VHB Dining Guide by Ivy & Ink

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huntington beach

dining guide

chef

profiles

delicious experiences

perfect picnics

Setting The scene

Courtesy of

huntington beach | dining guide • 2012

Features 04 A Delicious Experience

Dining discoveries for every taste and budget

14 Meet the Locals

The inside scoop on local dining favorites

26 Compliments of the Chefs

Inside the kitchen with Huntington Beach chefs

36 Grab & Go

Packing the perfect Surf City USA® picnic

44 Setting the Scene

Huntington Beach offers an incredible range of restaurant experiences for everyone

52 Nightlife

There’s always fun-in-the-sun but good times continue after dark

Resources 58 Huntington Beach Map

Find your dining choices with ease

60 Restaurant Listings

A list of over 275 restaurants in the area

Huntington Beach

A Delicious Experience Visitors to Surf City USA® all inevitably make the same discovery: Huntington Beach is a terrific dining destination. It’s no wonder that the city’s restaurants—from fine dining to taco shops—consistently earn top honors in best-of-the-year listings in such publications as the Orange County Register and the OC Weekly. Like Huntington Beach itself, our dining scene is laid-back—definitely more funky than fussy. We have our share of talented and innovative chefs (see page 26) and all of them, including those at our higher end restaurants, emphasize the virtues of simplicity and seasonality. That’s because the food always comes first in Huntington Beach. And you’ll find variety and discoveries all over Surf City.

There are times when all you want is some good old-fashioned comfort food. If that’s the case, Surf City is your kind of town. After all, with our legions of hungry surfers—either eager to fuel up before hitting the waves or ready to celebrate and recharge after their epic rides—the classics have a place of honor in Huntington Beach: pancakes at old school breakfast joints, burgers at the beach, and pizza and burritos all over town. Foodies—be they Yelpers or Chowhounds —are also increasingly coming to Huntington Beach. Thanks to the diverse population within the city and throughout Southern California, you’ll find restaurants serving everything from the traditional styles of Asia and the Pacific to authentic dishes from the Mediterranean. But Huntington Beach is a true melting pot, and

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plenty of restaurants also specialize in styles that bring together different influences to create distinctive fusion dishes. The fact is that there’s not a single food scene in Huntington Beach but many. Out on the oceanfront, you’ll dine on fresh seafood while watching the memorable sunsets that are a Huntington Beach trademark. Downtown’s Main Street blends Huntington Beach’s casual atmosphere with an exciting nightlife that draws a young, stylish crowd. Then again, with Huntington Beach’s nearly perfect weather, you might want to skip a sit-down restaurant and put together a beach picnic. We’ve got all sorts of delis and health food stores for sandwiches and sides, plus

bakeries with desserts that make a nice little reward for all of those calories you’re burning off in the waves or on the bike path. And remember, with more than 600 beach fire rings, s’mores are a way of life around Huntington Beach. No matter where you decide to eat, from the city’s finest restaurants to the most casual hole-in-the-wall, you’ll not only savor great food but also get to experience the unmistakable beach town vibe of Huntington Beach. Fresh ocean breezes are always on the menu in Huntington Beach. And so too is Surf City USA’s relaxed, upbeat spirit.

+ A list of over 275 Surf City USA Restaurants (see page 60)

6 | huntington beach, a delicious experience

Mainly Main Street

Downtown Dining D

owntown Huntington Beach blends Surf City’s hang-loose spirit with a growing sophistication. The combination of classic and contemporary certainly adds to downtown’s appeal for restaurant-goers. It’s convenient too: Within a compact, walkable area, you’ll find something for every taste. Not only does Huntington Beach boast the most utopic surfing this side of Maui, it also has some of the top Hawaiian-style dining beyond the islands. No Ka Oi took the award for “Best Hawaiian Breakfast on the Mainland” from the OC Weekly, which hailed the restaurant’s macadamia nut pancakes, Kilauea

benedict (made with fresh crab meat), and golden-brown breakfast potatoes. At Aloha Grill, you can take in the ocean air from a second story patio while dining on Hawaiian favorites, including teriyaki chicken plate lunches. Innovative, fun, and healthy, Ka Shabu brings the Shabu Shabu tradition from Japan to Surf City. You get to cook up select meats, vegetables, and noodles in a hot pot on your table—think of it as fondue, Asian-style. Thai Wave has been a local favorite since 1992 thanks to a delectable tom yum soup

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and its drunken noodles. Bodhi Tree Vegetarian Café has managed to fool more than a few carnivores with its vegan variations on such Vietnamese dishes as lemon chicken and beef pho. Coach’s Mediterranean Grill produces “the finest Mediterranean dishes in the world” in a setting where ancient artistry meets modern luxury. From kebabs to gyro to sea bass, Coach’s offers a variety of freshly prepared dishes to please your palate. Filled with everything from Cajun shrimp to carnitas, the massive burritos come with a tasty side of ocean views at Fred’s Mexican Café. A meal in itself, the beloved Mama Avila’s

soup helped earn Avila’s El Ranchito the top spot among Mexican restaurants for Orange County Register readers. Poised on the edge of downtown and the beach along 6th Street, Sancho’s Tacos lets you power your morning with breakfast burritos and end the night with carne asada tacos. (Just don’t fill up on the fresh tortilla chips.) Grab some shade beneath an umbrella at a sidewalk table, then dig into the chile rellenos or machaca burritos at Pete’s Mexican Café, a neighborhood hideaway near Main on 5th Street.

By the

Seashore

e know, once you’re at the beach, it’s tough to drag yourself away from the ocean. The good news is that Surf City has all sorts of spots where you can enjoy either a quick bite or casual meal, then get back to surfing, swimming, or (admit it) just plain lounging on the beach. These days, people throw around the term icon pretty loosely. But Duke Kahanamoku, who brought surfing to Huntington Beach, was the real deal; as is the restaurant that bears his name. Come to Duke’s Huntington Beach for a taste of Hawaii and a generous helping of aloha, Surf City-style. Sandy’s Beach Grill is everything you want from a restaurant on the California coast. It offers both small plates and entrees, as well as wood-fired pizzas and sandwiches, that capture the

freshness and eclectic creativity of California cuisine. Plus you can’t beat the view. Even if you’ve never caught a wave in your life (there’s still time by the way), you’ll definitely catch the endless summer spirit of Pete’s Sunset Grille at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa. As colorful as the sunsets that inspired its name, legend has it the restaurant is located on the former site of Pete Mallory’s surfboard factory. Kick back at Pete’s with hand-crafted specialty margaritas and fish tacos. What would a beach town be without burgers? Grab a spot on the always jam-packed patio right across from the beach at TK Burgers, an Orange County institution with made-to-order charbroiled burgers on pillow-soft egg buns.

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AND

Pizza! Cucina Alessa goes the gourmet route with its upscale pizzas. You can select from variations with white truffle oil, two types of prosciutto, and wild mixed mushrooms. Then again, its straightforward margherita pizza proves that simplicity has its own rewards (and you’ll probably also want to try a few of its traditional Italian dishes made from local ingredients). After all, you can always burn off a few calories tomorrow.

Zack’s Pier Plaza serves up burgers and hot dogs, as well as delicious beef and chicken kebobs and falafel sandwiches, for lunch. Dwight’s At The Beach has been a favorite of generations of Surf City beachgoers, many of whom come back for their fix of the storied cheese strips—a combination of tortilla chips and cheddar cheese topped with Dwight’s special sauce. With its cowabunga burger and other beach eats, Kokomo’s Surfside Grill is a quick-andeasy stop right off the bike path. It’s dog-friendly too, so c’mon by after your pooch romps in the waves at Dog Beach. And for a true Southern California surf food experience —with a touch of Brazil, Mexico, China, and Hawaii mixed in—go for the fish or shrimp burritos at the Wahoo’s Fish Tacos stand feet from the sand.

“A slice of New York in Surf City,” is how La Rocco’s Pizzeria touts the experience of biting into its straight-out-of-Brooklyn recipe for thin-crust ‘za. Fresh, local ingredients enhance the rich flavors of the massive 18-inch pizzas. If you’re looking to break from tradition, La Rocca’s also serves up creations that might surprise the guys back in NYC. Pulled pork and a pepperoni with jalapenos pizza are among the alternatives that you don’t usually find back in the five boroughs. + more pizza! (see page 13)

10 | huntington beach, a delicious experience

Flavors of the

Boulevards

way from downtown and the ocean, out along the broad avenues and boulevards of Huntington Beach, you’ll find a huge range of dining experiences. Among the most celebrated of these destinations is Green Rice Kabob, which took the Critic’s Choice Award from the Orange County Register as the county’s best Persian restaurant. Chef Yianni Koufodontis worked with Wolfgang Puck at Spago for four years and balances tradition and inventiveness in his Greek and Italian specialties at Olive Pit Fresh Mediterranean Grill. His dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) took a well-deserved spot among the top ten dishes in Orange County from the Huntington Beach Independent. Tucked away in a strip mall, Slow Fish has built up a devoted following among OC foodies thanks to its sushi and contemporary Korean cuisine, including the baby lobster filled slow fish roll and the dancing porky, a spicy pulled pork dish. Mitasie 3 serves up vegan and vegetarian Vietnamese dishes that earned it the top ranking on Yelp.com’s listing of Huntington Beach restaurants.

