Lizarran Tapas restaurant brings the flavor of Spain to Fullerton
Lizarran Tapas Restaurant, part of a popular European chain, opened its first U.S. location in Fullerton recently, bringing to Orange County a unique brand of authentic Spanish dining that features small plates and pintxos, which are tasty nibbles served on toothpicks. The number of toothpicks left on the plate determines the amount of the bill.
   
Tapas are hearty, savory hors d’ouevres made of everything from eggs, cheeses and potatoes to seafood, Spanish cured meats and vegetables. Pintxos are appetizers made of bites of flavorful ingredients placed on a piece of bread and held together with a toothpick. Traditional Spanish dishes such paella (a traditional rice-and-seafood dish) are also on the menu, along with traditional sangria, a delightful mixture of wine and fruit juices.

The dishes are served cafeteria style, but don’t be fooled by that. This place is hip and upscale, and the serve-yourself format fosters a fluid, engaging vibe amid an exciting, Spanish-inspired décor.

Lizarran is owned by the Comess group, which owns three successful restaurant chains across Europe. Ignacio Lopez Chacarra, managing director of international expansion, says Comess chose Orange County as its first U.S. location because of the region’s reputation for great dining, and the company liked Fullerton’s proximity to so many other communities.

The franchise group plans to also open restaurants in Russia, Romania and Italy this year, as well as a one in Shanghai next year. lizarrantapas.com

New Mediterranean grill in Laguna Niguel
Chick Pita is the newest restaurant offering Mediterranean style fare in Orange County. With one location in Laguna Niguel, and one opening soon in Dana Point, Chick Pita is sure to be a popular eatery.

Chick Pita has only been open for three months, however their attempt to please customers is phenomenal. The restaurant is a great spot for to-go orders, as well as having a quick lunch with some friends or business associates. The décor is friendly and welcoming, with two plasma screen TVs on the walls, you are sure you feel at home.

The menu is comprised with numerous traditional Mediterranean dishes from the entire culture, not just one. Among the many delicious items to choose from are signature sides like spanakopita, Greek style spinach and feta wrapped then baked in phyllo dough, and dolma, a mixture of rice and finely diced vegetables to name a few. The salads include the traditional Greek, chikpita, leafy greens with tomato, cucumber and other vegetables, and the tabouleh. The signature items vary from beef and lamb gyros, several kabobs, and various wraps. Appetizers of course, include hummus and a lentil soup. For desert, ChickPita offers Baklava, the traditional Mediterranean desert consisting of phyllo dough and an array of chopped nuts.

Whether you are looking for a new lunch or takeout spot, ChickPita offers it all. The wait time is very minimal; within minutes after your order is placed it is ready. chickpitagrill.com

Not Your Average celebrity’s frozen yogurt
Move over Pinkberry! There is a new frozen yogurt chain in town—Ziiing Frozen Yogurt. Launched by Juice It Up! Ziiing is the only yogurt chain born and based entirely in Orange County. It offers four live cultures and is certified by the National Yogurt Association with its Live and Active Cultures seal. Ziiing is a tasty source of calcium and protein and is a healthy treat for the summer at only 22 calories per an ounce. Creamier than its predecessors, it is different because it has an all-natural base, making the tart taste truer according to CEO Frank Easterbrook.

Currently, Ziiing can only be found inside the Juice It Up! stores and has two locations in Orange County: Anaheim and Santa Ana. However, Juice It Up! is launching Ziiing with an aggressive roll out in approximately 60 of its 160 stores during summer 2008 and anticipates 120 co-branded Ziiing/Juice It Up! stores by the end of 2009 with its first stand-alone store in San Clemente. Easterbrook adds, “Ziiing, like its name is fresh and energetic, and reflects the same healthy energy we infuse into all of our products and we are excited about expanding it into a variety of regions.” Besides California, stores are opening in Nevada, Florida, Texas, Colorado, and Arizona.

Ziiing offers ten flavors and some play off Juice It Up’s smoothie flavors: Acai, Pina Colada, Pomegranate-Blueberry, Wild Berry, Raspberry, Strawberry, Peach, Mango, Green Tea; and Plain Tart. Stores release two freshly-made flavors per a day and rotate them daily. Can’t decide between Plain Tart and Pomegranate Tart? Order the “swirl” where both flavors are fused to delight even the pickiest of pallets. Customers can then top their choice with fruits, nuts, or chocolate such as cherries, dried cranberries, pistachios and Ghiradelli Dark Chocolate Mint Chips.

