Tangata, a hidden gem of sophisticated California cuisine in Santa Ana, CA

In 2000, Patina Restaurant Group took over management of the Bowers Museum of Cultural Art’s restaurant space and named it Tangata, meaning “mankind” in the Maori language of New Zealand. Tangata uses the farm to table concept with the menu changing slightly every 2-3 weeks. They also match the cuisine to the current exhibits inside of the Bowers Museum. Through January 6, “Faberge: Imperial Jeweler to the Tsars” is on exhibit, so the menu reflects some Russian food items.

Compressed Salad of Baby Arugula is topped with manchego cheese, Fuji apples, dates, candied walnuts and tossed in pistachio vinaigrette. This salad has a brilliant combination of flavors – bitter from the arugula, salty from the manchego, sweet from the apples and dates, smoky/sweet from the walnuts and pistachio vinaigrette. This was the most perfectly balanced salad I’ve ever had. Thumbs up, way up!

 

To read more and see slideshow, please visit: http://www.examiner.com/review/tangata-a-hidden-gem-of-sophisticated-california-cuisine-santa-ana-ca

Mahalo and Happy 2013!

OC Food Diva