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

Vitaly

I came here knowing that there's a new cafe in the OC area that has an awesome ambiance, great coffee served at rates that wont make you flinch. That and I finally get to field test my new camera (Lumix GF3)!!!!!!
Looking around  tend to notice that it's not only just a cafe, but also a casual little eatery that serves up an enticing array  of soups, sandwiches, salads, and charcuterie! On top of all of that they have an amazing array of gelatos and pastries. 

One thing that I tended to notice was that despite all of it's modern appeal, it tends to carry an old world feel.   I can't quite put my finger on it but I get the same I vibe that I feel when I visit an traditional shop such as Claro's over in Tustin.
The thing to be wary here is that it gets pretty crowded, so always be on the lookout for a free spot, otherwise lounge around The Camp and it's laid back scenery.   

2937 Bristol St

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

(Located inside The Camp)

Mama D's Italian Kitchen

After coming back here several times I have narrowed possibly their best dish, Roma (w. angel hair), Alfredo, and Chicken. This dish will blow you away!!!! I always bring my friends here and introduce them to this dish and they are just struck dumb with the first bite every time. Normally you would expect the Alfredo to be heavy and over bearing but its so light and creamy. It combines well with the taste of the chicken and the bits of artichoke in the Roma. But enjoy the soft chewy texture of the angel hair and veggies just melts in your mouth. I cannot help but drool every time I think about it. Haha

I recommend their pizzas too. So far the Veggie and the Margarita has won me over. I’ve heardthat people have complained that the crust comes out soggy, but they must’ve had a bad stroke of luck, because the crust for me comes out light and crispy every time. The Veggie’s highlights are the shear amount of produce that provide the fresh crunch you would expect and the Margarita is yummy buffalo cheese and basil enough said.

Btw their Garlic Bread & Oil is irresistible! Try making it to your main course without filling up on these..I dare you.

(Photo Credit’s to Jamie Kao)

3012 Newport Blvd

Newport Beach, CA 92663