Mediterranean food has long been considered one of the healthiest cuisines around. But with roughly 6,000 miles separating Irvine and the Mediterranean region, it’s not always easy to get your hands on authentic cuisine from that part of the world.

Unless, of course, you stop by Pita Grill, a Mediterranean-style eatery which opened recently in The Crossroads shopping center. Here’s what I discovered about the place when I stopped by for a quick lunch late last week:

While the term “Mediterranean” usually covers a long list of countries, Pita Grill seems to focus mostly on Eastern Mediterranean fare. That would mean places like Greece, Syria, Turkey, Lebanon, and Israel.

Customers at Pita Grill are offered a menu that would probably be quite popular in much of the Mediterranean world. They have dishes such as Shish Taouk (traditional Turkish shish kebab), Kafta Kabab (Arabic hamburger), Shawarmas (pita wrapped sandwich), Falafels, and Couscous. Also on hand are pitas, brochettes, baklava, and a vast selection of fresh salads, which are prepared daily.

Not feeling very adventurous the day I stopped by, I decided to go with one of their shawarmas – or what was basically a chicken pita. It had lettuce, chicken, tomatoes, turnip pickles, and garlic sauce – all wrapped in pita bread.

When I got my order, I was somewhat disappointed in what I saw. I was expecting something a little bigger. But what really mattered was how it tasted. And there, it did not disappoint. The shawarma was fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. It was almost like eating a small salad that had been wrapped in pita bread.

For more information, contact Pita Grill at 949-552-7482. Or visit them on the web at www.pitagrillonline.com

The Crossroads shopping center is located at the corner of Barranca Parkway and Culver Drive.

– Stephen Craig, community blogger

Blackened Salmon Salad from La Sirena.

The food
La Serena offers an authentic Mexican taste with mostly traditional entrée choices. They don’t offer mixed-item platters on the menu, but they eagerly accommodated my request for a plate with one taquito, one taco and one enchilada – all of which were awesome. They did not accommodate my request for a crispy taco, but the freshly made, soft corn tortilla they did give me was delicious. My dining partner loved her Blackened Salmon Salad. It included organic mixed greens, avocados, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, papaya salsa, roasted bell peppers and a lime-cilantro dressing.

The setting
The outside seating is inviting and fun. The inside is a bit small and plain, but the brick walls and a window into the kitchen are nice touches.

The service
The service was great. There are no waiters or waitresses, but the staffers who took our order, brought the food to our table and cleared our dishes were friendly and efficient.

La Sirena Grill
Address: 3931 Portola Parkway in Irvine’s Orchard Hills Village Center.
Phone: 714-508-8226
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.
Web site: lasirenagrill.com
Price range: Salads: $8.95-$12.50; fajitas: $8.95-$12.25; enchilada plates: $8.95-$10.25; taquitos plate: $9.95.

By Mystery Diner

The food

Just about anything you need in Asian foods: Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese and more. 99 Ranch Market on Culver Drive has everything from specialty Asian produce such as young coconuts to rows of noodles to tons of tofu to a fast-food restaurant with hot food to go or to eat in. Be prepared to spend a lot of time here perusing the many shelves that can easily awe and inspire shoppers whether you are a chef, culinary student or just someone who likes to cook at home. Try any of the hot chicken dishes from the fast-food restaurant up front or choose a fresh catch straight from the aquarium tanks to take home and prepare yourself. In addition to the orange chicken, I purchased a half gallon of some of the best soy milk I have ever tasted, as well as two pounds of deep fried fish cakes.

The Setting

Lots of hustle and bustle seeping out of every corner of this superstore – from the free samples being dished out to the colorful seafood, great bakery and rows upon rows of Asian products. Read the rest of this entry »

By Mystery Diner

The food

Fish tacos, chicken, shrimp, carnitas, pork, considered: “An eclectic Mexican/Brazilian/Asian menu and a Hawaiian north-shore vibe.”

Wahoo’s may be known for its famous fish tacos, but the Wahoo’s Salad definitely whets my whistle after hauling boxes to and fro. Loaded with cheese, guacamole, salsa and your choice of fish, chicken, carne asada, carnitas or vegetarian – I chose the chicken – wow is it delish.

I loved the tender chicken and of course, in my opinion, Wahoo’s has the best guacamole around – nice and chunky. The Wahoo Bowls also look good as does the Banzai Burrito, a large flour tortilla stuffed with rice, black beans, banzai veggies, fresh salsa and again, your pick for the filling.

The setting

Think of Wahoo’s Fish Tacos as a place where you would find the Beach Boys and every other surfer dude chowing down a fish taco and the like. Colorful, playful and a relaxed atmosphere for all to enjoy even if you have no idea how to “Hang Ten.” Read the rest of this entry »

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.

By Mystery Diner

If you’re hungry for good old family-style Italian food, Buca di Beppo delivers, and then some. Known for its big portions, and I mean big, diners will be in awe once their dishes make it to the table. Be sure to bring a hearty appetite! The first Buca di Beppo (“Joe’s Basement” – buca means basement and Beppo is slang for Joe) opened in a Minneapolis basement in 1993, and went public in April 1999 and trades under BUCA, according to the company. It inspires an atmosphere of sharing and social interaction.

The food

Buca di Beppo has family-style meals fit for a king, queen, and of course, the entire family. I ordered the chicken with lemon, and my dining accomplice chose the salmon with pesto. My entrée was wonderful and ranked right up there with my other Italian favorite, eggplant parmigiana. Even though I ordered the “Buca Mio” it was still a generous portion of tender chicken breasts sautéed perfectly and topped with a delicious lemon butter sauce and salty capers. The salmon pesto was equally as delightful; oven-roasted, flaky and topped with plump sun-dried tomatoes, a light pesto cream sauce and crunchy pine nuts served with Italian broccoli Romano.

The setting

With its kitschy Italian photos, checkered tablecloths and Read the rest of this entry »

By Mystery Diner

THE FOOD

Superb authentic Mexican cuisine, ranging from homemade guacamole-to-order to Smokey apple chipotle chicken. I had the guacamole and chips with salsa and a handmade, hand-shaken House margarita, as did the rest of my party. The guacamole was the best I’ve ever had and it arrived in an oval shaped bowl with huge chunks of avocado, a hint of cilantro and red onion. The chips weren’t stale but rather light and crunchy and the two accompanying salsas were not your typical red thin stuff.

Mexican fare throughout the O.C. is pretty much the same in my opinion, but not at Taléo Mexican Grill in Irvine. Here, it’s Mexican with flair and some added class. The menu is gorgeous, the food presentation beautiful, the atmosphere relaxing. Taléo strives to put its own mark on what has become ordinary in terms of Mexican food. At Taléo, the chef uses the finest ingredients and best of the best without skimping on anything. The spirits, too, are delicious whether you stop in for a quick beer and chips or a handmade margarita along with a full entrée, you’re sure to be happy.

THE SETTING

The interior is done in rich brown/beige tones and lovely wrought iron work, with a big bar area with Plasma TVs. Read the rest of this entry »