Get wrapped up in the specials we located, or be glad we only mentioned one pumpkin spice-related item. Either way, sit your tush down sometime today and vote!
Popcornopolis Seasonal Delight – You Guessed It
It’s the second most wonderful time of the year. National Pumpkin Spice Day is coming up on Tuesday, and we’re giving you a PSL alternative for that sweet tooth. Cinnamon and allspice tag alongside caramel popcorn for this holiday treat. It’s then finished with oodles of white chocolate. Locate some online, or use their Where to Buy tab and locate some sooner. www.popcornopolis.com.
We See You: Raya Belna
Once upon a time, we selected The Water Brewery #2 as one of our Top 5 Restaurants. And then the chefs departed for other adventures. Well, one of the two has resurfaced in a duo of Old Towns. Raya Belna announced last week that she is leading the pastry program at both Chaak Kitchen in Tustin as well as Gabbi’s in Orange. Mango and coconut finale anyone? We also spy a dandy s’mores creation featuring burnt marshmallow ice cream and mayan ganache. Looking forward to your other creations, Belna. www.chaakkitchen.com and www.gabbipatrick.com.
Happy Anniversary, Shin-Sen-Gumi! – Irvine
To celebrate the third anniversary of their Woodbury Town Center location, SSG is holding a fine deal: 50% off Hakata Ramen. This special is good on Saturday and Sunday only, the 28th and 29th, between the hours of 11 a.m. and 11 p.m.. Be sure to use the Yelp waitlist feature on their app to shorten your hangry attitude. Happy slurping! 6404 Irvine Blvd., (949) 596-7036; www.shinsengumigroup.com.
$5 Short Stacks & More at Broken Yolk – Costa Mesa and Orange
National Pancake Day is apparently today, so the folks at the Yolk want to serve you $5 short stacks until close. In addition, you can qualify to win an entire year of shorties by following this link. For the month of October, they’re celebrating Flavors of Fall, with Caramel Apple Mimosas and a seasonal fall pancake flight that includes Cinna-cake, Pumpkin and Banana Nut flavors. Go eat it already! Lastly, we saw that a Fullerton spot is in the works. Their rapid expansion from San Diego keeps on keeping on. www.thebrokenyolkcafe.com.
Final Day to Vote for Best of 2019!
This is a friendly reminder to set aside time today and vote for OC Weekly’s Best of 2019. There’s a bunch of categories, but we personally care the most about food and drink. If you’ve got a favorite, show them some love! We’ll even provide the link. Then check out our October 24 issue for the results. What are you waiting for? Go do it while eating a short stack.
South County Seasonal Menu: Hendrix in Laguna Niguel
Kale Pesto Spaghetti and asparagus, Grilled Mexican Shrimp over sweet roasted garlic sauce and Thai Steak Salad garnished with fresh mint and noodles are just an inkling of what you can expect from this eclectic gem. While most menus are moving into a comfort territory, Hendrix focuses their fall specials on keeping you protein-focused and health conscious. Balance out a heavy meal with dinner (or lunch) fare from Chef Rainer Schwarz and Chef de Cuisine Allan Aguinaga. 32431 Golden Lantern, (949) 248-1912; www.hendrixoc.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.