Chile relleno taco/tamale combo plate
Drink: Fresa Jarritos
While discussing with various family members possible brunch options for Mother's Day I jokingly suggested Azteca's in Fountain Valley. Azteca's is right by my parents' house so it is basically our default location for Mexican food and we all like it but I was actually hoping that my brother Lee would cook up some lobster tails at home for the occasion. But Mom picked Azteca's and that's where we went. Azteca's food is very similar to food served by Mexican restaurants that started in the 1970's or earlier, nothing too fancy or intriguing on the menu but they do what they do well. When they opened about five or six years ago I wondered if they would last given the fairly anonymous spot they occupy in a fairly anonymous corner shopping center but they have been going strong with many locals patronizing them frequently and telling all their friends about it. There is also a good Indian restaurant next door with a similar name: Ashoka.
I tried once again to order my old favorite combo, combo #44, but was told this time they can't even cobble it together from ingredients from other combos. So, combo #44, rest in peace. In my mind's eye I can see you at that great taco stand in the sky cavorting about with other long gone Orange County Mexican food traditions such as Taco de Carlos, Pup 'N' Taco, and the limited time only Chicken Monster Tacos they used to have at Jack in the Box.
When I realized I had to decide on something else I noticed something on their menu I had never seen before: a chile relleno taco, so I had to try it. It is only mentioned as an a la carte item but I substituted it for a regular taco on the taco/tamale combination plate. It was just like what I was expecting: a chile relleno stuffed into a taco (profound, huh?). It almost seemed like a breakfast taco, very eggy and cheesy in a crisp shell with fresh, cool lettuce and a pepper that informed the overall flavor of the taco without jumping up and biting me on the nose.
Lee goes for the taco/enchilada combo
David keeps it simple with four tacos
Mom goes for the taquito plate
You can't tell by looking at it but there's a chile relleno stuffed in that taco.
Azteca's retains their original four Speedy Gonzales rating. The food was just right and the service was attentive and they didn't mind when we teased them about typos on their menu (e.g., "cron tortillas"):
Afterwards we went back to the house and enjoyed a fruit tart I had purchased the day before from the bakery at King's Hawaiian Restaurant in Torrance.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Taco Rosa - Quick Lunch and Photos
Taco Rosa
2632 San Miguel Road
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 720-0980
Listing on Yahoo! Local
Listing on Google Local
Official Site
I don't need to write a whole lot here. Anybody familiar with this blog knows how I favor Taco Rosa, but for some reason I have never taken good pictures there yet. So I went on a lunch break and ended up with three halfway decent photos. Not excellent but certainly servicable.
Appetizer tray - tostadita and escabeche
Ensalada Nutritiva (only on the lunch menu)
Flan - Once again presented in a way I'd never seen before
2632 San Miguel Road
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 720-0980
Listing on Yahoo! Local
Listing on Google Local
Official Site
I don't need to write a whole lot here. Anybody familiar with this blog knows how I favor Taco Rosa, but for some reason I have never taken good pictures there yet. So I went on a lunch break and ended up with three halfway decent photos. Not excellent but certainly servicable.
Appetizer tray - tostadita and escabeche
Ensalada Nutritiva (only on the lunch menu)
Flan - Once again presented in a way I'd never seen before
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Culinary Arts Updates
Disney's California Adventure®
Through May 21 Disney's California Adventure® Park is sponsoring a California Food and Wine Weekends. Their site mentions "Lobster and Pepper Jack Quesadillas" which sounds relatively Mexican so it might be worth a try. If anyone can get me in free, let me know.Laguna Culinary Arts
The Laguna Culinary Arts school is offering three cooking classes taught by Chef Octavio Montoya and focusing on Mexican food this semester. The first one has already come and gone but the next two are in June. I might going to the third one.Also check out: http://www.culinaryartscollege.org/.
Nancy Puebla - Review #1
1221 E 1st St.
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Listing on Yahoo! Local
Listing on Ask.com's Citysearch
No known official website.
