JP23 BBQ Smokehouse celebrates its 1st anniversary in Fullerton, CA

On the busy corner of Harbor Boulevard and Commonwealth Avenue, sits JP23 BBQ Smokehouse. Jacob Poozhikala is the brain-child behind this venture. JP is Jacob’s initials plus his 23 friends from college are behind the enigmatic name. Since college, BBQ and sports have been in Jacob’s life, from his roots in Canada to moving to SoCal. Like every die-hard BBQer, you need to name your smoker for luck. At JP23, Elmer is its name. Luck has been on his side as they celebrated their 1^st anniversary on St. Patrick’s Day 2014 and hired General Manager Adrienne Bennett to handle the front of the house with her proven drive of making happy patrons and successful restaurants.

Let’s sample some of Elmer’s creations:

JP23Wings are slow cooked and smoked with pecan, cherry, and hickory wood. The Honey Chili Wings were sweet and slightly spicy. It was reminiscent of a sweet Asian chili sauce commonly served with lumpia. The smoked flavor from the wings came through and paired well with the sauce. They were tender and juicy. Thumbs up, way up!

To read more and see slideshow, please visit: http://www.examiner.com/review/jp23-bbq-smokehouse-celebrates-its-1st-anniversary-fullerton-ca

Bruxie introduces The Bold Blend – new custom crafted coffee

In February 2014, Bruxie, the waffle sandwich icon of Orange County (coming soon to San Diego and Denver), introduced The Bold Blend - a new custom crafted coffee. Bruxie Partners, Kelly Mullarney and Dean Simon, are always reaching for the next level. What would be better with waffles? Coffee, of course! Kelly oversaw the 4-month process from bean selection to blend to roasting. The locally roasted coffee features a proprietary blend of 100% fair trade imported coffee beans. The days of coffee urn sitting on a warmer for hours or as the Europeans like to call American coffee, sock water, are a thing of the past. More and more restaurants are taking pride in serving a really good, nay, a great cup of coffee to their patrons.

To read more and see slideshow, please visit: http://www.examiner.com/review/bruxie-introduces-the-bold-blend-new-custom-crafted-coffee

320 Main is modern comfort food with a twist in Seal Beach, CA

Jason & Rebecca Schiffer started serving hand-crafted cocktails long before it was chic. To bring their menu to the level of their libations, they recently appointed Chef Jaime Carrano to head the back of the house in October 2013. Working in prestigious kitchens of Thomas Keller (Bouchon Beverly Hills) and Charlie Palmer (Aureole NYC and Charlie Palmer at South Coast Plaza), Chef Jaime’s background shows through in his approach to food and presentation. The eatery and drink house is a small space with a lively atmosphere. The tables and booths are cozy, great for a night out with friends, yet intimate enough for date night.

Let’s take a look at some of the menu offerings:

Grilled Octopus is served with white beans, pickled jingle bell peppers, upland cress, and parsley vinaigrette. The octopus was extremely tender. I loved the smoky flavor from the grill. The white beans were a little gritty, but were overcome by the refreshing flavors of the rest of the vegetables. Even though this was a starter, I could see this as a healthy entrée as well. Thumbs up!

To read more and see slideshow, please visit: http://www.examiner.com/review/320-main-is-modern-comfort-food-with-a-twist-seal-beach-ca

Mahalo,

OC Food Diva

24 carrots welcomes Top Chef star to their family

24 carrots is a family-owned full-service catering and event company servicing Orange, Los Angeles and San Diego counties. On January, 23, 2014, 24 carrots announced that Ashley Santo Domingo was appointed Executive Chef. Chef Ashley competed on Season 9 of Bravo’s Top Chef and was nominated for the James Beard’s Rising Star Chef in the Pacific Northwest in 2008. In Chef Ashley’s new role, she will partner with Creative Art Director, Arpi Torosyan to create and evolve memorable appetizers, dishes and desserts of 24 carrots. She will also oversee the menus at 24 carrots’ bistros across Orange County.

Here’s sample of the creativity that could be part of your next event:

Crispy Pork Belly appetizer: I adored the crispy skin and subtle Asian flavors. It contrasted nicely with the pickled red cabbage.

To read more and see slideshow, please visit: http://www.examiner.com/review/24-carrots-welcomes-top-chef-star-to-their-family

Mahalo,

OC Food Diva