Saturday, February 16, 2008

The Auld Irisher Pub & Restaurant / Orange

"Top of the morning to ya" or afternoon as it was when we visited "The Auld Irisher, Irish Pub & Restaurant" in Orange.

Having been open for only a few weeks this pub restaurant is sure to be a hit in the sea of everyday restaurants. We were greeted by the barmaid and we chose a patio seat. The pub is quite a sight, having much of the decor brought over from Ireland. It no doubt took many leprechans to get the stuff over......I think I saw one as I finished my thrd Guiness (leprechan that is....)

I had the "Ploughman's Platter" which consisted of cheese meats. Deemed an appetizer on the menu, I made it my lunch along with several fresh Guiness ales! Not cheap at $12.95, but was tasty to try the selections. The "Coleman's" mustard is HOT (can you say horseradish...) yet awesome. My better half had the "Roasted Turkey Sandwich" which looked delicious, and must have been as she ate it all. The only drawback, was in trying to be authentic they sprinkle it with curry powder, which some may or may not like. Just ask if you don't want it added.

They say it gets pretty happening on weekend nights with "live" bands....I gotta check that out. While it gets crowded, the barmaid assured me there's always somewhere to hid away in quiet ( or somewhat quiet, if you will)

A must to check out for lunch, dinner or drinks and fun!

Service - A
Food - A
Prices - B

The Auld Irisher Irish Pub & Restaurant
1547 W. Katella
Orange, CA
714-633-3192
www.auldirisher.com

Domo Sushi / Anaheim Hills

"Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto" (Styx '75)

Stashed in a little strip mall (No, I didn't say strip club..) hidden away in Anaheim Hills is the best little sushi joint I've been to in years.

Domo Sushi is next to a denist's office and tropical fish store....off Santa Ana Canyon & Weir Canyon. Behind Burger King, geez if you can't find it by now, put in in your GPS.....

Domo is small, yet very clean and has two of the best sushi chefs around. We went for lunch, it wasn't too crowded, we were seated and our order taken in minutes. The "Poki Bowl" is awesome, and always a favorite as I saw many people order it.. Yeah, I've had these at different places but it's especially good here at Domo.

They offer a $6.95 lunch special that includes soup, salad, chicken teriyaki, potstickers, rice AND your choice of a sushi roll. That is GREAT! I think it's only M-F but you can check to make sure....

Their "Oh My God" roll is my buddys favorite. It's a meal in itself. Of course they have a wide variety of Japanese beers that are ice cold mind-you.

They offer a wide selection of scumptious rolls that include an "Anaheim Hills" roll (what's that, a roll that acts like it's from Newport Beach??)

Have a few beers, relax, enjoy the fresh sushi and you might just forget you're between a fish store and a denist.

Try it, You'll like it! DOMO Rocks!

Service - A
Food - A
Prices - A

Domo Sushi
8285 E. Santa Ana Canyon Rd, Suite #120
Anaheim Hills, CA 92808
714-974-7719

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Texas Loosey's / La Palma

Don't let the address fool you, this place is about 10 feet from Buena Park conveniently located off the 91 freeway at the Valley View exit.

Yee-haa little doggies.....(Ok, a bit corny to start off...Just had to get ya in the mood.....)

We were lucky enough to be invited to a "pre" grand opening of the new Texas Loosey's Chili Parlor & Saloon this weekend. It was kind of a "test" night if you will, to work out any kinks before opening to the public. From what we experienced there were no kinks to work out and the food was awesome!

From what I heard, the building was gutted so everything is new, fresh and clean, from the 26 tv's inside (yes, I said 26 fella) to the stained glass light fixtures.

After being seated by our lovely hostess (thanks Shannon, looking good...) we settled in for some good grub.

The first thing I have to say is this place has a wide, wide variety of items on the menu, from burritos to steaks to pasta (you'd be hard up not to find something that everyone can enjoy).

We started off with the ceviche. It was AWESOME! That, along with my ice cold beer and I was in heaven. Not too many places offers ceviche, and they gave you a big portion at a modest price (I love this place...)