Appetizer: Chips, Beans and Salsa
Entree: guilotas en mole
Drink: Jamaica Jarritos
The view from outside
In an effective example of Orange County synergy I found out about this restaurant from the O.C. Weekly and arranged to meet there with Omar Chatriwala from SqueezeOC. As I was looking for Nancy Puebla's while driving down First St. I realized I had driven past it so in an attempt to get back I drove around the block and as I turned the third corner I saw somebody walking in the same direction I was headed. I wasn't sure if it was Omar or not but I didn't want to get to the restaurant and have the same guy walking in who I had just driven right past so I rolled down my window and asked, "Are you Omar?" Turns out it was him. So he hopped in and we drove the rest of the way together. Before meeting him then the only clue I had as to his appearance was the picture of him on his blog.
Every day is somebody's birthday here
Menu Board
I had read in the OC Weekly article about Nancy's quail but couldn't locate it right off the bat on their menu board. We asked some people there if they had quail and they kept thinking we were asking for "pollo." We had to say, "No, it's a different type of bird." Finally we saw guilotas on the printout of their takeout menu and I remembered that as the Spanish word for quail.
Just like with Willy Wonka's chocolate factory you can lick the walls here and taste Mexican food
I ordered the guilotas and Omar ordered a veggie burrito and while we were waiting the owner brought us a plate of chips with refried beans. When my order came it was absolutely smothered in mole. I made a big mess picking each part out of the sauce and trying to get the meat off, and while the meat tasted good and smoky and full-flavored there just wasn't that much of it in comparison to how much bone there was. I did the best I could however and afterwards realized I hadn't even touched the hot tortillas they had brought, so I used some beans and rice from my plate and made a couple little burritos.
guilotas en mole
Now you know better what Omar looks like
Here is what Omar had to say:
Nancy Puebla's Restaurant earns a three and a half Speedy Gonzales rating:
Side Note #1: As I was winding my way back to the 5 freeway I noticed a place that called itself "China-Mex." I don't know if I should be scared or not.
Side Note #2: Omar said SqueezeOC is looking for people to volunteer as bloggers on their site. If you think you can write about a particular niche of Orange County life then let him know. It would not be for pay but there may be some perks involved.
Side Note #3: Omar has cross-posted about our experience at his SqueezeOC blog. As he points out, if you look at this place in the Yahoo! Local or Citysearch listings it is referred to as "Tacos Ruben y Mulitas."
Other Nancy Puebla entries:
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Listing on Yahoo! Local
Listing on Ask.com's Citysearch
No known official website.
Appetizer: Chips, Beans and Salsa
Entree: guilotas en mole
Drink: Jamaica Jarritos
The view from outside
In an effective example of Orange County synergy I found out about this restaurant from the O.C. Weekly and arranged to meet there with Omar Chatriwala from SqueezeOC. As I was looking for Nancy Puebla's while driving down First St. I realized I had driven past it so in an attempt to get back I drove around the block and as I turned the third corner I saw somebody walking in the same direction I was headed. I wasn't sure if it was Omar or not but I didn't want to get to the restaurant and have the same guy walking in who I had just driven right past so I rolled down my window and asked, "Are you Omar?" Turns out it was him. So he hopped in and we drove the rest of the way together. Before meeting him then the only clue I had as to his appearance was the picture of him on his blog.
Every day is somebody's birthday here
Menu Board
I had read in the OC Weekly article about Nancy's quail but couldn't locate it right off the bat on their menu board. We asked some people there if they had quail and they kept thinking we were asking for "pollo." We had to say, "No, it's a different type of bird." Finally we saw guilotas on the printout of their takeout menu and I remembered that as the Spanish word for quail.