Founded in 1995, Juice It Up! is a franchised smoothie and juice bar chain that specializes in blended-to-order fresh fruit smoothies and fresh squeezed juices served in a relaxed, family-friendly environment. Ziiing frozen yogurt is no different, Easterbrook says, “We’re giving consumers something truly new to enjoy. Ziiing is the perfect combination of hip, cool, healthy, tart and tasty served in a friendly, relaxing social environment—this truly is the new generation of frozen yogurt and we want everyone to taste and experience the difference.”

For franchise information and store locations visit: ziiingyogurt.com


BRIEF BITES

GardenWalk's dining and music scene
Anaheim GardenWalk restaurants are now serving some of the finest foods in the Anaheim Resort district. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., The Cheesecake Factory, California Pizza Kitchen and McCormick & Schmick's Grille are among the great eateries that recently opened, and more restaurants are still to come. And during the month of September, a Garden Party Music Series will provide visitors with live performances in the Gala Garden. anaheimgardenwalk.com

Tranquil Tea Lounge in Fullerton
A new place to unwind and indulge your love for great teas is opening in Fullerton this fall. Tranquil Tea Lounge will celebrate its grand opening in the coming weeks. Located in Downtown Fullerton, Tranquil Tea Lounge is a retail, special event venue and restaurant that will serve 50 varieties of loose leaf teas in calming and peaceful surroundings. Be sure to make a trip to Downtown Fullerton to experience this one-of-a-kind tea lounge. tranquiltealounge.com

Ayame’s modern take on the classics
Ayame, a new Japanese restaurant in Irvine, blends Japanese fusion cuisine with traditional sushi. Be sure to ask about the daily specials. Ayame’s dining concept comes from the creators of Zipangu, an authentic Japanese restaurant, sushi bar and lounge in Costa Mesa. zipanguoc.com/ayahome.html

Piccolino Ristorante’s Italian elegance
Italian cuisine served in an elegant, upscale environment – that’s what you’ll find at Piccolino Ristorante, a new restaurant in Mission Viejo. The menu is big on taste and reasonably priced. It’s a great choice for a night out. piccolinomv.com

Thasos Greek Island Grille’s global reach
Thasos Greek Island Grille in Santa Ana, formerly The Whole Pita Grille, is set to open a second location on Thasos Island in Greece. With its fabulous menu inspired by family recipes, a recent restaurant news article recognized Thasos Greek Island Grille for serving up the Best Greek food in Orange County. One bite of Thasos’ appetizers, gyros, pita bundles or any other delectable selection, and you’ll know only the freshest, finest lean meat, wholesome veggies, herbs and spices go into each recipe. thewholepita.com

Iva Lee’s alive with music most evenings
Besides serving up some of the best Southern and Creole cuisine this side of the Mississippi (like the Bourbon French Onion Soup or the Cajun Poached Shrimp), Iva Lee’s in San Clemente also treats guests to live entertainment almost every night of the week. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights feature live blues from 7 to 10:30 p.m., and Tuesday nights feature acoustic performances by local artists from 8:30 to 11  p.m. ivalees.com

El Torito’s classically modern Mexican menu
El Torito Grill brings you a sensory experience that is a fusion of contemporary and native foods of Mexico. From the mesquite-grilling of the Shrimp Diabla to the savory spices in the Tamarind Barbecue Baby Back Ribs, El Torito Grill offers a creative twist on traditional Mexican dining. Be on the lookout for more innovative inspirations from this Mexican grill. etgrill.com

Kitayama traditional Japanese cuisine
Kitayama Restaurant in Newport Beach offers an abundant menu of fresh and delicious food, prepared by skilled master chefs Yamasaki and Goto, and a team of other talented sous chefs. The fish is carefully selected and supplied by the restaurant’s group company, IMP. Stop in for happy hour Monday through Thursday, or during Ladies Night on Tuesday. Be sure to ask the bartender about the specials. kitayamarestaurant.com

NapaStyle store opens at South Coast Plaza
Emmy-winner Michael Chiarello’s newest NapaStyle retail store opened at South Coast Plaza in June. NapaStyle offers a unique collection of specialty foods and home furnishings that channel the experience of Napa Valley. TV host, cookbook author, and chef, Chiarello’s NapaStyle stores focus on seasonal and sustainable living through all things cooking, wine, entertaining, garden, and home. napastyle.com