IL Dolce

I've been anticipating my upcoming trip to New York for over a month now, and the entire time what I've almost instantly been relating to that city is pizza. Don't get me wrong, that city has sooo much to offer aside from this classic staple, but ever since John Stewart's  brazen, if not ballsy professing of how superior NY pizza is over "Chicago-style", it was damn near impossible not to have it on my mind all the time.

Luckily J. Kao finally introduced me to a local shop that she claims is the best I can find anywhere around the OC. She's been talking about this place for so damn long I nearly felt that it was some old wives tale used to tease me, as it took her a couple years to finally bring me here! But I trust her in her claims, having she just been to Italy just a couple weeks ago, I was taken aback when she finally said she'd take me! 

The place is completely unsuspecting, being in the shadow of a strip mall, right off the turn of a freeway that leads straight to the beach. Inside had a very modern appeal despite it actually having a legit mom & pop kind of vibe. Our hostess (mom) was very delightful in taking care of us, and we could easily see pop get to work as soon as he got the orders in. Our orders where as followed.

-Prosciutto & Fig: Terrifically savory, the baked figs added only a nuance of sweetness that brought everything together, the cheese selected (I can't recall off the top of my head) was an excellent closer for the pallet. 

-Margarita: Had a bright, sweeter that expected sauce that rings in a balanced combination with basil. The delightfully chewy crust had that rustic charm as you picked up notes of the char from the wood oven. 

The place looked surprisingly empty for the lunch hour on a sunny Saturday in Newport Beach, we hoped it was some sort of off day for the business because it would truly be a tragedy to have lost such masterful  craftsmanship as a result of lacking a recognition. But I'm glad I was finally able to make an acquaintance with such a hidden gem. My cravings for good pie continues.

With that being said, I'm off to the east coast!

*Chicagoan discretion advised for the John Stewart link.

1902 Harbor Blvd.

Costa Mesa, CA 92627

Orange Cafe

A charming little locals only spot that you would not have never have guessed to dish out out some spectacular american classics, while occasionally whipping up some awesome new innovations. First step in and you instantly appreciate that place as you look around at all the Americana hanging on the walls. Plus don’t be surprised if the sweet old lady, who I’m sure is there every day, greets you with a smile and would be happy to help you out with anything you have questions about.

Some of my favorites on their permanent menu range all across their omelette selection, the Florentine being my top choice in particular. The fact that use butter for their omelettes is something to die for in both the good and bad sense, you’ll food coma pretty hard if you actually finish the whole thing. Their Corned-Beef Hash was delish, a must try if you like a super hardy breakfast old-school. Pancakes where airy and fluffy, that I MUST recommend you try with the apple-cinnamon jam, along with some butter and maple of course.

But recently I tried one of their current specials of the day was basically “signed, sealed, delivered, I’m yours”, the unctuous Chorizo Benedict. Runny yolk egg, atop silky smooth avocado and drizzled with creamy chorizo hollandaise sauce, ugh, hold on I got light a cigarette. But yes, fats on fats on fats this dish was bad intentions from the start and oh man did I embrace it.

Ok, after giving myself a moment, I’m coming back again and again to build up my credit stamps for a free meal. See you there!

(Sorry about the orange hue,no amount of editing can phase it out, the place really lives up to it's name! Haha...)

1608 E Mayfair Ave

Orange, CA 92867