[Aliso Viejo] [American] Original Pancake House

Original Pancake House
26951 Moulton Pkwy
Aliso Viejo, CA 92653
(949) 643-8591
http://www.originalpancakehouse.com

We haven't been to Original Pancake House for a while, and I really miss their yummy American breakfast.



We got there around 9-ish on this Saturday morning. Only had to wait for about 10 minutes for a table.

[Laguna Beach] [American] The Cottage Restaurant

The Cottage Restaurant
308 N Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-3023
http://www.thecottagerestaurant.com

The Cottage Restaurant is a little cozy place great for brunch on weekend before heading to the beach.


Eggs Benedict ($14.50)
Two poached eggs with canadian bacon on an English muffin, topped with Hollandaise sauce.

Dr. P ordered his favorite breakfast item, Eggs Benedict. It was cooked perfectly.

[Laguna Beach] [American] K’ya Bistro &Bar

K’ya Bistro &Bar
1287 S Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach,CA 92651
(949) 376-9718
http://www.kyarestaurant.com

Birthday dinner at my favorite restaurant in OC.


Chianti Superiore ($28.00)

[Laguna Beach] [American] K’ya Bistro &Bar

K’ya Bistro &Bar
1287 S Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach,CA 92651
(949) 376-9718
http://www.kyarestaurant.com

We haven't been to K'ya Bistro for a while. They did some remodeling of the place. Now the bar is outside in the hotel lobby. Price went up a bit. The food is still delicious though.


Sauvignon blanc ($11.00) / Chanti ($9.00)

[Pasadena] [American] 300 Pasadena

300 Pasadena
3545 E Foothill Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91107
(626) 351-8858
http://www.300Pasadena.com

Celebrated my friends Jennifer and her hubby Peter's birthday at 300 Pasadena this year.



300 Pasadena it's a hip and trendy kind of bowling alley.

[Costa Mesa] [American] Lawry’s Carvery

Lawry’s Carvery
3333 Bristol St #2601
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 434-7788
http://www.lawrysonline.com/lawrys-carvery

Dr. P and I went to South Coast Plaza to do Christmas shopping. We grabbed a quick dinner at Lawry's Carvery.


Roasted Prime Rib (12 oz.) ($29.99)
Au jus and creamy horseradish

Since both of us were not that hungry, we decided to get a 12 oz Roasted Prime Rib to share. We asked for medium rare, and it was cooked just right. The beef was so tender and juicy. We asked for extra au jus on the side, and it was heavenly. The prime rib came with cole slaw and one side. We picked creamed corn, and I wish we could have a whole plateful of them corns.

It was a simple and delicious light dinner for 2. Yum!

[Aliso Viejo] [American] Chili’s Grill & Bar

Chili’s Grill & Bar
26631 Aliso Creek Rd
Aliso Viejo,CA 92656
(949) 448-9022
http://www.chilis.com

We went to lunch at Chili's on a weekend. Even though on the menu, it stated that lunch special is only offered during weekday, our waitress told us it is still valid on the weekend.



After studying the menu and price, we decided to stick with the $20 for 2 deal. It was a better value since price would be about the same, but $20 for 2 deal offered bigger portion.

[Aliso Viejo] [American] Beach Pit BBQ

Beach Pit BBQ
26541 Aliso Creek Rd
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
(949) 362-7427
http://beachpitbbq.com

I love BBQ ribs! Beach Pit BBQ is right by our house, but we never tried it. Their Yelp review wasn't that good. I always think online reviews are just "suggestions". I can't be sure unless I try it myself. After all, taste is subjective.


The Big Dog Daddy ($21.95)
Half Rack, Quarter Chicken & 1 Smoked Meat.

We opted for to-go order. The Big Dog Daddy was big enough for the two of us to share with tons of leftover. It comes with half rack of ribs, quarter chicken, 1 choice of smoked meat, cole slaw, and 1 choice of side. The ribs was delicious. It was fall off the bone tender. Love it!

[Laguna Hills] [American] BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse

BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse
24032 El Toro Road
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
(949) 900-2670
http://www.bjsbrewhouse.com

It was late at night. We were hungry, and sorta thirsty.... for some alcoholic beverages. Late night happy hour? After a quick search online, we found out BJ's have late night happy hour starting at 10pm. It was a weeknight... Tuesday I think? When we got there at 10-ish, the restaurant was packed! Seriously? I guess people love late night happy hour.


BJ's Jeremiah Red ($4.25) / BJ's Berry Burst Cider ($4.95)

Dr. P ordered a Jeremiah Red beer, and I got my usual at BJ's, Berry Burst Cider. I always order this one. The cider tasted like yummy berry soda.