The Gayot Guide praised Gyu-Kaku’s Japanese barbecue cooking as “a rare find in OC.” Known as Yakiniku, it lets you combine meat and seafood with marinades, which you then cook on charcoal braziers—definitely a whole new take on “have it your way.” Huntington Beach is a town that loves its Italian food—and for good reasons too. An offshoot of a longtime Long Beach favorite, Caffe Gazelle deservedly earned a spot in the Orange County Register’s list of the county’s top 25 restaurants. It takes an innovative approach to its dishes, including the cannelloni toscanini, an Italian crêpe with ricotta, spinach, and mortadella in a tomato bechamel sauce. The Orange County Register also hailed Basilico’s Pasta E Vino as “the quintessential neighborhood Italian place…This spot is too good to leave to the locals.” Sicilian brothers Pietro and Giuseppe Cefalu’s Mangia Mangia specializes in authentic regional Italian dishes and has its share of devoted regulars. Intimate and atmospheric, La Fontana Ristorante Italiano specializes in home-style

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Italian cooking including assorted risottos and the popular rigatoni casarecci (sausage and porcini mushrooms in a creamy sherry tomato sauce). Orange Coast magazine praised chef-owner Corrado Gianotti’s ability to “draw attention to the essence of each dish.” For all of the international sensations, American cuisine is well-represented too. With creative cocktails and updated takes on the classics, The Corner is a great destination for “modern American food with a twist.” It’s owned by Chris Grodach, formerly of restaurants at the Montage hotels in Beverly Hills and Laguna Beach. Lori Basheda of the Orange County Register called the bacon-wrapped dates “little bundles of deliciousness. The sweet, salty, smoky combo is amazing.” The Secret Spot made the OC Weekly’s best-of list thanks to such delights as vegan chocolate chip pancakes, a huge selection of juices, and its “heaping portions of healthful grub that sticks to your ribs without delivering you to the clutches of a food coma.” And the Orange County Register’s Food Frenzy blog declared, “The menu really defines California cuisine—fresh, comforting, friendly to carnivores and vegans alike.”

Slater’s 50/50 took third place for burgers among Orange County Register readers. It’s no wonder: You get to design your own burger from five different patty variations, including the 50/50 patty (half bacon, half beef) and endless toppings. Hot for haute hot dogs? Pee Wee’s Famous Hot Dogs and Hamburgers is all over Yelp.com and food blogs thanks to its numerous selections—everything from a Chicago dog to the Tuscon-style Mexi Dog. Huntington Beach has always been a great music town and in a colorful, high-energy setting, Rockin Crepes serves up inventive crêpe, sandwich, and fondue creations inspired by classic bands. This is where crêpes meet the Crue. Are you ready to bite into the Black Sabbath—an egg, cheddar, and ham crêpe? No doubt Ozzie would be proud. You’ve heard of California Cuisine, of course. Well, in addition to the omelets and pancakes at Park Bench Café in Huntington Central Park, you’ll find Canine Cuisine: a treat-filled dog menu with chopped hot dogs, a peanut butter bone, and the Rover Easy (two scrambled eggs). It may not be at the beach but you can sure taste the freshness of the fish tacos at Normita’s Surf City Taco. The staff is friendly and portions are satisfying.

Sunset

Huntington

Beach & Harbour

hanks to its gorgeous oceanfront and popular restaurants, Sunset Beach has always been a destination for Huntington Beach residents. Now Sunset Beach is officially part of Surf City USA, and, along with dining spots in the Huntington Harbour region, gives visitors to the area a fun assortment of restaurants. Right across from Sunset Beach, cool and casual Fish Camp earned plaudits from Orange Coast magazine for seafood that it described as “fresh, vibrant, and well-crafted.” With its island atmosphere and vintage Tiki-style décor, Don the Beachcomber carries out the vow of its founder Ernest Gantt (aka Donn Beach), who declared, “If you can’t get to paradise, I’ll bring it to you.” At this tiki oasis, you can take in the legendary tropical bar setting and listen to live performances by leading Hawaiian musicians. Come here for a drink or the Polynesian cuisine, and you’ll know Gantt was a man who was true to his word.

For a different island experience, Nadine’s Irish Mist brings the flavors and spirit of Ireland to the shores of Sunset Beach. Live music, big screen TVs, and 20 beers on tap helped it win honors as “Best Irish Bar & Restaurant” from Fox 11’s popular morning show Good Day L.A. They just don’t make them like Turc’s Cocktails anymore. A Sunset Beach tradition since 1953, Turc’s classic tiki-style décor features bamboo ceilings and blowfish lights, and keeps alive an earlier era along the Southern California coast. Another OC classic, Captain Jack’s Prime Rib & Seafood Restaurant dates back to 1965 and offers a menu that certainly lives up to the promise of its name. There are plenty of regulars who have declared that if they had to choose their last meal, they’d go for a massive plate of Captain Jack’s Alaskan king crab legs. Along the ocean side of Pacific Coast Highway, Roman Cucina lets you savor the flavors of Italy on the edge of the Pacific. And how about

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Pizza! Papa Joe’s Pizza & Pasta features a shredding surfer on its logo, and with a location right on Pacific Coast Highway, the beach is definitely part of its experience. A great value and delicious too, Papa Joe’s draws plenty of surfers for the hard-to-beat two-slice-and-a-drink special that will keep you in the waves for hours—and away from the ATM for days.

a taste of the East Coast? Eclectic doesn’t even begin to describe what you’ll find at Brix Brews and New York Deli. After all, how many places have menus that range from coconut shrimp to a pastrami sandwich called the Fughedaboudit? Plus there’s a changing selection of beers on tap and wines to wash it all down. Just east of Huntington Harbour, Red Table takes comfort food to a whole different level thanks to the creativity of its chef, Louie Jocson. Wine and craft beer also hold places of honor at this gastrobar. And yes, there is a red table —a communal setting where diners can enjoy great food and good company too. For cuisine from the top of the world, Himalayan Grill will introduce you to the exotic foods of India, Nepal, and Tibet. Its samosas—a traditional pastry filled with potatoes, peas, and onions—were named among Orange County’s top dishes in the Huntington Beach Independent.

How many pizza spots have their own crest? Pizza d’Oro proudly features both the Tricolore of Italy and the seal of Surf City—with a motto that declares “La Tradizione Locale” in its logo. That tells you something about this spot, a Huntington Beach institution since 1968, where you can dig into hearth-baked pizzas and pastas with your choice of five different sauces. Zpizza breaks from tradition with gluten-free crusts and vegan options, while incorporating such healthy ingredients as organic tomato sauce and additive-free sausage. The crisp, fire-baked pizzas come in both classic combinations and more exotic variations, including curry chicken and yam, as well as pear and gorgonzola.

14 | Meet the locals

Sandyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beach Grill

Meet the HELLO

We got the inside scoop on Surf City favorites and too-good-to-be-true secrets from locals who love dining in Huntington Beach.

Dean The Next Best Thing Margie A Walk Through Paradise Dennis Small Plate, Generous Flavor Jesse From Cash Only to Now Jeff The Real Deal Wonyee Not So Secret Rendezvous Brett Smoothie, Soup, & Sandwich Secret Rick Total Aloha Kevin Historic Surf Vibe Don Enduring Value for ‘Super’ Food and People

16 | meet the locals

HB LOC A

...I think of the restaurant as a little piece of Hawaii.

“Some people would choose an esoteric place to call their favorite. But the eatery I enjoy most is Islands. I like the tasteful décor because I love Hawaii, so I think of the restaurant as a little piece of Hawaii. It’s almost the next best thing. And since I like burgers, I often order what they call a Hawaiian burger. The mix of pineapple with teriyaki sauce is delicious. It’s a simple sandwich, but I love it. The Tradewind smoothie is tasty, too. That’s a banana and coconut concoction that goes down nicely. Maybe DEAN TORRENCE the best thing is * A ‘surf music’ icon the staff. They are * Best know for his Jan & always warm and Dean hits in the ’60s nice. Lots of per- * As a teen, Dean spent summers riding sonality. Nicely run great waves at restaurant. Let’s give Huntington Beach it its due.”

Islands

HB LOC A

It’s impossible to choose just one.

meet the locals | 17

Pete’s Sunset Grille

“Food defines our downtown. Charlie and I have a revolving wheel of favorites, depending on our taste buds. We love Pete’s Sunset Grille at the Hyatt on summer weekends when live bands play and everyone dances. Great wine tastings are offered at the Hilton—and we can walk to both from downtown. Italian food at Cucina Alessa is excellent and we love Sushi on Fire. It’s impossible to choose just one. On

the north side of the city I frequent the Red Table and Lazy Dog, because they are delicious and convenient to my job. Walking is one of the great thrills of margie bunten living downtown. * 2011 HB Citizen of the Year You meet all the * Charlie is her husband merchants and * They are devoted restaurateurs while downtowners enjoying the many * Margie serves on the Marketing & Visitors different kinds of Bureau board people who come * Charlie is a Chamber of here for fun.” Commerce board member

18 | meet the locals

The Corner

HB LOC A

“The Corner restaurant on Adams Avenue is unique for its small plate servings. The calamari is unbelievably delicious. But then so are many other dishes, such as a brisket with a fresh chipotle sauce, and the steak smothered in a mushroom sauce and glaze. The beauty is a party of two might order several entrees with an appetizer and drinks. The small portions allow you to

...it’s the food that grabs your attention at first bite.

enjoy a large assortment of flavors—all with a special twist. The casual-chef menu includes new and traditional American cuisine as well as Asian fusion dishes. Everything is subject to change, so regulars will dennis gallagher never tire of the * Dennis and his wife choices. And while Linda founded Heritage the setting is simple, Memorial Services it’s the food that * They are community boosters and active with grabs your attention the Chamber of Commerce at first bite.”

meet the locals | 19

HB LOC A

“I’ve spent nearly 300 nights at Shorebreak, a Joie de Vivre Hotel in the last couple years working on a project for the State of California. As a business traveler, I want a restaurant that offers a delicious menu of healthy food at affordable prices. When I decide to eat outside of Zimzala, Sancho’s Tacos has won my heart. They offer a fantastic selection of tacos and burritos and the feel of the place is authentically local. Despite being off the beaten trail of the pier area, diners can check out the surf while waiting for their food.

