Restaurant Review: Taco Asylum

After hearing and reading many accolades for Taco Asylum, I have been dying to try it for months.  Of course, I always remember I want to go there when I am already someplace else.  The other night Brian and I were looking for a fun, casual place to go eat because neither of us thought the halibut I planned to prepare sounded appetizing.  Suddenly, I remembered the glorious article I read about this hip, intriguing taco joint that prides itself on "non-traditional gourmet" tacos.  Who wouldn't want to go here and try a Short Rib Taco with Ghost Chili Sauce??  

We set off to "Camp", the shopping center it is in, and miraculously found a parking spot.  As we approached the restaurant I noticed that all the other places surrounding it were packed, yet the line at Taco Asylum was dismal.  Undeterred by my mission to experience the best tacos on earth and my thoughts of greatness drowned out my husband's negative comments about how "good places are always busy"...blah, blah, we entered.  The menu was a bit confusing and the cashier did not lead us on the culinary exploration I had hoped, but my thoughts were still so positive and I was thrilled to find they had Ginger Ale on the extensive beverage menu.  Yay!  How could all of this go wrong?  I am thinking, "I am in for a wonderful experience and this will be our new favorite place!!"

Well...I don't even know if I can express my disappointment thoroughly.  I will start off by saying that I left having eaten, but I was not satisfied.  At all.  My tacos came, Short Rib and the special of the night Crispy Chicken, and they were just "Okay".  Brian ordered the Wild Mushroom, Lamb and Duck.  He couldn't even eat his Lamb one because it was dripping so much grease that it initiated a gag-reflex in both of us when he attempted to pick it up.  Also, the tortilla was so soaking wet from the grease that it just fell apart in his hands.  Gross.  Needless to say, I left feeling sad, frustrated and defeated.  And, our experience only took a total of 20 minutes!  So much for a wonderful dinner with great food and interesting atmosphere.  I would have much rather gone to Baja Fresh.  That would have been a treat.

My wonderful husband saw my sad face and drove straight to one of my favorite Italian restaurants for dessert.  Their Budino, a chocolate and salted carmel pudding with fresh whipped cream, can cure any aliment.  Plus, we had to get a pizza to go as well.  I know, we are pigs.

The Ginger Ale literally tasted like battery acid.  I have never tried battery acid, but I promise it was horrible.

Crispy Fried Chicken and Short Rib Taco

 

 Hot Sauces.  Only cool thing there was the Ghost Chili Sauce.  

In conclusion, I would not go back here.  I really had such high hopes of it being fantastic, but it just wasn't.  In fact, it wasn't even good.  Also, although I am never really concerned about the value and money I spent to eat someplace, I have to mention that it was expensive.  We spent $40 on 5 tacos and 2 Ginger Ales.  Outrageous I know!

True Food Reinvention

I have been wanting to try this restaurant called True Food in Fashion Island for some time now and I was so excited to go there with Brian's dad and Linda the other day to celebrate Brian's birthday! The food was excellent and healthy which is the best combination

don't you think??

When we left all I could think about was going back, but we were headed down to the desert that week. What was I to do? Recreate what I had for lunch! I also have been throwing some ideas around in my head for a while for a flat bread. I thought my new flat bread and the salad I had at True Food would make an excellent pair!

I even had to recreate my drink I had also! It was really refreshing and didn't seem to complicated to duplicate. I highly recommend this place and if you aren't near one of their two locations, try my recipes below.

Date Gorgonzola Flat Bread

Ingredients:

1 piece whole wheat flat bread

2 dates, chopped

2 tablespoons apricot jam

1/2 onion, sliced

1 clove garlic, chopped

3 tablespoons Gorgonzola cheese

Olive oil

Directions:

Preheat Broiler.

Drizzle a olive oil in a small pan and heat over medium heat. Combine onion and garlic in pan and saute over medium heat until onions are caramelized and lightly browned.

Put piece of flat bread on a piece of foil sprayed with cooking spray. Put in oven for 3-5 minutes depending on your oven, just till slightly crispy. Remove from oven.

Spread the jam evenly over the flat bread, with the back of a spoon is easiest. Spread onion mixture over the top. Sprinkle dates and cheese evenly.

Put back in oven for 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted and bread is golden brown.

Slice and serve...enjoy!

Spring Chopped Salad

Ingredients:

4 cups Spring Mix Greens

4 Strawberries, sliced

1/4 cup Goat Cheese, crumbled

1 cup Sugar Snap Peas, ribs removed and roughly chopped

1 Roasted Chicken Breast, skin removed and shredded

(I just used a rotisserie chicken that I bought at the grocery store)

2 Tablespoons Almonds, sliced...optional

Balsamic Vinaigrette (I used a fat free one from Trader Joe's)

Directions:

Combine all ingredients but dressing in a large bowl. Toss gently. Drizzle with dressing and toss and serve amongst several plates. Enjoy.

