A new trendy, “on the run” restaurant, BOARD & BREW,  is setting up shop, touting a California surf vibe.

The laid-back, reasonably priced – and quite noisy – establishment features a fairly extensive menu of hot and cold specialty sandwiches and a few salads as well. One orders at the counter and the finished concoction is delivered to the table (promptly, I might add).

For those with scruffy beards and untamed chest hair, the real attraction might be the choices of craft beers (in refrigerated glasses no less). Manly men might enjoy hoisting one or two as well. Gotcha! (haha)

Susie and I both feast on a turkey and swiss cheese (w/ lettuce, tomato and mayo or dijon mustard) on a baguette. Hits the spot washed down with Coca Cola. Skipping the booze because then the critic will be clear-eyed for his upcoming show review.

Adequate seating is available both inside and outside.

If the diner doesn’t mind some noise bouncing off the rafters, this convivial place might be just what the doctor ordered. We visit the Anaheim location, but there are others as well including Del Mar, Carlsbad (no, he isn’t), Ocean Beach and – very soon – Oceanside.

N.B.  Also visit CHANCE THEATRE for BIG FISH while in Anaheim.

Smackin’ the Lips…Echoes from the Land of the Cheapos with In & Out  on Their Mind

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Opa! (that’s the extent of my Greek phraseology). What a delightful pleasure visiting the grounds of ST. SPYRIDOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH in North Park, San Diego for their annual GREEK FESTIVAL.  

Actually it is a huge community event boasting a host of activities plus some luscious Greek main dishes and pastries as well. There is a large dining hall, a wine bar, a beer garden and so much more. Take a tour of the church. Learn how to dance in the folk tradition. Listen to authentic Greek music.

If you are itching to spend some of your dollars (or drachmas), jewelry, apparel, books, etc. are plenty inviting.

As for that food, it satisfied our expectations to the nth degree. Greek chicken, pastitsio and tiropita all settled comfortably into our innards. Susie Reese and I also selected a few pastry items to share at home while sipping with coffee. (Of course there was baklava!)

As for parking, we used the lots at the San Diego School District offices (Normal & Park Blvd) and took their shuttle over to the festival (leaving every 10 minutes). Earlybirds get on the premises for free, but regular admission fee is only $3.00.

Still searching for something to do tonight or tomorrow? Investigate at sdgreekfestival.com.

My mind’s eye is now replaying the movie “Zorba the Greek” starring Anthony Quinn. I’m there…shhh!

Eventaholic…Stepping Out to Those Unique Adventures Ripe for Dabbling

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As one can easily see, rarefied territory exists in the SOUTH COAST PLAZA in Costa Mesa (N.B. Roberto Cavalli, Michael Kors, Harry Winston  et al.). Shoppers need energy, so…nestled in the middle of those pricey wardrobes, purses, shoes and jewels is LAWRY’s CARVERY.

Susie selects a more standard entree of Pot Roast,  Mashed Potatoes and Corn. Bill, instead, goes the sandwich route. How about Prime Rib on Ciabatta?

These strollers (minus any baby) order the above selections at the counter. After a reasonable wait, the carved items are delivered to the table. No extra frills available in the dining environment; options for indoor and mall seating are offered.

Food choices are perfectly fine, although not particularly out of the ordinary. The menu allows for selections mostly in the $10 – $20 range.

On exit, these diners decide that they may return at a later date, but they are not in a rush to do so. Perhaps the flagship Beverly Hills location would serve up a missing “Wow!” quotient.

Now it’s on to Ted Baker for a look at some trendy duds, the Porsche location to dream a bit or the Microsoft store to dabble with some virtual reality “toys”.

(N.B. Also visit Segerstrom‘s LOVE NEVER DIES while in Costa Mesa.)

Smackin’ the Lips…Echoes from the Land of the Cheapos with In & Out  on Their Mind

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Weary travelers need an energy boost for a long evening ahead. Not really feeling a sit-down dinner,  these “foreigners” stroll the South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa and discover a new option. Sure enough, both of us have never encountered a CASA BARILLA previously; therefore, we take the plunge into spaghetti land. Why not? No matter which way one pronounces “tomato”, Italian is always a good bet for us.

A pleasant, clean appearance initially greets us. The employee at the counter takes our orders from the options of pasta or pizza listed above us. Then we choose our own table and await the next step in the process. Will this indeed be fast food?

Shocking it was to see our food being delivered to the table in little more than five minutes as we sipped our small bottle of Italian sparkling water. Prompt service. Already the choice of this restaurant seems warranted.

Susie chooses Spaghetti & Meatballs. Bill settles on Solo Margherita Pizza.The two of us are pleased with both the temperature (hot!) and the tastiness of the menu options. It seems that the tomato sauce and homemade Italian bread accompanying the Barilla pasta is just what the doctor ordered to provide a boost. Also, Bill’s selection proves to be equally delectable and just the right portion size.

Our initial greeter converses with us post meal about the CASA BARILLA company. “Luis” manages to put a smile on the faces of these newbies as he so enthusiastically recommends his restaurant’s plusses (e.g. the aroma of the bread baking each.morning).

Now on to the evening’s thrilling possibilities newly refreshed. These entertainment teammates vow to return to CASA BARILLA’s first location on the West Coast another time in the future when Orange County welcomes us.

(N.B. Also visit South Coast Rep for SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE while in Costa Mesa.)

Smackin’ the Lips…Echoes from the Land of the Cheapos with In & Out on Their Mind

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Now these intrepid theatregoers have reason to be “hooked” whenever in Pasadena. There’s a fast food place to visit which features a varied menu with some non-GMO foods, unusual drinks and some interesting salads nearby what has become one of our favorite professional theatres (A Noise Within). HOOK BURGER fills the bill (and Bill).

Counter service seems pleasant, employees nurture a clean environment and the surroundings are amiable. After placing the order (with honesty a bit pricey for fast food), it wasn’t long until the food arrived. (It must be a favorite eating stop as evidenced by the cadre of regulars from the fire station across the street who seem to enjoy a first name basis with the smiling staff.)

Susie wades into her cheeseburger and fries and finds both delicioso. Bill refuses to yield to the “burger” temptation and – instead – savors the spicy chicken sandwich with homemade cole slaw, chipotle mayo on a brioche bun. For sure, that turns out to be a tasty choice.

Before hitting the road for the 100 minute freeway trip home, the travelers glance one last time at the menu posted on the wall and vow to try one of those hefty, attractive salads next time. Now it’s my reader’s turn to get “hooked” at this location or another of the company’s outlets across the country.

Smackin’ the Lips…Echoes from the Land of the Cheapos with In & Out  on Their Mind

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A different wiener experience yesterday (other than the brief reference in my THE FULL MONTY review the other day). We visited the DOG HAUS BIERGARTEN in Pasadena for a pre-theatre bite to eat. It cut the mustard.

I relished (w/o the relish) “The Fonz” (sausage with bacon and cheese in a bun) and cheese fries washed down with a craft ale. Susie Reese enjoyed her own creation, cheese fries and a coke.

Order at the counter and it is delivered to you at the picnic tables outside when ready. Hot diggety doggie! It was goood!

Smackin’ the Lips…Echoes from the Land of the Cheapos with In & Out  on Their Mind

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