Orange County Register

By Mystery Diner

Tired of eating at food courts while taking a break from shopping? If so, stop by Nordstrom’s Café Bistro over at Irvine Spectrum Center. You can dump your shopping bags and steer clear from mall chaos. It offers diners good food, reasonable prices and a place to get off your feet after marathon shopping.

The Food

There is everything from Panini sandwiches and salads to heartier meals like pastas and, of course, tantalizing desserts. The parmesan crusted chicken salad was excellent and served my palate well. I loved the crispy chicken served over baby greens and Romaine lettuce with smoked bacon bits, egg, avocado, tomatoes, corn and wonderful and light honey Dijon mustard. My dining partner enjoyed the California Panini sandwich with roasted turkey, bacon, avocado, tomato, Swiss cheese, and garlic aioli served in crisp country bread.

The Service

Order your meal cafeteria style and then take a number plaque to your table. Chefs behind the counter are fun to watch as they prepare food that is served by a friendly waitstaff.

The Ambiance

Not your typical cafeteria type of dining establishment. The Nordstrom Café Bistro is clean, casual and comfortable. The display kitchen provides a stage for its chefs to prepare tasty cuisine. Comfy booths and tables are at the ready for tired shoppers to get off their feet before they get up and do it all over again.

IF YOU GO:

Prices: Soups starting at $3.50; Salads starting at $8.95; Pizzas starting at $8.95; Sandwiches starting at $8.75; Bistro specialties starting at $8.75; and Kids’ meals starting at $4.50.

Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays

Phone: 949-255-2800

Location: Irvine Spectrum Center is where the I-5 an.d I-405 freeways meet. Nordstrom is on the side facing the 405, near the end of the center that includes Target and Macy’s.

Did you know? Nordstrom was founded as a single shoe store in 1901 as Wallin & Nordstrom by John W. Nordstrom, a Swedish immigrant, and Carl Wallin, owner of a Seattle shoe repair shop.

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