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Prepare Your Own Japanese Fare at Shabu Shabu Bar

December 22, 2014 by

For those who know what shabu shabu is all about, this restaurant needs no introduction. But for the uninitiated, shabu shabu is a style of Japanese cuisine that features thinly sliced beef or other meats boiled in water with boiled vegetables, dipping sauces, and a side of white rice. At Shabu Shabu Bar in Santa Ana, your meal is brought to you uncooked and piled high, and you, the adventurous diner, boil your own meats and veggies and create your own sauces. Knowledgeable staff will happily guide you through the dining experience.

Shabu Shabu Bar is open daily for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and daily for dinner from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This Santa Ana eatery is popular, so regular diners advise arriving ahead of the dinner rush to avoid a long wait.

Shabu Shabu Bar
1945 E. 17th Street
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 954-0332
www.facebook.com/pages/Shabu-Shabu-Bar/147365828631418
www.yelp.com/biz/shabu-shabu-bar-santa-ana-3

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Lola Gaspar: Spend Your Afternoon Siesta at This Latin American Tavern

August 7, 2014 by

Lola Gaspar channels the easy lifestyle of Latin America through its eclectic menu, elaborately decorated interior, and afternoon siesta offerings, which are perfect for guests who want to call off the workday a little early. The dining room is small and romantic, featuring rustic chandeliers and a very quaint, cozy seating area.

Warm chips and grilled calamari make flavorful appetizers, and the tacos are some of the most popular menu items. Lola Gaspar also serves heartier entrees, like skirt steak or spicy carnitas, and regulars rave about the perfectly crispy French fries. The weekday siesta specials include discounted snack plates and cocktails from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., just like they do in Latin countries. Whether you stop by for dinner or to spend the afternoon on the outdoor patio, Lola Gaspar is a welcome respite from the daily hustle and bustle.

Lola Gaspar is open 11:30 a.m. to midnight on weekdays. The hours change on weekends, so be sure to check before planning a visit.

Lola Gaspar
211 W. 2nd Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 972-1172
www.lolagaspar.com
www.yelp.com/biz/lola-gaspar-santa-ana

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Chapter One: Local Dishes and Cocktails From Around the World

July 3, 2014 by

While the elaborately decorative, handcrafted dishes at Chapter One are made with local produce, the stylish restaurant’s wine and cocktails will transport you to all corners of the world. This foodie-friendly hotspot serves imaginative dishes for lunch, dinner and even in the evenings for hungry night owls, and its impressive menu is always updated to keep up with the produce that’s currently in season.

Small plates like the ever-popular duck fat fries give guests something to munch on while they peruse the menu, and the lunchtime soups and salads will make you rethink the way you look at these everyday dishes. For dinner, Chapter One gets really experimental with new takes on classic dishes like gnocchi, fish and chips, and even fried chicken. If you’ve always wanted to sample a macaroni and cheese made with truffle oil, smoky bacon, and caramelized onion relish, you’ve come to the right place.

Chapter One is open 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily, and it opens early, at 10 a.m., for brunch on Sundays.

Chapter One
227 N. Broadway
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 352-2225
www.chapteronetml.com
www.yelp.com/biz/chapter-one-the-modern-local-santa-ana

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The Playground: Craft Beer, Burgers, and Much More

January 30, 2014 by

Today, The Playground looks much different than founder Jason Quinn envisioned it. The beer-only, no-reservations, bar-service burger Santa Ana eatery he once dreamt of was never to be—but The Playground is better. That is, if you're up for venturing outside mealtime norms. 

The adventure begins with completely handing over your dining choices to The Playground's chefs, who are so devoted to their craft that they refuse special requests. Only their unique culinary vision and fresh, inventive ingredients drive the menu. But you likely won't regret relinquishing control when dishes begin to arrive.

Pan-roasted wild mushrooms to start, maple-glazed pork chop as an entree, and Black Mission fig toffee sticky pudding for dessert are three of your best options, according to customers. Complement dinner with a craft beer, maybe one that's brewed specifically for The Playground, or a glass of wine. Or seize an opportunity to get better acquainted with the libations and cuisine at special winemaker dinners and chef demonstrations held in 2.0, a 17-seat "culinary theater" next door.

The Playground
220 East 4th Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 560-4444
http://playgrounddtsa.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-playground-santa-ana-2

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Euro Caffe: European Style and Flavor

December 31, 2013 by

Crepes are the signature dish at Euro Caffe, just minutes from Coventry Court Apartments. With topping selections like Nutella, caramel, blueberry, banana, peach, graham cracker, and maple syrup it’s not hard to see why. In close proximity to a number of fine international restaurants, many diners skip dessert to come to the Euro Caffe to sample some of its delightful offerings. There are even a selection of savory crepes, with ingredients like grilled chicken, smoked bacon, and prosciutto along with sun dried tomatoes and arugula. Euro Caffe features many great drinks, from traditional coffee to iced drinks to a variety of tasty teas. The Euro Caffe is a great place to grab breakfast or lunch given its variety of lighter fare. Salads include Caprese, garden veggie, and mixed field greens. When paired with a breakfast Panini or sandwich you have one hearty and healthy meal. 

