Infinite MonkeysI'm meeting one of my sales reps in Irvine tonight for dinner. We were going to get steak, but neither of us is in the mood for beef again. Does anyone have a recommendation for a nice place to eat something OTHER than beef? Preferably a good seafood place. We'd like the cab ride to be less than $25 each way from the Irvine Spectrum.
Monkey David, we're counting on you to come through with both a good location and a recommendation on the appropriate "local" fresh fish to select.
Posted by RobbL at March 28, 2007 12:48 PMThe only thing I'm not sure of is the $25 range--my memory of taking cabs in California is that "$25 cab ride" is the same as "walking distance."
I've heard good things about Blue Coral (at Newport Fashion Island between Fleming's and Roys, and I believe owned by the same company as those two) and Harbor Grill (in Dana Point).
My personal favorite is The Cannery in Newport Beach (on Newport Harbor). I love that place.
I haven't been to the new Irvine Marketplace location of French 75, but I've heard it's good.
There's two chain restaurants very nearby (maybe in the Spectrum)--King's Fish House and the Fish Market. Both are good, at least in the San Diego and Long Beach locations, but I prefer King's.
My favorite Orange County restaurant is still Black Sheep Bistro in Old Town Tustin. It's about 8 miles north on the 5 from the Spectrum. Call ahead--I'm pretty sure Wednesday is Paella night now, and that is just incredible. The best paella you'll get outside of Spain (or my house, because Rick taught me how to make it).
So... how'd that work out for you, Robb?
Posted by: H.L. Monkey at March 29, 2007 07:12 AMHe probably ended up at Outback.
Posted by: Monkey David at March 29, 2007 10:01 AMNow, that's not nice at all.
Before we decided against steak, we were going to go to The Arches in Newport Beach. Instead, on David's recommendation, we went to The Cannery, which was wonderful.
It was "Abalone Wednesday" so I had the "Surf & Surf" - 3 oz. of Abalone and a 6 oz. Australian Lobster Tail. Brian had a Filet Mignon (okay, it was ME who didn't want steak) and a 10 oz. Maine Lobster Tail. We shared appetizers: scallops, mussels, and assorted sashimi. He had lobster bisque, and I had clam chowder. And we shared two bottles of Pinot Noir.
The only (mild) disappointment for me was the clam chowder, which was far too creamy and the clams were just a bit tough. Everything else tasted fantastic, the service was great, and the atmosphere was perfect for a business dinner.
Posted by: Monkey RobbL at March 29, 2007 08:03 PMI suppose Dave's "Outback" comment was more appropriate than I would like to think. I arrived in Walnut Creek last night, and after walking up and down the downtown area for almost an hour, past numerous local restaurants, I wound up eating at Chili's.
I am ashamed.
Posted by: Monkey RobbL at April 3, 2007 11:18 AMChili's? Ye gods! Then again, you were in Walnut Creek.
But wait... there's more!
Aw, who am I kidding? It's a wasteland in that town! Just eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. It'll do you good...
Posted by: H.L. Monkey at April 3, 2007 09:41 PMA wasteland, indeed. Thankfully, this should be my last night here for some time.
Posted by: Monkey RobbL at April 3, 2007 10:08 PMI have fond memories of Prima in Walnut Creek. More the wine bar (the restaurant was new when I was working in Walnut Creek) and ordering a great antipasti platter for dinner at the bar. Not sure if it's still good, but I have a friend who lives there, so let me know next time your are going and I'll get restaurant recommendations...
Posted by: Monkey David at April 9, 2007 10:56 PM