Hangover Rx

Combine 1 can Coconut water, 1/3 cup pineapple juice, and 1/3 cup orange juice and stir. Serve!

This drink is really refreshing and healthy and makes a perfect compliment to everything on this menu. I hope you try out some of these recipes and leave me your comments!

Have a wonderful evening!

Restaurant Review: Amaya

This weekend was my husbo's birthday and I was so excited to celebrate his birthday with him in San Diego for the weekend. I tried my hardest to plan something relaxing and fun for his birthday because we have both been so stressed lately. We had the perfect weekend, thanks to my SIL Paige and the wonderful staff at the Grand del Mar; the hotel and service is exquisite and we always have the best time there. If you are looking for a place to go that is close, but seems like you are in another country...look no further, the Grand del Mar is your spot.

When you are at the hotel you could swear you are in Italy with your own private villa because even though the hotel was at full capacity, you wouldn't know anyone else was there. I can't say enough great things about it and not because Paige works there. It is genuinely one of the top 10 places in the world I have stayed and by far the nicest hotel in California by miles.

On Saturday night we ate at Amaya and it is always wonderful. We ate there 2 years ago on Valentine's Day and I think if they can maintain great service and food on Valentine's Day it is a safe bet they are going to have excellent food all year round! They have a very extensive wine menu and a wide variety of choices on the menu. The only caveat is the desert menu; my bread pudding was very cold. For you dessert people out there: Don't let that stop you because our server told us they are changing their dessert menu next week!

Butter Lettuce Salad

Branzini

Strawberry Shortcake Bread Pudding

So, next time you are in the mood for a weekend away and you don't know where to go,

try the Grand del Mar!

Restaurant Review: Phans 55

One of my clients recently mentioned that I should try Phans 55. She said that it is 5 times better than our favorite local Thai/Vietnamese restaurant Bamboo Bistro. Well...wow! That is a pretty TALL statement there lady, but I am up for anything once!

I have seen this place before, or I guess I should say the sign, but I never quite got it. There is the sign for the restaurant right underneath the sign for an apartment complex.

Is it inside there? Does it just share an entrance? Where is it?

Saturday night was the night, I couldn't wait any longer. We got in the car, went over there and sure enough, it is in a condo complex. I know it sounds so weird, but once you actually drive in there it isn't that odd. There was plenty of parking (always a plus) and the vibe inside was great. They have a combination of booths and tables with very cool chandeliers hanging from tall ceilings. As the reviews say online, it is a little more expensive than Bamboo Bistro, but before I wrote this I just looked at both menus, and we are talking about on average a $2 difference on each dish. The food is 5 times better. $2 is a small price to pay.

The food was fabulous. So fabulous I wanted to go back the next night. I know, I'm a pig, but it was that good. So good we didn't have leftovers. Okay, my husband is a pig too.

All I can say is that you have to go there. I wish I had pictures to show you the light, but alas I was too hungry to take pictures of the food before we ate it. Not to mention that I think Brian would have fought me off with his knife if I would have made him wait.

Usually I would never get dessert at a place like this, I am more into Carrot Cake or Creme Brulee over Fortune Cookies and Fried Bananas. That is until I saw this little lighted case with these French Pastries inside and I remembered this little Vietnamese Bakery my mom used to go to that used French techniques to make the most wonderful tiny delicacies.

Try the dessert too...you wont be sorry.

And Brian says I need to get new hobbies. I ask you, what is wrong with Food, Shopping and Literature? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

Restaurant Review: Tuscany

Another gorgeous day at Snowbird! This picture looks like it is from a magazine, but I actually took this on the slopes. We just had the perfect weather and snow conditions, but I think every time I have been to Snowbird, which is many times, I say this same thing.

For my mom's birthday dinner we went to Tuscany, which I found on OpenTable, and it turned out to be such a great choice. We had a big debate about the dinner place while we were resting before dinner, and I am very glad we went here. The restaurant looks like it should be a museum with all sorts of really neat historical things around.

Coolest Menu! Had an internal light that turns on when you open it!

Picturesque

Birthday Girl Blowing out her Candle! To many more happy years and vacations ahead!!

Restaurant Review: Tiburon

For my mom's birthday all she wanted was to take the whole fam on a trip to Utah skiing. Best birthday gift to be a part of because we all had a fab time and laughed the entire time. I read something once that said that laughing does all kinds of wonderful things for your health. If that is true, we all came back a LOT healthier!

