New Sushi Restaurant in Orange, CA - Ginzaya Sushi

Jennifer and I love sushi!!! The other night we were looking for a place close to home to eat while a realtor was showing our condo - a whole other story. There were the usual places we could have gone, Chen's Panda for the best Chinese, the Fish House for great, fresh seafood or any of the chains. At first we had settled on the Fish House, on the corner of Chapman and Newport. As we pulled into the strip mall in which it is located, we noticed that Ginzaya, which had been under construction for some time was finally open.

We decided to try it out. We weren't disappointed. The restaurant itself has booths, tables and a very large sushi bar. We chose to eat at a table. It is very clean - it should be since it is new. The people were all very nice.

They had an excellent choice of sushi and sashimi on their menu as well as other Japanese choices. We ended up having a rainbow roll, spicy tuna roll and a crunchy shrimp roll for our appetizers. I really loved all of the rolls. They were full of flavor, fresh and well made.

For dinner Jennifer chose the two item combo with teriyaki chicken and tempura. I had the two item combo with spicy chicken and tempura. The teriyaki chicken was average - a sliced chicken breast with teriyaki sauce drizzled on it. The tempura was light and full of flavor. The spicy chicken was very good. I compare it to General's Chicken that you find at most Chinese restaurants. It was loaded with onions and had a sweet and spicy sauce. The portions were good and their steamed rice was also very good.

The service was so so. Our water glasses were not refilled promptly, we had ordered a side of edamame, which didn't come until we were done with our entrees (we think the waitress forgot) and really didn't stand out.

Overall, I would give the restaurant a 3.5 out of 5 rating. It is definitely worth trying if you are in the area. You can find Ginzaya at 7522 E Chapman in Orange. They don't have a web site yet.

Dining out in Orange County - Zagat Style

Zagat just released their Top 100 hotel restaurants and two of them happen to be in Orange County. I haven't dined at either of them, but I can see an opportunity to take my sweetheart out. Jenny I hope you are reading this.

OC Register - O.C. hotel restaurants make Zagat's top 100

Get the full Zagat Top 100 Hotel Restaurant list here.

Dining Delicacies at Mickey D's

Oh I can only believe that the McDonald's suits are gathering in their board room to determine how to stop this. Apparently, some McDonald's employees have Wolfgang Puck aspirations and are using company time to create fast food fare beyond the ordinary. I say good for them. I for one am tired of the same old burger or chicken nuggets. I relish the thought of something other than a vanilla, chocolate or strawberry frozen milkshake. I think I sense a fast food revolt!!!

reveries magazine - McBruschetta

Starbucks as McDonald's

Finally Starbuck's is getting it. For the masses that don't want to get their fat butts out of their cars (that would be me in the morning) to get a cup of java, they are making a move to add drive throughs to 350 of the company owned stores that they plan to open in 2006. Some say that they worry about Starbucks becoming McDonald's and cheapening the experience. Others say that it's about time that Starbucks catered to the car loving masses like Dunkin' Donuts has done for a long time.

For those of you with stock in this company, you should look out for the increased costs of doing business this way. Starbucks says that it takes 4 people to run just the drive through. Doh, the accountants are pulling their hair out.

I say let me get my venti peppermint mocha and get to work. Oh how sad Jennifer and I are to see the holidays go away and this most excellent of coffee drinks go away also. I does give us something to look forward to next holiday season.

reveries magazine - Starbucks as McDonald's

A New Beverage Trend - Artisinal Cocktails

Not to be out done by chefs and restaurants looking for new trends, many bars are looking to lesser known liquors for new flavors or going back to the drinks that your grandparents once drank. Called artisinal cocktails, these new drinks are looking beyond the quality vodka and tequila being touted by the big boys and looking for the smaller batch mom & pop liquor makers or to the quality of the other ingredients used in your drink. From making their own bitters and vermouth to using lavender infused gin, the bar scene is looking to tempt your taste buds with something new.

Are you tired of a simple screwdriver or margarita? Try out any one of these new - old drinks. Cheers!

reveries magazine - Artisinal Cocktails