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Brunch at Tortilla Jo’s in Downtown Disney!| @TortillajosDTD #TortillaJos

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Brunch at Tortilla Jo’s!

By Erin

What could be better than brunch? Having brunch at the Happiest Place on earth, or right next to it at Downtown Disney, then getting to go play at Disneyland afterwards! Tortilla Jo’s is the place to be when visiting Downtown Disney. Even if you don’t have an annual pass or ticket to go inside the parks to experience that magic, you can still have plenty of fun at the Downtown Disney District which has an abundance of incredible shops and restaurants. Thanks to Gigasavvy’s Social Club, I got to experience Downtown Disney’s Tortilla Jo’s weekend brunch, complete with bottomless mimosas and their famous margaritas. It sounded like the perfect start to the weekend to me! 🙂

Tortilla Jos Entrance

Celebrating the culinary heritage of Mexico, Tortilla Jo’s boasts south-of-the-border Mexican cuisine, known for their delicious tableside guacamole, and tequila libations which all promote the authenticity of their open kitchen restaurant. A gorgeous sweeping view of the promenade can be seen from the outdoor patio and balcony. The inside cantina is home to over 100 types of tequila that give your margarita an unforgettable flavor, be sure to try the mango margarita! The vibrant spirit and modern pueblo atmosphere make dining at Tortilla Jo’s an experience not to be missed. Don’t forget your Mickey or Minnie ears and take a look at that view! 😉

TORTILLA-JOS-BRUNCH

After getting a chance to enjoy the view, have a mimosa, and look over the brunch menu, we enjoyed our choice of salsa: red mild, chipotle or green and chips. I had the red salsa, and it was amazing, just look at it! So fresh and the flavor was just right. Our table went through many bowls of this delicious salsa.

Salsa-Tortilla-Jos-Disney

To balance out the salty flavors from the chips and salsa, next up we had the fresh fruit plate. All entrees on the brunch menu at Tortilla Jo’s come with fresh fruit! I could eat fruit all day, even if it’s as beautifully displayed as it is here! Raspberries, blackberries, pineapple, mango, blueberries, melon, strawberries and more, I could snack on this all day.

Fruit-Plate-Tortilla-Jos-Downtown-Disney

Now for the BIG decision we had to make at our table. What kind of Margarita to get? Peach? Mango? Strawberry? Cadillac? It all sounded so good, but it came down to two different favorites at our table. Peach and Mango. Now just to note, only one of those below is mine! I did not have all of those. My choice? The Mango. It had an interesting creamy feel to it, smooth without having any pulp. It had plenty of tequila in it, but not to the point that it was too strong that you could not enjoy it. I just love the glasses they were served in too. So pretty! Of course we were also served the bottomless mimosas if we wanted more of those, but these Mango Margaritas were what I ended up sticking with they were that good.

Mango-Margaritas-Tortilla-Jos

The first entree item that we sampled, was the Huevos Rancheros! A delicious combination of corn tortillas, refried beans, two sunny side up eggs, salsa ranchera, cotija cheese, and papas a la Mexicana. This dish created the perfect blend of spice and seasoning to compliment the cheeses and eggs. This one was my favorite savory dish of the day.

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Maro Wood Grill: Dining at its Finest! |@MaroWoodGrill #Gigasavvy #Marowoodgrill

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Maro Wood Grill: Dining at its Finest!

By Erin

I was recently invited to a Media Tasting event with Gigasavvy at Maro Wood Grill in Laguna Beach. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.

Maro-Wood-Grill

Laguna Beach has a very well kept secret, which thanks to Gigasavvy’s Social Club, I can now say I have experienced this delicious hidden gem. Maro Wood Grill  is an Argentinean inspired restaurant, located in beautiful Laguna Beach. Owner Mariano Molteni (“Maro”) and Executive Chef Debra Sims appreciate pure simplicity over the lost art of cooking over open fire. Think of a wood grilled rustic method combined with modern, bold and uncommon Argentinean meat cuts, and mesquite charcoal fireworks to bring out the best flavors of the meats. It is a total sensory overload of Argentinean love, and I cannot wait to come back and try it all again. Maro Wood Grill is a fusion of modern and rustic, blending native californian and argentinean design in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. I love all the succulent plants that cover the patio walls and tables.

