The $6.53 Open Face Pizza Sandwich From Ball Park Pizza in Laguna Niguel

Deep in South OC, far from any convenient freeway offramp, a little mom-n-pop pizzeria in Laguna Niguel called Ball Park Pizza is serving up open faced pizza sandwiches which are not unlike a gourmet version of one of those frozen Stouffer's pizza breads that you'd find in any supermarket frozen foods section.

Of course this version is packed with superior ingredients, has more topping selections and has the price to match.

But if you're in the area or if you took an embarrassing wrong turn off the 5 freeway and you don't feel like reheating cardboard out of the freezer, Ball Park definitely gives you a more delicious, more satisfying alternative.

Ball Park Pizza
30120 Town Center Drive
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
(949) 249-2778
http://www.eatballparkpizza.com

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Maracas, Tambourines & Sushi @ Sushi Studio, Long Beach CA

So there we were at Sushi Studio in Long Beach thinking to ourselves "What could possibly make this evening more fabulous? Oh I know! Maracas and tambourines!"

Then guess what? This happened ...

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Meatball & House Special Sandwich at Cortina's, Anaheim, CA

Just had easily some of the best sandwiches in Orange County: the meatball & "special" from Cortina's Italian Market. The beauty of these are the freshly made bread, rich homemade filings and overall culinary satisfaction. They're terrific excuses for destroying that pesky New Year Resolution. And it's no wonder this place was named "Best Italian Restaurant" last year by OC Weekly.

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God I Love The Beef Gyros by Louks To Go

Beef Gyros by Louks To Go
Yesterday at the OC Almost Great Park, during their pathetic weekly farmer's market, I had the chance to partake in my favorite beef gyro of all time, the ones served by gourmet food truck Louks To Go.

In my ever so humble opinion, this $5 handheld masterpiece packs more flavor, texture and satisfaction than a lot of shitty & over-priced versions that are unfortunately served here in Orange County (I'm looking at you Village Cafe of Mission Viejo).

What makes it tasty is the consistently moist and flavorful protein, the crisp fries, the freshly made pita and the creamy yet balanced sauce. Pretty much everything.

As usual, you can find them on Twitter, Facebook and on their website. Look them up, get this traditional Greek sandwich and maybe you too will be obsessively monitoring their next stop like I am.

Mollie’s Country Kitchen, An Oddball Mexican Restaurant In Drag (Laguna Niguel, CA)

Chili Verde Burrito
Mollie’s Country Kitchen, Laguna Niguel, CA
Given the menu selection at Mollie's Country Kitchen in Laguna Niguel (which we like to call “Ta-Mollie’s Country Kitchen”), one can’t help but wonder to which country are they referring?  

Once you step inside, you immediately have the look and feel like someone's grandmother exploded all over the walls. Then, you take a gander at the menu and you think you were at a local South of the Border eatery. Afterwards, you listen to the conversation and you feel like you're at Cheers, where everybody knows everyone’s names.

Fortunately, they have pretty good quality food to back up the oddities, like the chili verde burrito you see above. At about $10 you get a burrito bursting with braised carnitas, sides of potatoes (or rice), guacamole and sour cream. Add to that extremely attentive service - which borderlines on obsessive - and you've got yourself one unforgettable, South County dining experience.

Mollies Country Kitchen
27932 La Paz Rd # M
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677-3922
(949) 643-9174

The Tacos at Albatros of Lake Forest Huuuuuge!

Check out the size of this al pastor taco from Albatros in Lake Forest! Is it the best? Nope. Do they use the best cut of meat? Not really. But it's still packed with flavor and, at $2.25 each, a total deal yet very satisfying!

The seasoned pork is grilled perfectly where it isn't overcooked but still has a little char. It comes standard with house pico de gallo salsa and guacamole. And you're definitely gonna need a fork to finish of the fallen meat, trust me.

FUN TIP: If you're a fan of shit holes like nearby Café Rio, please do us a favor and stay there. Leave these small little dining gems for the rest if us who don't like over-priced candy pork.  Thanks!

Albatros Mexican Food
23591 Rockfield Bl, #G
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 859-9600

Go to Taco Asylum in Costa Misery … NOW

Let’s get a few things out of the way, namely the following common queries to which have the unsurprising & rather predictable response of “yes”:

• Is it expensive?
• Is it true it is NOT traditional Mexican cuisine?
• Does parking suck?
• Wait, the chef isn't Mexican?
• Why doesn't Sarah Palin just shut up?

