The space adjacent to Mick's Karma Bar was in the works for a while. After our On the Line interview with Michael Schepers back in 2012, we discussed his intention to launch a Thai beer bar. While open a brief time, it was not to his standards and become vacant once more.
It relaunched earlier this month as Fideo, the Spanish (sometimes Asian) word for noodle. Now if you're familiar with his Karma Bar, you'll know a name is just a name. 'Mick' is for Michael, 'Karma' references a brand of liquor bottles (previously) lining their shelves, and his 'Bar' closes at 10 p.m. He takes the same liberties with Fideo, interpreting his notion of what should be served. Unlike Karma's stable burger selection, the menu next door is evolving week to week. What we report today will have some semblance to what's on his chalkboard, but don't be surprised if it doesn't
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Fideo served a trio of entrees opening day. One dish was chile verde chicken, so tender it pretty much fell off the bone. We wolfed down their curried noodles before we remembered to photograph. Braised pork belly was plated with rice, sopping up every drop of sauce and fat. No flavor was left behind. Listed (but not yet served on opening day) entrees include a Mexican ramen featuring twice cooked pork, a spicy steak “salad” with corn tortillas and a potato dish called red skin riojanas made with Spanish chorizo.
While it was too early for us to drink, a tall glass of passionfruit mint lemonade cut though the heavy flavors of our lunch. And dessert? A tres leches fideo incorporating cheese, nuts and chocolate. If you're feeling overwhelmed, start with a sampler of six tastes; it'll get your palate going.
Fideo by Mick is located at 2010 Main St, Ste 170. Be sure to get parking validation! (949) 280-0326.
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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.