 

Maro-Wood-Grill-Decor-Laguna-Beach-Fine-Dining

The focus is on sustainability and fresh ingredients. Their fresh, organic cuisine showcases Argentinean dishes with Chef Sims revolving rustic menu from sourcing local produce, using grass-fed beef and making everything from scratch. Chef Sims put it simply, “Everything is kissed with the wood grill, organic, and grass-fed.”  Be prepared to enjoy their hand crafted menu designed around available and unique products and then indulge in the award-winning desserts. Ready for some major deliciousness? I hope you aren’t too hungry…. 😉 First we cooled off with some refreshing Sangria, which kept on flowing throughout this luxurious and  adventurous meal.

Grilled-Green-Beans

We then started out on our Argentinean adventure with Wood Grilled Green Beans, warm Mushroom & Spinach Empanadas and Mesquite-Grilled Edamame with rock salt. The wood grill added some extra flavor to these otherwise common dishes by giving the beans a nice char for the ultimate taste and flare.

Mushroom-Empanadas

The empanadas are baked, not fried which gives them a nice doughy texture. Loaded with a delicious filling of organic mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, and onions I could have easily eaten this whole tray of empanadas. I only had one though.

Mushroom-Ceviche-Grilled-Sourdough

The Mushroom Ceviche and Grilled Sourdough was next. There was a bit of heat packed into this one. I loved how tender and flavorful the mushrooms were.

Grilled-Fennel-Fig-Salad

Onto the Grilled Fennel and Fig Salad, this was loaded with different flavors and I love how the fig brought some sweetness to the dish.

Ricotta-Noquis-Grilled-Tomatoes

Ricotta Noquis and Grilled Tomatoes was our next stop on this culinary adventure. This dish is extra special as it has a lot of history behind it. Each month on the 29th day in Argentina is Dia de Noquis – the day of Gnocchi. This is the day that everyone gets together to eat noquis in Argentina and other parts of South America. People got paid on the first of every month in South America and money was always tight by the end of the month. Since there was little money available, Ñoquis became a good way to enjoy a hearty, inexpensive meal on a meager budget. Ñoquis are not expensive to make since all you really need are potatoes and flour and hence it is a good way of dealing with low funds to eat at the end of every month. This became a tradition; that’s right, people all over certain parts of South America get together on the same day every month (29th) just to eat Ñoquis.  They also would put a coin under each persons plate for good luck and prosperity. This was a very tasty dish and the ricotta and grilled tomatoes just added to the flavor explosion.

Wood-Grilled-Oysters-Rockefeller-Burnt-Lemon-Wedge

Wood Grilled “Oysters Rockerfeller” with burnt lemon wedge. Another great addition to our meal. The grilled oysters were absolutely delicious.

Mesquite-Lamb-Baba-Ghanouj

Mesquite Lamb & Baba Ghanouj from Australia. O.M.G. Heaven on a bone. Total and complete perfection with how tender and juicy this lamb came out. Fall off the bone, melt in your mouth goodness! I actually had two of these I loved it so much as another social club member did not want theirs. Say WHAT? I get it. It’s a baby lamb, but it’s just SO GOOD!!

Flat-Iron-Short-Rib-Orange-County-Foodie-Laguna-Beach-Maro-Grill

The Flat Iron and Chimichurri and Short Rib with Vegetables were our last entrees for the evening before heading for dessert. So tender and juicy, I could not get enough, but at the same time I was starting to get full.

Grilled-Fruit-Passion-Fruit-Curd-Orange-County-Laguna-Beach-Foodie-Maro-Wood-Grill

For Dessert, Chef Debra Sims crafted a delightful Grilled Fruit with Passion Fruit Curd to satisfy our pallet before serving us her award-winning Banana Bread Pudding Bites dish that won “Most Delicious Dessert” in 2013, 2014 and 2015 for the Golden Foodie Awards! The grilled fruit with passion fruit curd was just perfect and refreshing.

Banana-Bread-Pudding-Bites-Maro-Wood-Grill-Golden-Foodie-Desserts-Orange-County-Laguna-Beach

The grand-finale; the Golden Foodie award winner, the Banana Bread Pudding Bites. One bite and you’ll be hooked too. I wanted to take a whole bucket of this stuff home to have for breakfast the next morning. Not too sweet, it was also creamy, smooth and melt in your mouth perfection, it’s no wonder this special treat has been voted the best dessert for the past three years straight! It was the perfect way to end a perfect meal.

Chef-Debra-Sims

Chef Debra Sims with her Golden Foodie Award for Maro Wood Grill’s “Most Delicious Dessert,” which is that amazing banana bread pudding shown above.

