Mobile food truck offers delicious gourmet sliders

By Annie Kim, Staff Writer

Photo courtesy of Mobi Munch

There were about eight different food trucks that Thursday afternoon at the Orange County Fairgrounds’ Food Truck Fare, ranging from sweet and savory to Asian and Mexican.

Still, the noticeably long line at The Burnt Truck gave me the clue that that’s where I should probably start.

Rudy's Pub is more than just a sports bar

*Editor's note: the writer of this review was  previously employed at Rudy's Pub & Grill*
By Priya Gupta, Staff Writer

Logo courtesy of Rudy's Pub & Grill

Great food, friendly service and sports galore are hallmarks of the Rudy’s Pub and Grill experience.

Usually when you head down to a pub, you brace yourself for the greasy—and usually not too tasty—pub fare, however, eating at Rudy’s requires no such preparation.

In addition to all the normal amenities of a sports bar, such as the 38 TVs throughout the restaurant and the full service bar, Rudy’s also offers patrons a full restaurant menu.

Onotria Wine Country Cuisine is hidden treasure

Originally published in the Sept. 22, 2010 issue of the Coast Report
By Priya Gupta, Staff Writer

When occasions that warrant a formal dinner come around — be they big celebrations or just a thank God it’s Friday moment — most people will head over to one of the many big name chain restaurants in the area.

Sometimes, however, there are hidden gems to be found right in one’s own backyard. Costa Mesa’s own Onotria Wine Country Cuisine is certainly one of those gems.

Five Guys burgers good, not great

Originally published in the Oct. 13, 2010 issue of the Coast Report

 Photo by Andy Nguyen

When I read on the Orange County Register’s Fast Food Maven blog that there was going to be a Five Guys Burgers and Fries opening in Huntington Beach, I was ecstatic.

Pee Wee's Famous Hot Dogs and Hamburgers

Logo courtesy of peeweesfamous.com

Contrary to the name, this restaurant has no affiliation to the hyperactive alter-ego of Paul Reubens, which is probably good thing if you think about it--but I digress.

An addiction so delicious it shouldn’t even be legal

 Mesa Munchies isn't just about food reviews, it's about our love of food. Here's a piece I did for the February 10, 2010 edition of the Coast Report on my love of sushi.

Hello, my name is Andy Nguyen and I have an addiction. It has been three days since I had a hit and I’ve been craving for more ever since.

The KFC Double Down Sandwich: A Review

Kentucky Fried Chicken’s Double Down sandwich made its debut this past Monday and I have to say, I am not impressed.

It looks as good as it tastes, which isn't saying much.

OCC’s Captain’s Table sails to Greece

This story originally appeared in the April 7, 2010 issue of The Coast Report.

Once again, I had the fortunate pleasure to dine at the Captain’s Table, Orange Coast College’s on-campus restaurant.

Prepared and run by students of the Food Service and Culinary Arts program, The Captain’s Table offers patrons a full-course meal for $16 a person — a rise from last semester’s $12.

The KFC Double Down Sandwich is coming, run for your lives (if you can)

That's right, Kentucky Fried Chicken's sin-against-cardiologists is coming to a location near you. To quote their website, a Double Down sandwich "features two thick and juicy boneless white meat chicken filets (Original Recipe® or Grilled), two pieces of bacon, two melted slices of Monterey Jack and pepper jack cheese and Colonel's Sauce."

Korean cuisine goes south of the border

 Photo courtesy of Google

When I hear taco truck, I think of mobile health code violations and food that will give me the worst stomachache imaginable.

Thankfully, the Kogi Korean Barbecue truck is neither of those things. The truck’s kitchen is clean and efficient, and the food combines aspects from Korean and Mexican cuisine to give your taste buds the best sensation imaginable.

Cheese Whiz and steak make an incredible meal: surprisingly authentic cheesesteak hits the spot.

Originally published in the December 9, 2009 edition of The Coast Report 
by Andy Nguyen, Views Editor

Photo by Geoff Davis 

As the name implies, Philly’s Best Authentic Cheesesteak and Hoagie Shop is home to the most authentic Philly cheesesteak you’ll have short of actually going to Philadelphia.

I was aware that Philly’s Best was a chain restaurant and was at first dubious at that the sandwiches were “authentic,” but after having a cheesesteak from Pat’s King of Steaks (credited as the birthplace of the Philly cheesesteak) over the summer, I can safely say that their claim is justified.

Conveyor belt sushi is surprise delight: restaurant puts a twist on classic California Roll

Originally published in the November 11, 2009 edition of The Coast Report 
by Andy Nguyen, Views Editor

Photo by Andy Nguyen

Conveyor belt sushi bars seem to have a taboo attached to them. Apparently you’re not supposed to grab sushi from the belt and instead order directly from the chef. But then, what’s the point?

Half the fun of going to a conveyor belt sushi bar is getting sushi off of the belt.

Kura Sushi is one of these conveyor belt sushi bars, and I always get my sushi off the belt.

Captain serves up feast: campus restaurant offers five-course meal on a budget

Originally published in Wednesday, October 14, 2009 edition of The Coast Report
by Andy Nguyen, Views Editor

Photo courtesy of Google

Orange Coast College has a little secret that students may not know about: The Captain’s Table, Coast’s on-campus restaurant.

For $12 some lucky person can get a five-course meal prepared by students from Coast’s Culinary Arts department.

Skosh, delicious but loud: Local Irish pub and restaraunt serves up yummy food with a discount.

Originally published in the May 13, 2009 edition of The Coast Report
by Michelle Slieff, Staff Writer

Costa Mesa’s Skosh Monahan’s is more than an Irish pub — it’s a place with quality food and better yet, it offers coupons. Check your Newport-Mesa coupon booklet in the mail.

Half the venue is an Irish pub with live entertainment and the other half offers a very different dining experience.

Golden Truffle has breakfast treasures: The chef-owned restaurant has been in business for more than 30 years.

Originally published in the May 6, 2009 edition of The Coast Report
by Michelle Slieff, Staff Writer

The Golden Truffle Catering and Restaurant caters to people who love to feel posh and pampered.

If good customer service is a must, then you’ll definitely appreciate the little details this spot has to offer.

Secret Soul Cafe: Memphis Cafe on Bristol offers a delicious twist on comfort food.

Originally published in the March 25, 2009 edition of The Coast Report
by Michelle Slieff, Staff Writer

As I pulled up to Memphis Soul Café and Bar I noticed that from the outside it looked like nothing more than an average bar. I expected fried buffalo wings and nachos, but the experience was surprising and pleasant from the moment I walked in the door.