My better half had the BBQ Tri-Tip sandwich which said was very tasty. I, on the other hand had the Top Sirloin. Good meat, Me like! (I think I was a caveman in another life...) This came with a dinner salad and loaded baked potato.....and several more ice cold brews (did I mention they were cold???) Why I say this is because there's nothing worse that a nice steak with not-so-cold beers. Whatever they did here, they did it right 'cause the brews are mighty icey (is that a word?)

It was a casual relaxed atmosphere and the bar looked inviting with it's mega tv's. They even have a tv in the bathroom for pete's sake (be careful though, it takes a while for that spot on your pants to dry when you're not paying attention.........)

Can't wait to go back and sample the burritos and other cornucopia of foods they offer.

Also, got a sneak preview of the uniforms the waitresses will be wearing....Yikes, it's like Hooter's on steroids! Check it out, I know you'll have a great time!

Service "A"
Food "A"
Prices "A"

Texas Loosey's Chili Parlor & Saloon
40 Center Point Dr
(corner of Valley View/Orangethorpe
La Palma, CA
714-739-2500
www.texaslooseys.com

Bubba Gump / Anaheim/Disney GardenWalk

Run Forrest.......to Anaheim's GardenWalk..........

My better half wanted to check out the new Bubba Gump restaurant in the Anaheim Disney GardenWalk. Me, never to turn down a meal jumped at the chance.

We checked out their website before going and everything looked good, but something was misssing...the prices...Hmmm, I'll tell you why a little later....

Bubba Gump's in Anaheim is very new but they have locations across the country, even in Cancun. The building is very cool even with Forrest's park bench outside. You're greeted by an employee with ping-pong paddles ushering you inside. Here by the "Stop Forrest" sign is where you wait to be seated. The inside is filled with Forrest Gump memorabila and sayings.

Our waitress was prompt, attentive and filled us in on all the specials and treats about the place (thanks Leslie...), even asking us trivia about the movie. This was very nice, but if you were in the middle of a meeting or getting serious with a gal, it wouldn't be that cool. I guess you could say "Scram Forrest, Scram"......I thought we were special but heard the waitress at the other table giving the same spiel......oh well, I felt special for a second....

They had a pretty good selection on the menu, including alot of specialty theme drinks, but the shrimp was the highlight of most of the dishes. We ordered "Bubba's Far Out dip", an artichoke dip with tortilla chips to start off with. My better half thought it was the best, I thought it was ok........After alot of questions reference the menu to the waitress, I settled on something I hadn't even asked about, the "Fish-wish", a char-broiled fish sandwich if you will. It was good, came with cole slaw and worth the $10 price tag. My better half ordered the Chipotle Shrimp. The minute it arrived I knew I should have ordered it. It smelled great and tasted even better. Creamy sauce and shrimp over rice with a bit of a kick. She didn't go for the trade when I offered her the fish-wich for it.....my bad.
Although the Chipolte Shrimp was very good, the price of $17 would even have Lt Dan thinking twice.

All in all it was a fun place, I went in a little grumpy, and came out happy and full. Weird how a good meal does that for you.........

If you have out of town guests or want to spoil yourself with some great seafood, check it out!

Service A+
Prices C
Food A

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
321 W. Katella, Suite 101
Anaheim, CA
714-635-GUMP
www.bubbagump.com

Friday, February 1, 2008

Amazon Brazilian BBQ / Fullerton

Here's a hidden jewel in the Fullerton / Anaheim area.

Amazon features a Churrascaria style Brazilian BBQ buffet. if your a meat lover then this is you mecca!

The outside of the restaurant is a little deceiving looking a little drab. As you enter you're greated by a Brazilian theme complete with waterfall and South American decor.

You're seated then free to roam the buffet which features such South American treats like fried bananas, ox-tail and couscus. The sald bar portion features many salads as well as tofu, sushi rolls, and asparagus just to mention a few items. You could have a feast on just the buffet alone....BUT don't fill up too much or you won't be be able to eat the varieties of meats that are brought by your table every few minutes. Lunch meats include, chicken, top sirloin, garlic steak, turkey wrapped bacon + more......Did I say this place was great or what?? I felt like a caveman feasting straight off the fire.

