Jury Duty Lunch Hour

It was time to serve my civic duty (hip hip woo), but for my case the one upside was the fact that the courthouse was right in the middle of downtown Santa Ana. The reason so is that this is one of my absolute favorite spots to visit in Orange County (one of the only few). 

As to why I love this little section of the city, is that it tends to have characteristics of downtown LA, crazy I know. But just walking around I catch the vibe as I admire all the old buildings standing next to the new lofts were local artists reside right above a boutique shop, and all you have to do is turn a block and you're in the middle of a Hispanic shopping strip. See the likenesses? Or am I reading way between the lines?

My first stop was the recently opened The Grilled Cheese Shop: brain-child of the head chef of The Crosby (local hot spot). Aptly located right down the street from its place of origin, it bares similar characteristics of of it's night time counter part. The variety offered featured a set menu of house sandwiches, as well as the ever trendy build-it-yourself menu. The interior is fairly minimal and the small space bares only a couple stools to sit down, fortunately there's enough shelf space to lay your sandwich down. The Three Little Pigs  was a toss up against Dusk Till Dawn, although I don't think I could have ever made a bad choice, just read the menu. My only wish is that they offered The Crosby's phenomenal sweet potato fries, but I guess their stock will run out even before the The Crosby opens.

 While making my round trip back to the courthouse I only found it fitting that I grab some ice cream on a blindingly hot day. This brand new spot in particular just opened back in May and I've been watching it's business boom, especially with the nightlife crowd, I've seen some lines go down the street around 10 o'clock a couple times. Despite it's fresh appearance and pink flare, it's hole-in-the-wall (literally) appearance makes it look like it's been part of the neighborhood. Scanning the expansive menu, I had to choose to their Persian Saffron Pistachio, which emanated a delightful floral sweetness, reminiscent to a nougat confection Jamie got me from Paris. But in all seriousness tho, the amount of flavors they have is just not fair and on top of that it's cheap! I'm already regretting not buying a second scoop...

I find it amazing that it was only a couple years back when the artists village started settling in it's little corner. Resulting in the attraction of a whole new wave of businesses & gourmet restaurants. As such, I keep on discovering places I've never been too before, all ways kept intrigued.

The Grilled Cheese Spot 

318 5th st.

Santa Ana, Ca 92701

&

Tootsie Ice Cream

307 W. 3rd st.

Santa Ana, CA 92701

Forage

There's a wonderful ambiance that makes it feel so familiar and communal. It took me a while and a friend to point out that it almost takes you back to the cafeteria days in school, what with all the trays you carry  to a table that has an open spot (no "savsies" on the tables, someone is bound to remind you). 

 Aside from the cafeteria feel, their food is way beyond that point. Everything is fresh, flavorful and, I must say, beautiful to look at (straight out of Kinfolk Magazine). My first try was the Pork Belly, when you utter those words you expect something, so be ready! Plus what I find the most delightful about their menu is the variety of sides that you cannot go wrong in choosing, (baked carrots or the chickpeas,kale, & quinoa).

After my first and only try, it's now among my top places to go eat. A must try!

- Photos courtesy of J Kao 

3823 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026