After our darling waiter picked out a lovely Chardonnay, which by the way was a really nice pour, we started grazing the menu.  I had read about their delicious “Toasts” and just look.  We had the avocado, heirloom tomato, and finally the candy stripe fig.  Each one  wowed us.  We moved onto ordering their signature dish, rotisserie chicken, which was so moist and the skin a little crispy, to die for.  The butcher steak was served with tomato, romesco, and served on a trencher (Google it.)  Look at the frisee aux lardon. You ask yourself, what is that?  Bacon confit, slow cooked egg, with a mustard vinaigrette.   We finished with two fabulous desserts.  Truly a favorite pick and will go back.  They are open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and the ever popular brunch.

Superba Food + Bread
1900 Lincoln Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90291
(310) 907-5075

A lot of Buzz has gone around about Fig & Olive.  To be honest, I have had no desire to even step foot in there.  My mysterious friends and I decided to dive in to the scene one Saturday afternoon.   It was a little later lunch and I was pleasantly greeted by a smiling hostess who said I may pick a couch any couch.  I loved the lounge aspect of the entry.  The color scenes were very calming. The dining room was a little massive for my taste,  so I stuck to the cozy front lounge which serves the full menu. To avoid the hectic Newport scene, try to hit it during off times.  Starve a little and have a later lunch. The food is really worth it. We ordered a lovely bottle of delicious chardonnay and settled in for a Besties lunch/brunch.  

After much deliberation because the menu is quite extensive, we chose 3 types of Crostini.  My favorite being the prosciutto-ricotta-fig-olive-walnut.  
We also sampled burrata-tomato-herbs-balsamic and finally the delicious goat cheese-caramelized onion-chive. We moved onto sharing Zucchini Carpaccio, and a really great Beef Carpaccio with truffle oil. We finish our meal with a truffle-mushroom-fontina scrambled eggs.

So followers, lay down your armor on the OC transplants.  Bottom line; it is pretty, comfortable, good food, and wine. The service has also picked up tremendously.  Go and let -Me -know!!!


Fig & Olive
151 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 877-3005

Our server was adorable and was patient while we browsed the extensive menu. There was plenty on the menu that I could have ordered which says a lot.  You can see what we ordered.  Everything was really tasty especially The Grilled Cheese Bacon Sandwich. Since it was truly a carb overload lunch, we took the tasty truffle fries home and finished with a delicious homemade Blackberry and Mint Sorbet, compliments of our server and Cate Hughes, the director of wine & beverage marketing.  She could not have been more accommodating. The decor in the restaurant is really  cool eclectic and has tables to seat large parties.  They are big into serving family style which I think is a fun way to go because you can sample so many of their dishes.  Cucina Enoteca is definitely worth a visit. 

Cucina Enoteca
Fashion Island
Newport: 949-706-1416
Also locations in Irvine and Del Mar

This is Kevin, my Anthony Bourdain.  He and I share similar palettes. Kevin always guides me to the most amazing culinary treats.  Here he is with our darling waiter Michael master minding our delicious lunch.  This was a Tuesday afternoon and I guess weekends are crazy busy with Dim Sum carts, food, and people everywhere. They decided on an all fish lunch which was beyond great.  The flavors of all the sauces are perfect. Not too hot or salty.   Really appropriate for the dishes.  Look at the exciting things that we ate.

"SAM WOO is the Chinese pronunciation

of SAM, meaning three; and WOO, meaning harmony, respectively. The ancient Chinese Wordbook (circa AD 100) refers the three strokes of this Chinese character three as the culmination of the heavens, earth and man.

Hong Kong Style Chinese dishes are delicate, aromatic and exotic delicacies by the balancing principle of Cantonese style; you can't help but notice a unique clarity and distintness of flavor to do so many style foods offering in the Hong Kong food industry."

The lunch was perfection. Kevin and I even sampled a  chewy fish eye which was our iron for the day. He is a master at ordering food.  Julie and I went along for the ride.  Sam Woo Restaurant is a definite go to for an amazing delicious and authentic experience. I can't wait to go again and have Michael pick out some more delicacies.

Sam Woo Restaurant
949-262-0888
15333 Culver Drive, Ste 720 Irvine, CA 92604

Our curiosity about this new pizza place in Crystal Cove got the better of us after a long day slaving over the computer. For your entertainment... Much to our surprise, we hit a winner. Settebello is a beautiful new restaurant that opened in Crystal Cove just three weeks ago.

We were greater by our darling waiter Jordan, who had many delectable suggestions to try on their menu. We needed wine after our day, and decided on some Gainey Chardonnay, which lacked a little volume on the pour. But when they get to know me, it should get better!

We started off with a delicious Romana salad and Duck Confit Crostini, which both put smiles on our faces. We were planning to save the third crostini for Trent, but it was too good not to eat. The bacon wrapped dates were to die for and we wanted to try Jordan's recommendation of the Crispy Polenta Bites, but we had already ordered two pizzas and didn't want to seem too gluttonous.

