Happy Thanksgiving Everyone

First and foremost, may we all have a great Thanksgiving, whether it be lunch or dinner or both. Food Angel would like to thank everyone who supports us for we are thankful for all of you. I know it’s been a little slow, but after the Thanksgiving special, I should have everything back up to schedule. For now, Eat up, Drink up, and have fun.

Sorry…..Busy Busy Busy

Hey everyone, sorry for the serious lack of updates. Ive been gone the week for SEMA in Las Vegas, and I’m booked till the end of the month. Good thing right? I guess but I’ve got a lot going on. Anyways, I’ll have some pictures of food that I prepared while in Vegas and I should have a few reviews going up during the course of the next week or so. So stay tuned, and thank you to everyone and your support and for helping make this happen. “Bon Appetite”

Royal Hawaiian in Laguna Beach, CA

FINALLY right? First off, my apologies to the lack of updates. No my computer is still not running, so I’m doing this all off my laptop, AND the re-editing and uploading continues. Now let’s get back in the groove of things…..I checked out a few places for Orange County’s Restaurant Week last month and well, here is the review finally. Well start with the first place I checked out, The Royal Hawaiian in Laguna Beach. So onto my little adventure that evening.

The Royal Hawaiian is located on Pacific Coast Highway in the heart of Laguna Beach. Actually, its like 3 buildings down from Las Brisas. I have to admit, it’s fairly easy to spot. They have the whole tropical modern look on the outside. Parking is readily available out front or on the side. I actually liked the look of the restaurant. Inside, it was fairly contemporary with hints of a Hawaiian getaway. The bar seemed fully stocked, and the restaurant feeling was warm and cozy. That is however the image it projects, the food and service however……

It was pretty easy to choose the menu since I was joined by a couple friends for dinner. After checking out the site, their menu seemed like a great assortment for the night for $30.  The menu consisted of 3 starters, a main dish, dessert, AND an “adult” beverage. Great idea right? Eh maybe. Well, I guess we can start off on how terrible the starters were….YES TERRIBLE.

First starter to come out was the Tossed Green Salad with their Ono Ono Dressing…..as far as tossed goes, more like shredded lettuce and cabbage drenched in so much dressing you can’t even taste the salad. Way too watery, way too sweet, it just didn’t cut it for my taste buds. Honestly, a Southwest Chick Salad at Jack in the Crack taste better….What a way to start right? Well lets move on…

Next item on the starter menu was the French Onion Soup. First let me ask you this, how in the world do you mess this soup up. One of the easiest soups to make. Normally in French onion soup, the main ingredients are onions….All my soup had were a bunch of chopped up green onions that floated on the surface…..and bread? Two or three pieces that just floated around? Not only that, the broth that the soup was made of, might as well have been salted water. There was no flavor to the soup. The broth was so bland that I added salt and pepper which STILL came out the same. As I read the menu, they claim it is their own variation of the French onion soup. How about you guys just stick to the basics and make it actually taste good? Of course I’m still yapping about the soup, there still one more starter.

Last starter item on the menu. Coconut Shrimp. I have to admit, this was probably one of the only descent things I had that evening other than the wine. The sauce that the shrimp was served with was the typical sweet and sour stuff you can get anywhere. The shrimp was covered in coconut while the meat had a little bit of flavor. Only complaint there, was the shrimp was a little over cooked. But hey, I did expect a lot worse.

Now on to our main dishes for the night. Before I get into that though, we did order a bottle of wine to start our evening. Figured a Bianchi Chardonnay should fit right in the middle of our meal. It just so happened to be the best part of our meal. Now back on track. There were 3 different meal options, we only chose 2 of the 3 and glad we did. Well start off with the girl’s meals…

They chose the Filet Mignon main course. Of course I had to try a little bit. For the most part, if you ever order a steak when you go out, try to order a level lower than you usually get because, most places tend to over cook just a bit. Knowing that, the filets were ordered to be cooked at a medium. When they came out though…. talk about over cooked. As most people know, filet mignon is one of the most tender of the steaks you can order. Not only is it tender, even overcooked at well done, the meat still is tender. This was by far, the first time I’ve had a filet that was not only chewy, but also dry. Yes it boggles my mind. It was so bad, that the meal wasn’t even finished. Now all our meals came with a bake potato. I’ll describe that later because I had the same side with my meal.