Euro Caffe
3950 South Bristol Street
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 662-2222
http://www.yelp.com/biz/euro-caffe-santa-ana

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The Boiling Crab: Backyard Crab Fest

August 27, 2013 by

A Southern-style backyard crab fest comes to Santa Ana thanks to The Boiling Crab. Unlike your standard seafood restaurant, The Boiling Crab offers a super fun environment along with its fresh and flavorful seafood fare. This is a place for friends and family to have fun together while also feeding their faces with all this good grub. So much Cajun flavor runs through The Boiling Crab you may think you’re having a meal somewhere in the deep south. Seafood is seasoned in a bag to ensure a total coating of flavors and brought to your table that way to preserve all the tasty goodness. The Boiling Crab serves just about every type of seafood imaginable, including lobster, crawfish, shrimp, clams, mussels, and of course, crab. There many spice levels to choose from, as well as flavorings, which include raging Cajun, lemon pepper, garlic, or a mix of all three.

The Boiling Crab
1500 West Macarthur Boulevard
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 979-2722
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-boiling-crab-santa-ana

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Garlicscapes Truck: Fragrant & Delicious

August 14, 2013 by

On the go? You crave choices beyond typical fast food fare. That’s what makes the Garlicscapes Truck so amazing. Here you can find top notch food options right outside your door. Garlic lovers unite here, although at a safe distance, thanks to Garlicscapes mighty selection of garlic infused fare. Garlic feta fries are often raved about lunch item. The mix of parmesan and garlic fit perfectly with these savory fries, just be sure to bring some gum, because these babies are wonderfully pungent. As are all of Garlicscapes menu items, from the garlic grilled cheese, which includes cloves of garlic mixed in with different kinds of melted cheese, and even a garlic infused ranch sauce for dipping just about everything. For a healthier option try the lemon garlic chicken or veggie wrap, or live a little and sample the sumptuous deep fried artichoke hearts for a unique item. Of course everything is very reasonably priced and always tasty. See Garlicscapes website for a schedule and learn what so many other diners have been raving about.

Garlicscapes Truck
Santa Ana, CA 92704
http://www.yelp.com/biz/garlicscapes-santa-ana-2

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Burrell’s BBQ: Backyard Barbecue

July 31, 2013 by

Remember the sultry summer days of a backyard barbecue? That’s what you find everyday at Burrell’s BBQ, a no frills barbecue joint featuring all the classic items you would expect from such an establishment. We’re talking savory sides like mac n’ cheese, collard greens, candied yams, coleslaw, baked beans, and so much more. Both lunch and dinner portions abound at Burrell’s. Whether you are looking to feed only yourself or the whole family there is sure to be something suited to your tastes. Family packages are a great deal, offering a few kinds of meat along with a choice of sides. Even smoked meat platters are available, infused with so much smoky goodness they are sure to be a hit at your next social gathering. Burrell’s BBQ only offers outdoor seating, so be prepared to spend some time in the elements while eating, or just pick up some of this tasty grub for takeout.

Burrell's BBQ
305 North Hesperian Street
Santa Ana, CA 92703
(714) 547-7441
http://www.yelp.com/biz/burrells-bbq-santa-ana

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50 Forks Restaurant: Gourmet Education

June 19, 2013 by

50 Forks Restaurant is run by student chefs.

But wait: these guys and girls aren't beginners. They're talented and surprising, the stars of tomorrow. And because they're students, you'll pay rock-bottom prices for gourmet fare. Brunch is just $10 for all you can eat, and most dishes come much cheaper than a similar item at other restaurants. Not only are you helping future chefs of America hone their talents, you are also getting a fantastic meal for an unbelievable bargain. 

50 Forks Restaurant
The Art Institute of California
3601 West Sunflower Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 338-1325
http://www.yelp.com/biz/50-forks-santa-ana-2

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The Copper Door: Come Inside

May 22, 2013 by

The Copper Door is the place for Santa Ana’s discerning beer lovers. This is not your typical loud and rowdy bar. The Copper Door specializes in serving up surprising beers in an environment that provokes intelligent conversation and appreciation for the delicious selections. The Copper Door’s interior doesn’t exactly match up to your typical bar either. Imagine warm, welcoming lighting and wood accents all over, including a beautifully rustic community table carved from sturdy wood. While The Copper Door offers many great beers, most raved about is the innovative strawberry beer, a specialty unique to The Copper Door. In addition to the great beer selection, The Copper Door also offer gourmet small plates devised by renowned chefs from all over. 

The Copper Door
225 1/2 North Broadway
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 543-3813
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-copper-door-santa-ana

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