Chicken is great and all, but we are a carnivore at heart. So for all the cowboys and cowgirls, here’s what’s been going on with your favorite meat. We hope you already ate.
Farmer Boys – Laguna Hills and beyond
Did you know Farmer Boys just opened a Laguna Hills spot? It happened over the weekend, right off the 5 freeway. Between now and October 9 they’ll be (as well as the other locations) holding a special promotion. Stop by your local Farmer Boys to donate either $2 or $5 towards Feeding America and local food banks. Keep your receipt, and get that same donated amount on a future visit. The new Laguna Hills location is located at 23952 Avenida De La Carlota, (949) 206-9900; www.farmerboys.com.
TAPS Fish House & Brewery – Brea (only)
18 years ago this month, TAPS opened its doors in North OC. Pioneering local craft beer, it quickly became a favorite restaurant in the area for its brews, serving fresh seafood and excellent Sunday brunch. The signature burger normally goes for $15.49, but for the month of September it’s down to $1.99 every Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (or until they sell 300) in Brea. Extras cost extra, but don’t deprive yourself of some bacon, avocado, and/or a fried egg if the mood strikes. 101 E Imperial Hwy, (714) 257-0101; www.tapsfishhouse.com.
Slater’s 50/50 – Anaheim, Huntington Beach
While this local brand is known for their half bacon/half beef blend, this post has nothing to do with that. Instead, they’ve got some other news to share. Slater’s recently began two new programs. First up is an improved Happy Hour, featuring half-off beer, wine and cocktails from 3-6 p.m. AND 9 p.m. to closing. To keep your belly happy, you’ll also find snacks starting at the tasty price of $3. Think buckets of taters and warm pretzels with beer cheese. Mmmmm. . . .cheese. Bonus: The same deals apply during Monday and Thursday night NFL games. Score!
The photo above is all the reason you’ll need to swing by for their second program. Named the Wake ‘N Bacon Brunch, this Sunday affair begins at 10 a.m. Your sweet tooth will order Bacon Bunuelos with sea salt caramel and Bread Pudding French Toast topped with strawberries and Nutella. We’ll opt for Chipotle (Buttermilk) Biscuits & Gravy, filled with caramelized onions avocado and scrambled eggs prior to smothering. Be sure to wear your eating pants. www.slaters5050.com.
Ruby’s Diner – Long Beach, Irvine, Yorba Linda, Costa Mesa, Laguna Hills specific
What’s a Stack Attack, you ask? It’s the gut-busting challenge from that gal Ruby to celebrate her 35th anniversary. If you’re at least 18 and ready to throw down $35 to enter, we hope you have an iron stomach. This three and-a-half pound giant is stacked with onion rings, bacon, guacamole, tater tots, jalapenos and cheese. Oh, that doesn’t even factor in the SIX 8-ounce patties! All this, fries and a shake must be demolished in 35 minutes or less to win. Finishers will earn an exclusive t-shirt, a $35 gift certificate to Ruby’s and a certificate of completion. The Stack Attack tour is coming to a location near you. Those interested must sign up on their website.
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.