Enjoy these hot summer menus and brunch specials.
By Nicole Lyons
Tap into summer
Summer is not over yet, so take a look at TAPS Fish House and Brewery’s seasonal menu. The Brea restaurant recently added charcuterie as well as a variety of cheeses to pair with its award-winning beers. Enjoy warm-weather favorites such as the Thomas Jefferson, a full-bodied beer with a hint of toffee, plus a series of limited barrel-aged brews. And try a fresh catch: Skuna Bay salmon from Vancouver Island. tapsfishhouse.com/brea
Savory savings
Paul Martin’s has been a hit at the Irvine Spectrum since opening in November. The restaurant’s mantra is “Eat organic. Believe in sustainable. Buy local. Love fresh.” The Savor Your Summer Brunch, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, serves two courses with a libation for $19. Try the mouth-watering French toast with vanilla bean-infused cream and maple-bourbon syrup. paulmartinsamericanbistro.com
Once-a-month brunch
Partake in the next edition of the Parrot Head Sunday Brunch on Aug. 26 at Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach. The three-course meal, served with champagne, includes options such as an open-faced lobster sandwich or Italian sausage hash with house-made potato gnocchi, sweet peppers and a fried egg. Enjoy live entertainment and try one of Bayside’s drink specials. baysiderestaurant.com
NEW O.C. MUST-SEE RESTAURANTS
Wahoo’s Fish Taco
The Wahoo’s Fish Taco chain’s largest location offers the eatery’s mainstays, including the Maui Bowl, the Banzai Burrito and, of course, the iconic fish taco. It’s in Huntington Beach, at Beach Boulevard and Warner Avenue. wahoos.com
Fresh Griller
Opening this month in Santa Ana’s MacArthur Plaza, Fresh Griller was created to deliver “Farm to Fork” fare. The eatery’s tasty assortment of customizable dishes – made into bowls, wraps or salads – are made of high-quality ingredients. Every menu item is fewer than 600 calories. freshgriller.com
Pandor Artisan Boulangerie and Café
This European-style pastry paradise, located in Newport Beach’s Westcliff Plaza, offers a fun variety of tantalizing French pastries, artisan breads, salads and espressos. pandorbakery.com
A ritzy steakhouse
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, which has always provided top-notch service, has added a steakhouse to its award-winning culinary lineup. The new enoSTEAK features grass-fed, pasture-raised beef along with a variety of organic produce, artisanal cheeses and charcuterie. Dinner is served Tuesdays through Saturdays. ritzcarlton.com
