If you’re looking to impress a date with Viet style Asian-fusion food, try Brodard Chateau in Garden Grove:

http://www.brodard.net/chateau/location.html

The place used to be a steak house and is richly furnished.  Get their "brodard rolls" (spring rolls) with special dipping sauce.  It’s not cheap, they charge $4-5 for just 2 rolls.  I’ve heard that you can get more for your $ at their other restaurant in Westminster, hidden behind the Mall of Fortune:

http://www.brodard.net/location.html

If you go to the more expensive Chateau place, you can custom order some dishes.  For example if you order the salad, you can request them to add shrimp for more $$.  And I mean the big ones, not the little tiny ones they give you at Red Lobster.

Commenting on previous posts—Taiko has declined in quality over the past decade.  I like the Tulsa Rib Company for their beef ribs dinner special (3 big ribs), tell them not to smother the ribs in sauce.  It’s $10 and a good deal, however I think their Tulsa potatoes have declined in quality too.

The Shabu Shabu place by Ranch 99 at corner of Jeffery & Walnut is over priced and so-so in quality.  But our choices here is rather limited.  I like "Little Fat Sheep" at 120 S. Atlantic Blvd, Monterey Park.  Their prices aren’t cheap, we used to buy their spicy soup base and make the hot pot at home for less $.

I could also recommend Jazz Cat Cafe on 640 W. Valley Blvd, Alhambra.  But don’t bring young children here because their hot pots have open flame burners under them and the space is cramped.  Great place to take a date if you’re dating an East-Asian girl in her 20’s.  They do a good Taiwanese style hot pot.  Do not park at the noodle place across the street, or else you’ll get a ticket or get towed.

The Korean restaurant across from the Shabu Shabu place by Jeffery & Walnut, and I mean on same side as Ranch 99 center, is decent.  The one across the street, in same side as Taiko, I think changed owners and most of their dishes are kinda lame, but they make an OK hot pot (Korean casserole).  Walk around the corner to Yogurt Land afterwards and get some Yogurt with mochi toppings.

i go to brodards all the time.  the OG (original ghetto) one that is, never been to the frou-frou chateau location.  the spring rolls sound exactly the same as the ones you mentioned but are around $5 for an order of 4.  its the house specialty and you’ll see every table gets several orders.  their dipping sauce is made from stewed pork and peanut—- it is amazing…

damn i’m so hungry.

I have found this website, its called yelp, which is a city guide/reviews of everything in a city.
"You already know that asking friends is the best way to find restaurants, dentists, hairstylists, and anything local. Yelp makes it fast and easy by collecting and organizing your friends’ recommendations in one convenient place."
I find it very useful in finding new places to eat or avoid.

Hey guys, first post by the way.

I want to IMPLORE you to hit up Honda-ya as suggested by the author, go there on a monday, tuesday or wednesday at about 6-7pm - they are only open for dinner by the way. Forget friday, saturday, 1 hour wait if you’re lucky.

[Edit] Do not underestimate the power of Honda-ya. Order a Nigori sake (a sweet, smooooooth sake), get some yakitori items (try the special heart if you dare), broiled squid is fantastic, mix and match - try something new every time you go - stay away from the standard-fare items like teriyaki beef.. you can get that anywhere! Get the weird stuff like pickled squid, or octopus balls (don’t ask, but they are friggin heavenly). Drink, chat, eat, drink some more. I love this place.

Also, if you’re a Japanese food junkie like myself, take a peek at Goro Sushi next to Albertsons in the itsct. of Alton and Culver. Not so much for the atmosphere, but the brolied mackerel is de-lish.

If you wanna head outside of Tustin/Irvine, roll down to the PCH for Royal Thai (between Newport and Balboa), try the thai basil or the yellow curry. Wicked BBQ at the Beach Pit BBQ at 1676 Tustin Ave, near 17th/Tustin. George’s Thai bistro is also a long time favorite of mine, it’s on 3732 Bristol up by South Coast Plaza, while there, shake up Hans’ Ice Cream and Deli for a Liquorishe Milkshake. wowza!

Farther off, try Taal indian food on 2720 Nutwood Ave, by CSUF. WICKED indian food!!!!

[edit 2]
Forgot to add:

- Costa Mesa Omelet Parlor on 17th and Orange (nestled in the back)—Absolutely fantastic american breakfast food!

- Avila’s El Ranchito, Tustin on 1st street/55 fwy, and Costa Mesa on valencia i think. Superb Mexican food! GO FOR THE BRUNCH ON SUNDAYS! Menudo out of your ears!! yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Something I usually browse (in addition to IrvineHousingBlog..)

When I’m not looking at homes, I’m looking at food.. (sigh)
* User uploaded photos from their cameras of dishes they ate from various restraunts

  (contains reviews, comments, location, price)

* Food social network - mainly southern california users

* #2 City w/ most uploads - Irvine!

* Founded by 3 UCI grads
BiggestMenu -  http://www.biggestmenu.com
 

For those who like "Oki Doki" in Costa Mesa, they’ve opened another restaurant in Garden Grove.  It’s much easier to get a seat at the Garden Grove location.