Part of me was tempted to keep a gem like Sancho’s my own little secret.

Part of me was tempted to keep a gem like Sancho’s my own little secret. But I soon realized that would never work. You know a restaurant has won lots of fans when it starts as cash only and within a year jesse chen accepts credit cards, * Jesse is a New Jerseytoo. My only complaint based consultant for Deloitte is that my assignment here has come to a * He is a self-professed Huntington Beach successful close. Do devotee you think Sancho’s * He fell in love with Tacos would deliver the area during annual family surfing vacations —to New Jersey?”

Sancho’s Tacos

20 | meet the locals

La Rocco’s Pizzeria

HB LOC A

“Having lived and worked in New York City for a number of years, the pizza I like best in town can be found at La Rocco’s Pizzeria. It’s a thin crust and the toppings are lighter than what other places offer.

...simple food is much harder to do right than fancy food.

Less is more. I usually order a plain cheese pie. LaRocco’s is the real deal and impressive because simple food is much harder to do right than fancy food.You don’t have anything to hide behind. The elements jeff littlefield have to be balanced and * Jeff oversees all food and beverage as the well executed. You can’t executive chef at the cover it up with a killer Hilton Waterfront sauce and say voilà!” Beach Resort

meet the locals | 21

“Every time we go there it is crowded, so Cucina Alessa is not the best-kept secret in town. But it’s so consistently good we don’t hesitate to go there when we’re in the mood for Italian fare.You know what you’re going to get. The chefs and servers are reliably excellent. And since we’re regulars they know what we like and do it just right each time. Nothing fancy for me. I love the Pizza Di Parma with prosciutto and arugula. And don’t laugh, but the Pollo Parmigiana with fresh basil tomato sauce also makes me happy. The atmosphere is very busy and a bit loud sometimes. But it’s always fun because you can bring your Wonyee tom whole family and feel * Wonyee is the owner/ comfortable. We run pastry chef of Tomgirl Baking Company, a into friends all the 7-year Huntington time. In fact, we’re only Beach establishment surprised if we don’t now located on Adams Avenue run into them.”

HB LOC A

It’s always fun because you can bring your whole family and feel comfortable.

Cucina Alessa

22 | meet the locals

Esther’s Place

HB LOC A

Discovery is what Huntington Beach is all about.

“My hidden gem is so secret it has no sign. But everybody who goes there knows Esther. I can disappear for a month but when I return she remembers my name and my last order. If I could, I’d hire her just to be a greeter at Duke’s. Even if she’s three-deep at the counter, all the orders come out right and she’s so friendly. Great soup,

fantastic sandwiches, salads and smoothies. The place is in a market near the post office at Goldenwest Street and Warner Avenue. The counter is under a yellow brett barnes sign that says “vitamins.” * Brett is a managing partner of Duke’s If you find her, tell Esther at the Huntington to hang out her shingle. Beach Pier But no neon signs, please. * He began his career Discovery is what Huntat fifteen while still living in Hawaii ington Beach is all about.”

meet the locals | 23

HB LOC A

It’s a local hangout with a great surfing vibe and fab food.

“Sugar Shack Café is my home away from home. It’s a local hangout with a great surfing vibe and fab food. Usually, my routine every day is to go out for a little surf session in the morning and then head to the shack afterwards for a late breakfast. The Surf is a coffee and cocoa combo that helps get some warmth back in the body. Love the pancakes and eggs over easy, too. If we’re talking lunch, my usual choice happens to be a

BLT with a side of rice. They’ll even give you a little teriyaki or butter. Everybody who works there is always friendly—to locals and tourists. It’s total aloha. They make you feel like you’re one of the family. A good day Rick “Rockin fig” Fignetti for me is eating out * Rick is the owner of front on the patio, Rockin Fig Surf Shop soaking up the sun, * He is the voice of the U.S. Open of Surfing and a and watching every10-time NSSA West Coast body cruise by.” surfing champion

Sugar Shack Café

24 | meet the locals

HB LOC A

...there is so much surf photography on the walls it’s almost like a museum.

“If I had to choose, TK Burgers on 1st Street and Pacific Coast Highway is a really cool spot. It’s been there forever. When you walk in, there is so much surf photography on the walls it’s almost like a museum. Very strong HB surf vibe from the 1950s and 60s, and very cool. Another reason TK is popular is that it’s a house that’s been converted into a restaurant that overlooks the whole beach and pier. Just ask the locals where to get a burger, and most likely they’ll send you there. Adults and high school students keep it packed, especially in summer. The “bargain deal” for lunch is a really nice burger with a Thousand Island kevin keller kind of dressing * Kevin was born and raised in HB and began to surf and lots of fries. at age four I hear everything * He is a kiosk tourism on the menu coordinator for the is good, but I Marketing & Visitor Bureau’s Visitor Information go there for Kiosk, as well as a Certified the burgers.” Tourism Ambassador (CTA)

TK Burgers

meet the locals | 25

HB LOC A

Super Mex

“When I moved to Huntington Beach 17 years ago I sat down to a meal at Super Mex on Beach Boulevard. It may come as no surprise that I enjoyed the meal very much and continued to visit with my family. What astounds me is that all these years later when I sit down and order I see much of the same crew of helpers and servers. That tells me a lot about the restaurant. Quality people and tasty food.

Quality people and tasty food.

We enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and traditional décor. It’s well lit, open and airy, and the price is right for families like ours. You never leave Super Mex feeling hungry. It’s a testament to the food and the service that they have endured through various economic cycles. That don hansen kind of stability is good * Don is the mayor for them, and good for of Huntington Beach our city.” * He is the father of three children

Compliments of the

e wanted to take you inside the kitchen and introduce you to the people behind the food at a few leading Huntington Beach restaurants. So we talked with five top Surf City chefs about why they got into cooking, how they approach their demanding work, and their cooking philosophiesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;even what they crave after a long day in the kitchen.

ecials

d Sp e r u t Fea

CHEFS

compliments of the chefs | 27

Roy Hendrickson Executive Chef

Zimzala, Shorebreak, a Joie de Vivre Hotel

s a Southern California native, Hendrickson began his career at 15 as a server in the restaurant at the Coventry Hill Hotel in England, where his family had moved while he was in high school. He has worked at numerous restaurants in California: the Chart House in Newport Beach, Tantalum in Long Beach, and several spots in Huntington Beach, including Don the Beachcomber.

Learning by Doing: “My mother and grandmother were big influences. I was always helping out or standing by and watching and sampling what they were cooking…I didn’t go to culinary school. My culinary school has always been the kitchen and I worked with some really talented people, so I picked it up along the way.” More than a Meal: “Food isn’t just a requirement for people, it’s about everyone getting together around the table and the enjoyment of connecting with friends and family on that basic level.” In Sync With Surf City: “My approach is to keep things simple and down-to-earth. Everyone is relaxed in Huntington Beach, so I don’t want to get caught up in trendiness.” Keeping it Real: “We have a lot of fun and the freedom to do what we want. We even make our own ice creams. We have a broad concept and

want to bring people back—not just for the things that they love but for new dishes too. That definitely keeps us on our toes.” Pub Grub and other passions: “I love chanterelle mushrooms. Even have some tattooed on my arm. And because I spent time in England, every once in a while I like a steak-and-kidney or eel pie.” Menu Highlights

Crispy Calamari with lime-chili Sauce Irish Organic Salmon with tarragon-scented pearl couscous

28 | compliments of the chefs

Jeff Littlefield Executive Chef

The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel

graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Jeff Littlefield has extensive experience at restaurants in leading New York, Las Vegas, and California hotels. He worked for nine years at Four Seasons Hotels, and was also executive chef at Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica, where he oversaw both One Pico and Pedals restaurants. He has served as executive chef at The Waterfront Beach Resort, A Hilton Hotel, since 2001.

slopes to stove: “I grew up in Salt Lake City and got into the restaurant business because I figured out that this was a way I could ski for free during the day and work in the kitchen by night.” California Fresh: “When I moved back to California, I really became aware of the quality of the products and produce available here. When I worked at Shutters, that was a big influence because of the giant farmers’ market in Santa Monica. I got really interested in local agriculture.” Ingredients Come First: “I try to do classic foods in a comfortable way. We’re trying to highlight the character of the ingredients. You don’t want to mask flavors and seasonality is of the utmost importance. You can’t make a good tomato soup with bad tomatoes.”

not Hell’s Kitchen: “People watch these chefs yelling and screaming on television and that’s just not the way it is. We’re just a bunch of people working as a team who want to get the job done and keep our guests happy.” Dining Discoveries: “I’m a steak-and-potato lover but I like to try anything that’s new. So I’m always looking for surprising mom-and-pop restaurants.” Menu Highlights

Crab Cakes New American Short Rib Pot Roast

compliments of the chefs | 29

Alessandro Pirozzi Chef & Owner

Cucina Alessa

rom learning at home to earning certification as an Italian chef at a culinary school where he mastered regional traditions, Alessandro Pirozzi is both authentic and innovative in his approach. While visiting a friend, the Naples native fell in love with Orange County and has since opened three area restaurants. In 2011, he earned honors as chef of the year from Riviera Orange County magazine.