I ordered the Rib and Shrimp dish. I’ll start off with the shrimp. It is cooked on a grill or so it taste like. Also over cooked like the coconut shrimp, but it did not retain any juicyness of the shrimp. They served it with cocktail sauce. So I just want to add, REALLY NOW? Grilled shrimp with cocktail sauce…I wish you could see me right now, i’m literally shaking my head as I think back to this meal. Now on to the ribs, mind you i’m already disappointed to the point that McDonald’s actually sounded good. These ribs were by far the driest ribs I have had to date. I understand that not all places will cook it to the point that the meat falls off the bones but, really?? These ribs tasted like they were some tv dinner special covered in bar b que sauce. Actually now that I think about it, the McRib Sandwich tasted much better than these ribs. Now lets finish off with our bake potato. Lets just say it didn’t taste very good. The potato was cold, tasted like it was nuked in the microwave, and well yeh…. that was the same conclusion we came to all 3 of our meals.

Now I guess we can head off and finish with dessert right? There were only 2 choices, the Cream Cheese Brownie and the Coconut Pie. I’m just going to condense both desserts into one review. Why? because I could probably go on for days on why this place not only doesn’t know how to cook food, but also don’t know a thing about dessert.  Both desserts were not very good, my brownie tasted like it just came from the freezer, the coconut pie? EH is all I’ll say.

To close off with this review, I’ll just go over the extra little details I haven’t really mentioned yet. The service SUCKED. You figure a nice like shindig like this would have a little better service. Not that the girl who served us wasn’t nice, it’s just that we had to wait forever for everything. Our drinks, our food, our bill, it all took what seemed like an eternity. Next thing; the owner came over to chat with us. I figured since I was taking so many pictures, he must have thought I was from a magazine or something. Well he walked over and had 4 shots for the 3 of us and himself. I thought to myself, ok that is kinda cool. He talked about the place a little and eventually left. So I figured I’d make a pit stop before the drive home, I come back and here he is, sitting in my seat. As I came back, he continued to not pay attention to me, a little rude I might add. Anyways long story short, as an owner of a restaurant/bar whatever, there is no time or place to be making inappropriate gestures or comments towards the guest, especially perverse ones toward female patrons. Maybe I came on a bad night? Maybe the owner should learn not to drink so much or even better, not show up there. Seriously though, I figured since you’re going to offer your establishment in the restaurant week, you might actually want something that shows the guest what this place is all about. Guess that didn’t really click for The Royal Hawaiian. Will I go back? Probably not; Do I recommend this place at all? DEFINITELY NOT. That is unless you like architectural design because that is about all this place has going for it. Well, for now, and always “Bon Appetit” and stay tuned for a review on a place actually worth going to.

Quick Update….

Sorry about the review delays….I’ve been having technical difficulties….as in my computer crashed….I should have the reviews up tomorrow from restaurant week, I have to go back and edit everything and re-upload all the photos…so sorry again for no new content…

Just a little of what I have to offer……

Well I’m starting to get back in the groove of things, so expect more reviews soon and how – to’s. Some good news for those of you that missed out on Orange County’s Restaurant Week. Many of the restaurants have decided to extend the restaurant week until this Saturday, September 26th. You should definitely try some of these places out. Check the site for participating restaurants.

www.orangecountyrestaurantweek.com

I actually tried The Royal Hawaiian last week since they had a good looking menu. Expect a review later and I might add, was not very impressed. So for now enjoy pictures from the last dinner I cooked for the Lakani’s and Douesnard’s. The menu I prepared for them that evening is the usual 3 course meal that most people choose. So enjoy my little visual sample….

For the appetizer, I prepared a Salmon Tartare served with sliced Sourdough Baguettes. So while my guest enjoy their appetizer, I’m usually busy preparing the next item….

