The doors of a restaurant our family used to visit would have two phrases (one on each door): This is a good place for a diet. This is a bad place for diet. Well, this week’s Grub Guide is a little bit of both, because all things are good in moderation. . . . right? Wash things down with kombucha, and you’ll be fine.
Toast Kitchen + Bakery Chef Popping Up at Burntzilla – Irvine
If you’re down by Culver and the 5 between the hours of 6-9 p.m. this evening, swing by Burntzilla for some comforting eats. Chef John Park will be on site scooping free ice cream, with 100% of any donations going to the cause Faces of Santa Ana. Grab a tasty dinner, then open your wallet a second time for a worthy dessert. And if you haven’t had some of the best ice cream in Orange County before, now’s your chance. Per Park, he’s possibly packing the following flavors: Blueberry Cobbler, Strawberry White Balsamic Caramel and Circus Animal. 14413 Culver Dr., (949) 392-5995; www.burntzilla.com.
Rich Elixirs Grand Opening – Costa Mesa
With multiple flavors of both kombucha and ginger beer on tap, the official opening of Rich Elixirs is on for this Friday evening from 7-9 p.m. Swing by for a flight, with 10% off all pours. Take a few pics in their photo booth, and be sure to collect your Kickstarter t-shirt if you participated. Their Grapefruit & Hops kombucha is our new addiction. 3313 Hyland Ave., Ste. A1B, (949) 445-0102; www.richelixirs.com.
STACKED + Bracken’s Kitchen Fundraiser – Huntington Beach
Customized eats and worthy causes collide, as STACKED collaborates with Chef Bill Bracken on a super cheesy fundraiser. Chef Bracken’s award-winning Southwest Chorizo Mac N Cheese is being sold for a limited time at all STACKED locations. A portion of all sales will contribute towards feeding Orange County’s homeless population. This is ideal winter weather food, so don’t wait for another reason to go! 7490 Edinger Ave., (657) 845-2100; www.stacked.com.
How to Build A Better Gingerbread Home – Santa Ana
Discovery Cube Orange County is conducting their annual winter competition and display during The Science of Gingerbread, now through January 6. Check out the entries and stay for cookie decorating and toy construction. Oh, and if you want advice on your edible architecture, look no further than Gingerbread Aficionado Elena Serratos for advice, “Decorate the walls of the house with the pieces lying flat will ensure that the candies won’t fall off. Allowing for drying time in between decorating and assembly is the key. Once the decorated wall is dry (6-8 hours), then align the walls to assemble.” 2500 N. Main St., (714) 542-2823; www.oc.discoverycube.org.
Brew Ho Ho This Saturday! – Anaheim
Say “Cheers” to the freaking weekend, then get your butt over to The Phoenix Club for the annual gathering of hopheads beer fans. Over 100 craft beer tastings await while you rock out to four hours of lively entertainment. Nosh on luxe lonchera fare while sporting your ugliest Christmas sweater. It’ll also be a nice way to celebrate the break in rainy weather. 1340 S. Sanderson Ave., (714) 563-4166; www.brewhoho.com.
Burnt Lumpia, For the Win!
Shout out to Marvin Gapultos (a.k.a. @burntlumpia on Instagram) for his on point arroz caldo InstaPot recipe we read up on over the weekend. It was the best Monday night meal after double workouts. He’s also got a cookbook out now called Pulutan! Filipino Bar Bites, Appetizers and Street Eats . Gift it to the home cook on your shopping list.
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.