This is not your average Grub Guide. A speaking engagement, restaurant closure/announcement, and an employment opportunity cover half of the topics we’re ready to share. At the end of the day, our OC Grub Guide is here to cover all food and beverage-related news. Now read up and look for a snack.
Pacific Hideaway Prix Fixe Is Waiting for You – Huntington Beach
If there’s one thing we’ve learned about planning ahead, it’s that life happens. As easy as it may be to schedule a meal, something often comes up to change our plans. The kitchen at Kimpton Shorebreak gets this, and came up with a plan: a special tasting menu that’s offered all the time. Globally-inspired, this four-course dinner will vary based on the season, but Chef Wyatt Lash will always include local produce and (of course) dessert! Request it the next time you’re dining by the beach. And remember to check out the cocktail list. 500 Pacific Coast Hwy., (714) 965-4448; www.pacifichideawayhb.com.
Bill Bracken Speaks at Newport Beach Film Festival – Costa Mesa
A man who both walks the walk and talks the talk, Bill Bracken cares about Orange County residents. So we were pleased to learn that he’ll be speaking at the NBFF this Sunday, at the 5:45 p.m. screening of Uncrushable at The Triangle. A Community Partner for the event, learn about what’s on Bracken’s mind, as well as his Bracken’s Kitchen non-profit. Volunteers are always welcome to sign up and help with serving the community. www.brackenskitchen.com.
Strong Water is Hiring! – Anaheim
When one of our favorite places to drink is working on their next watering hole, you know we’re stalking that Insta account for updates. The latest news is that they’re in hiring mode for a chef! If Anaheim is a reasonable commute, and you’ve got the skills to pay the bills, then throw your resume and cover letter in the ring! The address is in**@ja*************.com. Oh, and congrats to Blind Rabbit Co-owner Robert Adamson for advancing in the Woodford Reserve competition. Good luck when you compete in the finals next month in NYC! 270 S. Clementine St., phone TBD; www.strongwateranaheim.com.
Social Takes Over SeaSalt Space – Huntington Beach
Earlier this month, Alicia Whitney announced over social media the closing of SeaSalt Woodfire Grill. In doing so, she also announced that it was purchased by Andrew Dorsey of Social Costa Mesa. Don’t you worry, though. SeaLegs Wine Bar is still open, as well as sister concept SeaLegs at the Beach. In fact, they’ve got a huge summer concert lineup that’s been announced for your listening pleasure. In the meantime, Social will work on location number two at the following address: 21214 Beach Blvd, (714) 804-5545; www.socialcostamesa.com.
Dinner with Dres Tickets Drop Friday – DTLA
Chef Andres Dangond is a person we’ve managed to keep in touch with since first interviewing him back in 2017. In February, he launched monthly pop-ups to share his expertise in the kitchen. We did an Instagram post about our unique experience at this multi-course, single-seating dinner. Our favorite course: All Hail Chinook, featuring olive oil-poached Alaskan king salmon. What we enjoyed most was chef’s manner in explaining the inspiration behind each dish, as well as explain his role as Director of Culinary Development with Lynx Grills (different courses were cooked on Lynx equipment). Part VH1 Storytellers, part social experiment, we spent time getting to know our communal table. While it is not OC-based, tickets for the May Dinner with Dres event take place this Friday at 10 a.m. They’ve been selling out rather quickly, so set a reminder already. It won’t disappoint. www.iamdres.com.
Thank you, Kickin’ Crab! – Irvine
We stopped by Diamond Jamboree for dinner a few weeks ago. And while the plaza used to carry OC Weekly issues over by Lollicup, we haven’t been able to locate any in the stands the last few times we were there. Turns out we were looking in the wrong place. A stack of current issues was on the counter of The Kickin’ Crab, minding their own business as we headed out the door. So we’re taking a moment to simply say, “Thanks!” for your support. Oh, and we dig the garlic noodles with our shrimp. 2740 Alton Pkwy., (949) 851-8889; www.thekickincrab.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.