Seafood-Lovers’ LandmarkFor nearly three-quarters of a century, The Crab Cooker has been delighting diners with fresh crab, oysters, mussels, scallops, shrimp, seafood cocktails, fish, and chowder served up in authentic beach-town style. Be sure to order the Fisherman’s Bread—it’s made fresh daily. And the signature Romano cheese potatoes are addicting. The original location sits near the Newport Beach Pier, but there’s a second spot in Tustin, and the food is just as delish. 2200 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, 949-673-0100; 17260 17th St., Tustin, 714-573-1077
Gold Medal BrewsWinning not just one but two gold medals and a silver medal at last summer’s U.S. Open Beer Championship, 1886 Brewing Co. gets its name from the year that the building it resides in was constructed. Stop by the historic structure to taste the beers that won top marks, including Rare Conundrum, an imperial red ale, and Choir of Angels, a Belgian strong dark ale. 114 N. Glassell St., Orange, 714-922-8130
Black Cherry MochaBeautiful and chic peninsula newcomer CasaDamí is a cafe and wine bar inspired by the Italian concept of la dolce vita. And you’ll certainly feel like you’re living the good life when you’re sipping on the DamíLatte. The black cherry mocha flavor perfectly complements the espresso for an indulgent drink that is never too cloying and can be enjoyed hot or iced. 2210 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, 949-781-4644
New But Old Ice Cream ShopOpened 99 years ago in Chicago, The Original Rainbow Cone made its way to Orange County this year. The namesake cone came about, the story goes, because founder “Grandpa Joe” Sapp was never satisfied with a single-flavored scoop. Instead, he stacked slices (not scoops) of orange sherbet, pistachio, chocolate, strawberry, and Palmer House (vanilla with walnuts and cherries) ice creams to make the perfect Rainbow Cone. 9527 Valley View St., Cypress, 657-256-1016Hub for Global CuisineWhen you think of Garden Grove, Great Wolf Lodge and the Strawberry Festival might be the first things that come to mind. But there’s also a vibrant dining scene, with more than 100 food and drink establishments serving globally inspired cuisine—from Asian-fusion to Middle Eastern. A few must-try places: Garlic & Chives (9892 Westminster Blvd.) for Vietnamese food, Smoke Queen (12941 9th St.) for Asian-style barbecue, Los Sanchez Restaurant (11906 Garden Grove Blvd.) for Mexican cuisine, and Mo Ran Gak (9651 Garden Grove Blvd.) and Koko Chicken & BBQ (9732 Garden Grove Blvd.) for Korean barbecue.
Dubai Chocolate The indulgent, crunchy pistachio-and-kadayif-filled treat is still trending, and our favorite iteration can be found at Francium Chocolate. Made with nuts roasted on-site, the chocolate gets a boost from added spices, including cardamom, cinnamon, and clove. And, like everything from this shop, you wouldn’t believe it’s made with natural allulose instead of sugar. Another fun fact: Francium supplies the chocolate for Disney’s exclusive Club 33. 3057 Edinger Ave., Tustin, 714-440-3038
24K Golden SteakWhether you’re a carnivore craving a decadent meal or simply on the hunt for a novel dining experience, this offering from Galpão Gaucho Brazilian steakhouse will almost certainly satisfy. The premium cut of beef is wrapped in shining gold foil and placed on a block of Himalayan salt before it’s rolled out on a cart and carved tableside. It’s available as part of a two-course rodizio experience during weekday lunch ($55) and at dinner ($75) seven days a week. The restaurant advises calling ahead for a reservation. 1830 Main St., Irvine, 949-529-5296Parker House RollsThese buttery beauties seem to be popping up on a lot of O.C. menus lately. But they’ve been around for generations. A German baker working at Boston’s Parker House hotel back in the 1870s wanted to create a recipe for super-so dinner rolls—a rare find in those days. The originals were folded, but now you see all types of formations. All are craveworthy, but the best we’ve had so far are at Solstice Seasonal Kitchen & Bar. Baked with a sprinkling of poppy seeds on top, they’re served piping hot (but still delicious at room temperature) with an herbed honey butter. Tip: Ask for an extra side of bu er and order a second batch to take home. The Boardwalk, 18555 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 949-241-7088
Family A-Fair
Venus and Serena Williams. Peyton and Eli Manning. Steph, Seth, and Dell Curry. These families know a thing or two about competition. When it comes to competing in the OC Fair’s culinary arts contests, Mallory Aubele’s clan is more like the five Andrettis. She and four members of her family have clinched wins every year since 2016. Her mom was the first to toss oven gloves in the ring. “She placed fourth out of more than 50 entries with her Zucchini Ginger Cupcakes,” says Aubele. “A year later, she took home first-place blue ribbons with two favorites from her dinner parties: Belgian endive stuffed with honey goat cheese and peanut butter pie with an Oreo crust.”They’ve been busy in their kitchens since last year’s fair testing new recipes. “The vibes are friendly but fierce! If I bake something and it flops, I act like I’ve already lost the entire fair,” she notes. “I have a strong feeling there’s a full-blown family showdown brewing in the Brownies & Blondies division this year. There are titles to defend, redemption arcs in motion, and newcomers stepping in. Only one can walk away with the division win—and the bragging rights.” Here’s the family scorecard so far.
JANIE VAN FLEET (MOM) | 20 RIBBONS | 5 DIVISION WINNERS “She went on a years-long streak in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022 (with no fair held in 2020) taking first place in the Blondies class every time and consistently sweeping the Brownies & Blondies category with Division Winner ribbons.”
MALLORY AUBELE | 5 RIBBONS | 1 DIVISION WINNER “I got Honorable Mention the first year I entered (2021) for my Miso Chocolate Chip Cookies. In 2022, I won my first first-place ribbon for my Vegan Chunky Monkey Muffins, and I’ve taken home a first-place ribbon every year since. … My biggest win came in 2024 when I earned both first place and a Division Winner ribbon—and for the first time, it wasn’t in muffins! I won in the same category my mom once swept for my Black Sesame Brownies. We competed against each other for the first time last year, and her Peanut Butter and Fleur de Sel Brownies entry came in second place to me!”…