Due to life, I don't get to Old Vine Cafe in Costa Mesa as often as I used to. So every time I do go, I splurge—like, buy a 12-pack of wine splurge. And dessert. And sausage. And appetizers. Gotta make up for lost time, you know?
But without fail, I always fall back on the Pizza Omelet for breakfast. Chef Mark McDonald has offered the savory cloud for nearly all of Old Vine's nine-year existence, because it's his restaurant on a plate: mostly Italian (luscious meatballs, the best pomodoro sauce in OC), vaguely American (though classy, this omelet could satisfy even the saltiest Harbor House Cafe regular) and all Mark. This isn't Old Vine's most imaginative dish, or even its best seller—but it's delicious, filling, cheap, and magnificent. Again, people: Old Vine Cafe is the most underrated restaurant in OC, so GO GO GO!
2937 Bristol St. A102, Costa Mesa, (714) 545-1411; www.oldvinecafe.com
The List:
32. Gorgonzola Bacon Burger at Zov's
33. Falafel Taco at Falasophy
34. $10.95 Lunch Special at Istanbul Grill
35. Aporreadillo at El Picante
36: The Big Mike at C4 Deli
37. Crab Jalapeños from Carmelita's Kitchen
38. Combo Plate at Punjabi Tandoor
39. Crepe Cakes at TeaArias
40. Bacon and Eggs at Break of Dawn
41. Combo Platter from The Halal Guys
42. Sunflower Salad from PIE-NOT
43. Watermelon Salad from Barley Forge Brewing Company
44. Breakfast Burrito from Pedro's Tacos
45. Salmon Toast from Haven Gastropub
46. Croque Madame Sandwich at Café Beau Soleil
47. Dean's Thai Curry Chicken Pizza
48. Aguas Frescas at Mar and Terra
49. Bocatas at Olé! Spain Delishop
50. Pan Con Pollo at El Divino Salvador Del Mundo
51. Tacos al Vapor at Tito's La Especial
52. Knafeh at Knafeh Cafe
53. Yakiudon Nikkei at Aji Limon
54. Yakitori at Electric City Butcher
55. Tsukemen at Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai
56. Ten Zaru Soba at Tanakaya
57. Pink Cloud Sandwich at Alicia's Cookery
58. Homemade Super Nachos at Taqueria Los Santos
59. Strawberry Banana Croissant at Cream Pan
60. Pla Duk Phat Phet at Vientiane Thai Laos Restaurant
61. Risotto Con Burrata at Taverna
62. Pineapple Float at Jollibee
63. Szechuan Fries at Wok N Tandoor
64. Banh Xeo at Quan Mii
65. Chanko Nabe at
66. Hamshuka from Hummus Bowl
67. The Reuben at A Market
68. Everything Cake from Slice Deli And Cakery
69. Spicy Shrimp And Eggplant from Brio Tuscan Grille
70. Crawfish Mac & Cheese from The Wharf
71. Malasadas from Dough Doughs Hawaiian Cafe
72. Salsas from Salsa Bandolera
73. Chorizo Breakfast Bagel at
74. Whole Chicken Combo at
75. Toothpick Lamb at Sichuan Impression
76. Hainan Chicken Rice at
77. Fruit- and Ice Cream-Topped Waffles at Crave
78. Garlic Shrimp Poke at Costco
79. Chimichurri Fries at
80. Torta Cubana at Cancun Juice
81. Adobo Bowl at
82. Garlic Noodles at Krave Asian Fusion
83. Broccolini at SeaSalt WoodFire Grill
84. Spicy Tuna Roll at Yard House
85. Amber Roll at Orange Roll and Sushi
86. Frito Chili Cheeseburger at Burger Parlor
87. Maui Sunrise at The Original Banzai Bowls
88. Meals from The Performance Kitchen
89. Pizza-Sized Quesadilla at Los Sanchez
90. Filipino Brunch at EATS Kitchen And Bar
91. Mexican Chocolate at the Pie Hole
92. Biscuits at
93. Mushroom Flatbread with Kale and Kumquat Salad at Lemonade
94. Mexican-Style Gelatins from Santa Ana's
95. Hot Pastrami Caesar Salad at Bruxie
96. Jalapeño Pupusas at Las Cazuelas
97. Meatball Sliders at Fresh Brothers
98. Buffalo Cauliflower at Mead's Green Door Cafe
99. Raindrop Cake at
100. Doughrito at Surfin' Donuts