All in the Family: “My uncle is a famous chef in Italy and I went to the culinary school where he’s a professor. But way before that, I started with my grandmother. I had three sisters and they used to exclude me from their group, so my grandmother would bring me into the kitchen to help with the cooking.” The Neapolitan Tradition: “In southern Italy and Naples, there’s a simple cooking technique.You have cherry tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil in the garden. Fishermen would come back with a fresh catch, and maybe some mussels and clams. There was fresh mozzarella.You always could work with the best ingredients.” Man With a Plan: “My final goal was always to open my own restaurant and my uncle said you have to know everything about the business to make it work. You have to know the restaurant from front to back. From the kitchen to being the Maitre d’. That’s one of the secrets that helped me. And every year, for three years in a row, in the worst economy, I opened new restaurants in Orange County.”

24/7/365—Almost: “I like hard work. It can be 18 hours a day for seven days a week for months. But I get energy when everything comes out right. I won’t sleep. If my body could stay up for 24 hours, I’d keep working. My heart goes 100 mph.” A Pasta Passion: “I can literally eat pasta three times a day. I make a midnight pasta when I get home from the restaurant for my wife and me. I turn on music and start cooking. Just some olive oil, garlic, a bit of red pepper, and anchovy paste.The simpler, the better.” Menu Highlights

Mamma Mia (meatballs from Pirozzi’s grandmother’s recipe made from slowbraised beef,topped with burrata)

30 | compliments of the chefs

Chris Savage

Executive Chef

Hyatt Regency, Huntington Beach Resort and Spa

hris Savage’s culinary journey has taken him from the Australian dairy farm where he was raised to leading kitchens around the world. He refined his skills at London’s Athenaeum Hotel, gained insights into Southeast Asian cuisine in Guam, and mastered classical French cuisine when he returned to Australia at Melbourne’s Hilton International Hotel. Savage worked at several U.S. Hyatt properties before opening the AAA Four-Diamond The Californian and other restaurants at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa.

A Boy’s Gotta Eat: “I grew up on a dairy farm outside Melbourne, and most of what we ate, we grew ourselves. We never went to restaurants. But I had heard about different foods, so starting when I was around 12, I would find recipes and experiment. What my mom prepared was good but simple. So the only way I could try things like pizza was to cook it myself. For me, it was because of a desire not to cook, but to eat.” Work Hard, Eat Well: “Part of the appeal of restaurant work was that I could eat food that I otherwise couldn’t afford. And the more I looked, the more it seemed like a good fit for me. People talked about how it was hot, hard work. But I had always worked on the farm, so I was accustomed to physical labor. I wasn’t worried about the conditions.” Finding Inspiration: “It’s important to understand what our common regional influences are here in California, so I try to draw inspiration from many different types of cuisines. It could be Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Cal-Mex, Korean, or Vietnamese. My job is to be knowledgeable about

styles, then incorporate them as influences rather than to try and recreate authentic dishes.” Healthy Choices: “We’re seeing more and more people with special dining needs, like wanting gluten-free dishes. There are also a lot of vegetarians and vegans, so I want to present them with good choices, not treat those dishes as some kind of afterthought.” Favorite Foods: “Oooh, let’s see. I like desserts—apple pie and chocolate. I like grilled cheese sandwiches, just trying different cheeses and ingredients. And hot dogs. I like a good quality hot dog. Or bratwurst. Or Italian sausage. I guess I bounce all over the place.” Menu Highlights

House-Smoked Californian Muscovy Duck Salad; Seared Scallops

compliments of the chefs | 31

Tom Shields

Executive Chef & Co-Owner

Spark Woodfire Grill

native of Westchester, New York, Tom Shields has worked in kitchens since he was 12 years old. After working in a variety of roles, he eventually enrolled in the two-year program at The Culinary Institute of America. He worked at a number of California restaurants, including as the regional chef for popular Louise’s Trattoria. In 2001, he joined with partners from Louise’s to open Spark Woodfire Grill.

An Early Start: “When my sister was 12, she got an allowance. When I turned 12, I put out my hand and my Dad said, ‘Get a job!’ So I went to work as a dishwasher. Then, when the prep cook got hurt, I filled in and began working my way up from there.” Do the Right Thing: “I met people who had gone to culinary school, and they convinced me that it was the best way to learn, so I went to the Culinary Institute of America. That really made me understand that I had been taking shortcuts and not doing things correctly. So I learned about the classics. And the building blocks for how sauces are made—what nature had to offer as opposed to what chemistry could do.” A Secret Ingredient: “I worked in Long Beach with Guy Fieri of the Food Network and he was instrumental in helping me understand that fun has to go along with all of the hard work. I know that may sound trivial. But it makes a difference in the whole way our restaurant operates.”

Tools of the Trade: “If you ask a carpenter why he uses such an expensive saw, he’ll tell you that it’s what he needs to get the job done right. It’s the same with a good steak.You don’t usually see 1,600-degree broilers like ours outside of a top steakhouse. But there’s a noticeable difference. It does a fantastic sear.” The Chef at Home: “I’d have steak and a bottle of wine every night if I could, but you can’t survive like that. I actually like to cook for my three daughters. They’ll put in written requests weeks out for things like sloppy joes.” Menu Highlights

Rack of Lamb served with a minted-merlot demi-glaze Honey Peppered Atlantic Salmon with whole-grain mustard and tarragon

32 | compliments of the chefs

ourse Y t I Do

ou’ve had a closer look inside the kitchens of Huntington Beach chefs. Now it’s time to put on your own chef ’s hat and practice your culinary skills. Here are some great recipes provided by local Huntington Beach restaurants.

compliments of the chefs | 33

RECIPE

Zimzala Fig Flatbread Ingredients 7 ounces stretched flatbread dough (recipe below) 3 tablespoons whipped goat cheese (recipe below) 2 fresh figs cut into quarters ½ apple sliced into thin wedges 1 ounce arugula 6 fried sage leaves 1 tablespoon toasted pistachios

1 tablespoon sage balsamic reduction (recipe below) flour for dusting olive oil to brush kosher salt sugar pastry brush pizza stone or cookie sheet

Directions 1. Stretch dough onto pizza stone or cookie sheet and dust with a little flour. Brush top side with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. Spread whipped goat cheese over dough to cover, toss figs in sugar and arrange on dough. Position apple slices between figs and bake in a 450° F preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes. 2. Toss arugula with olive oil and salt. Remove flatbread from oven and garnish with arugula, fried sage leaves and pistachios. Drizzle the flatbread with the sage balsamic reduction, cut into 8 even squares and serve immediately. Flatbread Dough Produces eight to nine 7-ounce dough portions. 3 ½3 cups tepid water 2 ounces fresh yeast or 19 grams dry active yeast 3 ½ pounds all-purpose flour 2 ounces olive oil 1 ounce kosher salt 1. In stand mixer bowl, mix yeast and tepid water by hand until fully dissolved. Place dough hook, add flour, and mix on low-medium speed for 1-2 minutes. Add olive oil and salt, then mix on medium speed for 10 minutes or until dough makes a smacking sound on side of bowl. Transfer dough to well-oiled container with tight fitting lid. Place in warm dry area for 1 hour or until doubled in size. 2. Remove dough and place on clean work surface. Divide into 7 oz. portions. Shape portioned dough into balls. Transfer portions to a container, cover with plastic wrap and proof in warm dry area until doubled in size. 3. Stretch dough into 8" x 5" rectangle, wrap individually in plastic and refrigerate until ready to use. (1-2 days max.)

Whipped Goat Cheese 2 cups soft goat cheese (room temperature) ½ cup heavy whipping cream Place goat cheese and heavy cream into a stand mixer bowl. With the whip attachment, mix on medium to high speed until combined and pliable. Reserve whipped goat cheese in a clean container and refrigerate until ready to use.

Sage Balsamic Reduction 2 cups balsamic vinegar 1 ounce fresh sage leaves Bring the balsamic vinegar and sage leaves to a simmer in a stainless steel saucepan and reduce until ¼ cup. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a clean container, chill and reserve.

34 | compliments of the chefs

RECIPE

The Hyatt’s Barramundi with Succotash Ingredients four 6-ounce barramundi filets 2 ounces diced, blanched butternut squash 2 ounces edamame beans (removed from shell) 2 ounces blanched white corn 1 clove chopped garlic 1 teaspoon chopped shallots 6 ounces white wine

1 teaspoon grainy mustard 4 ounces heavy cream salt and pepper lemon confit (recipe below) fresh thyme for garnish 1 teaspoon lemon olive oil grape seed oil

Directions 1. Heat a cast iron or other heavy bottom skillet over high heat. Add grape seed oil. Season barramundi with salt and pepper and pan sear skin side down for 5-6 minutes. Flip and cook 1 minute skin side up. Remove from pan.

2. While fish is cooking, sauté garlic, shallots, edamame, corn and butternut squash with olive oil in another pan. Remove from flame and add white wine. Return pan to flame and add heavy cream. Continue to cook until sauce has reduced. Season to taste.

3. To plate, place succotash in the bottom of a bowl or shallow dish. Place barramundi on top. Garnish with lemon confit, thyme and lemon olive oil. Serve immediately.