…and on to the main course. The main dish of the night was Seared Filet Mignon covered in Carmelized Onions and Mushrooms. As a side, Steamed Asparagus served with a Tangy, Onion Vinegrette Dressing to finish off the main dish. But thats not it for the 3 course, theres still dessert….

…and to end the night, my most requested dessert, Creme Brule. I didn’t take a good picture of it that night so I’ll use a picture of a previous one I made so you can get the idea. I now offer this delicious dessert in a variety of flavors and combinations. You can try my Green Tea Creme Brule, Chocolate Creme Brule, Banana Creme Brule, Raspberry Creme Brule, Original or my newest creation, Chocolate Clafoutis with a Creme Brule Center covered Fruit or Ice Cream..

Well….that’s it for now, come back for my Royal Hawaiian review….Ill be checking out a few more places this week, come along if you’d like…..

Orange County Restaurant Week……..Join Me

Well, again I apologize to everyone, it’s been a long while since I updated this. I’ve had alot going on as well as alot of new clients who have used my services. First and foremost, thank you to everyone for their continual support. Starting today, everything should be back on track. I have a few pictures I still have to upload from my camera. Expect some things real soon. I know there are people all over who check my blog out, but if your local in Southern California, you will definitely want to check this out. Sunday started the beginning of Orange County’s Restaurant Week. Its held annually and if you want some good food, from some great restaurant for an excellent price, this is the time to go. I will be checking out a few places this year since I was only able to check out once last year. So definitely try this and check out the great deals.

http://www.orangecountyrestaurantweek.com

It’s only a week so don’t wait…check it out now. September 13th till September 19th

Lack of Updates…..

Sorry everyone for the lack of updates, I’ve had a very busy couple of weeks. Will definitely have some new material on here soon enough. I’ve got a gig this weekend, so I’ll be sure to take plenty of pictures. Just a reminder to anyone who refers a job/gig to me, you’ll get a free meal. Thanks again for reading, and remember “Bon Appetit”

Supatra’s Thai Bistro…..

So I heard about this place from a friend and had to try it. The restaurant is called Supatra’s Thai Bistro located in Yorba Linda. Come to think of it, its located near the outskirts of Yorba Linda. After hearing about this place, I’ve kept telling myself to go and try it but never had the chance. Fast forward that to this past Saturday evening, a couple friends call me craving some Thai food…..PERFECT. I guess the stars were aligned that night or something, because here it is, Supatra’s Thai Bistro.

Supatra’s Thai Bistro

21560 Yorba Linda Blvd, Suite E

Yorba Linda, CA 92887

www.supatrasthai.com

First off, when you arrive at the restaurant, its sorta tucked away in the corner. As a small restaurant, the outside looks like a normal building you’d find at any plaza.  Once inside, its completely different. Your first greeted by the host, but as you walk to your table, you notice the beautiful decor inside the restaurant. All around on the walls, its a mix of contemporary and South East Asian art from Thailand. Definitely classy, and a great place to bring a date…..

Since we’re here, they offer Domestic and Imported beer. A bottle of Singha or Chang sounded good but we decided on wine for the evening. Amazingly enough, most of the wines on the list were German. A light wine should do the trick when eating Thai food. Wine of choice for the night? Fritz Haag Riesling 2005. A great choice by my friend of course. This white wine goes well with spicy foods, seafood’s, or just about any Southeast Asian dish offered. A delicate and sweet flavor that just so happens to be perfect with dessert as well. If you love white wines, you will definitely like this…

Anyways, we’re here for the food right? Lets start by saying this, the offer a wide variety of dishes here. Plenty of choices to make, its almost hard to choose. It definitely helps when your with a bigger group and you can order one of each because the food was definitely good but since there was only a few of us, we decided to make the most of it. Browsing the menu, this one particular dish caught my eye, actually a soup. Seafood Hot Pot. Since we loved seafood, we just had to order that. The hot pot is served boiling away over a flame from the chaffing dish. The seafood hot pot was a combination of mussels, calamari, shrimp, scallops and crab meat simmered in the traditional sour and spicy soup. The soup is amazing, just the right touch of spice mixed with the the perfect blend of citrus and lemongrass. The seafood simmering in the soup taste just as great with all the flavors blending together for a wonderful concoction….

