OCWino - OC Wino

California Shabu-Shabu

7/31/2014

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.

OC Wino is too distracted with her Sapporo for the photo

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

The most beautiful spot to celebrate the OC Wino turning a year older

7/31/2014

Turning 29 can be a little challenging. Raising two teenagers is damn hard in your 20s! However getting to celebrate in gorgeous Sun Valley makes it a lot better. We decided to go rafting on the Stanley River, and I was terrified the entire time. I was shaking before I jumped off that rock. We braved through the class 2 and 3 rapids and had an awesome time.

After the treacherous white water rapids, I decided to do one of my favorite things: fly fishing. We headed out with our hot guide Brett to the Big Lost River about an hour and a half outside of Sun Valley. The fishing started off kind of slow but around noon the trout began to rise and bite at our flies. The beauty of having a guide is they help you read the waters, know where the fish are rising and what the hatch is (what the fish are biting on). Brett, who I have fished with before, untangled us, got our line out of trees, and rigged our rods so were guaranteed to catch fish.

Our guide Brett

Lori caught the big one today: a 15 incher!

Outshined by Lori, but still caught 4!

To finish off my birthday, we headed to the Pioneer for dinner and shots of fireball at Whiskey Jack's.
We had quite a crew and I was so happy to reunite with my friend Lulu Baker.
It was a perfect day and thank you everyone for your birthday wishes!

When the best Californian foods combine: Sushi Burritos

7/29/2014

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.

Sushi burrito chef at work... It almost reminded us of a Japanese Subway

The Kamikazu and The Yakuza

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

Cristina's Restaurant in Ketchum

7/29/2014

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.

Buratta and Heirloom Tomato Salad

Asian Salad

Our cute waiter who served our usual choice of pour

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

Morning Ritual at Java for a Bowl of Soul

7/28/2014

Java is the best spot in Ketchum to get a cup of joe. There are four locations around Idaho and even one in Connecticut! The breakfast looked absolutely delicious. I hear the avocado toast is absolutely to die for as well as their blueberry stuffed muffins.

Rumor has it owner Todd Rippo was the target of many women's crushes in town. Very charming personality and always had a warm smile when you walk through the door. A must go to when in Ketchum, Idaho.

The years have been merciful to Todd

Java has locations in Boise, Twin Falls, Ketchum, Hailey, and Westport, CT
www.javabowlofsoul.com

When the OCWino is away, McCall and Shelby go out to play

7/28/2014

The OCWino went on a girls trip, so McCall and myself decided to take a little jaunt to Irvine for a delicious treat!
The Sandwich Club in Irvine sells bahn mi and other asian dishes, however these girls were more interested in dessert. The specialty we drove up Laguna Canyon for is called Shaved Snow, which is shaved ice that tastes like ice cream. Topping possibilities are endless, but you can never go wrong with a little chocolate and condensed milk.

Shelby went for green tea with chocolate sauce on top

McCall got mocha with oreos (McCall didn't sleep until 1 am so I assume this is caffeinated)

The best part of this dessert is the consistency.
It almost looks like soft dog hair, but it is icy, creamy, and melts in your mouth!

Sandwich Club is located at 2700 Alton Pkwy, Set 125 in Irvine

Fear and Loathing to Sun Valley

7/28/2014

The OCWino went on a two day road trip with her friend Lori Bassler Hayes up to Sun Valley. Below is a little photo journal of all the shenanigans and misdemeanors that occurred in the Mojave desert. Initially we planned to spend one night in Lake Tahoe, but due to a wrong turn on interstate 6, we ended up in the lovely town of Ely with only one hotel room to spare. It didn't have the glitz, but it was waay more adventurous with many laughs along the way.

First stop was to load up on jerky outside of Bishop

Our delicious ranch house burger. Sadly Lori made the inquiry if the meat was fresh or frozen, so there might be human excrement in here

Mark Berlin busted my ass going 75 in a 65 zone and sternly gave me a ticket. He changed his tune when I asked for bar and food recommendations in Bishop. Tried to convince me his martinis were the best in town.

Jerky Round #2

Just can't get enough salt

We drove into a gnarly storm... the thunder and lightening freaked out us SoCal ladies

The colorful hotels along the road enticed us to stay there but we kept plugging along

Sadly the jailhouse hotel was out of cells

Our accommodations for the night

Our lovely room at the Hotel Nevada and Casino

We BYOB-ed our cougar crack from home

Our new friends we met in town

Our friends bought us fireball shots!

We wandered back to our hotel and chowed down on the 24 hour diner food

No Lori, we are not continuing this adventure on a Harley

Levelers on our window to help block out the neon from the hotel across the street

We decided to try our luck...

and won big $$$!

Our fellow road hogs

Yum... one of the best chile rellenos I've ever had at Janitzio Mexican Restaurant in Twin Falls, Idaho. You HAVE to go if you are in the area

A Hilarious Wino Accessory

7/20/2014

Just in from Suzanne Searles: Something fun and practical when you need your hands, but want to nurse your wine.
Great for cocktail parties when you actually want to eat something!
Purchase one online here

Pours are flowing at The Wine Gallery in Laguna

7/19/2014

The first location of The Wine Gallery is in Corona Del Mar. However when they opened in Laguna, it became a true locals hangout for wine and a little nibble of food.
Ryan was the friendly face behind our pours this evening. Everyone that works there makes you feel so right at home. They know your pour by the time you sit down.
It's so much fun to go in and belly up to the bar. They even let us use our own coasters!
It's rare that you walk in and not know someone you know. So if you are looking for an intimate quiet evening, this might not be the best choice. If you want a good time with friends, The Wine Gallery is your spot.
I love the owner Chris. It's the best when you walk into a restaurant and they already know who you are. It makes you feel important and you appreciate their service. This is huge for the OC Wino. It's all about those personal touches.

Excellent pours of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Merlot

Beach Find: Ruby Mint Towels

7/17/2014

Local Lagunatic Erin O'Neal has launched a really sophisticated and cool beach towel line. RubyMint, named after her daughter Ruby, offers yarn dyed beach towels. They offer luxurious cotton towels that have fun fringed hems and intricate designs. The OC Wino recently gifted a few to Ms. Pearl, a real connoisseur of chic, who absolutely loved them.

You can check what local stores carry them or purchase the towels online at www.ruby-mint.com