Lemon Confit 3 lemons, skin scrubbed well 4 peppercorns kosher salt ½ lemon, juiced Thinly slice lemons and place in a mason jar, along with kosher salt, peppercorns and lemon juice. Add water until lemons are covered and store chilled overnight or up to 48 hours. Rinse lemon slices and store refrigerated up to a week.

compliments of the chefs | 35

RECIPE

Sandy’s BBQ Baby Back Ribs Ingredients ¾ cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons chili powder chicken stock Sambol Honey BBQ sauce (recipe below)

2 full racks pork ribs ¾ cup roasted garlic pepper ¼ cup garlic salt 2 tablespoons Cajun spice 2 tablespoons cumin

Directions 1. Combine all spices and sugar in mixing bowl, stir until well-mixed, and liberally rub ribs with mixture. 2. Fill pan with chicken stock (1-inch high) and place ribs on top of liquid. Cover tightly with foil. 3. Bake at 350˚ F for 3.5 hours. 4. Cover with Sambol Honey BBQ sauce and serve. Sambol Honey BBQ Sauce 1 tablespoon ground cumin 7 cups ketchup 2 cups dark brown sugar ¾ cup rice wine vinegar 2 tablespoons dry mustard ½ cup sweet chili sauce 1 cup molasses, ¼ cup honey 2 ½ cups liquid smoke 2 tablespoons Sambol 1 tablespoon ground coriander Combine all sauce ingredients in large pot and bring to a simmer. Continue to simmer for 30 minutes. Apply liberally to cooked ribs and serve extra on the side for dipping. Store extra sauce in airtight plastic container for up to 2 weeks.

36 | grab & go

Grab & Go Packing the Perfect Surf City Picnic

With virtually perfect weather and miles of oceanfront, Huntington Beach is a city that lives outdoors.

untington Beach is a perfect place for picnics.You can spread out a blanket at the beach, or settle in at the picnic tables at the 350-acre Huntington Central Park. Plenty of people find spots on the landmark Huntington Beach Pier and enjoy lunch while watching the surfers. Or you can relive your glory days at camp while roasting hot dogs and making sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;mores at one of our more than 600 beach fire rings.

Wherever you decide to picnic, you can count on all sorts of outstanding delis and markets around town for gourmet sandwiches and healthy alternatives. And youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re bound to discover one thing about dining al fresco in Huntington Beach: Food just tastes better with a great big helping of the outdoors.

38 | grab & go

Markets & Health Food Stores

ubbed “the world’s greatest butcher shop,” Beef Palace Butcher Shop has been around since 1970 and averages out to a perfect five stars on Yelp. Ask the locals: If you want to do some grilling while you’re in Surf City, then come here for perfect ribeyes, sushi-grade tuna, and Italian sausage with a kick. You can also pick up cold cuts and beef jerky. Just make sure you bring cash—they don’t accept credit cards. [5895 Warner Ave.; 714.846.0044] If you’re staying at the beach resorts, Surf City Grocers at the Hyatt Regency Huntington

Beach Resort & Spa is filled with gourmet items, as well as sandwiches and everything you need to cook up some s’mores over a fire ring at the beach. Surf Hero Deli at the The Waterfront Beach Resort, A Hilton Hotel, serves up Starbucks® coffee, blended drinks, and made-to-order sandwiches and salads. In naming the Natural Tonic Store the best health food store, the OC Weekly lavished praise on the chicken sandwiches and “artfully crafted tomato bisques” at its lunch counter, Esther’s Place, which is consistently a Yelp.com favorite.

Grab & Go’s

Fresh & Local B

ack in the day, Huntington Beach was a major agricultural community. These days Surf City is more about boards than barley but you can still get fresh produce at weekly farmers’ markets around town. Our certified markets draw leading California growers who bring in the bounty of the land: strawberries, heirloom tomatoes, oranges and other citrus. Not only are these markets a great place to pick up healthy snacks, prepared foods, and fruit for picnics, they also offer a glimpse of local life in Surf City USA.

Born in the OC, Mother’s Market & Kitchen is dedicated to natural and organic foods. Its kitchen, deli, and juice bar are all filled with healthy selections including a grilled vegetable quesadilla in a whole-wheat chapatti, teriyaki bowl on a bed of organic brown rice, and a grilled portobello-and-pesto sandwich. Whole Foods Market may belong to a leading national chain but its Huntington Beach store is all Surf City. At the store in Bella Terra, you’ll find an expansive prepared foods section with fresh-baked organic breads, locally sourced and international cheeses, and burgers at the

Surf City Nights Certified Farmers’ Market Tuesday, 5pm-9pm, Downtown HB 200 Main Street Held in conjunction with Surf City Nights. Certified Farmers’ Market Friday, 1pm-5pm, Pier Plaza Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway HB Mercado Certified Farmers’ Market: Saturday, 9am-1pm, Ocean View High School 17071 Gothard Street Peter’s Landing Farmers’ Market Saturday, 9am-2pm, Peter’s Landing 16400 Pacific Coast Highway

Beach Bar 405. Looking for something more exotic? Try the Indian food or the do-it-yourself pho bar. There’s also a pizza and beer bar with live feeds of local surf conditions. You know, just in case the waves start going off while you’re shopping. The Living Temple in Old World Village took the Critics Choice Award for health food stores from the Orange County Register. Brenda Shoun, Choice Award critic, praised the high quality of the selection and concluded, “It’s a great little gem in a world where fast food all too often is the name of the game.”

40 | grab & Go

Sandwiches & More

range County Register food writer Anita Lau absolutely rhapsodized about the sandwiches and soups at Deli-Licious. She cited its near-perfect scores on Yelp and wrote that the Marge’s Grilled Italian Roma Sub was “one of the best Italian subs that I remember eating in a long time.” She also wrote, there were “lovely” ciabatta rolls and a French dip sandwich that came with a juice that “makes for some glorious dunking.” Jan’s Health Bar traces its origins back to the 1960s. Pioneering woman surfer Jan Gaffney was working at a sandwich shack behind George’s Surf Shop on Main Street. She eventually bought the shack and opened her own place. Jan’s has moved several times since, and Gaffney recently sold to local residents Poppy (a onetime Jan’s employee) and Andy Holguin. But even after all these years one

thing hasn’t changed at Jan’s: Whether you get the classic tuna and avocado sandwich or the legendary broccoli cheese soup, you can always count on the freshest ingredients and the care and personal touch that have made this spot a Huntington Beach mainstay for more than 40 years. For all of the healthy choices around Surf City, you can also find some good, down-home spots—even when they draw their inspiration from the East Coast. Huntington Beach may be a burger town but don’t tell that to the regulars at John’s Philly Grille, who flock here for the cheesesteak sandwiches and hoagies. Orange County Register food writer Jeff Overly described the Number 15 Philly Hoagie as “a truly glorious grinder.” John’s even sells its own custom line of sodas, including a delicious root beer.

grab & go | 41

Yelpers can’t get enough of Mr. Pickle’s Sandwich Shop, hailing its Dutch crunch bread as “bread of the gods”. Others swear by the not-on-the-official-menu barbeque pulled pork sandwich Double-D style, with pulled pork, avocado, bacon, kettle-style potato chips and all the fixings.

Sure, Surf City is set along the Pacific but that doesn’t mean you can’t find great Mediterranean food here. So if you’re hungry for gyros, falafel, or kebabs, Coach’s Mediterranean Grill will definitely satisfy your cravings. You can also get pressed paninis, huge deli sandwiches, and box lunches at Coach’s Deli down the street. Wherever you end up eating, be on the lookout for Huntington Beach’s own Rusty’s Potato Chips. Named the best potato chip by the OC Weekly, they’re literally handcrafted (the potatoes are individually sliced) then cooked in safflower oil and drizzled with sun-dried evaporated sea salt. The foodie bible, The Rosengarten Report, even ranked Rusty’s one of the top three potato chips in the entire country.

Grab & Go’s

Short & Sweet Cool rules at Surf City’s destinations for treats

t Mangiamo Gelato Caffe [1], the changing flavors all come from secret recipes that are made right in the store for an always fresh and original taste sensation.

A do-it-yourself spirit is at the heart of The Scoop On Cookies [2] experience. You get to create your own ice cream sandwich from ten varieties of homemade cookies and 16 ice cream flavors. As for baked goods, Wonyee Tom of the Tomgirl Baking Company [3] “is one of the most talked-about pastry chefs in Orange County” according to Orange Coast magazine. Formerly of the leading Los Angeles restaurant, Water Grill, she has earned raves in publications including the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, New York magazine, and Gourmet. Or just take it from Surf City locals—the people who know Tomgirl the best—who head there for her delectable cupcakes, tarts and cookies. The amazing flavors and textures of the cakes at The Great Dane Baking Company [4] have their origins in Denmark, where baker Keld Pedersen apprenticed at the celebrated Beck’s Bakery. He even baked for Swedish and Danish royalty. Bon Appétit and the Los Angeles Times are among the publications that have lauded the artistry of the bakery’s pastry designs. Baguetier Artisan Bakeries [5] creates light, contemporary Parisian-style bread, pastries and chocolates with flavors inspired by the Mediterranean. All fruits and vegetables are sourced from high-quality local and regional organic farms. Menu items are seasonal, but you will always find buttery croissants, fresh-baked baguettes, savory quiches and tasty macarons.

grab & go | 43

S’mores Surf City

Little is more comforting than sitting around a bonfire making and eating s’mores. And Surf City USA’s multitude of fire rings beckon us to think outside the (graham cracker) box! Classic s’mores consist of chocolate and roasted marshmallow sandwiched between graham crackers. Here are some alternatives to the classic. + Substitute graham crackers with:

+ Chocolate bar alternatives:

+ A “healthier” alternative:

• Ladyfingers

• Ghirardelli Intense Dark

• Roasted Stuffed Apple

• Shortbread cookies • Chocolate chip cookies • Crispy butter wafers

Citrus Sunset chocolate squares • Ghirardelli Sea Salt & Crushed Almond chocolate squares

• Pound cake

• Nutella, bananas & nuts

• Rice crispy treats (thinly sliced)

• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

• Angel Food cake

• York Peppermint Patties

1. Fill cored apple with cinnamon and sugar or peanut butter and raisins 2. Wrap in foil and roast in hot coals for 10 minutes

Recipes courtesy Suzanne Beukema of Suzanne’s Catering. For more information, go to SuzannesCatering.com.

