Secret burger at Umami Burger
The Spicy Bird Burger is made with a signature turkey patty, hatch chiles, onion strings, beer cheddar cheese, house spread, and diablo sauce. umamiburger.com
Photo by The Halal Guys
Fries at The Halal Guys
Because it’s famous for orange rice, white sauce, and killer gyros, The Halal Guys doesn’t register as french fry nirvana. Slow down on the fresh pita bread and make room for golden crinkles fries, salted just so. Direct from the fryer, the squiggly spuds are perfectly fluffy inside crisp skins. 3033 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714-850-1080, thehalalguys.com
Quail eggs & more at Burntzilla
Add quail eggs to anything; also available on request are spicy chili fries, PB&J sliders, and bread pudding. burntzilla.com
All-day Brunch Items at Outpost Kitchen
You’ll have to tool around Westside Costa Mesa’s outback of industrial buildings to reach Outpost Kitchen, but maybe that’s appropriate given that co-owner Jay Lewis is from Australia. He and partner Elizabeth Lewis craft enticing breakfast and lunch fare that’s locally sourced, fresh, seasonal, and organic. Oh, yeah, it’s all super-delicious. 1792 Monrovia Ave., Costa Mesa, 949-873-5123,outpostkitchen.com
Tasty Mediterranean Food at Kech Cafe
A gas station is probably the last place most people would look for tasty Mediterranean food, yet that’s just what we found at Fountain Valley’s Kech Cafe. The family-run business, inside a Shell station’s Circle K convenience store, serves customizable lavosh wraps, flatbreads, espresso drinks, and a variety of side salads with surprisingly fresh produce. Friendly service from owner Harry Kechijian and family is what keeps us coming back. 17966 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley, 714‑968‑1122
Honey Green Tea at 7 Leaves Cafe
Staff doesn’t like to talk about it, but we happen to know that Honey Green Tea is the special secret drink here. 7leavescafe.com
Calamari at Fly ‘N’ Fish Oyster Bar & Grill
For a sleeper dish in an unsung beach hang, order Jorge’s Calamari at Fly ’N’ Fish Oyster Bar & Grill and specify your 1-to-10 heat tolerance. Fresh calamari is sautéed with capers, lemon juice, shallots, garlic, parsley, jalapenos, and blue agave tequila. House-made garlic-Parmesan toast is included for dipping. 2304 W. Oceanfront, Newport Beach, 949-673-8400, flynfishoysterbar.com
Clam Chowder Fries at Ritter’s Team Kettle Cooking
Ask for Cajun fries, covered with clam chowder and topped with melted cheddar cheese, bacon, green onion, and tomato. rittersskc.com
Facebook Comments