We didn’t plan for it to be a food hall kind of roundup, but it is (give or take a bonus at the end). We’re still waiting for updates from Mess Hall Market in Tustin and ongoing developments at a few other spots. In the meantime, Orange County’s hottest commodity has some new tenants for you to frequent!
TRADE Irvine – Broken Rice @eatbrokenrice
Rolling through LA and OC for the past three years, Chef/Owner Peter Nguyen’s Broken Rice concept is ready for the next step. Specializing in customized bowls of broken rice, veggies and protein, Nguyen plans on expanding beyond the truck’s current menu with items such as Cajun jumbo shrimp, salmon and egg rolls. Gluten-free diners can feel comfortable knowing Broken Rice sauces are made from scratch by Nguyen, and items are clearly marked GF on the menu for those who aren’t certain. Broken Rice’s official grand opening is scheduled for this Monday. Per Nguyen,
“We’ve been so fortunate to have built a loyal following in Orange County with our food truck, and are so excited for the opportunity to serve more guests in the brick-and-mortar space. TRADE is the perfect first location for us, and now our nearby customers don’t need to search for our truck’s schedule to plan their weekly lunches!”
4th Street Market/Santa Ana – Buqqa Gourmet Food Truck @buqqafood
Specializing in Mediterranean eats, Buqqa is now open in DTSA. Think Döner grilled meats, baklava and other delicious meals. They proudly prepare food as it is ordered, ensuring freshness. Go and get your rotisserie fix before everyone else discovers them.
Union Market Tustin – Roba Noodle Grand Opening @robanoodle
A trio of changes recently went down over at The District’s food hall. To start, the grand opening of Roba Noodle is set for this Saturday. The first 100 guests in line at 11 a.m. will feast on a set of five robata skewers, including shrimp, steak, chicken, shishito pepper and Brussels sprouts. Those who purchase a noodle bowl after the fact receive the same special! We know a good deal when we see one.
All Coco nearly said good-bye to Tustin, but bounced back with a permanent collaboration alongside MNGO out of San Diego. Launched earlier this month, come and feast on this duo of tropical specialties. We are partial to their OMG! sticky rice dish. @allcoco.usa.
Auraganic Juicery (@auraganicjuicery) With their original location in Chino Hills, Auraganic’s plant-based menu is as healthy as it gets inside Union Market. Situated across from the bar, housed where the former Dirty Cookie once stood, grab-and-go options allow for speedy service if you so choose. Their mindful menu exceeded our expectations.
Union Market Mission Viejo – Locca (@loccasocial) This dessert vendor has been flying under the radar since earlier this year. Sweetening the deal with boba tea drinks and desserts, don’t be shy and add an order of churros. Locca’s a sugary complement to any of their neighbors.
Bonus: Free Eats from Blaze Pizza
7151 Warner Avenue is where you’ll want to be this Friday for Blaze’s grand opening special. Follow them on social media to earn a free pizza at the new Huntington Beach location during operating hours. Hit up the brand that King James made famous with his financial backing. We like ours extra cheesy. @blazepizza
A contributing writer for OC Weekly, Anne Marie freelances for multiple online and print publications, and guest judges for culinary competitions. A Bay Area transplant, she graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management from Cal Poly Pomona. Find her on Instagram as brekkiefan.