[Laguna Niguel] [American] Mimi's Cafe

Mimi's Cafe
27430 La Paz Rd
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
(949) 643-0206
http://www.mimiscafe.com

We've always enjoyed breakfast at Mimi's Cafe, but I've never tried their dinner before. I received an email coupon from them for dinner for 2 for $20. You get one shared appetizer and 2 entrees. The food seems to be French-inspired dishes.



I like the cute brick wall and fake balcony decor at Mimi's.

[Aliso Viejo] [American] Chili’s Grill & Bar

Chili’s Grill & Bar
26631 Aliso Creek Rd
Aliso Viejo,CA 92656
(949) 448-9022
http://www.chilis.com

We went out to grab a fast and cheap dinner at Chili's right by our house. The $20 for 2 deal is great, not to mention I bought a $5 for $10 Chili's gift card from SaveMore.com. Now that's a even better deal!


Texas Cheese Fries (Half Order) ($3.99)
With applewood smoked bacon, jalapeños and green onions. Served with ranch dressing.

Texas Cheese Fries is probably my favorite thing from Chili's. I just have to order this EVERY time. The thick cut French fries was still soft in the middle. Lots of melted Cheddar cheese on top. With Ranch dressing dip, it was so yummy.

[Corona Del Mar] [American] Port Restaurant & Bar

Port Restaurant & Bar
440 Heliotrope Ave
Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
(949) 723-9685
http://www.portcdm.com

Last time I went to Port Restaurant, I enjoyed their food, especially the Curry Filet Pasta. The restaurant is on the expensive side. When I saw a $20 for $40 Groupon daily deal with Port Restaurant, I bought it thinking I could go back there with Dr. P for him to try since he didn't go with me last time. We looked over their menu, and decided to try their breakfast this time. Made reservation online for a Saturday morning, but apparently we didn't really need to because the restaurant was empty.


Coffee ($4.00) / Orange Juice ($5.00) / House White Wine ($9.00)

There's a cute outdoor patio area. It was a gloomy cold morning so we opted to sit inside. I asked our waiter about bringing pets to the restaurant, and he said we are more than welcome to bring our puppies to the outdoor patio next time. Breakfast at Port, then take the dogs to walk around CDM... sounds like a nice plan for our next visit!

[Laguna Beach] [Seafood] House of Big Fish and Ice Cold Beer

House of Big Fish and Ice Cold Beer
540 S Coast Hwy #200
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 715-4500
http://www.houseofbigfish.com

My friend Juey and Geddy came to visit from Taiwan! I haven't seen them for about 10 years. I was so excited to see them. We had so much to catch up on. I wanted to find a restaurant with good food, and where we can sit to talk all night long. I thought about my favorite K'ya Bistro, but unfortunately they were fully booked that night. Then I tried their sister restaurant, House of Big Fish and Cold Beer, and was able to make reservation for the 3 of us that night.


Bucket of Beer - Pacifico ($18.00)

We got to Laguna Beach a bit earlier than our reservation so we could walk around the beach a bit. When we finally sat down at the restaurant, we were ready for some cold beer. I ordered a "bucket" of Pacifico for us. It was their first time trying Pacifico since it wasn't available in Taiwan. They said it tasted similar to Corona but better. They liked it so much that they even talked about imported it into Taiwan and served it at their live houses. (They owned two live houses in Taiwan called Riverside. If you are visiting Taiwan, be sure to check out the venues. They always have great concerts and live shows there.)

[Laguna Niguel] [American] Bistro K

Bistro K
30100 Town Center Drive
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
(949) 495-9101
http://www.thebistrok.com

I bought a 4 course dinner for 2 at Bistro K from Travelzoo.com for $59. It was a great deal, unless they try to cheat you by adding a ridiculous amount of MANDATORY tips on the bill. Last time we used a Travelzoo voucher at Gemmell's, similar thing happened. The food at Bistro K was amazing. But because of the mandatory tips that they forced us to pay, we probably will never step into this restaurant again.



We went to Bistro K on a Friday night. To our surprise, this place was completely packed with tons of people waiting. We were glad that we had reservation. The seating was tight. We were only a few inches apart from the tables next to us. When people get up to leave from the next tables, we actually had to move our table to make room for them to get out. They had a guy playing guitar and singing at the bar area. It was very lively with customers singing along with the singer. The music was really loud though. We had trouble talking and hearing each other over the music. So don't go there if you're expecting a quiet and romantic dinner.

