It’s not exactly private knowledge that I’ve been spending much of my time in Orange County lately. With a relocation to “the O.C.” on the horizon, exploring the local food outlets has been an activity of particular interest, and I’m relieved to report that we’ve found some great spots already.
In general, Southern California is not known for amazing food—something I find really surprising considering that Southern Californians are known for eating out frequently. As the new Wallpaper* City Guide Los Angeles quotes (one of many in a design-conscious series of guide books available through most major booksellers), “LA restaurant culture is not really about the food. With a few noble exceptions, the food will be decent, but it won’t be challenging. Hollywood socialites go for salads, tuna tartare, New York strip steak, sushi, French-Asian fusion – in short, food that won’t take any of the attention away from them.”
Thankfully, there are flaws in every stereotype, and my mission is to uncover the markets, bakeries, cafés and other small restaurants that defy this statement.
“The Camp” is Costa Mesa’s nod to the San Francisco North Bay in architecture, landscape design, vendors and overall spirit. Parking spaces are “quoted” rather than numbered, and most other details within the facility are also purposely extraordinary.
Within the shopping center is the Village Bakery, an ambient retail store that offers great breads, a good cup of tea and fabulous cookies for less than half the price we pay in NorCal.
Both websites are also great: http://www.thecampsite.com/ & http://www.villagebakerycostamesa.com/
