So much to catch up on; so little time. From epic pop-ups to avocados, we’re ready to indulge. Now run along and eat something already!
Mr. Stox Pop-up at Anaheim White House!
One of the last times we ate at Mr. Stox was back in 2005, because our friend was treating (he owed us) and this was one of the fancy pants places we enjoyed back then. The restaurant may be long gone, but the food lives on for one night only! Thursday, August 16 is the date, and for $85 you’ll be transported to a meal of classic crab cake, lobster bisque, osso buco and New York cheesecake. Your hosts for the evening are former owner Chick Marshall and his GM Curtis Springer. Dinner is at 7 p.m. and reservations are recommended. Thanks to Chef Bruno for loaning out his dining room for the night. 887 S. Anaheim Blvd., (714) 772-1381; www.anaheimwhitehouse.com.
National Oyster Day – Huntington Beach
There were probably a half-dozen other food holidays we already missed this week, but Sunday we’re told is the one celebrating those aphrodisiacs. Shuck and Slapfish Raw Bar come to mind, but we read about a special over at Ways & Means inside Pacific City. Your $20 special includes six tastes on the half-shell alongside a tall glass of champagne. Considering they’ve got one of the best patio views, consider this a perfect Lazy Sunday activity. 21022 Pacific Coast Hwy., (714) 960-4300; www.wmoysters.com.
Bonus: Sidecar Truck headed to Pacific City this Saturday! – still Huntington Beach
If you can’t make it out to Costa Mesa during the week (and you definitely can’t handle the parking/lines on the weekend), here is one alternative. Our delightful doughnut brand is making its way to HB for a one day residency. Look for the Sidecar Doughnuts truck outside Lot 579 (a.k.a. the food hall) in the afternoon starting at 3 p.m.. Check out their seasonal specials like Smoked Chocolate & Pretzel, Summer Blueberry Cornflake, Pink Lemonade, Peach Cobbler, and Banana Split– the Chef Series special crafted by their pal, Richard Blais. We don’t recommend waiting too long; they’ll likely be sold out by sunset. 21010 Pacific Coast Hwy., (714) 930-2345; www.gopacificcity.com.
Trap Door Dining Pop-Up #3 – Newport Beach
The next round of innovate, vegetarian dining is planned for Saturday, September 22, back at Kit Coffee. This six-course dinner is capped at an intimate 15 seats, and includes German varietals (a nod to Oktoberfest, which kicks off the same day). His locally-sourced repertoire makes for one of the most imaginative meals we’ve experienced this year. Learn more about Chef Kenny Seliger and his dinner at www.trapdoordining.com. 1617 Westcliff Dr., #103.
Shout outs: OC Meets Napa at Mission San Juan Capistrano
We checked out the 5th annual AltaMed Food and Wine Festival at the mission over the weekend. Dubbed “OC Meets Napa”, it was an extensive collection of wineries joined by restaurants throughout Southern California. Capping off three days of tasting and fundraising, it was excellent to see a few of our Orange County favorites represented. We tasted an amazing albondigas soup from Panxa Cocina (our favorite bite of the night); succulent carnitas from Union Market Mission Viejo’s newest tenant, Sol Agave; a perfectly plated mini-enchilada from Urbana Anaheim; and a sweet selection of wines from Santa Ana’s Alta Baja Market. The weather even cooperated, making this outdoor event divine. Keep it on your radar for next year. www.altamedfoodwine.org.
And YOU get half an avocado!
The deal is simple: Visit any Flame Broiler and order a bowl or plate. The half avocado is yours to add on for FREE! Your green deal is only good from August 6-10. Take advantage of the upgrade, and be sure to douse it in enough green onions and Magic Sauce. www.flamebroilerusa.com.
Don’t forget to NOMINATE for Best of!
Is it really that time of the year? It most certainly is! With categories that include Sports & Recreation, Arts & Entertainment, Shopping & Services and Cannabis, the one we push hardest is, of course, Food & Drink. Show your loyalty for that favorite bar or lunch spot. Then be ready to vote when the time comes. www.ocweekly.com/best-of-2018.
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.