What a week in food updates! Thanksgiving starts a little early this year, when half our news involves free goods. There’s also a big food truck announcement (of the SF variety), our take on Lemonade’s newest bites, and a whole week dedicated to Aquavit. We suggest a shot of Fernet Branca for that food coma feeling.
BOGO with Philly’s Best – Locations throughout OC
When you’re ranked by OC Weekly readers as Best Sandwich in Orange County for three years and counting, well, that’s reason enough to celebrate. To say thanks for the love, Philly’s Best is offering a savory special this Saturday only. Purchase two medium fountain drinks, and get a Buy One, Get One Free deal on any cheesesteak or hoagie. A coupon is required, whether by phone or hard copy. So use the link we provided to find your nearest spot and be ready to show the cashier. We spot 10 locations in OC alone! www.eatphillysbest.com.
Election Day Special – Huntington Beach
“Stressed” spelled backwards is “desserts”. And we can’t think of a better way to celebrate voting than by heading to Pacific City for a little decompressing. Sport your “I Voted” sticker at Ways & Means Oyster House for a no-cost treat. Go ahead, have your cake by the ocean. 21022 Pacific Coast Hwy., (714) 960-4300; www.wmoysters.com.
Lollicup Customer Appreciation Day – Irvine/Diamond Jamboree only
A loyal following at Irvine’s Lollicup is what keeps business buzzing day in and day out. To give thanks, they’re holding a very special promotion on Saturday, November 10. From 3 p.m. to close, $1 milk teas, taro teas, thai teas, almond milk teas will be available. If what you sip wasn’t on the buck list, then it’s considered BOGO (Buy One, Get One)! In addition, if you buy 2-2019 Juicy 10 Packs, you’ll also get a free drink. And finally, the first 200 people in line will be placed in a drawing for a free year of drinks (12 total winners). Snag some early holiday gifts and get your boba fix at one stop. 2700 Alton Pkwy., (949) 679-8885; www.lollicupirvine.com.
Falling for Lemonade’s New Menu – Huntington Beach/Newport Beach/Irvine
If we can be brutally honest for a moment, our favorite item off of Lemonade’s seasonal menu is the Israeli Couscous. Its vegetarian breakdown includes parmesan and roasted mushrooms mixed with a lemon truffle vinaigrette. Second place would be Fuji Apples and Red Quinoa with sunflower seeds and arugula in a miso vinaigrette. For a cold sandwich, their Holiday Turkey on Walnut Cranberry Bread is a textured bite of whole grain mustard aioli and pickled red onion. And to drink, a cold-pressed lemonade with activated charcoal and maple; it’s as dark as our cold, cold heart. www.lemonadela.com.
Incoming Luxe Lonchera Brick & Mortar – Curry Up Now!
One of the OG trucks we used to follow when we’d visit the Bay Area was Curry Up Now. In fact, when they launched the first brick-and-mortar, we drove along the peninsula to check out the permanent digs. Three luxe loncheras and six storefronts later, and they’re ready to franchise beyond Northern California. Their first stop: none other than Irvine Spectrum. The space between Falasophy and Afters will have this new tenant next Spring. If you appreciate Indian food beyond a lunch buffet, this will be your new favorite place in the not-so-distant future. Preview the menu at www.curryupnow.com.
Celebrating Aquavit Week – throughout OC
The spirit known as Aquavit gained a special following in Orange County when Blinking Owl sold it as part of their opening lineup two years ago. Starting this Sunday through November 10, many local bartenders will be celebrating Aquavit week with specialty cocktails utilizing the local distillery’s blend of botanicals, malted barley and organic wheat. Stop by McCallan’s Public House in Brea, El Mercado Modern Cuisine in Santa Ana, ARC in Costa Mesa, A & O Kitchen in Newport and Cafe Hidalgo in Fullerton (just to name a few) during the week to partake in the featured selection. If you take a liking to the clear stuff, stop by Blinking Owl for your own stash; we bought a bottle the first time we sipped some. 802 E. Washington Ave., (714) 852-3947; www.blinkingowldistillery.com.
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.