Maro-Wood-Grill-Sign-Night-Laguna-Beach-Foodie

A wonderful evening spent with friends, eating the most delicious food made by Chef Debra Sims at Maro Wood Grill made for the perfect night out.  If you are looking for a special night out for dinner, a date night spot, birthday dinner, girls night out, or if you just want a good piece of lamb or an amazing dessert, then make sure to head on over to Maro Wood Grill for the most delightful and delicious dining experience!

Maro Wood Grill is located at 1915 South Coast Highway in Laguna Beach, California. For more information, please call (949) 793-4044 or visit their website at Maro Wood Grill.

Savannah’s Chophouse: A Night of Food & Fun For All @SavChopHouse

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Savannah’s Chophouse: A Night of Food & Fun For All

By Erin

I love a good night of food and fun with friends. Last month I hopped into the car with a couple of good friends and we traveled a little farther South into the OC to try out a steakhouse that was new to all of us called Savannah Steak & Chop House that is in Laguna Niguel.  Gigasavvy has a Social Club now and this was to be their first gathering and we had all been invited to join in on this special night! Savannah’s made it a truly special night to remember, and a lovely date night for those attending with their spouses or significant others.

Savannah-Steak-Chop-House
We were greeted by a very welcoming staff, as well as these cute guys below… uhhh lobster anyone? You really can’t get it fresher than that! The decor is very elegant, classy and refined. A special occasion or date night place for sure!

Savannah-Chop-House

Outside on the patio where we would be spending our evening at, we were greeted by a gorgeous view and a sunset setting over the ocean. How romantic!! Uh, well it would be if I had a special someone like that to share it with! If  you DO have romance in mind though, be sure to ask for Table #1! Table #1 has the best view on the outdoor patio which is perfect for romance and to wine and dine your honey at.  Many engagements have occurred here at this special spot! The General Manager Phil Roberson and Executive Chef Chris Tzorin spoke to us and went out of their way to make sure we all had a wonderful time and that the food was superb. Savannah’s has an amazingly accommodating and attentive team.

Savannah's

We started off with appetizers and drinks that gave us a preview what the rock star chef  Chris Tzorin had in store for us.  The tray passed appetizers included: Smoked Salmon on a Toasted Point, Bruschetta, and Grilled Prosciutto Wrapped Shrimp.

savannahs-drinks

Cheers to a night of amazing food and company!

SAVANNAH-APPSThe delicious Tray Passed Appetizers.
 Tempura-Stuffed-Zucchini

After we had a little bit of time to mingle with everyone, we were seated and the first course was served: Tempura Stuffed Zucchini!  Stuffed with herd goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes on top of a bed of mixed baby greens and a Ponzu sauce. It was the perfect way to start off our meal together.

Savannah-Salads

 Next up for the second course was either a Watermelon Beet Salad with a mixed blend of lettuce,  candied pecans, goat cheese, and a herbal vinaigrette. This was the salad that I had and it was a very refreshing choice for a hot summer day.  The other choice was a Caesar Salad with croutons, Fried Capers, Parmesan, and a House Caesar Dressing.

Savannah-Surf-Turf

The main course was next! It was none other than a superb Surf and Turf plate! A Filet Medallion with Shrimp Scampi, mashed potatoes, Brussel Sprouts, and a nice Cabernet Reduction. I love steak and shrimp, so I was in heaven with this meal!

Savannah-Dessert

No meal would be complete without a dessert or TWO! 😉 The choices to share were a warm flourless molten chocolate cake with vanilla bean ice cream, berries, and a chocolate sauce. THIS one was amazing. I could have easily eaten a second one of these all on my own!! The other choice was a Strawberry Short Cake, which consisted of a warm vanilla cake, fresh strawberries and whipped cream. This one was also very yummy, but the Chocolate Cake stole my heart.

Other things offered here at Savannah’s includes: live entertainment, childrens’ cooking classes, magician dinners, wine-pairing dinners and other fantastic events that are all excellent reasons to come eat Chef Tzorin’s fabulous food and have a good time with good company. You really can’t go wrong here. It doesn’t matter if you are seated inside by the huge cozy rock fireplace near the bar, in the main dining room, the veranda or out in the patio, you are in for a special treat and a ton of fun! So go on out and start making your own special memories at this delicious restaurant in the heart of Laguna Niguel.

Savannah Chop House
32441 Golden Lantern
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
949-493-7107
Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
A very special THANK YOU goes out to Savannah Chop House and Gigasavvy for a wonderful night out at Gigasavvy’s 1st Social Club Gathering! I hope to be a part of many more to come!