SideDoor, an English-style gastropub, just opened at Five Crowns in Corona del Mar. It’s accessed through the Poppy Street entrance, now marked with a big red key. It’s an alternative to formal dining at Five Crowns. You can just stop by the casual SideDoor for seasonal small plates portioned for sharing, cheese and charcuterie, and world-class spirits.
The menu changes daily on a whim by the creative minds of Executive Chef Dennis Brask and his crew. It can include roasted chioggia beets salad, gravlax with fennel and Meyer lemon, as well as butternut squash with wild nettle pesto. Other items may include duck confit and Lawry’s famed prime rib sandwiches, and traditional British pub food like cornish pasties and fish ‘n chips. The open charcuterie station cuts a selection of fine cheeses, cured meats, and pressed sandwiches to order.
For dessert, choose from “gimmemores” with molten chocolate and house-made marshmallows, as well as British figgy pudding. Recommend flights of wine and beer can be poured to complement each dish.
Open 4:30 to 10:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 4:30 to 11:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday, charcuterie service starting at 3:30 p.m. 3801 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. 949.717.4322.
Starting off the New Year right, The Road Less Traveled, our favorite eco-boutique in Santa Ana, hosts a “garden party” from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22. You can join them for some ‘film for thought’ on the subject of food and sustainability. Watch a few short films about local food and enjoy food from Avanti Café (only one of the best vegetarian and vegan cafes in Costa Mesa.) Costs $16, or $12 if you bring a friend. Pre-register or RSVP here. The Road Less Traveled at 2204 N. Main St. in Santa Ana. 714.836.8727.
There’s another great fast-casual eatery in Costa Mesa: Baja Fish Tacos. It’s not a stranger to OC, the original and always crowded Baja Fish opened in Santa Ana more than a decade ago, with two others in Laguna Hills and Laguna Niguel.
Its founder Julio A. Gutierrez incorporates family and friends’ recipes from throughout Mexico. Some say they have the best tacos in Orange County, which is saying a lot (and we don’t have the energy for that touchy argument). The fact is that Baja Fish Tacos makes fresh and tasty chicken tacos, carne asada tacos, blackened fish taco, grilled fish tacos and more.
They also have a great salsa bar (marinated onions are the best); OK, some say that the portions are small, but not really, especially the nachos, which are too generous. Two taco combo meal—(most popular by far) comes with choice of meat, white seasoned rice and your choice of black beans, or pinto beans, which are favorites ($7.60).
171 E. 17th St. in Costa Mesa, 949.548.8487; 23010 Lake Forest Drive, #130 in Laguna Hills, 949.587.0920; 30242 Crown Valley Parkway, #B5 in Laguna Niguel 949.495.2537; and 3664 South Bristol St. in Santa Ana, 714.641.4836.
Learn how to grow food at home by attending the Edible Garden with Eugene Cook at a workshop Sunday, Jan. 24 at Jerome CommUnity Teaching Garden in Santa Ana. Cook promises to inspire regardless of your gardening experience, he’s installed installed edible gardens in LA, Washington DC, Atlanta, Kenya and more. And soon you can make changes in your kitchen, your garden and in your community. Space is limited.
Pre-registration a must. RSVP .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) One ticket costs $15; two tickets cost $20. Space is limited. Pre-registration is a must. Buy your ticket at here. Proceeds benefit The Grain Project, a non-profit organization that promotes unified, healthy, sustainable communities through farmers’ markets, community gardens, and public art. Jerome CommUnity Teaching Garden, (southeast of Jerome Park) at 2115 W. McFadden in Santa Ana.
Seed People’s Market at the Camp is having a huge Patagonia summer sale. Through Thursday, receive 30% off hundreds of shorts, swimwear, T-Shirts and more! Everything from board shorts to puff jackets, from camis to capris, People’s Market has a great selection of all organic outdoor gear.
Join Angels coach Micky Hatcher, outfielder Reggie Willits and pitcher Kevin Jepsen at the OC Fair this week on Friday, July 30 from noon to 1 p.m. The first 100 people wearing Angels gear in line at the main gate will receive first access to the autograph signing and a pair of Angels tickets!
Beginning Saturday, the U.S. Open of Surfing will take over Huntington Beach. Opening rounds and trials begin at 7 a.m. with the competition continuing through the next week. Performances by Weezer and Hot Hot Heat, BMX and skate contests and daily surf events highlight the weeklong event. Find what you like on the schedule at the U.S. Open of Surfing’s website.
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