MAISON CAFE n Whether you ’ re looking for a quick bite to eat or a full sit-down experience , Maison Cafe + Market in Dana Point has it all . The cafe portion of the restaurant has a full menu for breakfast , lunch and dinner and the market area has freshly made grab and go options an online ordering options . ( maisondanapoint . com )
OMAKASE BY GINO n Omakase by Gino — OmG for short — offers an intimate experience in downtown Santa Ana with sushi freshly prepared by Japanese chef Gino Choi . Temporarily closed , look for special offers such as a recent Chirasi takeout option . Visit his Instagram page @ omakasebygino for details . Choi personally purchases the vegetables and over 90 % of the fish is imported from Japan . When it reopens , only a few parties are served each night and reservations are made up to three months in advance . ( yelp . com / biz / omg-omakase-by-ginosanta-ana )
BELLO n No need to travel for a taste of authentic Italian cuisine ; Bello in Newport Beach , opened in November of last year , serves up classic dishes made by Italian-born chef Sandro Nardone . Bello makes a commitment to do away with the Americanized version of Italian food and opt for classic , traditional cuisine and atmosphere — even the restaurant artwork was imported from Italy . Brunch began in July with items such as Italian Toast All ’ Vocado ( bellobysandronardone . com )
STANFIELD SAYS :
DON ’ T MISS THESE NEW OUTDOOR PATIOS
Enjoy Sunday Champagne brunch and the sunset over Balboa Bay with New American dishes created by Executive Chef Mike Payne at Tavern House , David Wilhelm ’ s latest concept . ( tavernhousekb . com )
Helmsman Ale House , an independently owned and operated brewery and kitchen in Newport Beach , is the only craft beer house in the city . Grab a spot on the deck at the heated covered patio , which features relaxed bartop , booth and communal seating . ( helmsmanalehouse . com )
Mama ’ s Comfort Food & Cocktails has opened a cozy location with outdoor dining in Newport Beach with all-day breakfast and classics such as homemade meatloaf and bacon-wrapped jumbo shrimp appetizers as well as pulled pork nachos . ( mamason39 . com )
Little Onion , a new taco Tuesday stop , expanded and opened in Irvine in November . The menu includes traditional Mexican classics , such as burritos , enchiladas , tamales and , of course , tacos . Diners can celebrate taco Tuesday with $ 2.19 chicken and steak tacos all day long as well as discounted drinks . ( littleonion . com )
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