Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Bagelmania - Things to Do in Orange County 58

Who said you can't get a decent bagel in Orange County?

Well, I've been to New York to try out their famous bagels. And I got to say though there are really good ones up in New York, Bagelmania is up there with the big dogs when it comes to bagels.



I've been coming here since I was a kid because I used to live by this place. It's in Huntington Beach, and I think they just recently opened up another store right by Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa. Anyway, the one in Huntington Beach is the original Bagelmania.



On top of the usual, onion, blueberry, rye, and everything bagel, Bagelmania offers crazy alternatives like the Hawaiian Bagel, Italian Bagel, and the Mexican Bagel. They are all very hearty with a lot of cheese and sauce, and all are delicious.

I love to go here to get the bagels just plain. Their cinnamon raisin bagels are awesome, and I can eat 2-3 of them at a time. When I'm feeling like endulging a bit more, I get some of their cream cheese or get it in a sandwhich. All are just awesome.




Checking out their site, it looks like its been voted #1 bagel in Orange County by MyFox Los Angeles in 2008. And I believe it. The bagels here are better than a lot of the bagels in New York.



So anyway, next time you have the cravings for a very well made New York bagel in Orange County, you know where to go.

Bagelmania
8861 Adams Ave.
Huntington Beach, CA
(714) 965-5637

Weekdays, 5:30 a.m.ー5:00 p.m.
Weekends, 6 a.mー3:00 p.m.

Monday, June 15, 2009

85℃ Bakery Cafe - Things to Do in Orange County 57

You may have heard about this place by now.

85℃ Bakery Cafe is an awesome Taiwanese bakery joint in Irvine. For those of you who already know about 85℃ Bakery, you know how good this place is. For those of you who haven't, you need to stop what you are doing, and go check this place out right now.




The 85℃ Bakery Cafe in Irvine is hands down, the best bakery around in Orange County.

I guess this place is suppose to be a hot franchise in Taiwan, but this store in Irvine is the first one over in the US. Their baked goods start at around $1 each to about $3 for the more hearty ones with cheese, custard, and meat. Whatever is on top of it, you would want to buy all of them since they are all just sooooooooo good.



Some of my friends go here, and they tell me that his co-workers are just addicted to this place, and they go here everyday. So if you go at the wrong time, the lines are pretty bad. But as long as you avoid the peak hours, you can take your time to pick out your little pleasures for that day.



From what I have read and heard, they are also known for their "Salted Coffee." I've never tried one myself, but it's suppose to be pretty good. Instead, I tried the coffee jelly iced tea while I was there, and it had very nice twist to the usual boba drinks that I like to get. Little coffee jelly instead of the baba.

Anyway, this place is a must if you love bakery goods as much as I do. If this place was within walking distance from my house, I'll probably live here since it's so good. It's like Taiwan's version of Krispy Kreme. Just a little bit healthier... maybe.



Better go check it out.

85℃ Bakery Cafe
Diamond Jamboree Shopping Center内
2700 Alton Parkway, Suite # 123
Irvine, CA, 92606

MON - THUR 7AM - 10PM
FRI - SAT 7AM - MIDNIGHT
SUN 8AM - 10PM

Friday, June 12, 2009

Irvine Farmer's Market - Things to Do in Orange County 56

Ever wake up early on a Saturday morning trying to figure out what to do?

Well, here's a prefect little place to start off your weekend. Visit the Farmer's Market in Irvine.

Since I love farmer's markets, I've been to one all around Orange County. But this one in Irvine is probably one of the best. It's filled with people, music, and you got a lot of vendors here. The farmer's market takes place inside the parking lot of the University Center next to UCI.




The farmer's market has all sorts of fruits and vegetables with a lot of free samples. If you're a hard working student at UCI that's been living on instant ramen all week, this is a great place to revitalize on your Vitamins by eating a lot of the free orange and apples here. :)



On top of all the great things about the Irvine Farmer's Market, since there is a Lee's Sandwich, Le Diplomate Cafe, or a Trader Joe's in the same plaza, visiting these places after the market will enhance the experience even more.



Definitely worth your time on a Saturday morning to go and check out.

Irvine Farmers Market
Irvine Center on the corner of Bridge and Campus (across from UCI)

Free Parking and Admission
Every Saturday
8AM~2PM~



Thursday, June 11, 2009

Marche Moderne - Things to Do in Orange County 55

This is a place that I found through Housewives of Orange County. I think on the show, Gretchen went out with Lynn to dine at this place.

Well, talk about a good French cuisine for a reasonable price. I went here for lunch, and they have a three course prix-fixe menu for around $20-25 per person, and you get a choice of appetizer, entree, and dessert.

Not bad if you ask me.



Here are some nice looking plates that I had while I was here.



Another entree that my friend had.



And best of all, the dessert.



The place was pretty much packed when I went. Reservations are recommended, and try to ask for the patio seats. That way, you get the most of what you pay for here.

And as a last word of caution, this place was a bit hard to find because its on the third floor at South Coast Plaza. I mean who's really been up there when you visit South Coast.

Anyway, worth a try. Check it out.

Marche Moderne
3333 Bristol St
Ste 3001
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 434-7900

Mon-Sat. 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Mon-Sat. 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Sun. 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Sun. 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Le Diplomate Cafe - Things to Do in Orange County 54



Here's an awesome chicken sandwich place that I found right by UCI. I've always walked by his place, but never been inside it until someone told me that the sandwiches they serve here are addicting.

I went in to try out the Chicken Dijon and the Chicken Bacon Club sandwich when I went in last week.



I got to tell you, this place is true when people say that they put crack in their sandwiches. It was awesome. The chicken subs are served hot, and they got these garlic sauce in them that makes everything blend together into one awesome harmony.



You got to try one out here. It's very good if you're craving a good chicken sandwich or if you're just in the area.



Le Diplomate Cafe
4237 Campus Dr
Ste B161
Irvine, CA 92612
(949) 854-5161

Mon-Fri. 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

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