Chowbaby.com: The Top List of Best BrunchesOrange County, CA
When it comes to brunches, Orange County has plenty of good ones.
By Sarah McClure & Mike Solton
The Orange Curtain is quickly growing up, and with that some of the most impressive dining hubs are emerging in Southern California, including a variety of restaurants and specialty of cuisines. More often today, dining out -- whether to meet friends over a Yerba Mate café or to socialize at a new morning diner -- is becoming the forefront of activities for those living along the Golden Coast in Orange County.
Here, Chowbaby.com offers up a slice of Orange County’s tastiest brunches and mouth-watering late morning eats, from delectable danishes and muffins, huevos rancheros, to waffles topped off with the freshest fruit, and aromatic espressos sure to wake up even the biggest morning sloth. It seems brunch couldn’t get any better, except in Orange County, where daytime dining comes with a complimentary side of sunshine and ocean vista.
HAUTE CAKES CAFFE
1807 Westcliff Drive, Newport Beach.
949.642.4114
Nestled in an idyllic, sun-scattered patio setting off Newport Blvd, is Haute Cakes Caffe, a chic bistro, offering a healthy and distinctive beachside brunch. Since opening in 1990, owner Paul Taddeo has served up amazing selections from his Mona’s breakfast of egg whites with spinach and salsa, a bowl of haute oats, berries and non-fat milk; Pierre’s scramble of asparagus, caramelized onions, Roma tomatoes and French feta to the Mexican scramble of chorizo, tomatoes potatoes, queso fresco together with guacamole and sour cream. Every side order is worth recommending, but if a choice needs to be had, order the house-made granola, which includes oats, almonds and walnuts, the blueberry cornmeal haute cakes or the oven-roasted potatoes. For those with an appetite for major morning sweetness, try the Haute Cakes topped with mixed, fresh berries, powdered sugar and fresh mint raspberry jam croissants (a definite goody), and a side of egg & vegetable strata. Not to be overlooked, a children’s menu also offers Sophie’s oatmeal, brioche French toast and Olivia’s baby cakes. The only concern you may have afterward, is whether to finish brunch off with their Haute coffee, California fields iced tea, fresh-squeezed lemonade or orange-ricotta.
Brunch Hours: Monday to Saturday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: $10
$4.25 children
THE COTTAGE
308 N. Coast Hwy.Laguna Beach, CA
949.494.3023
Some of the best brunches I’ve enjoyed were the ones served with champagne. For The Cottage in Laguna Beach, including a glass of California bubbly with brunch is one way they’ve continued to impress diners for more than 35 years. It’s a historic structure – originally built in 1917 as a family cottage –and a truly, idyllic setting for even a quick cup of coffee turns. Such vintage features are its oak front door, a fireplace in the middle of one of the dining rooms and stained-glass windows that incredibly, face downtown Laguna. Charmingly antiquated, but not out-dated, is The Cottage’s brunch, offered seven days a week and served with fresh fruit or cottage fries. Some delicious selections include Eggs Dickson of two poached eggs with filet mignon medallions on an English muffin, all topped with hollandaise sauce. The Eggs Aster of two poached eggs with snow crab, shrimp and avocado on an English muffin. And the Eggs Florentine of two poached eggs with sautéed spinach and sliced tomatoes.