Just like with Willy Wonka's chocolate factory you can lick the walls here and taste Mexican food
I ordered the guilotas and Omar ordered a veggie burrito and while we were waiting the owner brought us a plate of chips with refried beans. When my order came it was absolutely smothered in mole. I made a big mess picking each part out of the sauce and trying to get the meat off, and while the meat tasted good and smoky and full-flavored there just wasn't that much of it in comparison to how much bone there was. I did the best I could however and afterwards realized I hadn't even touched the hot tortillas they had brought, so I used some beans and rice from my plate and made a couple little burritos.
guilotas en mole
Now you know better what Omar looks like
Here is what Omar had to say:
Well, though the paintings were nice, I'd say the location and ambience were sub-par. And my burrito, though not bad, didn't stand out. They did have a lot of variety and, letting your enjoyment of the quail (though meat was sparse - as I suppose is the nature of the dish) influence me slightly, I'd say a 3 out of 5.
Recommended for those seeking an authentic Mexico feel, some knowledge of Spanish strongly suggested.
Nancy Puebla's Restaurant earns a three and a half Speedy Gonzales rating:
Side Note #1: As I was winding my way back to the 5 freeway I noticed a place that called itself "China-Mex." I don't know if I should be scared or not.
Side Note #2: Omar said SqueezeOC is looking for people to volunteer as bloggers on their site. If you think you can write about a particular niche of Orange County life then let him know. It would not be for pay but there may be some perks involved.
Side Note #3: Omar has cross-posted about our experience at his SqueezeOC blog. As he points out, if you look at this place in the Yahoo! Local or Citysearch listings it is referred to as "Tacos Ruben y Mulitas."
Other Nancy Puebla entries:
Monday, May 08, 2006
Immigration
Today I'm going to answer another question that nobody has ever asked me: Where does the Orange County Mexican Restaurants blog stand on the immigration issue? Our position is the American position: that anybody is welcome here provided they come here legally and anybody who is here illegally would be benefited by seeking legal status.
The news sensationalizes the issue and makes it look like there are only two types of people in the county:
The news sensationalizes the issue and makes it look like there are only two types of people in the county:
- 75% who are here illegally and think the country should allow anybody without any sort of legal process
- 25% who never want anybody coming here from another country under any circumstance, legally or illegally
- 2.5% who are here illegally and think the USA should allow anybody in freely but who don't like Guatemalans illegally coming into their home country
- 95% who welcome people from any country and of any race who come here legally and contribute to the common good and general welfare
- 2.5% who confuse legal immigration with illegal immigration and thereby end up being against any sort of immigration
Friday, May 05, 2006
Javier's Cantina and Grill at the Irvine Spectrum - Cinco de Mayo Review
This review is only about one Javier's location. Click here to read our complete Javier's coverage.
Javier's Cantina & Grill
45 Fortune Dr
Irvine, CA 92618
This review is all about giving readers and web denizens everywhere what they want. My little site traffic analyzer tool shows me that people are always searching on Yahoo!, Google, Dogpile, and other search engines for "Javier's at the Irvine Spectrum." It is within walking distance of my work but I hadn't even been there since starting this blog. So I arranged to meet there with six other co-workers on Cinco de Mayo.
Javier's is always packed so you can imagine how crazy it was on Cinco de Mayo. I made reservations the day before and when I arrived to claim my reservation the person in front of me was asking how long of a wait it would be for two people and she was told 45 minutes to an hour. Having made reservations ahead of time, however, we were led to a table set for seven in their outdoor seating area. I noticed that they have a little section outdoors that is walled off on three sides and has a curtain that can be drawn shut on the other side, apparently for private parties, or for those who don't like the wind blowing their food all over the place.
Plenty of people who can't wait to celebrate Mexico's independence
Say Cheese
Enchiladas Verde
Chicken Burrito - David ordered this and said it was okay
Spinach Enchiladas: Also available on St. Patrick's Day - Michael and Rachael both ordered this dish and Rachael raved about it; never heard Michael's opinion
Chicken Enchilada
Going to try something new by closing out this review with a comparison between the Javier's in Laguna Beach and the one at the Irvine Spectrum. This table may get updated upon future visits:
On the way back to the grind I discussed the experience with the three other co-workers in my car. Everyone said their food was okay but not spectacular and the same for the service but we also all recognized that going on Cinco de Mayo is probably not the best time to judge a Mexican restaurant. Our server did the best job he could whenever he was able to make it to our table and waiting tables has always seemed like a high-stress job to me so I'm not pointing fingers here. We agreed to give Javier's in Irvine a tentative three and a half Speedy Gonzales rating:
Other Javier's Reviews:
What are these links doing way down here? By analyzing my site traffic I have found that people often come to this entry and instantly click on the link to the official Javier's website without even skimming the review given here. Oddly enough, there are more pictures here of their food and information about their location in Irvine than even their official site has. We still certainly want people to be able to go to the official site so the link is still provided.
