Food Diaries: Chapter 4

Good food is the foundation of genuine happiness. Though I've stepped away from my computer and put writing on hold for a bit, I'm back and reporting to you now with another food diaries of all the restaurants I've been dining at while away from my computer. Within this period of time I've discovered a lot about myself and the amazing food spots I've been neglecting. The beauty about my food diaries is the spontaneity that comes along in discovering these restaurants and creating unforgettable experiences with not only food, but the individuals I meet along the way. I am happy to report that the restaurants listed below not only guarantee amazing food, but even better company! Hope you all enjoy, xx.

1. Romano Cucina: Sunset Beach, CA ($$)

Located in Sunset Beach, Calif., this family-run restaurant provides a casual and comfortable atmosphere that is sure to make anyone and everyone feel at home. Romano Cucina’s pastas and pizzas represent the traditions of a home-cooked Italian cuisine in addition to a unique selection of martinis, specialty cocktails and a variety of wines by the glass or bottle. Romano Cucina offers an extensive food menu beyond pizza, pasta, and wine with dishes like lasagna, calzones, soups, salads, and sandwiches. Of the wide range of food items offered, I suggest appetizers like the Caprese Salad, main dishes ranging from Chicken Parmigiana, Pasta Bolognese, or Pasta Gianni and desserts like Romano Cucina’s Tiramisu paired with the Raspberry Martini!

2. Silverlake Ramen: Huntington Beach, CA ($)

Though originally founded in Los Angeles, Silverlake Ramen has restaurants located throughout California with its newest location set in Huntington Beach in the Bella Terra shopping center. Offering customers appetizers ranging from Edamame and Gyoza to ramen dishes like The Classic - Tonkotsu to The Shoyu On Fire, you are guaranteed a great meal worth the pay. I suggest The Classic- Tonkotsu ramen with chicken and the Spicy Tuna Bowl!

3. Gracias Madre: Newport Beach, CA ($$)

Gracias Madre takes a spin on traditional Mexican cuisine with its plant-based, all from scratch, organic approach. Located in Newport Beach, Calif., Gracias Madre offers main plates ranging from tacos and tamales to burrito bowls and a spin on Mexican classics (Pozole, Ceviche, etc). From customer favorites like the Fuerte Crunch Wrap and Tropical Bowl to the Al Pastor Tacos and Soy Chorizo Nachos, you are sure to find tasty, gluten free, vegan and vegetarian Mexican cuisine options. As for desserts, Gracias Madre offers an array of treats like but not limited to a Pineapple Upside Down Cake, Raw Red Velvet Cake and the House Chocolate Chip Cookie all which are delicious! Beyond food, Gracias Madre offers creative cocktails, ciders, beverages, and an assortment of wines and beers. And what better way to enjoy your meal than in an aesthetically pleasing, chic, indoor and outdoor dining area decorated head to toe in greenery and minimalistic light features. I suggest the Burrito Bowl with soy chorizo, the Guacamole & Chips, and the La Sandia Paloma!

4. Sabatino's Sausage Company: Newport Beach, CA ($$)

If you’re looking for a true Italian experience, filled with authentic Italian cuisine and live music, Sabatino’s Sausage Company is the restaurant for you. Located in Newport Beach, California, on Lido Island, Sabatino’s is a quaint, intimate space for friends and family to enjoy classic Italian dishes ranging from Bruschetta di Roma and Steamed Mussels Livornese to Penne Ognibene Sabatino, Linguini Vongole, and Baked Mostaccioli. I’ve been coming here with my family for as long as I can remember and cannot recommend Sabatino’s enough. When you go (because you absolutely must go), order the Bruschetta di Roma, Steamed Mussels Livornese, Penne Ognibene Sabatino, and Tiramisu!

5. Reunion Kitchen + Drink: Laguna Beach, CA ($$)

If you’re looking for modern comfort and specialized cocktails, Reunion Kitchen +Drink is the place for you. Located along Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach, Calif., Reunion Kitchen + Drink offers an array of food items ranging from burgers and sandwiches, fresh produce and bowls to tasty snack plates like bacon wrapped jalapeños. Not only are you finding comfort in the items served to your table, but flavorful spins on American classics with dishes like the Late Night Jalapeño Burger, Heirloom & Burrata salad, and Turkey Pot Pie. And with any dish comes a much needed drink and luckily for you, Reunion Kitchen + Drink does not disappoint in this category. From cocktails like the Tainted Saint and Ruby Red Martini (Grey goose | fresh grapefruit juice | sugar rim) to draft beers and wines ranging from the Reunion Honey Blonde and Kim Crawford Pinot noir, you are sure to find the perfect pairing to your comfort dish. I suggest the OC Sourdough Burger and French Pair Cocktail!