Don’t forget http://www.chowhound.com/ - the authority in food reviews. Not so much for Irvine, but that’s because it pales in comparison to greater Los Angeles (in food choices, that is). Then again, it’s user driven so it’s all about participation.

Taps in Brea
El Matador on Newport  Blvd in Costa Mesa is a little hole in the wall place.  Awesome hot salsa.
Gulfstream
Turner New Zealand has the best filet you will ever eat in your friggin life.  I am not exaggerating.  I don’t poultry (protein allergy not religious choice) so I am a big red meat fan and Turner’s blows everyone away.  I am salivating just thinking about it.
Actually in Irvine I eat @ Pho Bac on barranca at least once every other week.  I only get one thing, the beef pho.  Very good, cheap, always busy.
 

I agree with El Matador.  My bosses take the associates out for lunch there every few weeks.  You can test the lard in their chips.
Turners is just okay for me.  Something about grass-fed beef that I just do not enjoy.  Want to try maestros and flemings.
Roy’s is our favorite upscale restaurant right now.  Really good seafood.
The Korean places are pretty good in Irvine/Tustin.  There is a tofu place in the Culver/Walnut center near Ralphs and L & L’s.  THere is a pretty good all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ place near red hill.  We usually end up going to GG for Vietnamese food.  Will agree with Brodard but it is getting expensive there. 
Did not like Shabu Shabu at all. . . 60 bucks and came out hungry.  Felt cheated.  Same with the Sumo place near Culver.  $30 a person and got served hard rice and leftover fish.
Just found a pretty good Thai place near the airport (and my work) call Kitma.  Small place that is well-decorated. 
No good chinese food in Irvine. . . have to go to San Gabriel Valley.   Momopi, is little sheep still around in MP?  I read somewhere that it closed up.  They have one up in the Bay Area and my wife and I loved it.

thai bamboo bistro in quail hill is great.  they’re opening at the district as well.

Irvine Commuter:

To best of my knowledge the one that closed is in Hacienda Heights, by Ranch 99.  The one in MP is still open.  You can call them to confirm:

Little Fat Sheep

<address> &#9;&#9;&#9; &#9;&#9;&#9;120 S Atlantic Blvd

&#9;&#9;&#9; &#9;&#9;&#9;Monterey Park, &#9;&#9;&#9;&#9;CA &#9;&#9;&#9;&#9;91754 &#9;&#9;&#9; &#9;&#9;</address>
&#9;&#9;&#9; &#9;&#9;&#9;(626) 282-1089

Irvine has "Taiwanese Fast Food" and it’s acceptable for a quick/cheap meal.  I used to work in MP in 1990s and we went to a different restaurant daily.  I’m curious to see what will open at the new Diamond Plaza on Jamboree & Alton.

Tommy Pastrami

Albertson’s was having a special on Alaskan King Crab legs last weekend; $9.99 per lb.  Oh my gosh!  It was so good.

The next time you are in Dallas, The Mansion on Turtle Creek
Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House in Savannah
Mama Dips in Chapel Hill

Ah Brodard, love their shrimp paste spring rolls.  Just had some last week, prices went up a little $7 a plate (4 rolls).  I hate describing how to get there (not the fancy one) as it’s behind the vietnamese mall and right next the 99cent store’s REAR parking lot.  They also have a sister restaurant in Corona Del Mar off PCH.   I forget it’s name, but my buddy knows the owner.  We had some tuna? spring rolls, yum!

Take Pelle’s recommendation for Honda-Ya.  It’s an izakaya style restaurant (Japanese version of tapas) and yakitori (japanese grill) and try and order as many little dishes / appetizers.

Matsu in Huntington Beach. Marvelous sushi. They also have a teppan room and formal dining room. Prices are decent . The female servers wear kimonos, and soft Taiko music is very sensual. When I was single, I would always go there on a first date. The dining room is dark and romantic.
Restaurant Koi in Sunset Beach also has great sushi. I guess I’m a sushi snob, as I would rather have less of the best quality than more of not-so-fresh.

LM—- glad to see I’m not the only one hooked on Pho Bac.  I’m in there at least once a week.  For those with kids, the $3.95 kids meal is a great deal.  If you are a guy looking for a cheap day, go to Pho Bac for a $6 lunch, and then stroll down to SuperCuts and get yourself a $14 haircut.  Under $25 including tips to eat and groom yourself.  Who says Irvine is expensive?
By the way, if you go to SuperCuts ask for Phi-Phi—- she is the best!

At Pho Bac, show your student ID and get 10% off… gotta make use of the ID card.
Sometimes I get the combo platter and split with a friend.

Shall we move this thread to the "lifestyles" section?