Brunch Hours: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily
Cost: $12.75
$6 children under 12
WATSON’S DRUG STORE and SODA FOUNTAIN
116 East Chapman Avenue, Orange, CA 92866
714.633.1050
Dubbed as the “antique capital of California,” Old Towne Orange in the city of Orange boasts unbelievable historic-town charm. Today, Watson’s Drugstore and Soda Fountain still operates as a pharmacy and restaurant and remains the oldest ongoing business in the city of Orange. An old-fashioned gem since 1899, everything about Watson’s from their sidewalk dining area, cherry-colored vinyl bar stools, Formica tables and 1950’s-era memorabilia on their walls, to a surviving jukebox is what’s helped kept it popular among the brunch crowd. Their classic, home fries and homemade biscuits are promised all day with brunch choices. Some goodies are the Huevos Mexicanos of eggs with diced chilies and warm tortillas; a pancake sandwich that includes three stacks served with two eggs, bacon or sausage. Although a few dimes no longer afford you a milkshake, few extra quarters will makeover your omelet with choices as alfalfa sprouts, jalapenos and green Ortega chilies. Other enjoyable additions to add to brunch include tomato slices, raisin toast with jelly, sliced cantaloupe peaches or fruit in season
Brunch Hours: Monday to Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: $8 and up
THE RAMOS HOUSE CAFÉ
31752 Los Rios Street (on other side of railroad tracks) San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949.443.1342
When people spouted the phrase, “they don’t make things like they used to,” it’s likely they had been referring to the four-course brunch at The Ramos House Cafe. Amazingly, it seems the best old-fashioned qualities continue to thrive in San Juan Capistrano in Los Rios Historical District, the oldest remaining residential street in California that dates back to 1794.
A sign that reads, “welcome to my home” greets you as walking into an outdoors dining space that holds no more than 20 tables.
In keeping with the theme of making things from scratch, Chef and owner John Q. Humphreys – who opened The Ramos House as a restaurant in 1994 – improvises on traditional foods while delivering a quality level of dining experience. Iced tea is served in old-fashioned jam jars with servers frequently re-pouring your drink without being asked. Every table sports The Ramos House Café Recipe Book, a colorful and impressive display of cooking that goes into creating an amazing restaurant. With herbs and fruits grown in the backyard of this house, homemade strawberry jam with all toast is no surprise. Even wine is kept in their own cellar underground.
Brunch offers are almost incomparable at The Ramos House Café. They’ll start you with chicken hot chocolate, banana maple pain perdu with toasted almonds and brandied cherries, then wild mushroom, roasted garlic and a sun-dried tomato scramble (cooked in truffle oil), and finally a crab hash layered in smoked bacon and scrambled eggs. Other atypical ingredients include pumpkin seed buttermilk dressing, apple cider gravy and gingerbread croutons. Yum. The Scotch Quail eggs, combined with their Soju Bloody Mary supposedly cure any hangover. Favorite drink choices are the pomegranate mimosa, homemade lemonade, blackberry sage iced tea, or blueberry juice. Lastly, tempt your taste buds with side orders as cinnamon apple beignets, basil cured salmon with herb sauce and toast points, sweet corn hush puppies in sweet pepper jam, caramelized citrus salad, or fried green tomatoes, which even make a menu appearance.
Brunch Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday only
Cost: $30
PINOT PROVENCE
686 Anton Blvd. (Bristol St.)
Costa Mesa, CA, 92626-1920
(714) 444-5900
Not just another Pinot. This French bistro located in the Westin South Coast Plaza Hotel offers two outdoor patios and three private dining rooms. Many of the antiques and accessories were purchased in southern France by Joachim Splichal's, the chef/ owner. Great food, service, and ambiance, makes this a winner in Orange County. The brunch usually boasts delectable delights such as Tuna Tartar with Avocado Mousse and Ginger Vinaigrette or Sautéed Duck with Roasted Pineapple. Main courses include Eggs Benedict with Horseradish, Veal Osso Bucco with Baby Swiss Chard and Ricotta Cheese Raviolis. Tempt yourself with desserts such as Vanilla Frasier with Pistachio Cream.
Brunch Hours: 11:30 am to 2:30 pm Sat & Sun Only
Cost: $15-25
VALENTINA
27755 Santa Margarita Pkwy
Mission Viejo, Ca 92691
(949) 707-0888
Valentina will transport you to an Italian dining room with walls adorned with classic oil painting, thick plush red velvet drapes, and flickering oil lanterns. No Dorothy, you are not in Florence you're in Mission Viejo! New Owner Domenico Grillo, recently being named one of Orange County's most desirable males by Orange Coast Magazine, is also Master Chef, making Valentina a perfect place to have a memorable brunch. The brunch usually includes delightful appetizers, entrees such as Fresh Salmon baked in a Champagne Sauce or a Fresh Ravioli stuffed with fresh Ricotta Cheese, Spinach and Artichoke Hearts in a Checca sauce. And last but not least, there will always be a splendid display of desserts.