Official Site
Listing on Yahoo! Local
Listing on Google Maps
Javier's Cantina & Grill
45 Fortune Dr
Irvine, CA 92618
This review is all about giving readers and web denizens everywhere what they want. My little site traffic analyzer tool shows me that people are always searching on Yahoo!, Google, Dogpile, and other search engines for "Javier's at the Irvine Spectrum." It is within walking distance of my work but I hadn't even been there since starting this blog. So I arranged to meet there with six other co-workers on Cinco de Mayo.
Javier's is always packed so you can imagine how crazy it was on Cinco de Mayo. I made reservations the day before and when I arrived to claim my reservation the person in front of me was asking how long of a wait it would be for two people and she was told 45 minutes to an hour. Having made reservations ahead of time, however, we were led to a table set for seven in their outdoor seating area. I noticed that they have a little section outdoors that is walled off on three sides and has a curtain that can be drawn shut on the other side, apparently for private parties, or for those who don't like the wind blowing their food all over the place.
Plenty of people who can't wait to celebrate Mexico's independence
Say Cheese
Enchiladas Verde
Chicken Burrito - David ordered this and said it was okay
Spinach Enchiladas: Also available on St. Patrick's Day - Michael and Rachael both ordered this dish and Rachael raved about it; never heard Michael's opinion
Chicken Enchilada
Going to try something new by closing out this review with a comparison between the Javier's in Laguna Beach and the one at the Irvine Spectrum. This table may get updated upon future visits:
| Laguna | Irvine | |
|---|---|---|
| Frustrating Parking? | Yes | Yes |
| Good Mole? | Maybe | Yes |
| Good Spinach Enchiladas? | Maybe | Yes |
| Nice Outdoor Seating? | Sort Of | Yes |
| Good Flan? | Yes | Yes |
| Across from the Beach? | Yes | No |
| Across from The Cheesecake Factory? | No | Yes |
| Fancy Restrooms? | Don't Know | Yes |
| Tiki Torches Outside? | No | Yes |
On the way back to the grind I discussed the experience with the three other co-workers in my car. Everyone said their food was okay but not spectacular and the same for the service but we also all recognized that going on Cinco de Mayo is probably not the best time to judge a Mexican restaurant. Our server did the best job he could whenever he was able to make it to our table and waiting tables has always seemed like a high-stress job to me so I'm not pointing fingers here. We agreed to give Javier's in Irvine a tentative three and a half Speedy Gonzales rating:
Other Javier's Reviews:
What are these links doing way down here? By analyzing my site traffic I have found that people often come to this entry and instantly click on the link to the official Javier's website without even skimming the review given here. Oddly enough, there are more pictures here of their food and information about their location in Irvine than even their official site has. We still certainly want people to be able to go to the official site so the link is still provided.
Official Site
Listing on Yahoo! Local
Listing on Google Maps
Monday, May 01, 2006
What Makes Mexican Food "Authentic"?
Just found this article at HappyNews.com that gives some insight into the issue of what the term "authentic" means when applied to Mexican food. If anyone has further insights or opinions, please leave a comment.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
SOS Wild and Crazy Taco Night Review and Photos
Here are some photos from SOS' 13th Annual Wild and Crazy Taco Night held April 27 at their facility in Costa Mesa. Joy was there too and helped with the majority of the captions. Proceeds from this charitable event went towards helping the homeless in Orange County.
Peruvian white bean chicken tostada
Joy's notes: "Yucatan green chile chicken taco prepared by Alan Greeley of The Golden Truffle (This was my favorite!)"
