Our roundups generally cover a range of tastes and price points. This month is no exception, with both Easter and Newport Beach Film Fest on the horizon. We’ll have specialized Grub Guide coverage for these two themes later on in April. In the meantime, check things out.
Bayside Celebrates a Major Milestone – Newport Beach
Providing live entertainment and comped valet are a couple reasons why Bayside Restaurant has reached the successful age of 20. To thank loyal patrons, they’re offering a $20 special through November. Visit the terrace, lounge or bar to savor a glass of Rodney Strong Cab or Chardonnay with your choice between three small plates (Shrimp Scampi is featured above). Swing by after work and decompress with this mini indulgence. 900 Bayside Dr., (949) 721-1222; www.baysiderestaurant.com.
Taste of Huntington Beach Coming Soon!
Save the date! April 28 is quickly approaching, and it’s time to get your tickets to Taste of HB. VIP scores 11 a.m. entry; general begins the food fest at noon. The Children’s Department of the Huntington Beach Public Library appreciates your support. Plus, unlimited eats and drinks make for one funday Sunday. www.tasteHB.com.
Habit Celebrates National Garlic Month
Buttermilk garlic herb sauce is the finish on Habit’s specialty dish for the month of April. Do your taste buds a flavor, and be reminded of why Gilroy is such a fine city. Available at all branches of The Habit Burger Grill. Go get your garlic on! www.habitburger.com.
I Heart Amorcito – Long Beach
When we wrote up the new food hall in Long Beach, we made a point of saying that in order to have an informed opinion, we still needed to dine at a few more spaces within The Hangar. Well, we finally made it out to Chef Thomas Ortega’s newest Amor. He doesn’t disappoint, despite the tight quarters and aggressive menu. Share the Pastor Fries, then take your pick of tacos; we’re partial to the Mexico City-inspired Tepito Taco. The Hatch Chile Cheeseburger was our comfort food option. And the salad? It was a scene-stealer. At least three people asked us where we got it from. Private patio for overflow dining coming soon. 4150 McGowan St., Ste. 13, (562) 420-5005; www.amorcitolb.com.
Your New Spectrum Lunch Option: The Patio Marketplace – Irvine
Folks searching for another option down by Spectrum can pop in the 400 building for a new restaurant group based out of San Diego County. Plating updated classics, we found ourselves digging the Brie and Roasted Apple sandwich. Grab an order of fries, making sure to include one of the five house-made sauces (do the Pickled Jalapeño Ranch!). Did we mention they’ve also got a happy hour? 400 Spectrum Center Dr., Ste. 150, (949) 490-5905; www.thepatiomarketplace.com.
Chipotle Raises Funds for Girls on the Run – all OC locations
On April 10, Chipotle will donate 33-percent of all sales that day to a charity that provides scholarships to low-income schools and families. Be sure to mention the Girls on the Run charity before paying for that taco, burrito, quesadilla, etc. Feed your belly and soul with extra guac on top. www.chipotle.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.