44 | huntington beach, a delicious experience

setting

The Scene

in surf city usa aHuntington Beach restaurants serve up everything you could possibly crave: seasonal specialties that incorporate fresh ingredients from California farms, classic American comfort food, and authentic cuisines from around the world. But what really takes Huntington Beach dining to a whole different level is the incredible range of restaurant experiences that you can enjoy here. Funky? Romantic? It all just depends on your mood.

No visit to Huntington Beach is complete without at least one meal where the city’s incomparable shoreline provides the backdrop. In downtown, you’ll find spots with the relaxed beach town atmosphere that helped make Huntington Beach famous, as well as restaurants with contemporary style. Wherever you end up dining, we’re more flip-flop friendly than formal, so you can leave the jacket and tie at home. And except at the busiest times, don’t worry about making reservations.

Check all the HB dining experiences off your list! c Surfside c Cool & Contemporary c Romantic c Old School

46 | setting the scene in surf city usa

Surfside in Surf City aForget about flying thousands of miles to Hawaii. Instead, just head over to Duke’s Huntington Beach, which honors the spirit of the legendary Hawaiian waterman, Duke Kahanamoku. Duke surfed the waves of Huntington Beach in the 1920s, and he would no doubt love his namesake restaurant’s pier views, seafood specialties, and island-inspired décor. Downstairs from Duke’s, Sandy’s Beach Grill puts you even

closer to the sand, where you’ll find a big menu of wood-fired pizzas, seafood, and steaks. What would a beach town be without its burgers? Ruby’s Surf City Diner was born just down the coast in Newport Beach and has gone on to national renown. But it’s hard to get more local (or find better views) than at its end-of-the-pier location.

setting the scene in surf city usa | 47

Cool AND Contemporary aLocated along Pacific Coast Highway in The Strand, RA Sushi’s inventive creations earned top honors in the Readers Choice Awards from the OC Weekly. Its daily happy hour (with 30 drink and 35 food specials) is a big draw for both Surf City locals and visitors. So cool it’s red hot, the contemporary décor at Sushi On Fire is the perfect complement to its innovative rolls, including Ken’s Special

(a spicy lobster roll topped with avocado, crab salad, and eel sauce). The Zen atmosphere of Zimzala is enticing. No wonder it was named a Top 10 Orange County Sexy Restaurant by Gayot. It’s menu includes Prime flat iron steak with a savory corn pureé and roasted maitake mushrooms. Finish your sexy meal with a German chocolate waffle for dessert.

48 | setting the scene in surf city usa

Tables for Two

Romantic Dining

aNamed Orange County’s best Italian restaurant by the OC Weekly, Cucina Alessa showcases chef Alessandro Pirozzi’s incomparable touch with such classics as papardelle Bolognese and pollo marsala. OC Weekly described the romantic restaurant as “a two-story palace to worship Pirozzi’s mastery of the Italian food arts.” And its sidewalk tables are perfect for quiet, al fresco dining on Surf City’s mild, perfect nights. The Gayot Guide named Spark Woodfire Grill one of its top 10 American restaurants

in Orange County. The guide hailed the unobstructed Pacific panoramas, which you can enjoy from both Spark’s inviting second-story patio and its dining room’s picture windows. While a steak perfectly fired over hickory wood in Spark’s 1,600degree broiler is always a highlight, seafood lovers have all sorts of choices too—from a Maryland-style blue crab cakes appetizer to a lobster mac ‘n cheese. Toast each other with leading California Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon from the excellent wine list.

setting the scene in surf city usa | 49

A more subdued alternative to the contemporary sushi spots that have popped up in Huntington Beach, Matsu on Beach Boulevard serves its sushi and teppan specialties in a traditional setting where the servers even wear kimonos. Granted, burgers aren’t usually thought of as the stuff of romance, but 25 Degrees isn’t your typical burger joint. Leading Southern California restaurateurs Tim and Liza Goodell have created a spot that they dub as “bordello

meets burger bar” thanks to satin print wallpaper, chandeliers, and plush leather booths. 25 Degrees, depending on your perspective, may actually be more sexy than romantic. But it’s definitely atmospheric and a classy place to pay homage to just how good a burger can be. Gourmet magazine once named the Goodells “one of the country’s most talented husband-and-wife teams.” Their endless array of toppings and perfect preparations, which take burgers to a whole new level, certainly prove that’s true.

50 | setting the scene in surf city usa

Old School

Huntington Beach aPlenty of things have changed in Huntington Beach since The Sugar Shack opened back in 1967, but this Main Street landmark isn’t one of them. Sure, it’s gotten a bit bigger and added outdoor tables but The Sugar Shack is still owned by Michelle Turner, the daughter of the landmark restaurant’s founders. Thanks to burritos and raisin-bread French toast at breakfast and burgers at lunch, The Sugar Shack remains every bit as popular with today’s generation of ravenous surfers as it was back in the days when Huntington Beach’s Corky Carroll, the world’s first professional surfer, was dominating the waves. The Sugar Shack is so popular that you should expect a short wait. But take your first bite of the Keppler’s (a variation on eggs benedict with avocado, bacon, and tomato) and you’ll immediately know why so many hungry locals eagerly line up here.

A top spot for the HB vibe, The Longboard Restaurant and Pub claims to be “the greatest restaurant and pub on Planet Earth as we know it.” So while modesty isn’t on the menu, just about everything else is: breakfast burritos on the weekend, 17 brews on tap, and killer Jamaican-style jerk chicken wings. In fact, Orange County Register food writer Jeff Overly cited both Longboard’s jerk- and Buffalo-style versions when he honored the restaurant’s hot wings as the county’s best. With its nautical décor and impressive aquariums, you can tell right away that Zubie’s Dry Dock is a place to go for seafood (and don’t forget the oyster bar). But you’ll also find pizza, burgers, and steaks at this beloved OC institution.

Destination Dining at Huntington Beach resorts With gorgeous settings and outstanding cuisine by top chefs, a night at the restaurants in Surf City’s magnificent resorts can feel like a vacation within a vacation. aAt Shades Restaurant & Bar in The

aThe

Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton

Regency Huntington Beach Resort

a Joie de Vivre Hotel, showcases

Hotel, executive chef Jeff Littlefield’s

and Spa, with its vaulted ceiling,

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saturated hues, and amazing ocean

executive chef Roy Hendrickson in

local ingredients create a California

views, may just be the most refined

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restaurant space in town. The AAA

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Four-Diamond restaurant is ideal

itself, finds its inspiration from the

his market-fresh dishes combine with

for a special event dinner thanks to

nearby beach and ocean. The mix of

intoxicating views in the restaurant’s

its menu based on locally sourced

natural elements and modern design

dining room and on a poolside patio

ingredients from California and a wine

creates an atmosphere that is both

washed by ocean breezes. Littlefield’s

list that specializes in boutique wines

laid-back and hip. Hendrickson’s

approach emphasizes the elegance

from all over the state. And there are

specialties,

of simplicity—whether in a Kobe

plenty of people who come back to

cider-brined pork chop, combine

beef burger or a paprika-crusted

Huntington Beach again and again just

with the setting to take the Surf

pan-seared barramundi. It’s certainly

to indulge in The Californian’s lavish

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Sunday breakfast buffet.

different level where urban cool

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52 | huntington beach, a delicious experience

Nightlife Âť For all of Surf Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reputation as a fun-in-the-sun playground, the good times continue here after dark.

huntington beach, a delicious experience | 53

plus

Downtown Events

54 | nightlife

Downtown Huntington Beach boasts one of the most vibrant nightlife scenes anywhere in Southern California.

young, high-energy crowd loves the dancing, live music, and big-screen TVs at bars and restaurants up and down Main Street. Huntington Beach’s fun-seekers create an upbeat, party atmosphere in the heart of town that makes Surf City the place to be on weekend nights.

There are other sides to Huntington Beach’s nightlife too. Wine bars let patrons discover amazing varietals, while classy lounges ideal for sipping artisan cocktails offer a sophisticated alternative for anyone seeking a relaxed night of conversation with friends. So whether you’re ready to dance the night away or just kick back after a long week, you’ll find it in Surf City after the sun goes down.

