by Jeff Pittman | Jun 28, 2016 | So Cal Cities
Saucy Summer BBQ | Orange County’s 7 Best Barbeque Joints Nothing says summer like smoked ribs smothered in barbeque sauce. If you’ve got a hankering for some legitimately delicious meats served with killer sides, then we’ve got the suggestions to tame your beastly appetite. These Orange County BBQ joints bring great smoked flavor, tender juicy meats and a few tasty surprises along the way. Keep reading for a break down of the best BBQ in the OC based on their killer Yelp reviews. BREW HAWG BBQ & ROOT BEER CO. 665 N Tustin St Ste J Orange, CA 92867 brewhawg.com Image: Yelp Think, hole-in-the-wall with great food. This Southern style barbeque in South Orange County is smoked and flavorful even without the tasty BBQ sauce. Not that you have anything to worry about, their extensive selection of BBQ sauces does not disappoint! They also brew their own root beer, which pairs GREAT with the entire menu. You can’t go wrong with any of the sides but according to the Yelp reviews, the best place to start is with the coconut-creamed corn! THE SMOKING RIBS 14211 N Euclid St Ste D Garden Grove, CA 92843 thesmokingribs.com Image: Yelp Southern style BBQ smack dab in the middle of Little Saigon, The Smoking Ribs is an unexpectedly great spot to snag some seriously great barbeque. The meat falls off the bone and the blueberry cornbread is a crowd pleaser. Pulled pork fries are another crowed pleaser as well as the ribs. You really can’t go wrong because the meats are all tender and moist with great flavor! JAV’S BAR-B-Q 151 W Center...
by Jeff Pittman | Jun 15, 2016 | So Cal Cities
Summer Orange County Beach Guide We all have our favorite beaches in Orange County, the go-to spots for the summer to sunbathe, surf, built a sandcastle or just hang out with the family. But if you’re looking to mix it up this summer, then check out our breakdown of beaches by the amenities and activities they offer. Whether you’re looking forward to roasting weenies over a bonfire or taking an impromptu hike with coastal views, here’s where you can find the perfect summer activity for your family. What are you in the mood for this summer? CAMPGROUNDS Check out the view of San Clemente State Beach from Calafia Park, in San Clemente. Camping on the beach is the best because the views are gorgeous, the location is convenient and the activities are varied from kayaking to hiking to sunbathing. Bolsa Chica State Beach Crystal Cove State Park Doheny State Beach Huntington City Beach Newport Dunes Resort San Clemente State Beach FIRE PITS Aliso Beach Bolsa Chica State Beach Capistrano State Beach Corona del Mar State Beach Doheny State Beach Huntington City Beach Huntington State Beach Newport Dunes Resort San Clemente City Beach San Clemente Municipal Pier BOATING FACILITIES Whether you’re renting a duffy boat here on Balboa Island or taking your own pride and joy out for a spin, you can’t go wrong with a boating adventure. Balboa Island Balboa Pavilion Dana Point Harbor Huntington Harbour Newport Dunes Resort Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve HIKING TRAILS The views from Crystal Cove State Park, the El Moro Canyon Loop, include beautiful beaches and of course some luxury real estate. For...
by Jeff Pittman | Feb 17, 2016 | So Cal Cities
Tasty Food Trends In Orange County We may technically just be a suburb, but the whole of Orange County has plenty going on when it comes to tasty treats and trendy eateries to explore. Like everyone else, we turned to Yelp to get the scoop on what’s new and thriving in the local food scene. Here’s what we learned. Poke and artisan ice cream are still popular with more and more new places to enjoy popping up around town and it looks like local butchery will gain in popularity in 2016. POKE IS STILL GOING STRONG Poke, traditionally chunks of tuna marinated in soy and sesame, is a popular Hawaiian dish that’s been making a splash here in Southern California. It may be raw fish, but it’s not the specialty roles and thinly sliced sashimi you’re used to. Tuna poke is cut into thick cubes and mixed as a free-form salad and here are the latest and greatest places you can get it in Orange County. POKE DISTRICT 1924 N Tustin St Orange, CA 92865 poke-district.com Source: Yelp Choose your protein, fill your bowl, pick a flavor and top it off. The portions are great, the service is good and this place will keep you coming back for more. According to the reviews, the Godzilla avocado sauce is a favorite. Soon there will be a new location in Westminster as well – even more to love! THE LOW-KEY POKE JOINT 9904 Westminster Ave Garden Grove, CA 92843 yelp.com Source: Yelp This poke place might be low-key now but the word is getting out about this hidden gem in Garden Grove. The...