Down the menu, another wonderful dish caught my eye. I have the say, you cant go wrong cooking with garlic, so we tried the Garlic Pepper Chicken. They also offer this dish with beef, pork or shrimp instead but after choosing the other dishes, we stuck with the chicken. Another beautifully executed dish. The chicken is stir fried in their special pepper garlic sauce. This dish went so well over a bead of rice. The cabbage on the side had a sweet flavor that went well dipped in the sauce. A delightful dish that I must try one day with their other meats offered.

Next up, another seafood dish. Since we couldn’t get enough of the seafood, and how much we enjoy shrimp, I found it fitting to try their Scallops and Shrimp. Offered in both their garlic sauce and spicy sauce, the hostess suggested we try it in their spicy sauce since we had already ordered a garlic dish. I have to tell you this, boy o boy was that a great decision. Even though we ordered the dish mild, it had just the right amount of kick. The savory pieces of scallop  just melt in your mouth as you take a bite. The shrimp was just the same, full of flavor from the sauce yet still retained the fullness shrimp offer.

The last dish we ordered was probably one of my favorites all night. So simple yet full if mouthwatering flavor. The Crying Tiger is a must order when you go there. Using a New York strip steak, they marinate it in Thai seasonings. Served however you wanted, I ordered it medium. Although i normally get my steaks rare, my guest preferred the latter. The dish still came out great. The meat was cooked just right, leaving a little bit of pinkness, and still very tender. The meat was great, but especially with the chili sauce they serve it with. It actually had more of a tangy sweet and sour flavor to it than the spicy kick I was expecting. Still a great dish that can shared amongst your friends.

Last but not least, what a better way to end your meal than with a dessert. If your at a Thai restaurant, and it’s in season, you have to try the Mango and Coconut Sticky Rice. Every Thai restaurant serves it or makes it different. The mango’s were ripe and ever so sweet. The coconut stick rice was served with sesame seeds that went well with the mango’s. Definitely a must try if you love mango. Actually come to think of it, if you love dessert period.

It was definitely a hole in the wall place but a must return place as well. There’s actually a sushi place right across the way that I’ve heard great things about, maybe ill try that next. For now, keep your mouths watering, your stomachs hungry and “Bon Appetit”

Just a heads up…..

Hey fellow food lovers, sorry nothing really new lately, I’ll have a new review up this evening once I load and edit the pictures. I’ve got an extremely busy week ahead, but I’m going to try to squeeze in a few things. We’ll see how it goes, stay tuned later for a new review……

Las Brisas Restaurant in Laguna Beach…

I’ll start off by saying how special Saturday night was. I’d like to congratulate my friend Andrew for proposing to his girlfriend and also my friend Charlene and giving me a chance to do a review on one of the top must visit restaurants in Orange County. I guess you could say, killed two birds with one stone. Anyways, it was a magical evening, great company, great food, and happy times as usual. So lets not stop there and lets get those mouths savoring…..

Las Brisas Restaurant

361 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, Ca 92651

(949) 497-5434

www.lasbrisaslagunabeach.com

First off, when you arrive in Laguna Beach, you’ll notice Las Brisas is located on Cliff Dr, and yes it is on a cliff. The view there is breathtaking during the day, and absolutely gorgeous at night with all the lights.

From the outside the restaurant looks small, but once your inside, surprisingly, the restaurant is huge and there’s such a warm feeling emitted from the decor. Las Brisas offers private rooms for events, a large outdoor patio, and 2 fully stocked bars. While walking through, you’ll notice from every room, you’ll get a view to the ocean. Now lets get on with the food, because I know that’s why we’re here….

Las Brisas is known for their seafood, but they also offer your usual chicken and beef meals as well as salads and appetizers. There were so many of us that it was hard to keep track of everything but ill talk about everything that I got to try. We all started off with a shared appetizer, the Guacamole Estilo Mexico which is exactly what it sounds like. Fresh guacamole served with an assortment of red and yellow corn tortilla chips made fresh. Also ordered were the Coctels de Camarones and the Ceviche de Pescado. Both were very delicious….The Coctels de Camarones featured 5 large prawn shrimp fresh from the sea and served with a tequila cocktail sauce. The prawns were juicy and had a nice sweet flavor to them which went great with the tequila kick you get once dipped in the sauce. The Ceviche de Pescado was made from sea bass and marinated in the usual lime/orange juice but also featured mango chunks. I must say, it was actually quite refreshing eaten on a corn chip. It has a sweet flavor to it rather than the usual ceviche you get anywhere else.