While technically not a restaurant in OC…  airplanes that takes off from John Wayne airport, which serves meals, might qualify. 

http://www.airlinemeals.net/indexMeals.html

I am looking for a good sushi place around Irvine only.  I didn’t really care for Taiko, or that place near Northwood next to the Albertons / Fatburger.

http://elmomonster.blogspot.com/2006/07/mitsui-irvine.html
This place is in the Quail Hill /Albertsons center off Shady/Sand.   I have tried it a couple of times. Will give it a strong "B". Its better than the one in the Spectrum. Yes Taiko is a pain with the crowd.  My other favorite is in Laguna Hills. Kotobuki. A little pricey and the chef "Hiro" can get a little wasted. But let him make what he suggests. Its behind the Trader Joes next to the Laguna Hills Mall.   Kampai and enjoy !   
 
 

I have been to Kotobuki couple times, excellent…but they are way too pricey…

Not Irvine, but pretty close in Costa Mesa there’s Sushi Shibucho, near Triangle Square.  Small hole in the wall, but very good sushi.  My parents know the owners who also used to have a restaurant in Little Tokyo.  Also in Costa Mesa is Ango-Tei in front of Mitsuwa.  For Irvine, there’s also Maki Zushi across the street from Villages of Columbus Square (Edinger and Redhill).  Business seems a bit slow there, but the sushi was actually quite good, reminded me a bit like Sushi-gen in Los Angeles, they don’t overdo the rice with the sushi.  Large pieces of sushi with a tiny-bite size piece of rice, the way it should be.

Allright,

My wife and I love the Bamboo Bistro in CdM.  This is the one that is part of the Brodard’s outfit.

El Cholo is an indulgence.  It is the original “Mexican” place in So. Cal. (the original was on Western, it moved across the street many years ago.  ‘SC alums think they own the places (little do they know that that motivated kid serving them their food is putting themselves through a state school, and is their future boss;).  This combo plate Mexican.  The Alcapulco chain was inspired by El Cholo.

OK, let’s talk legit Mexican - Martin’s (pronounced Marteens, for you gabachos) in Baldwin Park for ceviche tostadas, Siete Mares (mult. locations in San Gabriel Valley) for fish tacos.  King Taco (mult. locations) is good as well.  Late at night, if you are in Pasadena, La Estrella Tacos.  If you want to drive: La Super Rica (like they say, if you have to ask..) - same neighborhood, the carniceria at the back of the Villareal had the best Carnitas.

Breakfast: the Penguin in Laguna Beach, and RJ’s in Dana Point.

In terms of steaks, OC has a number of good places (you can’t throw a rock without hitting one.)  Mastro’s Ocean Club in particular really puts on a show.  But if you really want a GREAT steak, you have to drive a bit to the holy trinity:  Jocko’s, the FarWestern, and the Hitching Post (Casmalia location, please), are all within about a twenty mile radius, and they put the high end places to shame!  Heck, if you go on a Saturday night you might even see a couple of cowboys get thrown out of Jocko’s bar after starting a fight!

Churrasca:  The original Greenfields in Covina (yes, the food is better there than the other locations)

Any Asian on Valley Blvd.  Yu Jean Kangs - Pasadena.

Best place for a rainy day and to watch futball on TV:  Lucky Baldwins (Sierra Madre and Pasadena).  Great selection of beer, on of the original purveyors of Belgian beers.  Go to the Pasadena location on a rainy day, and you’ll swear you are in a pub in England (and not a chintzy, Tudor overdone Disneyland pub.  I mean a real one - like to ones I went to in Guilford and London!!)

Best Pie/Cobbler - Cobbler Factory (Pasadena).  Best Ice Cream:  I know some people really like a place called Bob’s(?) which I guess is run by a professor from Cal Poly, but I am partial tothe strawberry ice cream from Fosselman’s. 

Also, during the summer, on Friday nights, the Rusty Pelican has live soft music in their bar.  They have tables in the bar, so you can eat there, listen to the music, and watch the sun set over the harbor.

Of course there are some So. Cal standards (not too many in the OC, though):  Felipe’s on Spring St. (the ORIGINAL French Dip); Canter’s after the show for Mahtzo Ball Soup and Latkes; Du-Pars for breakfast; Roscoes for fried chicken and waffles (yes, they really DO go well together); the Tommy’s on Rampart at 2:00 in the morning for a chili burger standing up - with a cop standing on one side of you, and a legit OG gangbanger standing on the other; Pinks; I haven’t even touched on the Pantry, the PDC, Musso and Franks, the Smokehouse, the Pig and Whistle, Apple Pan and others.

The thing about So. Cal is that in the high end area, it is a good food “town”, but at the blue collar level, it is a GREAT food “town”.

Best value: Costco - Hot Dog and a coke - $1.57.

Miguel’s in Foothill Ranch is a great mexican food place. 

Greek Town Grill in eastside Costa Mesa is my favorite greek place. 

Pacific Whey cafe near Newport Coast is very good. 

Jerry’s Deli near South Coast Plaza is really good.

the burger place at woodbury towncenter will open at 5pm on Nov. 20th.  I just saw the sign this afternoon. They were serving “family & friends” today as part of their staff training.  They serve beer and wine there too.