Wild boar and trotter tacos w/ Pozole de lengua y carne
Dessert by The Atrium Hotel on display - Joy's notes: "Xango - pastry wrapped like a burrito around a creamy filling, covered in powdered sugar, with chocolate and fruit sauces on the plate"
The Atrium Hotel's dessert for actual eating - (Yum! Very rich)
Joy's notes: "Roasted achiote pork taco prepared by Carlito Jocson of the Yard House"
The Jarritos stand
Chris Garnier, Roy's at Fashion Island
Kalua-style kurobuta carnitas soft taco with heirloom tomato and mango slaw
Cajun French "taco" crepes stuffed with chicken, shiitake mushrooms and goat cheese
Recipe in OC Register
Stephane Beaucamp, Sutra & Kantina
Fried plantain chip with raw tuna
Tom Small, TAPS Fish House & Brewery
Mano de Leon scallop tacos al pastor with cherimoya and guajillo chile salsa
Recipe in OC Register
Sopes
Louie Jocson, Karl Strauss Breweries
Drunken lobster
Tacos loco -- sauerkraut taco with pork loin and a salad with great dressing
Josef Lageder, of Balboa Bay Club (in the middle)
Josef Lageder, Balboa Bay Club
Marinated tuna and salmon with srirachi aioli mango cilantro salsa
Richard Mead, Sage Restaurant & Sage on the Coast
Grilled beef shortrib and green papaya taco
(this was really good)
Bill Bracken, The Island Hotel
Bacon duck taco
Dessert taco with fruit, coconut rice and white chocolate
Scott Floyd, Salt Creek Grille
Duck confit taco with mango salsa
Joy: Franco Barone, Antonello Ristorante -
Cinnamon flan with chocolate crepe and pastry crisps -- (loved this!)
More Xango for dessert
Joy's notes: "Alan Greeley (in hat) at the Golden Truffle station"
Share Our Selves
Peruvian white bean chicken tostada
Joy's notes: "Yucatan green chile chicken taco prepared by Alan Greeley of The Golden Truffle (This was my favorite!)"
Wild boar and trotter tacos w/ Pozole de lengua y carne
Dessert by The Atrium Hotel on display - Joy's notes: "Xango - pastry wrapped like a burrito around a creamy filling, covered in powdered sugar, with chocolate and fruit sauces on the plate"
The Atrium Hotel's dessert for actual eating - (Yum! Very rich)
Joy's notes: "Roasted achiote pork taco prepared by Carlito Jocson of the Yard House"
The Jarritos stand
Chris Garnier, Roy's at Fashion Island
Kalua-style kurobuta carnitas soft taco with heirloom tomato and mango slaw
Cajun French "taco" crepes stuffed with chicken, shiitake mushrooms and goat cheese
Recipe in OC Register
Stephane Beaucamp, Sutra & Kantina
Fried plantain chip with raw tuna
Tom Small, TAPS Fish House & Brewery
Mano de Leon scallop tacos al pastor with cherimoya and guajillo chile salsa
Recipe in OC Register
Sopes
Louie Jocson, Karl Strauss Breweries
Drunken lobster
Tacos loco -- sauerkraut taco with pork loin and a salad with great dressing
Josef Lageder, of Balboa Bay Club (in the middle)
Josef Lageder, Balboa Bay Club
Marinated tuna and salmon with srirachi aioli mango cilantro salsa
Richard Mead, Sage Restaurant & Sage on the Coast
Grilled beef shortrib and green papaya taco
(this was really good)
Bill Bracken, The Island Hotel
Bacon duck taco
Dessert taco with fruit, coconut rice and white chocolate
Scott Floyd, Salt Creek Grille
Duck confit taco with mango salsa
Joy: Franco Barone, Antonello Ristorante -
Cinnamon flan with chocolate crepe and pastry crisps -- (loved this!)
More Xango for dessert
Joy's notes: "Alan Greeley (in hat) at the Golden Truffle station"
Share Our Selves
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