As we ate, i was also introduced to their special muffins. Such a wonderful taste of cornbread mixed with the slight kick from the jalapeno. Yes, that’s right, cornbread muffin with jalapeno. Definitely not an odd flavor, and with a little butter, its a great way to start the evening.

During the course of the meal, I ordered both a Pinot Noir by Cambria and a Chardonnay by La Crema, both which i might add went great with everything we ate. Although i recommend the pinot noir for a red meat, it did surprisingly go very well with our seafood. The Cambria Pinot Noir features a light flavor cultivated from the mixing of black cherry, strawberry’s, grapes and cranberry’s. Not dry, served at room temperature, such a buttery rich taste with a hint of oak , it tasted great on the palate of my mouth. Now the Chardonnay by La Crema was better suited for the seafood we ordered. Like the pinot noir, it had a smooth, creamy texture that features the taste and smell of ripe pears, a bit of vanilla, a touch of honey and just a hint of oak. This was a great wine and paired with the seafood, it definitely brought the taste to a whole new level.

Now on to my actual meal…..Las Brisas offers such a diverse menu to their patrons. It was hard to make a choice, but i ended up ordering the Frutas del Mar. The Frutas del Mar had a little bit of everything. It came with a broiled/baked lobster, sauteed sea scallops, prawns, crab, and fresh mahi mahi served on a bed of white rice and veggies covered in a tomato garlic sauce. The mahi flaked off with a fork and just melted in my mouth.  At first i thought the tomato garlic sauce would over power the seafood, but after a few bites, I realized that it actually accentuated the rich flavors in every bite. The lobster was fantastic, with a hint of lime and garlic, it went well with a little bit of the sauce. The scallops were amazing, sized about the same as a half dollar, and bursting with a sweet savory flavor. It had a buttery texture so delicate and flavorful. The prawns were just as good. Made from the same fresh pickings, they offered a nice smokey flavor from the grill. The crab was delicious as well, just like the lobster, it too had a hint of lime and garlic. The claws were already cracked and opened for you.

Although i didn’t get to try the rest of these with the exception of the Calamar al Mojo de Ajo, I did manage to take a few pictures to try and capture the savoriness and flavor. The Calamar al Mojo de Ajo definitely changes the definition of calamari. With such a unique flavor, not only is it not chewy, it melts in your mouth with every bite you take. Ill start off with a picture of that.

…..and this is Robalo ala Cozumel; Sea bass broiled and glazed with a chile paste

…..Mero con Tomatillo; Halibut grilled with roasted tomatillo sauce

……Playa del Sol; Fillet of Sole, layered and topped with crab meat.

and of course dessert. With such a great meal, what better way to end it than to have a delicious and sweet ending? The newly engaged couple ordered the Creme Brule while I ordered the Berry Tostada. The creme brule, was OK in my books. I thought it was a little too rich and too sweet. Although it was still quite delicious. It does have a different taste than the usual creme brule. Still a very good recommendation to end the evening. The Berry Tostada was awesome. Its a medley of fresh berries atop vanilla bean ice cream put into a tostada shell fashioned with almonds. The fruit liqueur dressing that came on the side went great with the berries and ice cream. The almond tostada shell was excellent as well, sweet from the almond taste with a a bit of caramel used to hold it together.

Overall, it was a great night, great company for an awesome engagement. Oh, and I almost forgot about the champagne we toasted with was Perrier Jouet. Awesome champagne by the way, not too dry, light fruit taste and full of flavor.

Congrats again to my friends, the newly engaged couple. I hope you have all the happiness, love, and prosperity in your life and may we all enjoy it together. Always good food, always good drinks and always good times, signing off with “Bon Appetit”