Nightlife | 55

Nights

» on the Town

Head into the eye of the Huntington Beach nightlife storm at Hurricane’s Bar & Grill for live music and a patio overlooking Main Street. For a truly eclectic experience, 2nd Floor serves up creative comfort food in a setting filled with tattoo-themed art—with plenty of music to fire up the crowd. And no, you don’t have to be inked up to get in. There are two sides to Black Bull Chop House. After 10, it changes from a steakhouse into a high-energy nightlife spot with dancing, DJs, and a mechanical bull. Ask any local surfer and they’ll tell you that after an afternoon riding the waves, a handcrafted Pier Pale Ale and some brewpub grub at the Huntington Beach Beer Company & Restaurant is the perfect reward. Come here and enjoy the outdoor patio with views of Main Street and the pier, and brews that have earned numerous awards, including at the Great American Beer Festival. Be sure to check the board for seasonal offerings. Tuna Town lets you party in a high-energy club setting where you can sample innovative sushi creations and also teppanyaki specialties cooked on an iron grill. Beachfront 301 Bar & Grill has a versatile dinner menu and a popular happy hour, and turns into one of the busiest party spots in town as the night goes on. If your tastes run to the classics, Perq’s, the rock and blues club (and sports bar) is the home stage for bluesman Walter Trout. Gallagher’s Pub & Grill features live Irish music and pub grub, and is a leading comedy venue thanks to its roster of nationally known performers.

There’s also nightlife beyond downtown and the beach. With its spectacular contemporary interior of dramatic reds, Bar Rouge in Hotel Huntington Beach certainly lives up to its name. The design blends French and Chinese influences and this is definitely one of the more dramatic places to grab a drink in town. Johnny’s Saloon on Beach Boulevard is a shrine to punk and roots music with one of the best jukeboxes you’ll find anywhere. The OC Weekly named House of Brews the best place to play pool in Orange County. And with its wood-filled interior and 16 flat-screen televisions, it’s a pretty darn classy sports bar too.

Surf City Nights Just about everybody knows how busy weekend nights can get in Huntington Beach. So how did sleepy post-weekend, pre-humpday Tuesday become a night out? Thanks to Surf City Nights, a weekly street fair, Tuesday is now one of the hottest days in Huntington Beach. Locals and visitors throng three blocks of Main Street, where a farmers’ market, musical acts, street performers, food stands, and sidewalk sales take over. It’s a time for locals to get together and catch up, as well as a great way for visitors to experience the neighborly side of Huntington Beach.

» 5PM–9PM Tuesday » Main St. (between Pacific Coast Hwy. and Orange Ave.)

» 714.536.8300

56 | nightlife

Mellow

» moods of Surf City

As high-octane as its scene can be, Huntington Beach also has relaxed spots ideal for wine lovers and cocktail aficionados. You can taste the best of California wines and gourmet products at the Main Street Wine Company. Huntington Beach may not have any vineyards but with its decorative lighting, racks of bottles, and contemporary sophistication this welcome addition to downtown certainly brings a touch of the wine country to Surf City USA. Quality and an unpretentious approach to wines come together here. It’s so unique that the OC Weekly praised the “frisson of refinement” as it honored Main Street Wine Co. as the best bar in Orange County. Paul Hodgins in the Orange County Register named Main Street Wine Co. the best wine bar. He lauded owner Dann Bean as “warm, chatty, and helpful” and wrote, “The wine flights are creative and informative, and the pours are generous.” Sebastiani’s Wine Bar is a spinoff of its next-door neighbor, Sebastiani’s Italian Bistro, the longtime Huntington Beach favorite. Pablo Benavente brings the same personal touch that made the restaurant popular to the wine bar. You’ll discover leading California and South American wines (Pablo grew up in Lima, Peru) while enjoying a perfectly paired tapas menu. Events include monthly wine dinners and tastings. Make your own beer and enjoy pizza and pub grub made with fresh-baked bread (the pretzels are legendary) at Brewbakers. And if you ever wanted to test your winemaking skills, you can blend your own at Purple Feet by Brewbakers.

There’s plenty happening at the hotels and resorts too. The lounge at Zimzala Restaurant and Bar in Shorebreak, a Joie de Vivre Hotel, offers a contemporary setting for handcrafted cocktails. The Red Chair Lounge in the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa lets you kick back in lounge chairs or on a plush sofa in a clubby atmosphere with a fireplace and ocean view from its patio. Ready for a little action? There are also pool tables and shuffleboard. Each Thursday Night Wine Tasting event at Shades Restaurant at the Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel encourages you to explore the world of wine—from Rhône varietals to the growing selection of environmentally friendly “green wines.” You can also catch live music and entertainment after hours on Friday and Saturday nights as the restaurant morphs into the nightlife spot Shades PM Lounge.

Art Walk For the Downtown Huntington Beach Art Walk, which occurs one night each month, Surf City turns into Art City as Huntington Beach celebrates its creative side. Artists working in all media display their works in local businesses and in major city venues, including the Huntington Beach Art Center and the Main Street Library. You can explore at your leisure and pick and choose the exhibits you want to drop in and see. You’ll experience local artists from poets to sculptors, and along the way, you’ll hear live music and can enjoy dinner specials at downtown restaurants.

» 6PM-9PM (Third Wednesday of the month) » HBDowntown.com » 714.536.8300

nightlife | 57

58 | huntington beach, a delicious experience

huntington beach, a delicious experience | 59

60 | Surf city usa restaurants

Restaurant Listings Huntington Beach Dining Guide 2012 Symbols : under $10 | : $10-$15 : $15-$20 | : over $20 B: Breakfast L: Lunch D: Dinner : Late Night Price Range Price range is the average cost of a dinner entrée (or equivalent).

Restaurant listings The Huntington Beach Marketing & Visitors Bureau has made every effort to provide accurate information, but is not responsible for errors, changes or omissions. To our knowledge, all listings were accurate as of February 1, 2012. Prices and hours may vary and are subject to change. Please call the restaurant for up-to-date information. Map coordinates [a1 through h8, see page 58]

Sandy’s Beach Grill

315 Pacific Coast Hwy. 714-374-7273 SandysGrill.com | L, D | Table | B6

surf city usa restaurants | 61

Asian fusion

burgers

cafés/coffeehouses

East Winds Asian Cuisine 7114 Edinger Ave. 714-841-1800 EastWindsAsianCuisine HuntingtonBeach.com | L, D | Table | F5

25 Degrees 412 Walnut Ave. 714-960-2525 25DegreesRestaurant.com | L, D, | Table | B6

Adams Avenue Coffee 16222 Beach Blvd. 714-842-4860 | F6

Oceans Sushi & Oyster Lounge 6041 Bolsa Ave. 714-901-5055 OceansSushi.com | L, D | Table | G4 Pei Wei Asian Diner 7621 Edinger Ave., #102 714-230-2050 PeiWei.com | L, D | Counter | F6

beach concessions Dwight’s Beach Concession 201 Pacific Coast Hwy. 714-536-8083 | B6 Jack’s Beach Concession 21091 Pacific Coast Hwy. 714-536-8328 | B6 Kokomo’s Surfside Grill 21071 Pacific Coast Hwy. 714-374-5600 | B6 Wahoo’s Fish Taco 21351 Pacific Coast Hwy. 714-969-3043 Wahoos.com | B6 Zacks Pier Plaza 405 Pacific Coast Hwy. 714-536-0215 ZacksHB.com | B6 Zacks Too 21579 Pacific Coast Hwy. 714-536-0215 ZacksHB.com | B6

buffets Endless Food and Fun 7227 Edinger Ave., Ste. A 714-377-7671 EndlessFoodAndFun.com | L, D, | F6

Café Cup 5930 Warner Ave. 714-840-8991 (Cash Only) | E4 The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf 17969 Beach Blvd. 714-375-9274 CoffeeBean.com | E6 Java City Bakery Café 18685 Main St., #107 714-842-5020 JavaCity.com | D6 Java Point 300 Pacific Coast Hwy., #101 714-374-9256 | B6 Limelight Java 18581 Beach Blvd. 714-848-6867 | D6 Monkey House Café 18862 Beach Blvd., #101 714-965-1135 MonkeyHouseCafe.com | D6 Mr. P’s Espresso Italiano 21070 Beach Blvd. 714-960-1100 MrPsEspresso.com | B6 Peet’s Coffee & Tea 7821 Edinger Ave., #138 714-230-8001 Peets.com | F6 Ramaneh Café 7561 Center Ave., #43 714-496-2932 (Cash Only) | F6 Sertino’s Café 150 5th St., #110 714-969-4888 SertinosCafe.com | B6 Sit Stay Café 328 11th St., Ste. E 714-960-0009 SitStayCafeHB.com | C5 Starbucks 221 Main St., Ste. C (Additional locations) 714-536-3228 Starbucks.com | B6 Sweet Elle Café 7251 Warner Ave., Ste. L 714-841-1270 SweetElleCafe.com | E6

chinese Big Chopsticks 19092 Beach Blvd. 714-968-2169 BigChopsticks.net | L, D | Counter | D6

62 | Surf city usa restaurants China Kitchen 7251 Warner Ave., Ste. F 714-847-7777 Kitchen.ChineseMenu.com | L, D | Table | E6

Ruby’s Surf City Diner 1 Main St. (End of HB Pier) 714-969-7829 Rubys.com | B, L, D | Table | B5

Daphne’s Greek Café 7801 Edinger Ave., #126 714-903-2317 DaphnesGreekCafe.com | L, D | Counter | F6

Golden Chopsticks 19933 Beach Blvd. 714-536-6172 | L, D | Counter | C6

Sunny’s Waffle House 7148 Edinger Ave. 714-841-9934 SunnysHB.com | B, L, D | Table | F5

Gyro Kabob 16873 Pacific Coast Hwy. 562-592-7771 GyroKabob.com | L, D | Counter | E2