Another benefit to skiing is that by using one of the largest muscle groups in your body, your legs, you burn a ton of calories. The week before we left I was feeling like a blob and hadn't been feeling 100% so I wasn't able to workout like I normally do, but I was so happy to get moving again and get those endorphins going!

The second night we were there, after a long day on the mountain, we went to Tiburon and had a great meal. The restaurant is so cozy and feels like you are at someone's home in the middle of the woods. It is small and we sat in a small room that felt really private. It was a very relaxing end to the day and the food was excellent!

Do you have a favorite restaurant in Salt Lake? We are planning on making this an annual trip!

The Best Thing I Ever Ate

Have you ever watched that show "The Best Thing I Ever Ate..."? Well, this, is the best thing I have ever eaten. There doesn't need to be a category or descriptor. This is the best thing I have ever eaten.

This dish is from Brian and my favorite restaurant in Long Beach called L'Opera.They have lots of things that are delicious there, but this takes the cake. It is called Capellacci de Zucca which is a homemade pasta wrapped into little bundles with Butternut Squash and Ricotta, a Brown-Butter Sage Sauce, Shaved Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Sage and the most heavenly Spicy Tomato Sauce.

Melts in your mouth. It is the best. End of Story.

Heaven in small bundles

Restaurant Review: Sibilla

Shopping is a big part of any vacation for me; naturally we went to Miami's famous walking street Lincoln Road. It was just like a Floridian 3rd Street Promenade. There were tons of out-door restaurants, boutiques and strange people. We set out at 10am for a day filled with walking, sight seeing, shopping and eating. The sun was out and it was a perfect day for what we had planned. As we were walking along the promenade we spotted Sibilla and decided to make it back around the same way around lunch time to try it.

Greek Salad

Tagliatelle Bolognese

Margarita Pizza (my favorite!!) The crust was thin and perfect!

This place was really good and I was happy the pizza was up to my standards. I never want to waste the calories if it isn't great. I ate the whole thing, so that speaks volumes!

Restaurant Review: Sushi Samba

This weekend we travelled to Florida to attend Brian's cousin's wedding in Plantation. We decided to make it into a mini-vacation and go to Miami Beach for a day or two before-hand. It was my very first time in Florida, and after hearing so much about it, I was excited to see everything with my own eyes! The timing also couldn't have been better because just as we were leaving Orange County the temperature dropped 15 degrees and the news was projecting rain all weekend. Whereas in Florida it was 80 degrees and sunny the whole time we were there! It was perfect!!

On Thursday night we took the concierge's recommendation from the Mondrian and set off for SUSHI SAMBA. When we walked in we instantly fell in love with the upbeat atmosphere of the restaurant and the menu's interesting blend of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine.

Brian ordered so much food, way more than we could eat, but it was a ton of fun because we got a taste of everything pretty much.

Blackberry Mojito=AMAZING

Yellowtail Crispy Taquitos

Sea bass and Miso Anticuchos served with Caribbean Corn

Yellowtail Seviches with Ginger, Garlic and Soy

Samba Dromo Roll (lobster), Bobo Brazil (Kobe Beef, Chimicurri), Ezo (24 hour marinaded Salmon), Vegetable (Sweet Potato)

Warm Chocolate Banana Cake

I would go back to this place any time. I left feeling sad we don't have one near us. The good news is you can visit this place at any one of their 7 locations in Miami, New York, Las Vegas and Chicago! You better believe we will be going back to this place when we are in New York in May for Andrew and Karen's wedding!

Restaurant Review: Gulfstream

My sis' friend Sarah is in town this week and I am just sooooo lucky they wanted to hang out with me the other night. Brian is out of town and although I love having the channel changer to myself, I do miss him stealing my pillows and my part of the down comforter at night and leaving the TV on all night till I wake up at 4 am to turn it off....

Point being, I was happy to go to dinner with them for a little girls night! We went to Gulfstream because I am so sick of hearing people rave about it while I can see the front door from my desk at work. I love their Tri-Dip appetizer and their menu full of food with simple flavors. I had the Roasted Chicken (I did not upload the picture because it doesn't look pretty) with some steamed broccoli. It was the perfect meal for a weeknight! I actually had a glass of wine (I know, I know...it is unbelievable) and had a great time with the girlies!

Hummus, Guacamole, and Trout Dip

Restaurant Review: Haute Cakes Caffe

Haute Cakes has become Brian and my Sunday morning ritual. It is tucked away in a strip mall on 17th street, but it is not exactly a secret. There is a big reason for the long line to order, fight for tables and people sitting outside in the pouring rain. The food, especially the breakfast, is fabulous. You do not find great breakfast and comfort food often in Southern California, but what I like most about Haute Cakes is that they put a "California Twist" on traditional breakfast foods.

