Monday, March 24, 2008

Mikey's / Fullerton

Now this is the place. When my old WWII vet dad kept talkng about the awesome sandwiches at a place called "Mikey's" over in Fullerton I knew I had to try it.

Close to the cross streets of Yorba Linda Blvd & Placentia Ave, this place is really tucked in a corner and you gotta look for it. You figure if an old guy (sorry dad...) gets his eats here it must be pretty mundane...Not the case for Mikey's. As we neared the entrance, you pass thru a small patio areas (for the smokers in your crowd) and on thru the door.

As we passed by the small groups of what apperaed to be locals, we were greeted by a cheery & cute bartender/waitress...(Hmmm, now I think I know why my dad goes there, he may be old, but he ain't dead....) It's a cool crowd with no tension in at all. Beer was flowing and so was the good eats. I ordered a "Knucklehead" sandwich (hey, wha'd you call me?...) and my wife had a french dip......Mikey's knucklehead dip is a combo with roast beef, turkey and pastrami, also sauerkraut. Good food, me like!

Well pops was right, the sandwiches were incredible! And the prices didn't kick my ass. The lunch special includes two sandwiches, two sides, and two drinks for $10.95! What a deal.......
I heard Happy Hour rocks...and so does the pool table and shuffleboard.

I don't care if you're 12 yrs old or 100, Ya gotta try Mikey's, #1 in our book.

Prices - A
Service - A
Looks of the Server - A+
Food - A

Mikey's
3159 Yorba Linda Blvd
Fullerton, CA
714-528-9150

The Clubhouse Restaurant / Costa Mesa

Ahhhh, the good life. Situated at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. My wife was dying to try it, so I figured "what the hey", lets do it! I gotta admit I was a little intimidated at first, It is South Coast Plaza you know. Me in my t-shirt and jeans, we were enthusiastically welcomed upon entry (Maybe they thought I was some burnt out rock star, or musician...) whatever the case were were escorted to the back door...(just jokin') We were escorted to a cozy table for two, and the specials were explained to us.

Oh course I started with a Guiness on tap which was by all means GOOD. Looking around you could tell there were some power players, soccers moms, and just ordinary joes. It was a cool crowd buzzing with conversation (no, not me buzzing, the crowd..)

I had The Clubhouse Garbage Salad (see, I told you these were down to earth people), it had grilled chicken, egg, cheese, tomato, green onion, bacon + more......Good, and not too filling. My wife had the roasted jalapeno jack burger. She was in heaven...
The food was great, prices not bad, and the service was class "A". End result, A Winner!

Pull up your Benz to the valet parking and check out The Clubhouse Restaurant the next time you're at South Coast Plaza looking for that new Rolex.

Prices - B
Service - A
Food - A

The Clubhouse Restaurant
333 Bristol Street
Costa Mesa Ca. 92626
714-708-2582

The Counter / Irvine

Well ladies and gents, "The Counter" in Irvine is a mecca for you hamburger buffs out there. Situated off of Sand Canyon Road & Irvine Blvd, The Counter is tucked away away close to the L.A. Fitness. A little upscale, but hey it is Irvine......right?

The concept is simple, you're given a clipboard and a check list to design your own gourmet creation. The Counter boasts 312,120 different combos available. It's somewhat like ordering sushi, but easier.
You choose the bun (or none at all and have it served on a bed of greens), the meat, the portion (up to a pound burger) and all the toppings. Then kick back and sample one of their many beers availble and wait for your creation to be delivered to your table.

Now the fun part, getting it in your mouth.....open wide 'cause it comes several inches high. Food quality is great, and lots of it. Try the sweet potato fries....yummy...(did i just say that...)
Prices aren't too killer for the selection avaiable, the place is real clean with an industrial like look to it.

They have several locations, so check one out.....you be glad you did!

Prices - B
Food - A
Service - A

The Counter
Woodbury Town Center
6416 Irvine Boulevard
Irvine, Ca 92620
949-336-7272
http://www.thecounterburger.com/

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