Orange Restaurants

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Hailed as one of Orange County's "hidden treasures", the Anaheim White House Restaurant is truly a visual and gastronomic delight. Anaheim resident and friend, VT member poupeeaztec recommended this restaurant to me years ago, but it was only recently (02.21.08) that I dined here, and I chose a special occasion to do it - to celebrate my boyfriend's umpteenth birthday.

Upon first glance at the mansion (see photo #1) visitors will immediately realize that a unique dining experience is in store for them. Located in an unpretentious part of the O.C., the White House is a Victorian-style home turned upscale restaurant. Catering to the likes of celebrities such as Madonna, Martina Navratilova, Pele, and Barry Bonds, just to name a few, the White House serves up delicious Italian fare with French flair (see photo #2 below). Equally delightful about this restaurant was the complimentary offering of a cream puff dessert and glass of champagne for the birthday celebrant. Birthday boy and I had a wonderfully romantic dine and I suggest that you and your loved one(s) come here too the next time you want to celebrate something or someone special in the O.C.

On a side note the proprietor, Bruno Serato has been nominated CNN Hero for the 2011 year for serving "300 free dinners to homeless motel kids every night!" Good for you, Mr. Serato! Bravo!!! All the more reason to patronize this restaurant.

Favorite Dish: Appetizers: Ravioli sampler for two @ $21.90
Entree A: Prawn and Fillet combo @ $69.95
Entree B: Ferre Vitello con Funghi @ $32.95
Beverages: 1 iced tea @ $3.95 and 1 Newcastle beer @ $6.50
Birthday dessert: cream puffs with strawberries and a glass of champagne for the celebrant and apple cider for guest were complimentary

Total bill: $145.73 excluding 15% to 20% tip

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With a yummy Pacific Rim menu and a fun, laid-back, Hawaiian-themed atmosphere, Duke's is the right place to just chill out for dinner and drinks. My colleague brought her sister here for food and cocktails for her birthday and we all enjoyed. Afterward, we walked over to the other side of the street to continue the party at another bar/club who's name I forgot.

Probably one of my most fave breakfast joints in the OC. The pancakes served here are yummy and the service nice and friendly. This place is always packed, so you're sure to expect lines, but be patient because it's worth it.

There's 14 of these franchised restaurants serving the state of California, so each restaurant is owned and operated by different individuals. However, I can attest to how great the Aneheim and Redondo establishments are and friends have told me that the San Diego one is also good.

Days/Hours of Operation:
Tuesday - Sunday: 6am to 2pm
Monday: closed

Favorite Dish: One of the restaurant's signature items is the "Dutch Baby" (see photo), which is an oven-baked pancake sprinkled with powdered sugar and served with lemon wedges. There's a much bigger version of this, which just overflows from the plate it's served on, that I typically order. It tastes almost like a crepe, except it's slightly thicker and definitely more huge. Yum! Just thinking about it makes my mouth water.

Thinking of how guys typically get gypped during Valentine's, I thought to take my special someone to dinner a week before V-Day to Orange Hill Restaurant in the City of Orange in the County of Orange (the O.C.). Lesser known among the O.C. cities, Orange can take pride in ownership of this gem of a restaurant. Perfect for the romantic, Orange Hill offers exquisite food, a warm and sophisticated ambience, friendly service, and fantastic scenery. This place is great and I'm so glad I finally took my younger brother's suggestion. He has been taking his long-time Valentine here for years and it's no surprise why. Come see for yourself and you'll be pleased.

Favorite Dish: Appetizers: Pancetta wrapped scallops @ $12.96
Entree A: Kobe beef short ribs @ $29.95
Entree B: Muscovy duck @ $29.95
Beverages: 1 iced tea @ $2.25 and 1 beer @ $5.50
Dessert: Pistachio Bomb @ $6.95
Beverages: 1 coffee @ $2.25 and 1 capuccino/double @ $8.50

Total bill: $105.92 excluding 15% - 20% tip

O.C. resident and friend, VT'er poupeeaztec suggested this restaurant a few years back when we were all still studying in graduate school together and every visit I've made, I've totally enjoyed. I've introduced many of my friends to this restaurant and they've all loved it as well. Serving both Cuban and Spanish dishes, Felix Continental Cafe is a modest little establishment located in the heart of the Old Town City of Orange. It's an unpretentious joint with good eats!

Favorite Dish: Picadillo, a Cuban ground beef dish!

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A colleague of mine took me to Noel Turner's restaurant for a belated birthday dinner, which was absolutely delicious. Unfortunately however, we had to rush through our meal so as not to miss the musical we were scheduled to attend at the neighboring Orange County Performing Arts Center. Having informed our hostess upon our arrival that we were crunched for time, the staff did a wonderful job of accommodating us. Not only was the service excellent, but the food was even more-so phenomenal. Turner's appeal is that it is committed to serving only the finest, all-natural, hormone-free, antibiotic-free gourmet products in the world straight from New Zealand. And boy, was this evident in the food they serve. From the butter spread to the lamb to the chocolate souffle, the freshness of ingredients and the flavors were top notch. A truly fine dine that I look forward to experiencing again soon!

Favorite Dish: - Turner Orange Roughy: Fresh Turner orange roughy pan-seared along with stir fried organic mushrooms, peppers, red onions, carrots, cabbage, sugar peas, with cilantro infused jasmine rice and crispy wontons.
- Turner Lamb Porterhouse: Minimum 30-day aged Turner lamb porterhouse, oven-roasted organic tomatoes, lyonnaise organic potatoes, finished with truffle essence.
- For dessert, a warm and gooey chocolate souffle accompanied with cream and ice cream.

This is the place for sushi in Old Towne Orange. It's pretty standard sushi and sashimi served here and decor wise, nothing so elegant but it's all about the food. Don't expect a huge crowd here, can be busy but not so packed. It is sure to satisfy for sushi and roll lovers. What's really fabulous here? The prices are low for a sushi joint. There is a dairy special and basic items are not over $10. Also, brown rice can be substituted for white! Woo-hoo!

Favorite Dish: salmon roll -flavorful!

If you want the ol' time American experience, come here. Inside, the eaterie is filled with old soda bottles and a few Coca-Cola machines. As for the menu, don't expect the modern-day American fu-fu cuisine here. No fancy gourmet sandwiches with exotic ingredients, no tacos, no nachos, no sushi.

The "grinder" on the menu is a staple here. It is simply a submarine sandwich or "hoagie" with white roll bread and fillings inside. Choose from the classics: roast beef, ham or turkey. Originally, a grinder was a nickname for a dock worker.

If you can't deal with the meaty grinders, there is a vegetarian sandwich available, along with sides like fries and salads.

And everyone can't go wrong here with ice cream. There is a classic variety of flavors: Vanilla, Rocky Road, Mint and Chip and more. To be kind to yourself, a kid's scoop will suffice.

Favorite Dish: Turkey grinder ...not too heavy
Mint and Chip ice cream- delicious and freshens your breath!