What We Saw and Ate in Venice, Italy

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MonsterMunching (@monstermunching_oc)

Solstice - Irvine

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MonsterMunching (@monstermunching_oc)

Solstice Seasonal Kitchen in Irvine is true to its name. In a few days, after the actual winter’s solstice, it will shed its fall menu for a winter one.

What’s shown here is a composite video of the fall menu dishes I tried between two visits.

If you’re seeing this after December 27, you will not likely be able to order any of these items.

But I think that’s the charm of this place. Menus SHOULD change with the season.

What I hope remains is the professionalism I saw in the service.

They remembered the note I left on the online reservation that we were celebrating an anniversary. And they were genuinely contrite when I, for the first time in a long time, had to send back a risotto for being inedibly salty.

3 Great Brunch Spots in OC for Everyone in Your List

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MonsterMunching (@monstermunching_oc)

In my latest piece for TimesOC, I explore three Orange County brunch spots for everyone on your list.

CLICK THIS LINK TO READ IT!

Six Asian Fried Chickens in OC

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MonsterMunching (@monstermunching_oc)

In my latest piece for TimesOC, I eat fried chicken from six different Asian countries and tell you where to get them in OC!

CLICK THIS LINK TO READ IT!

Taco Crawl - Santa Ana

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MonsterMunching (@monstermunching_oc)

One night in Santa Ana. 

Two hours. 

Four taco joints. 

…and a churro truck.

n/naka - Los Angeles

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MonsterMunching (@monstermunching_oc)

This week, I checked off n/naka from my restaurant bucket list.

Kappo Honda - Fountain Valley

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MonsterMunching (@monstermunching_oc)

Do I think that Kappo Honda is the best izakaya in Orange County? 

 

Yes.

Eight of the Newest and Best Unexpected Foods at the Disneyland Resort

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MonsterMunching (@monstermunching_oc)

As a former Disney Cast Member (who isn’t one?), and a Disneyland fan (who isn’t one?) my latest piece for TimesOC was one of the most fun I had writing about food. I hope it’s fun to read, too! 

This story wouldn’t have been possible without the help and access provided by Vy Spears. Thank you, Vy! 

CLICK THIS LINK TO READ IT!

...and watch the Reel on Instagram below!

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MonsterMunching (@monstermunching_oc)

The Pacific Wine & Food Classic 2022

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MonsterMunching (@monstermunching_oc)

The Pacific Wine & Food Classic at Newport Dunes is back after a two year hiatus because of, well, you know. 

Though it’s in October now instead of August, it was still warm out there. Like in previous years, I gravitated to the cooling raw sashimi/sushi/ceviche/poke/crudo dishes. But Krave Asian Fusion’s Korean fried chicken wings were also quite excellent.

What I Ate Flushing's Chinatown in Two Hours

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MonsterMunching (@monstermunching_oc)

I’m not sure if this analogy is apt since I’m a West Coaster, but after following the eating tips of Nom Life while visiting New York City, I have come upon this observation: if Manhattan’s Chinatown is like Los Angeles’ Chinatown, then Flushing’s Chinatown is like the San Gabriel Valley. 

It’s where the traditional old-school Chinese joints and chefs meld and mix with the newer generations of cooks and entrepreneurs. The result is a great (and affordable) concentration of every imaginable Chinese delicacy inside a few square blocks.