[Laguna Hills] [American] Outback Steakhouse

Outback Steakhouse
25322 Cabot Road
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
(949) 829-0683
http://www.outback.com

A while back I signed up for some kind of free giveaway on Outback Steakhouse website, then just forgot about it. Then I received a nice surprise in the mail.



I got a free steak dinner coupon from the restaurant. The offer was good for one 6 oz Outback Special Sirloin and a choice of one side. Since it was valid only Monday through Thursday, we were there on a weeknight. To our surprise, the restaurant was completely packed. Do people in South Orange County eat out everyday?

[Irvine] [American] 6ix Park Grill

6ix Park Grill
17900 Jamboree Rd
Irvine, CA 92614
(949) 225-6666
http://www.6ixparkgrill.com

This was another Groupon daily deal that I bought. For $25, you get $50 worth of food and two glasses of wine at 6ix Park Grill (up to a $72 total value). I love when those usually 50% off daily deal actually offer something more than 50% off, such as adding two glasses of wine to the meal.



6ix Park Grill is located inside Hyatt Hotel in Irvine right off the 405 freeway. We used to live right across the street! Since it's a restaurant inside a hotel, the decor and setup feels just like a restaurant inside a hotel. Valet parking is complimentary if you get validation from the restaurant, but you still have to tip though. So why waste $2? Self parking is free just right around the corner.

[Costa Mesa] [American] Season 52

Seasons 52
3333 Bristol Ave #2802
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 437-5252
http://www.seasons52.com

I read about Seasons 52 when it first opened, gosh, more than a year ago? I've been wanting to try this healthy eatery ever since, but never got a chance to go. They only use fresh seasonal ingredients, and nothing on their menu is over 500 calories.



It was Costa Mesa Restaurant Week. I thought we would take advantage of it and try Season 52. We made reservation through OpenTable, and was seated promptly when we arrived at the restaurant.

[Aliso Viejo] [American] Chili’s Grill & Bar

Chili’s Grill & Bar
26631 Aliso Creek Rd
Aliso Viejo,CA 92656
(949) 448-9022
http://www.chilis.com

It was our one year anniversary, but I had a work a late shift and got off work at 9pm. Original plan was to go out for dinner on the weekend to celebrate the day. When I got home from work, I thought... "No, I want to go out and celebrate TODAY!" But where can we go at 9:30pm? We didn't want to go too far since it was late. There's a Chili's about 2 minutes away from our house, and I had a coupon to order happy hour anytime. Celebration destination decided!


Presidente Margarita ($7.49)
Hand-shaken Sauza Conmemorativo Tequila, Patrón Citrónge orange liqueur and Presidente Brandy.

Gotta have a margarita for a celebration! Dr. P couldn't drink because he just took some allergy medicine. He picked Presidente Margarita for me. Chili's margarita is good and strong. No wonder EVERYONE was ordering margarita there.

[Laguna Niguel] [American] IHOP Restaurant

IHOP Restaurant
23810 Aliso Creek Rd
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
(949) 360-0910
http://www.ihop.com

IHOP was one of the first restaurants my parents took us to when we first moved to United States. I've always enjoyed my time there, whether breakfast or dinner. I remember my mom's favorite dish to get for dinner was London Broil. I don't think they have it on their menu anymore. That was a good dish!



I was on their email list, and received a coupon for July 4th weekend. A Red, White & Blueberry combo special was for only $4.99. We headed there for a Saturday breakfast. If you go to any IHOP on the weekend in San Gabriel Valley, it's always full with long wait. To our surprise, this IHOP in Laguna Niguel was only about 3/4 full. Well, it was better for us because we got seated right away.

[Laguna Beach] [American] K’ya Bistro & Bar

K’ya Bistro &Bar
1287 S Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach,CA 92651
(949) 376-9718
http://www.kyarestaurant.com

We finally went back to our favorite non-Asian restaurant down in Orange County, K'ya Bistro. We made a reservation for an early Sunday dinner at 5:30pm. The restaurant was completely full by 6:00pm. We saw people got turned away without reservations.


Mojitos (Classic / Wild Berry) ($12.00)
Bacardi Silver, fresh mint & lime muddled & chilled to refreshing perfection

I bought one of those discounted voucher for K'ya Bistro from TravelZoo. The voucher was good for 2 mojitos and 2 dishes. Our waitress told us they would take off the two most expensive dishes form the bill. Nice! Dr. P ordered a classic moijto, and I got a wild berry one. Both are super good, AND SUPER STRONG! My wild berry mojito tasted like yummy wild berry juice. But after finishing half of the mojito, I started feeling slightly buzzed. Dr. P gave me half of his because he wanted to drink wine. I passed out in the car on our way home after 1.5 mojitos. haha....