O.C. Food News
Innovative 4TH Street Market food hall in downtown Santa Ana reopens with a revamped space featuring photo-worthy garden walls, murals and idyllic patio seating and five new eateries, complementing the existing eight and Alta Baja Market. The new tenants: Burritos La Palma, whose first location earned the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand in 2019; Banh Xeo Boys, specializing in Vietnamese crepes; Smörgåsburger, offering globally influenced burgers; Munchies Vegan Deli, featuring plant-based meats, cheeses, and sauces; and Loose Leaf Boba for fresh-pressed teas and coffee. 201 E. 4th St., Santa Ana, 714.486.0700, 4thstreetmarket.com
Dock. Dine. Sip. That’s the tagline at new Shorebird Restaurant, a coastal eatery with dockside dining, presently on two patios with bay views. The menu features wood-fire grill and rotisserie fare such as shareable avocado fries with green goddess dressing, Skuna Bay salmon “mignon” with cauliflower purée, and Mary’s free-range rotisserie chicken with preserved Meyer lemon and asparagus risotto. Brunch brings bottomless mimosas, egg-white frittata and Jay Bird’s Nashville chicken & waffles. Dinner and happy hour M-F; brunch Sa-Su. Vue Newport, 2220 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, 949.287.6627, shorebirdca.com
Hot, hotter, hottest! Spice-C, new at the District in Tustin, is the latest fast-casual concept to specialize in hot chicken. On the menu: hot chicken tenders and sandwiches, both featuring fresh chicken marinated and crispy-fried. Guests choose from five levels of heat from mild to extra hot—plus, for serious heat-seekers, the eye-watering Reaper level. Naked and no-heat tenders are also available. Sides include creamy coleslaw, mac-and-corn salad and kosher pickles. The spot is open for takeout and for outdoor dining adjacent to the AMC Tustin 14. 2455 Park Ave., Tustin 714.673.6331, thedistricttl.com
From top, courtesy 100eats.com, Shorebird and Spice-C