Sorry the last one was rhetorical. Good, now that's out of the way, let me tell you why I still enjoyed myself: I didn’t feel ripped off.

(Click here to check out my photoset on Facebook)

Of course the night wasn't without its problems: in an eight taco flight, the flour tortillas get remarkably chewy and tough about four tacos in.

Other than that, the choice of flavors, the ambiance and the overall vibe is undeniably exceptional and one-of-a-kind here in Orange County.  (Trust me, I’m going to get shit for doting upon this place.)  

However, just like a former ex-Alaskan governor, don't look for anything profound in the culinary sense and you'll have an enjoyable evening. Basically, taco asylum is a great unique experience that I wish would occur more often here in these parts and I want you to judge it for yourself.  Hopefully one day more bricks and mortar places would just as daring, bold and satisfying.

 

To be perfectly honest, unless there's a radical change in the menu worth investigating, I doubt I'll be back anytime soon. Nevertheless, I certainly wish the fellas at taco asylum the best of luck and that Sarah would just shut the hell up.

taco asylum
2937 S Bristol St, Ste B102
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
http://www.tacoasylum.com

Just Had The WORST Fish Taco at El Taco Nazo (La Habra, CA)

Yeeeeeouch!!  Easily one of the WORST fish tacos I've ever had!  Which is sad since they claim to have "the best in the world".... whatever world that may be!!

First and foremost the fish was not fresh, it smelled old, the flesh was an off grey color and definitely mandated a return to the kitchen, something we did immediately after the first bite.


And what in the name of Baja California is up with all that sour cream!?!  Maybe they were trying to drown out the stink on the fish?! 

When I brought it back to the register, a lady in the back insisted it was fresh to which I said "Have you SMELLED mine?!"  Nevertheless they did exchange the offending tacos for their "okay" carnitas.

Did I have a bad batch?  Maybe.  Will I be going back?  Probably never.  Sorry.

The Burnt Truck: Too Much Money For Too Little Flavor

(L to R) Fried Bologna, Vietnamese Pork & Fried Chicken Sliders

The Burnt Truck

The problem I have with a lot of food trucks is that often I end up spending too much money for bland, mediocre food when I know I can easily pay a visit to a local taqueria and/or lonchero spend less and get more flavor ... The Burnt Truck is no different.

Sure this particular food truck is the darling of Yelp and a few food bloggers have showered them with praise, but let me put things into perspective here.

The three sliders above that I got tonight during a food truck round up in Lake Forest cost $2.25 each or $6.75 total.  I understand this isn't a ginormous sum.  It's just that although they were good (not spectacular, just good), knowing that I could have traipsed over to Albatros next door and got an even more satisfying chicken burrito for $4.00 makes them even less appetizing.

To be perfectly honest with you, the Fried Bologna slider that you see above is actually pretty good and really is worth a repeat visit.  It's definitely the most flavorful of the trio.  But, if I come across this truck again and I know there are cheaper, tastier alternatives out there, I'd even skip that, too.

Sorry not one of my favorites.

Farmhouse Grill at Strawberry Farm (Irvine, CA): Come For The Omelette, Stay For The View

Shhhh … can I tell you a little secret?  There’s a fabulous little breakfast and lunch place in Irvine where you get a beautiful view of graceful rolling hills, most menu items are under $10 … and, it’s seriously under-populated.  No, this isn't Fantasyland, it's the Farmhouse Grill at Strawberry Farm in the City of Irvine. 

The food images on this post are pictures of just a few of their generously portioned omelets, which are served only until 11AM sharp by the way. Mine was loaded with meats, veggies and cheese and perfectly fluffy and juicy inside.

Now, I wouldn't say any culinary milestones are being attained at this eatery, nor is the service here something for hospitality textbooks.  But what makes this place remarkable are the above-average quality meals, the reasonable prices and the tranquil, lazy ambiance.  It’s just a great way to spend a warm 80 degree Sunday morning in December just sitting out on the veranda overlooking the golf club’s driving range, all the while sipping on your beverage of choice. 

Essentially, dining here will undoubtedly give you the look, feel and exclusivity of an over-privileged country club member ... but without the back breaking dues.

Farmhouse Grill
Strawberry Farms Golf Club
11 Strawberry Farm Road
Irvine, CA 92612-2300
(949) 551-2560

http://www.strawberryfarmsgolf.com