Big Catch Seafood #thebigcatchseafood

Posted on August 1, 2016 by Erin

Big Catch Seafood

Two weeks ago, the husband and I had the pleasure of visiting Big Catch Seafood in West Covina. Located at the Plaza West Covina, it is a wonderful place to enjoy true Cajun seafood in a casual setting. The menu is extensive, so everyone will find something they like. With the portions being large, it also makes for a great family dinner restaurant. Prices are affordable and very fair considering the amount of food you get, and they even offer a happy hour. With flat-screens all over the wall and multiple choices for seating — the bar, small tables or large tables to seat big parties — it’s got a fun vibe that will suit everyone.

We attended as media so our very large meal was complimentary for the purpose of sharing the news with you. When we arrived, we were immediately seated and given water with lemon while we checked out the menu. We chose to let the chef make the decision on what to serve us, and I’m so glad we did that. The choices were just too hard!

Within just a couple of minutes, we were served a steamy plate of fried calamari that was by far the best calamari we’ve ever had. (I’ve traveled all throughout the South, eating Cajun food down by the bayou, so I’ve had authentic Cajun food. It’s hard to find good Cajun food that’s truly authentic and The Big Catch Seafood House pulled it off without a doubt!) The calamari was the perfect consistency, it was as ‘melt in your mouth’ as you’re going to get, and it was extremely light. The batter wasn’t greasy and it didn’t overwhelm the calamari. I could order that every single time and never tire of it.

Next up, we received an order of the Crispy Brussels Sprouts and a serving of fish tacos. We make brussels sprouts frequently but we’ve not had them this way before. They were deep-fried yet you couldn’t find any actual oil or coating on them; they just had this fantastic slight crunch and deep-fried, smokey flavor that was very unique. The fish tacos had sliced radishes and very thinly sliced apples, as well as a surprise we’d never had in tacos before: fennel shavings! The fennel gave just a hint of flavor that complimented the tacos overall.

Crispy Brussels Sprouts and a Fish Tacos! Yum!

We barely had finished the tacos before a huge bowl of Cajun rice with shrimp and sausage was delivered. Commence the OMG face — so much food! The spices were spot-on, the rice was moist but not sticky and the shrimp, so delicious. We each enjoyed a bowl of it before the main course was delivered. Yes, MORE FOOD. The Big Catch Seafood House knows how to feed people!

Burgers and Craft Cocktails at Black Box!

Posted on June 26, 2016 by Erin

Burgers and Craft Cocktails at Black Box!

By Erin

If you are looking for the perfect place to enjoy a craft cocktail and tasty burger in Orange County, I have found the place for you! The other week I was checking out the new Black Box in downtown Santa Ana (DTSA) at a media tasting and was anxious to see what the former Little Sparrow Restaurant has blossomed into. The Black Box has a very eclectic feel to it. There is a family dining area and a separate speakeasy area down a hallway that one can walk down to that is located on the right of the kitchen. I absolutely loved the atmosphere of this place!!

The bar area is very cozy, a few tables and seats maybe 30 people max. The mixologist are amazing and they put so much love into each drink. The drink menu is also very eclectic but there are some classics that are lovely. Just look at that bar! It’s a very large well-stocked bar.

We chose to sit on the cozy speakeasy side that boasts a Deborah Harryesque mural on the far wall.

The atmosphere is very casual, chill and friendly. You could easily spend hours just hanging out and catching up with friends or enjoy a very chill date night here. Upon arriving, our server offered our group their ‘Welcome Punch’. It was the perfect start to a very relaxing evening. After we all looked at the cocktail menu though, we found many others that looked tempting to try as well. Below is the delicious and refreshing Welcome Punch displayed on the bar.

The Welcome Punch. I could have easily just had this all night, but decided to be a little adventurous and tried a couple others too. They do make the drinks very strong here, so you should be good after a couple of drinks. I couldn’t finish all of mine.

Each of the drinks were just as delicious as they were pretty. These are the two drinks I had and sipped throughout the evening. The Changeling, $11 on the left: House made strawberry shrub, muddled basil, lemon, Jamaican bitters wth choice of vodka or bourbon. I chose vodka for mine. The one of the right is the Barkeeps Inspiration, $15 Let them know your mood, favorite liquor, or drink preference and they’ll mix something up to suit. I asked for something fruity and a little on sweet side with vodka.

A couple other options that friends ordered included the Penecillin #2, $12 which consisted of Mezcal, ginger, honey, lemon, and Fernet Vallet mist.

Brunch at Saint Marc Pub-Cafe, Bakery & Cheese Affinage in Huntington Beach! | @SaintMarcUSA

Posted on May 12, 2016 by Erin

Brunch at Saint Marc Pub-Cafe, Bakery & Cheese Affinage

By Erin

I’ve found a very tasty brunch spot in a beautiful location that you must try and they have a bacon bar! Saint Marc – Pub, Cafe, Bakery & Cheese Affinage at Pacific City in Huntington Beach, California, is a remarkable concept that offers exceptional, nostalgic Americana cuisine. Boasting both a very pet friendly and family friendly environment, Saint Marc does an excellent job of blurring the lines between kitchen, staff and customer, with all of its open spaces that reveal the restaurant’s heart and soul. The staff is more than happy to give you their expert advice on Saint Marc’s unique selection of distinctive food and hydration available at your table or you can choose to make your own selections from free-standing iPad stations at your table.

The chefs, sommeliers, mixologists and hospitality industry mavericks, are all dressed to match in chef’s coats. Saint Marc offers a very unique, one-of-a-kind, 360° morning to midnight experience without the expense and exclusivity you might expect from culinary talents of this degree and with such high quality food and drink.

You are free to order what you want when you want it, free-flow bread from the bakery is available, over 100 cheese selections from boards to fondue, craft beers in a can, 32 wines on draught, with mixology served in Red Solo Cups and dishes served on faux paper plates, is just a small sampling of what makes Saint Marc so unique.

Located along the Huntington Beach coastline within the vibrant new Pacific City Marketplace, Saint Marc’s flagship establishment engages all of the senses, with worldly sights, sounds, aromas and flavors that invoke a five-star experience yet provide an environment as open and welcoming as home. As we were seated, we were welcomed with these light and refreshing Aperol Spritz.

We had heard about the bacon bar here and were eager to try some of their delicious bacon creations. The bacon bar is open for to-go orders now too. The Bacon Bar offers 11 signature flavors of bacon ‘buy’ the slice — including the Baker’s Double Smoked Bacon, Garlic Parmesan Bacon, Paprika Slanina Bacon, Peppered Country Bacon, Tender Belly Maple Bacon, Baker’s English Style Bacon, Zoe’s Applewood Uncured Bacon, Apple Pie Bacon, Tender Belly Habanero, Logwood Double Cut and Coffee Rubbed Bacon. My favorite one of them all was the Apple Pie Bacon. At a close second were the Baker’s English Style Bacon and the Garlic Parmesan Bacon. This bacon bar is a real treat for all the bacon lovers out there! 🙂

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Big Catch Seafood #thebigcatchseafood