You can opt for lunch without the meat option or for a few dollars more, go for it all. I recommend the meats also.

Although I haven't been there at night, I heard dinner meats feature exotic meats such as alligator and quail.

The price isn't cheap at $15.95 for lunch and $25.95 for dinner, but if you like meats this place is well worth the cost of admission!

Highly recommended for the "caveman" in all of us!

An added bonus is the service, it's A+, you can't get your drink down below a half before it's refilled again and again!

Service A+
Food A+
Decor A

Amazon Brazilian BBQ Buffet
1445 S. Lemon St, Fullerton
714-447-1200
www.amazonbbq.com

Sunday, January 27, 2008

TAPS Fish House & Brewery / Brea

Hit Taps Fish House & Brewery a few weeks ago for a nice sit down lunch. We planned on going around the noon hour on Friday, but our plans got kicked back a few and we ended up getting there around 1:30pm. We pretty much had the place to ourselves (which was nice, I am kinda "anti-social" you know) there were a couple "late lunches" going on but they were far enough away to give us ample space.

Upon being greeted by the hostess I announced it was our first time ("virgin" TAP go'ers if you will) she politely nodded and seated us in a roomy booth. The waitress was prompt and attentive and I started out with one of their micro-brews (hey, it was 1:30pm ok...) after I few more samples we settled down and ordered the fish & chips and BLATT (bacon,lettuce.avocado,turkey & tomato...whew, I said it...) sandwich. The fish & chips were awesome with a unique batter which made it, well, unique! The BLATT sandwich was fresh, good tastin' and on toasted ciabatta bread (I said the bread was toasted, not me, even though I had a few more micro-brews...) We had side salads which were ala carte.

The atmosphere is charming with the brewery look and classy decor is quite impressive. Almost forgot, the oyster bar looks good although I saved it for next time.

The waitress brought us a complimentary dessert (creme brulee) that was quite tasty. That, along with the lunch and service made this a memorable "first time".

I here the place gets rockin' at nice with live music and their "cigar friendly" patio. Valet parking is also the norm on weekends. It's not cheap but well worth the price (the food not the valet dummy...)!

TAPs gets a big "A" from us and we'll definitely be back!

TAPS Fish House & Brewery
101 E. Imperial Hwy
Brea, CA 92821
714-257-0101
http://www.tapsfishhose.com/

Friday, January 11, 2008

Tony's Little Italy Pizza / Placentia

Geez...what do I say. this is an Orange County classic in my book. Tony's been around since 1978 (a classic year for the chevy camaro if I may add..) Yikes, that's makes 30 years in 2008! He's gotta be doing something right.....

Check out any OC review and it'll probably have Tony's Pizza in it. His stuffed pizza is "the best", hey "forget about it"....( guess you had to be there..) Anyway the stuffed pizza is loaded with authentic ingredients (not processed stuff like at certain franchises....get what I'm talking about) Fresh cheese, homemade sauce......THE BEST.....hands down.

I finally, after many years of going there, ordered something besides the pizza. The "Spaghetti a La Caruso" is to die for...if you like liver and mushrooms (yeah, it's good for you, just like your mom said..) and fine sauce you're in...

I most always get take-out but if you get a chance, eat-in at Tony's, he treats you like you're at his house, eating at his table. You won't be disappointed.

I feel like I'm going back in time from my high school days as Tony's hair color hasn't changed since then....hmmmmm.....All in all, this guy kicks *&^* in his italian cooking. An OC favorite!



Service - A+ (Tony and family treat you as part of "the" family)

Prices - A (A large pizza with homemade ingredients for under $20, Rocks!)

Food - A+ ( "Forget-about-it")

Tony's Little Italy Pizza, 1808 Unit B. N. Placentia Ave, Placentia 714-528-2159

http://www.tonyslittleitaly.com/