So here goes nothing. Not in any particular order:
1. Gen Korean BBQ and Yakatori Bar
Tustin, CA
I just recently found out this was a chain so you can find it at a few other locations in the OC but this is the only one I have been to since it's only about 5 mins away from my house. Hands down the best (in my opinion) AYCE Korean BBQ place around. Any friends that comes to visit me and David, we take them here. Everyone has been craving it since. Go early to put down your name because during peak hours, your wait can be anywhere from 30 mins to 1.5 hours. PS. Make sure you wear clothes you don't mind getting smelly and you are going to want to shower after eating here.
2. Brodards
Westminster, CA
Best and most unique Vietnamese spring rolls. What makes them delicious is the fact that they put fried crunchy eggroll skin in the spring rolls which gives it a great crunch. Plus their dipping sauce is nothing like I've had or can figure out. Even my Vietnamese best friend Elaine and her bf Dong come to eat here every time they make a trip down. If Viet people give it a 2 thumbs up, it's a place to go!
3. Bruxies
Orange, CA (or newly opened Irvine, CA)
Waffle sandwiches! They have savory, they have sweet. I order the chicken and waffles then strawberry creme brûlée for dessert.
4. Pieology
Irvine, CA (newly opened San Jose, CA)
Located inside the Spectrum Mall, this is the "Chipotle" of flat thin-crust pizzas. Customizable and you can add as much toppings as you want for a fixed price. You go down the line just like you do at Chipotle and you choose what toppings you want to add along the way. Around $8 each and your pizzas are usually done in 5-10 mins.
5. Soft Serve Station
Irvine, CA (inside Mitsuwa Supermarket)
I think the only have it at this location; the best green tea soft serve ice cream ever. It's not too sweet and has a stronger green flavor than most you buy at grocery stores. They put the ice cream in a cup on top of golden grams (cereal) instead of having a come. Best idea ever.
6. Plaza Inn
Anaheim, CA (Inside Disneyland)
Although you will have to be visiting Disneyland before you can get to this, but definitely hit this up when you get the chance. Fried Chicken, mash potatoes, green beans, and a biscuit -- $13. This fried chicken is juicy and tender every and all the time. If you prefer dark meat like me, you can request for that. It's a pretty big plate of food but I can usually scarf it down but walk out super full. Never order the pasta, NOT worth it!
7. Corn Dog Castle
Anaheim, CA (inside Disneyland's California Adventures)
You have up be visiting the other park for this too. However, if you are, get the hot link corn dog. You can get the original corn dog here or at the Disneyland side at the corn dog cart on Main Street, but this is the only place you can get the hot link corn dog. Secret note: It says it comes with chips or apple slices but you can opt out and it's a little bit cheaper.
8. Porto's Bakery and Cafe
Downey, CA
I've been dying to go here after hearing so much about it and it is as good as the reviews. I love potatoes so their potato balls were on point. It is a ball of potato that is deep fried and the inside is filled with Cuban beef goodness. Line looks long but goes by really fast. Make sure you know what you want to order when you get to the front of the line or else it gets chaotic.
9. Tan Hoang Huong Sandwiches & Coffee
Tustin, CA
Quick on-the-go food like Lee's Sandwiches but better. Yet again approved by my 2 Vietnamese friends Elaine and Dong, this is a legit Vietnamese sandwich place. Actually I will be going here now for a quick lunch before the pool.
10. Shin Sen Gumi Hakata Ramen
Fountain Valley, CA
Small little ramen place that David loves. Noodles are al-dente and the broth is on point. I usually just get the smaller portion size but if you get the normal portion (which David does) you can request for more noodles for about $1 (which David gets also. Fatty!)
11. The Original Mama D's Italian Kitchen
Newport, CA
Best homey family-friendly Italian restaurant around. The reviews on yelp says it all. We've came back multiple times to this place. They're known for their pink sauce and their customer service. If you're waiting outside for your table, they come around with free bite size appetizers for you. Yum!
12. South Beach Bar & Grille
San Diego, CA
Yet again, best fish taco place ever. Unfortunately, this place is only 21+ but if you are of age, you cannot skip this place. What I recommend: fried oyster tacos and their fried calamari. Their fried calamari isn't just the typical mini octopus and calamari rings, these are fresh chunks of calamari. Delicious!
13. Phil's BBQ
San Diego, CA
Fall off the bone BBQ ribs and literally "colossal" onion rings. Better than a lot of BBQ ribs places that I've had (even the BBQ ribs I've had in Dallas. Shhhh!). Unless you're ready for some major food coma after this, don't come here. But you may be missing out on really good food.
Good luck on your adventures.
XOXO Davina
BTW, anyone have the last season on gossip girl? It's missing on Netflix.