Even though there is a long line most of the time and not too many inside seats, I can assure you the line goes fast and you can usually snag an inside table. I am not a fan of sitting outside unless is a perfect sunny day with no breeze, but we always manage to get a table inside. How? Why? Because Brian and I start off waiting in line together and decide what we want, meanwhile I closely keep one of my eyes on the tables inside, as someone gets up to leave I dart over and take the table regardless of whether it has been cleaned off or not.

I then text my choices to Brian to order.

This is a very carefully mastered task...

attempt at your own risk of getting accosted by a Newport Mom or Man Cougar.

Hot Chocolate

Vanilla Carmel Latte

Amazing Custard Slice

Amy's Breakfast Special: Egg White Omelet with Kalamata Olives, Pine Nuts, Feta Cheese and Peppers. Served with Fruit and Whole Wheat Toast. Mmmm. It is huge and I can never come close to finishing it, but it is so interesting and tasty!

Restaurant Review: Pizzeria Ortica

Just in case anyone was wondering what my favorite food is...it is PIZZA! Not just any kind of Pizza. Pizza like in the picture below! I do not like thick, doughy pizza with too many things, too much cheese and no taste. I love Pizzeria Ortica's beautiful, bright sauce, the fresh cheese and the basil. The pizza part is really thin and the crust is a little thicker giving you something both to hold onto easily and to nibble on after eating the good part!

I really can't say enough good things about this place, but I will tell you that you must try the "Budino de Cioccolato". It is a semi-sweet chocolate homemade pudding with a salted caramel pudding layered on top and a dollop of whipped cream at the top of all of it. It is heavenly! It is something about all three different flavors melting in your mouth.

Last night my sister and I went here for dinner before going to see "Hair" at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. Unfortunately, we had to run out to make it to our seats in time and I didn't get to have dessert. Sad!

I am always impressed with the quality of the shows at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. I think it is because it is so convenient and easy to walk to from South Coast Plaza or neighboring restaurants. It just makes for a fun, relaxing thing to do right here in Orange County!

Last night we saw "Hair" and I have to mention that this is the 3rd Theater Production my mom has taken my sister to with Full Frontal Nudity in it. It is so hilarious!
I will never understand how these actors get up and take off all their clothes in front of so many people, but to each their own I guess.


The costumes were really cool and looked like they were authentic from the 60s. The music is what I really loved. The orchestra was amazing and the best part is the whole orchestra was sitting in special places within the set. Usually you can just hear them, but we could actually see them! If you get a chance you should look up tickets for this theater, it is small, but they get some great productions off Broadway.

Restaurant Review: WASA

Whew! I have been out of touch with blogging lately! But, I am back! Last Saturday night we were lucky enough to have Karen and Andrew visit for the night. It was way too short and we don't get to see them enough, but I am grateful they made the stop to see us!

My dad told us about this new (well, new to us) Sushi restaurant called WASA. It is so close and in a center I frequent often and am kicking myself for not seeing it sooner. It was excellent! The fish was so fresh and they had a perfect balance between classic Japanese dishes and some more adventurous western twists.

We had the best time, as usual, and were also happy to have Liz and Matt join us. Lots of laughter, Saki Bombs and good food! If you live in the area you must try this place! Delish!

Miss Karen and Andrew already, but excited to see them soon for Karen's Bridal Shower in March! Watch out for more to come with these two...

Restaurant Review: Mahe Dana Point

Saturday night Brian and I went down to Dana Point to celebrate my best friend, Bridget's birthday! After just getting back from Cabo San Lucas for her wedding last week, it goes without being said that none of us were craving Mexican food.

Mahe was the perfect venue because they have a Teppanyaki area, sushi bar and live music. We were sat at a table with a very enthusiastic and friendly four-some who Bridget, of course, made friends with immediately! There is nothing better than being able to watch your food being prepared before it is presented on your plate. The chef was very personable and put on a show for us complete with the typical shrimp tossing and onion volcano! Overall I give the food...a 7 out of 10, the company...a 10 out of 10!

Miso Soup with Green Onion and Tofu




Onion Volcano, Sauteed Vegetables, and Fried Rice

Brian (the pro shrimp catcher) about to Catch the Shrimp

Beautiful Filets Searing on the Grill

We had a fantastic time and ate well! Looking forward to the next night out with our friends Bridget and Jack!

What's your favorite Teppanyaki restaurant?