Brunch hours: 11 am - 3:00 pm Sunday Only starting Feb 18, 2007
$24.95 per person. $10 children under 12, New brunch features children's room with magicicans, face painting and other entertainment.
DAILY GRILL
957 Newport Center Dr. (Santa Barbara Dr.) Newport Beach, CA, 92660-6944
(949) 644-2223 2636 Dupont Dr. (Jamboree Rd.) Irvine, CA, 92612-1687 (949) 474-2223
A great 1940's type diner with good reliable food and large portions with dishes like Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes, Fresh Seafood and Cobb salads. The Daily Grill is based on The Grill on the Alley in Beverly Hills. There are 13 Daily Grills in Southern California and the Washington DC area. Brunch there will be a Buffet with Prime Rib, Roasted Sliced Turkey, Eggs Benedict, build your own Huevos Rancheros, Fresh Baked Goods, Cheesecake, and on and on.
Brunch Hours: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Sunday only
Cost: $17.95 and up $8.95 for Children under 11
ANGELO'S & VINCI'S RISTORANTE
50 N. Harbor Blvd. (bet. Chapman & Malvern Aves.)
Fullerton, CA, 92832-1516
(714) 879-4022
Looking for a lively restaurant with lots of pizzazz? Good Italian food, especially known for their pizzas. Established in 1971, they have been successful at serving delicious Italian dishes (made from old Sicilian recipes) at reasonable prices in a lively atmosphere. The brunch consists of a buffet including many classic Italian dishes: Pasta Marinara, Sausage and Peppers, Fettuccini Alfredo, Chicken Cacciatore and Champagne
Brunch Hours: 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Cost: $9.95 per person $5.95 for Children under 12
BLUEWATER GRILL
630 Lido Park Dr. (Lafayette St.)
Newport Beach, CA, 92663-4442
(949) 675-3474
1621 W. Sunflower Ave. (Plaza Dr.)
Santa Ana, CA
(714) 546-3474
This classic "New England" fish house offers indoor or patio seating. Indoors, enjoy the exquisite polished teakwood floors, brass railings, and comfortable booths. Outdoors (Newport Beach), sit out on the patio and enjoy the breezes and bay view. The specialty is the freshly caught local swordfish. The brunch buffet includes Fruit Salads, Eggs Benedict, Atlantic Salmon in Dill Cream, Seafood Crepes, Mixed Bagels, Smoked Fish and Cream Cheese. Choose a glass of Mimosa, Champagne, Coffee, Orange Juice, Soft Beverage, or Iced Tea
Brunch Hours: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Saturday & Sunday Only.
Cost: Adults $8-12
CEDAR CREEK INN
384 Forest Ave. (3rd St.)
Laguna Beach, CA, 92651
(949) 497-8696
26860 Ortega Hwy. (opp. the Mission)
San Juan Capistrano, CA, 92675
(949) 240-2229
20 Pointe Dr. (Lambert Rd.)
Brea, CA, 92621
(714) 255-5600
In the "heart" of Laguna Beach, this cozy restaurant offers both indoor and patio dining. Enjoy good dependable simple food at reasonable prices. In the evening, relax with some live entertainment and a blazing fireplace. The Brunch (Laguna Beach) will include Fresh Norwegian Salmon baked in foil with roma tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil, Eggs Benedict traditionally prepared and served with fresh fruit and breakfast potatoes, or the non fattening (ah!) Monte Cristo Sandwich turkey, ham, and Swiss cheese on egg bread dipped in a light batter. There are also a variety of salads like the Ahi marinated, seared rare ahi sliced over mixed field greens with portabella mushrooms, sweet peppers, toasted sesame seeds with a wasabi-ginger vinaigrette.
Brunch Hours: 10: 00 am to 3:00 pm
Cost: $10 to $18 Children $6 and up