Next, we switched to a merlot for the arrival of Settebello's specialty pizzas.
The Diavolo was a tomato based pizza with spicy salami and roasted red peppers. Of course I added more pepper flakes to make it even spicier, while Shelby kept downing her wine to keep the fire down.
The Bianca was a different version than I'm used to. They add prosciutto and arugula to the mix. This was great with the arugula salad added on top. The crust was really good and almost sweet too.

Jordan is both a waiter and a pizza maker. He actually created the recipe for our dessert pizza, which was to die for. 

I have to say, this place gives Mozza a run for its money! At the restaurant, I ran into my friend Elizabeth, who I do Bar Method with. We compared notes in class and decided that we both gave it a big thumbs up and will be returning soon to sample more pizzas! 
Settebello Pizzaria Napoletana is located in Crystal Cove across from Javiers at 7864 East Coast Highway, Newport Beach
Open for dinner every day and for lunch on weekends
The restaurant also has locations in Marina Del Rey, Oxnard, and Pasadena, as well as a few in Utah and Nevada

Sunday morning, we picked up Trent from LAX after his two week medical mission in Ghana, Africa.  He was craving three things: Starbuck's venti iced green tea, cement roads, and Bar Ama for lunch. Off we went to explore some culture.

Aubrey, McCall, and Trent exploring the street art

Chef and owner Josef Centero has completely wowed my family and friends… and to wow me is a task.  We went to his first place across the street called Baco Mercat before, which was crazy good. But Bar Ama has a Tex Mex menu originally coming from the inspiring recipes from his grandmother Grace Alice.  The pictures tell all.

I can't wait to try the third location Orsa and Winston.  He rules the corner of 4th and Main.  Truly worth the 40 minute drive from the OC.  It is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner with great happy hour and taco specials.  This is OCwino's top pick. Belly's full, off we went to explore.

Bar Ama 118 W 4th St, Los Angeles, CA 90013 
(213) 687-8002

Shuck is a crazy good Oyster bar in The OC Mix.  I love to put my name in at Arc and head over to Shuck for a few oyster and a good pour. Shuck is open, airy, and very cool.
They have an awesome counter, which is really fun because you meet people and share your finds on the menu.  Check out their oyster selection, great grilled cheese sandwiches, and my new favorite, the lobster roll.  Their clams and chorizo are killer as well.  
Be careful not to eat to much if you are going to Arc.  While this is a oyster paradise, Arc is a meat lovers dream.  Both are excellent and I highly recommend going to both.

Shuck Oyster Bar, 3313 Hyland Ave, Costa Mesa

One hot Friday afternoon, we decided to venture over to Costa Mesa for some Shabu-Shabu. California Shabu-Shabu on Baker Street was our pick of the day. 
We loved the wild decor and while waiting for our counter, I got to play two rounds of my favorite video game Galaga!

We were all smiles when we figured out what to order on the menu. It's pretty massive. Trent ordered the chicken, Aubrey and McCall got the steak, and I had the salmon and scallops.

So you start off with a hot pot and add veggies and your choice of meat. Initially you are cooking your own food to your likeness. Yum! It was actually great. 

After you finish cooking your meat, you add noodles, tofu, and the rest of your veggies to make a delicious and healthy udon noodle soup. Since I of course love spice, added the hot drops to all my sauces. Go hungry, because by the time I was ready for the soup, I was stuffed. 

It's the perfect place to go if you are feeling a little under the weather, are super hungry, and are craving something warm and comfy. Might want to save this adventure for a cold winter day. The soup warms you inside and out.

It's a really fun atmosphere with a young and lively crowd. It's always fun to sit at the counter because you meet so many interesting people from all walks of life. Hearing new stories is always the OC Wino's favorite activity (apart from eating and drinking of course).

California Shabu-Shabu, 801 Baker St, Ste A, Costa Mesa

Day 2 of adventures sans OCWino... Trent and Shelby decide to venture over to Huntington Beach area in search of the legendary Samurai Burritos. Hidden within a sleepy strip mall, Samurai Burrito was filled with people getting their oh so Californian meal. The small restaurant serves sushi wrapped up burrito style in various hand rolls. They have a set menu, but you can also create your own burrito. Samurai Burrito also offers delicious custom poke bowls as well.

Shelby, a self proclaimed albacore fan, went for The Kamikazu with brown rice, seared albacore, garlic chips, sliced onions, avocado, crab mix, cucumber, and rising onion sauce. Trent went for something a little spicier with The Yakuza, which has rice, yellowtail, jalapeño, masago, green onion, crab mix, cucumber, and rising onion sauce.
Afterwards we were both incredibly full and satisfied. Burritos are cut in half, so they are great to share and try out more options!

Samurai Burrito, 18932 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley

The most delicious lunch eatery in Sun Valley is Cristina's Restaurant. I was so torn about getting the linguini with creamy mushroom sauce, but felt I didn't need the carbs. So we opted for the heirloom tomato and burrata salad and the asian chicken salad. We decided to splurge our extra calories we saved on a bottle of chilled cougar crack. 

Our cute waiter who served our usual choice of pour

Cristina's Restaurant, 520 2nd Street E, Ketchum, Idaho