Tag Archives: local favorites

Outpost Kitchen

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I’m lucky enough to live in an area where new healthy places are always popping up.  In my previous post, I mentioned how great the coffee at Outpost Kitchen is, but what I didn’t mention is their fantastic food as well.

outpost kitchenOutpost Kitchen is the newest restaurant from Australian chef Andre Sickinger, who classifies himself as a “Surfers Chef.”  His food is locally sourced whenever possible, and he offers a variety of clean paleo, gluten-free and vegan eats on his menu.  Basically, a health foodie’s paradise.

The Englishman and I recently had brunch there with some friends and were quite impressed with the offerings.  He went with the chef’s special, which ended up being a chorizo omelette and I went with the eggs over easy with avocado and smashed potatoes.  Both did not disappoint.

outpost kitchen breakfastIn addition to stellar egg dishes, Outpost Kitchen also offers a variety of Australian classics including Vegemite on toast and an Australian Flat White coffee.  The restaurant also has smoothies, paleo bars, and other gluten-free goodies.

outpost kitchen baked treatsWhile I’ve only had a couple of items on the menu, Outpost Kitchen has now become a regular stop in my Costa Mesa rotation.  OC locals, you definitely want to check this place out!

Costa Mesa Favorites

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I have lived in Costa Mesa for nearly three years now, and I’ll be the first to say that I just adore my little neighborhood.  From the back bay trails to the coffee shops and restaurants, Costa Mesa is pretty much the best.  So here are a few of my personal Costa Mesa Favorites.

Best Coffee: Sidecar Doughnuts

costa mesa favoritesI’ve written about Sidecar Doughnuts a few times now, but I most recently discovered their delicious coffee.  I’m not really a coffee drinker at all, but there’s something special about their iced coffee, especially after a sweaty spin class at Grit Cycle (another Costa Mesa fave!).

Best Brunch: SOCIAL

socialcostamesaCosta Mesa is home to a lot of fabulous brunch spots, but SOCIAL is my current fave.  The brunch prices are decent, the menu is seasonal, and they have live music at brunch as well.  Plus, champagne with guava juice? What’s not to love?

Best Crossfit: Crossfit Vibe

crossfitvibegroupIt’s no surprise that Crossfit Vibe made the list.  I’ve been going to this box for nearly two years and I love it to pieces.  If you are local and want to try crossfit, I highly recommend them.

Best Salad: Mendocino Farms

MendocinoFarmsThe Sophisticated Chicken and Prosciutto Salad gets me every time. Mendocino Farms also has a seasonal menu and offers a wide variety of salads and sandwiches, but my heart belongs to the Sophisticated salad.

Best Drinks: Boathouse Collective

boathousecollectiveI’ve only been to Boathouse Collective once and didn’t try the food, but I LOVED the large outdoor space and garden.  Boathouse may have a small menu, but what they have is delicious.

Best Running Path: Back Bay Loop

backbayloopThis may be considered partially Newport Beach, but I love running the back bay loop.  I trained for both of my half marathons on this loop and it offers the right amount of rolling hills and lovely scenery.

A Market

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I have lived in Orange County for most of my life (aside from my 10-year stint in LA), and am constantly stumbling upon new gems that make me love my neighborhood even more.  My latest discovery is A Market in Newport Beach.

Now I can’t take full credit for discovering A Market as I first heard about it from my lovely friend and wedding photographer Dana Grant on her instagram, and knew I had to check it out.  A Market shares the same parking lot as the famed A Restaurant, only it’s a more casual marketplace/cafe/wine cellar.

The Englishman and I decided to check out A Market the morning after our friends wedding in Palm Springs.  We made the bleary eyed drive back to OC determined for a strong cup of tea and a hearty breakfast and A Market did not disappoint.

A Market PastriesWe wanted to try a variety of things so we started off with splitting the quiche of the day which included ham, broccoli, and cheese. It was a crust-less quiche and delicious.  I haven’t had quiche in ages and this one did not disappoint.

A Market QuicheThe Englishman got the Breakfast Panini which included fried eggs, ham, tomato and cheese.  He also added extra bacon because, well bacon rocks. I stole a bite and loved it.  The bread was perfectly grilled (a must for paninis) and the ham, egg and swiss just worked together.

A Market Breakfast SpreadI kept things simpler and got fried eggs, bacon, avocado, and fruit. It may sound boring, but everything about this breakfast was perfect and exactly what I wanted.

Since breakfast was such a big hit, I returned a week later for lunch with my blogger buddy Joelle.

I went the salad route this time and got the Mediterranean Salad topped with feta, avocado, olives, tomato, cucumber and chicken with a lemon vinaigrette on the side.

A Market Greek Salad Close UpThe salad definitely did not disappoint.  Everything about it was pretty much perfect.  I definitely need to come back for lunch and try some of the other salads and sandwiches on the menu.

If you are looking for a cute little spot for breakfast, lunch or even a cocktail (they have those too!) then I highly recommend A Market.  This is definitely going to be my new local spot!