by Jeff Pittman | Dec 10, 2015 | So Cal Cities
Local Foodie Watch | 8 New Eateries In the OC Area Tired of the same old same old? Need some new restaurants and creative culinary spots to check out? We suggest starting with these new restaurants, cafes eateries that have come to the Orange County area this fall. These places have just popped up in the last month or so and they’re definitely worth a visit to wake up your taste buds and shake up your routine. From burgers to breakfast to custom donuts, these places are hot and new in our neck of the woods. POQET DONUTS 17655 Harvard Ave Ste B Irvine, CA 92614 poqetdonuts.com Whether you’re a raised glazed afficianado or devil’s food donutista, Poqet Donuts is your new donut home away from home. You can go sample their obsessively designed signature donuts or build your own creation at thee donut bar and you’ll quickly see why they’re fast becoming a local favorite. Their amazingly creative menu of custom donuts includes Tiramisu, Pistachio Crème Brulee, Green tea and Campfire. TUSTIN GRILLE 405 El Camino Real Tustin, CA 92780 tustingrille.com Located in the heart of historic Old Town Tustin, Tustin Grille is the brainchild of veteran restaurateur Jim Osborn and Culinary Olympic Gold Medal winning Chef Dudley McMahon. Their concept is a made from scratch menu with a modern approach of farm to table. Their custom cocktails made from fresh squeezed juices and house infused liquors set them apart and their selection of steaks is impeccable. They have a brunch, lunch and dinner menu and according to the Yelp reviews, they’re all worth trying! RAISING CANE’S 3150...
by Jeff Pittman | Sep 9, 2015 | So Cal Cities
21 Things To Do For Free In Orange County It’s no secret that Orange County real estate is expensive, so when it’s time to have some fun, you want to take it easy on your wallet. Good thing there are tons of free things to do in Orange County and places to enjoy that don’t cost a dime. Check out our list of 21 free things you should check out if you’re bored and broke at home. Adventure awaits! 1. GO TO THE BEACH There are so many beaches to go to in Orange County and you really can’t go wrong. Nab some street parking so you don’t have to pay in the lot, bring a towel and a friend and enjoy what makes SoCal the best place to be. Also, San Clemente and Seal Beach near Sunset Beach offers free beach parking. If you’re in the mood for surfing or beach volleyball Huntington is a great choice. If you want to stop by bars on your way in from the waves then Newport Beach is calling to you. Or if you’re in a creative mood head down to Laguna for some sand, sun and art galleries (#6 on our list!). 2. EXPLORE DOWNTOWN DISNEY Source: flickr If you don’t have the dough to make it into the park, enjoy the Disney atmosphere at Downtown Disney. Parking is free for the first three hours and you can enjoy musicians and other seasonal entertainment. Plus you can play and create with the Legos outside of the Lego store! 3. BOLSA CHICA ECOLOGICAL RESERVE Source: yelp The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve,...
by Jeff Pittman | Aug 10, 2015 | So Cal Cities
Brunch is a magical time when you get to sleep in, still enjoy all your favorite sweet and savory breakfast treats and drink champagne because hey, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right? Whether you’re a connoisseur of the breakfast of lazy champions or just starting to bask in the beauty of it all, you need to check out each and every one of these Orange County brunch spots. No exceptions. If you don’t have breakfast plans for this weekend, it’s time to make some. Have you crossed any of these Orange County brunch spots off of your lazy afternoon to-eat list yet? BOSSCAT KITCHEN AND LIBATIONS 4647 MacArthur Blvd Newport Beach, CA 92660 *Bottomless Mimosas OR Bloody Marys bosscatkitchen.com Brandon C. Yelp Bosscat Kitchen is all about rich Southern cooking, good whiskey and a great fun atmosphere. The amazing brunch menu is available Sundays only from 11AM-2PM. There are tons of delicious items to choose from including the fruity pebble French toast, Short Rib Chiliquiles, Sticky Bun Breakfast Burger (a la mode if you want) and Blue Suede pancakes. For $25 you get an entrée and your choice of Bottomless mimosas or Bloody Marys. Leave the calorie counting for Monday, this brunch means business. THE BEACHCOMBER CAFÉ 15 Crystal Cove Newport Coast, CA 92657 thebeachcombercafe.com It’s on the beach. Literally. The Beachcomber Café sits on part of 12.3 acres of Crystal Cove Historic District and maintains the vibe of a 1930’s beach resort. There are adorable beach cottages surrounding the café and gorgeous beach everywhere. Make a reservation (unless you want to wait 2 hours+) and enjoy the ocean breeze...
