Mick's Karma Bar

Damn this place is tricky to get to! I had to drive circles around the corporate area before I noticed this little hole in the wall (The woman at the register tells me of the easy parking next to El Torito). The place looks small but trendy with a colorful hand written chalk menu and the bar seating arrangements made it fell more cozy ambiance. Small, and I loved it.

-Karma Habanero Style: First off, beautifully cooked meat (pink to perfection) and oh my lord what are those tasty No.19 buns made of?? Excellent base for any sandwich. Going back to the theme, thinking habanero would make me expect my mouth to be set ablaze, but in fact it was more of light tingle than anything. Though honestly I’m glad I was able to taste the flavor and not just the heat because the creamy garlic mayo just fused to wonderfully with the chilies. What stood out to me the most about this burger was the Queso Fresco—typically a very mild cheese—somehow stood out very well to my surprise and played an equal role along with other stringer tasting ingredients.

-Strawberry Basil Lemonade: “Wow!” is the first thing you think as this hits your palate. One sip and your taken away on a sweet bliss of berry and herb. The real chinks of strawberry and basil just make you understand how fresh it is. Flavor profile-wise I’m lost for words, just get it.

Photo credit to J Kao 

2010 Main St

Irvine, CA 92614

The Gypsy Den

A little hipster spot wedged in the corner of Downtown Santa Ana, I couldn’t help but stop by after passing by this place sooo many times whenever I come by to bar hop. First impression, rustic, chic, trendy. Visually I’m already hooked with all the local art and carpets on display plus I couldn’t help chuckle when I noticed the “Friends don’t let friends go to Starbucks” sticker on the pastry case.

-Hibiscus Arnold Palmer: Super tangy, but you get the sweet tartness of the lemonade. (reminiscent to the Jamaica beverage) Tasty but not sure if this drink made me pucker too much. I’ll let you decide.

- Mediterranean Plate: A plethora of Greek anti-pasti (I’m not sure if I’m allowed to say those two words combined), you get a little bit of everything to share with your friends. My only qualms was that there was a scarcity of olives plus an inclusion of dolamathes would be nice, but I can be a bit of a greedy fat-ass like that.

- Curry Cashew Chicken: Yummy overall but it wasn’t entirely on point, my taste-buds had to actually “look” for the curry. Although it it ain’t far to compare, I believe the Curry Chicken Sandwich over at C’est Si Bon is far superior and having that first is kinda making me a snob about it.

- Brunch Burger: Yummerz instantly strikes the mind when I think about this unique sandwich. Turkey patty, fried egg, provolone, tomato, lettuce and mayo on an onion bagel, now let that stew in your mind for a bit. Little things about this burger take to my happy place, like the slightly runny yolk marries with the turkey juices in on my tongue. (heavenly choir echoes)

- Mayan Mocha: I’m not a much of a  sweet coffee drinks guy by any stretch of the imagination, that Starbucks phase has long since past by, but this hot delight just converted me back! When I hear “Mayan”, deep earthy flavors from many spices come mind. Although this drink might not taste as strong as I describe it, it’s still a perfect balance of rich flavors with an even richer house-made whip cream floating atop. This is a must try and my new pleasure.

125 N Broadway

Santa Ana, CA 92701