6. Laguna Coffee Company: Laguna Beach, CA ($)

Located along Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach, California, Laguna Coffee Company offers a tasty menu consisting of not only high quality coffee but delicious food that can be enjoyed by the beach directly across the store’s location. I love espresso, matcha and chai as much as anyone else so discovering Laguna Coffee Company this late into my life makes me so grateful I finally came across it before leaving. The company’s espresso blend (a tangy, sweet, nutty roast served in all their drinks) is incomparable to alternative coffee roasters in the area. As for the company’s food items, not only are customers offered on-the-go pastries, but a variety of specialized toasts (i.e., Avocado Toast, Banana & Honey Toast, Prosciutto Toast), bagels, and additional breakfast options (i.e., oatmeal, granola, yogurt) that can be enjoyed both in the comfort of Laguna Coffee Company’s outdoor seating area or across the street at the beach! I suggest the Dirty Chai Latte with Oat Milk and the Salmon Bagel on an Everything bagel!

7. Nick's Laguna Beach: Laguna Beach, CA ($$)

Looking for tasty dishes, great customer service and an intimate, yet casual setting to host friends, family and loved ones? Nick’s Laguna Beach is the spot for you! An American, traditional steakhouse with popular plates like the Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass, Classic Cheeseburger, The Local Market salad and Bacon Deviled Eggs, Nick’s Laguna Beach provides customers with a broad menu featuring flavorful foods and an extensive drink menu. In addition to its popular plates, the restaurant also offers vegetarian options to customers such as the House Made Veggie Burger. As for its extensive drink menu, Nick’s Laguna Beach creates house favorite cocktails like the Jackalope and Bee’s Knees in addition to a wide-range of wines like but not limited to Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Blends, Chardonnay and Pinot noir. I suggest the Bacon Deviled Eggs, Blackened Fish Sandwich, and the Salty Pear cocktail!

8. South of Nick’s Mexican Kitchen + Bar: Laguna Beach, CA ($$)

Craving classic Mexican favorites, fine Tequilas and Margaritas with a SoCal twist? No need to look further, South of Nick’s Mexican Kitchen + Bar offers that and more! From seafood and meat-based dishes to traditional salads and soups, South of Nick’s offers countless classics filled with a variety of rich spices and seasonings. Not only do customers have a variety of dishes to choose from, but vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options as well. And with restaurant favorites like the Chipotle Dusted Chilean Sea Bass, Seasonal Vegetable Empanadas, Chicken Tortilla Soup and La Tablita, customers are sure to find plates to their liking. South of Nick’s Mexican Kitchen + Bar also offers House Combinations where you can choose up to two sides (Spanish Rice, Refried Beans or Tijuana Street Corn) along with your main dish of either tacos or enchiladas. As for drinks, the restaurant offers an assortment of drinks ranging from popular cocktails like the Spicy Lover Margarita and Paloma to sipping tequilas ranging from selections of Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and Mezcal. I suggest the Cheese Enchilada and Crispy Shredded Beef Taco House Combination with Spanish Rice and Refried Beans paired with the Jalapeño Watermelon Margarita.

9. Nonna Cafe Zucchero: San Diego, CA ($$)

Nothing cures hanger (hungry anger) like Italian food and Nonna Cafe Zucchero is the perfect place to do so. An Italian based restaurant located in San Diego’s Little Italy and home to classic Italian comfort foods, Nonna Cafe Zucchero offers authentic Italian cuisine ranging not only from countless pasta based dishes to anti-pasta dishes but stove oven pizzas and freshly made in-house treats (cakes, pastries, desserts, and gelatos). With traditional appetizers like Nonna’s Melanzane Parmigiano and Carpaccio to main dishes like Gnocchi Al Pesto and Rigatoni Boscaiola, any menu item ordered is guaranteed to satisfy your hunger and transform you to a little part of Italy. In addition to its authentic food items, Nonna Cafe Zucchero offers an unbeatable and lively atmosphere with its location centered in San Diego’s Little Italy, surrounded by live music, boutiques, cocktail bars and brew. Being Italian I come from a long line of harsh Italian food critics and thus take pasta very seriously and I can tell you Nonna Cafe Zucchero is the real deal. I suggest Bruschetta, Calamarifritti, Rigatoni Boscaiola, and Cannolis!

10. Pali Wine Company: San Diego, CA ($$)

If you’re looking for a little “wine and dine” action within San Diego’s Little Italy, Pali Wine Company is the place for you! Beyond its array of wines to choose from, Pali Wine Company offers snack-able appetizers to pair with your wine of choice ranging from its specialized charcuterie boards and Bacon Wrapped Medjool Dates to vegetarian and vegan dishes like the Moroccan Chopped Salad or Warmed Di Stefano Burrata and Toast. As for wine, Pali Wine Company offers purchasing options of both by the glass and bottle with selections ranging from its 2017 Charm Acres Chardonnay (white peach, lemon, flint) and 2016 Pali Vineyard Pinot Noir (pomegranate, rose petal, tobacco leaf) to vendors like Tower 15’s 2018 Merlot (blueberry, dried tobacco, cacao) and On Top’s 2019 Gotcha Garnacha (cranberry, kirsch, strawberry). I suggest the Bacon Wrapped Medjool Dates and 2017 Charm Acres Chardonnay!