Woody’s Diner 16371 Pacific Coast Hwy. (Additional locations) 562-592-2134 WoodysDiners.com | B, L, D | Table | F1

halal Lotus Chinese Eatery 16883 Beach Blvd. 714-848-4940 | L, D | Table | E6

donuts

hawaiian

Adams Ave Donuts 9015 Adams Ave. 714-962-8921 AdamsAvenueDonuts.com | C8

Aloha Grill 221 Main St., Ste. F 714-374-4427 AlohaGrill.com | L, D, | Table | B6

The Donuttery 17420 Beach Blvd. 714-847-7000 | E6 K & M Donuts 5036 Edinger Ave. 714-840-4192 | F3

Don the Beachcomber 16278 Pacific Coast Hwy. 562-592-1321 DonTheBeachComber.com | L, D, | Table | F1

Panda Palace Chinese Cuisine 16400 Pacific Coast Hwy., #112 562-592-3048 PandaPalaceHB.com | L, D | Table | F1

Supreme Donut 602 Pacific Coast Hwy. 714-960-6677 (Cash Only) | B6

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue 19692 Beach Blvd. 714-968-1898 HawaiianBarbecue.com | L, D | Counter | C6

Pick Up Stix 7041 Yorktown Ave., #106 714-960-4904 PickUpStix.com | L, D | Counter | C6

French

No Ka Oi 215 Main St. 714-960-8300 NoKaOiRestaurant.com | B, L, D, | Table | B6

Sullivan Restaurant 21064 Beach Blvd. 714-536-8538 | L, D | Table | B6

crÊperies Rockin’ Crêpes 8943 Atlanta Ave. 714-536-9100 RockinCrepesHB.com | B, L, D, | Table | B7

La Petite Baguette 16367 Bolsa Chica St. 714-840-1900 LaPetiteBaguette.com | L, D | Counter | F3 Taste of France 7304 Center Ave. 714-895-5305 | B, L, D | Table | F6

german Old World German Restaurant 7561 Center Ave., #49 714-895-8020 OldWorld.ws | L, D | Table | F6

North Shore Poke Co. 214 5th Street 714-465-9011 NorthShorePokeCo.com | L, D | Counter | B6 The Loft Restaurant 7862 Warner Ave., #105B 714-842-2911 TheLoftHawaii.com | L, D | Counter | E6

himalayan / nepalese

Rathskeller 7561 Center Ave., #48LL 714-894-6612 Rathskeller.us (Cash Only) | L, D | Table | F6

Himalayan Grill Cuisine & Bar of India, Nepal 16400 Pacific Coast Hwy., 110 562-592-9080 HimalayanGrill.com | L, D | Table | F1

greek

ice cream / dessert

Athens West 7101 Yorktown Ave., #106 714-536-6112 AthensWest.com | L, D | Counter | C6

33 Degrees 10061 Adams Ave., #101 714-965-6600 | C8 Baguetier Artisan Bakeries 120 5th Street, Ste. 120 714-969-1700 Baguetier.com | B6

surf city usa restaurants | 63 Baskin-Robbins 201 Main St., Ste. B (Additional locations) 714-969-0600 BaskinRobbins.com | B6 Cake Box 6054 Warner Ave. 714-842-9132 CakeBoxPastries.com | E4

indian Bukhara Cuisine of India 7594 Edinger Ave. 714-842-3171 SaagarCuisineofIndia.com | L, D | Table | F6

italian

Cherry on Top 7011 Warner Ave., Ste. N 714-375-7233 CherryOnTop.net | E5

Baci 18748 Beach Blvd. 714-965-1194 BaciRestaurant.com | D | Table | D6

Cold Stone Creamery 416 Olive Ave. (Additional locations) 714-374-6744 ColdStoneCreamery.com | B6

Baci Di Roma Trattoria 5205 Warner Ave. 714-840-1122 BaciDiRoma.com | L, D | Table | E4

Dairy Queen 102 Pacific Coast Hwy. / 5183 Warner Ave. 714-374-4408 / 714-840-7971 DairyQueen.com | B6 / E3

Basilico’s Pasta E Vino 19171 Magnolia St., #1 714-963-7980 | D | Table | D7

For Goodness Cakes 7821 Edinger Ave., #128 714-369-2881 ForGoodnessCakesHB.com | F6

Bella Roma 9101 Atlanta Ave. 714-378-5122 Bella-Roma.com | L, D | Counter | B8

Great American Yogurt 19073 Beach Blvd. 714-841-5976 GreatAmericanYogurt.com (Cash Only) | D6

Buca Di Beppo 7979 Center Ave. 714-891-4666 BucaDiBeppo.com | L, D | Table | F6

The Great Dane Baking Company 6855 Warner Ave. 714-842-1130 GreatDaneBakery.com | E5

Buon Gusto Deli 4911 Warner Ave., #109 714-846-2600 BuonGustoHB.com | L, D | Table | E3

Pinkberry 7811 Edinger Ave., #116 714-372-3333 Pinkberry.com | F6 The Scoop on Cookies 126 Main St., #102 (on Walnut Ave.) 714-960-0400 TheScoopOnCookies.com | B6 Tomgirl Baking Co. 9048 Adams Ave. 714-965-1695 TomgirlBaking.com | C8 Yogiberry 15887 Gothard St. 714-892-8484 YogiberryTreats.com | F6 Yogurtland 9961 Adams Ave. 714-968-8212 Yogurt-Land.com | C7 Mangiamo Gelato Caffe 122 Main St. 714-536-5388 MangiamoGelatoCaffe.com | B6

japanese / sushi Bento Box 9921 Hamilton Ave. 714-963-0750 | L, D | Counter | B8 Daimon Yojimbo 16232 Pacific Coast Hwy. 562-592-4862 DaimonYojimbo.com | D, | Table | F1

juice bar / smoothies Banzai Bowls 222 5th Street 714-594-3220 Facebook.com/BanzaiBowls | B6 Jamba Juice 101 Main Street, #109 (Additional location) 714-374-3166 JambaJuice.com | B6 Robek’s 7101 Yorktown Ave., #101 714-536-6313 Robeks.com | C6

mediterranean Bona Vida 7561 Center Ave., #53 714-622-4412 BonaVidaHB.com | L, D | F6 Coach’s Mediterranean Grill 200 Main St., #105 714-969-2233 | L, D, | Table | B6 Olive Pit Mediterranean Grill 16365 Bolsa Chica St. 714-316-5000 OlivePitGrill.com | L, D | Table | F3

surf city usa restaurants | 65 George’s Mexican Food 6581 Edinger Ave. 714-892-5775 GeorgesMexicanFood.net | B, L, D | Counter | F5

The Seafood Zone 6441 McFadden Ave. 714-891-1981 TheSeafoodZone.com | L, D | Table | F5

La Rocco’s Pizzeria 327 11th St., #101 714-374-2555 LaRoccosHB.com | L, D | Counter | C5

La Capilla Mexican Restaurant 807 Adams Ave. 714-374-0342 | L, D | Table | C6

Stuffed 300 Pacific Coast Hwy., #107-B 714-960-0901 StuffedInc.com | L, D, | Counter | B6

Massimo’s Pizza 22311 Brookhurst St., #103 714-964-1888 (Cash Only) | L, D | Counter A8

Super Mex 17210 Pacific Coast Hwy. / 19684 Beach Blvd. 562-592-4849 / 714-964-1828 SuperMex.com | L, D | Table | E2 / C6 Wahoo’s Fish Taco 120 Main St. 714-536-2050 Wahoos.com | L, D | Counter | B6

Munchies Pizza 204 Adams Ave., Ste. C 714-536-6581 MunchiesPizzaHB.com | L, D, | Counter | C6 Nonna Lucci’s Pizza 19913 Beach Blvd. 714-536-1160 | L, D | Counter | C6

persian / iranian

Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing Co. 19461 Main St., #101 714-969-8000 Oggis.com | L, D | Table | C6

Green Rice Kabob 17441 Beach Blvd. 714-843-0655 GreenRiceKabob.com | L, D | Table | E6

Papa Joe’s Pizza 414 Pacific Coast Hwy. 714-969-2553 PapaJoesPizzaHB.com | L, D | Counter | B6

peruvian

Perry’s Pizza 6501 Edinger Ave. 714-891-1341 | L, D | Counter | F5

Inca Gourmet 15070 Edwards St. 714-894-5694 IncaGourmetRestaurant.com | L, D | G5 Peruvian Rotisserie Chicken 19092 Beach Blvd., Ste. S 714-987-9889 PeruvianRotisserieChicken HB.com | L, D | Counter | D6

pizza

Pizza D’Oro 8468 Indianapolis Ave. 714-536-9383 PizzaDOroHB.com | L, D | Table | C7 Pizza Lounge 301 Main St., #107 714-374-0200 HuntingtonBeachPizza.com | L, D | Counter | B6

Burtucci’s NY Pizza By the Slice 7101 Yorktown Ave., #107 714-374-7678 BurtuccisNYPizza.com | L, D | Counter | C6

Pizzarito Bella Terra 7821 Edinger Ave., #122 714-901-2838 Pizzarito.net (Cash Only) | L, D, Counter | F6

California Pizza Kitchen 7851 Edinger Ave. 714-372-3157 Cpk.com | L, D, | Table | F6

Round Table Pizza 19750 Beach Blvd. 714-963-9877 RoundTablePizza.com | L, D | Counter | C6

Frank’s Big-O Pizza & Grill 14916 Springdale St. 714-894-5321 | L, D | Counter | G4

St. George Pizza 8454 Edinger Ave. 714-515-3924 StGeorgePizza.com | L, D | Counter | F7

Hank’s West Pizza 16395 Beach Blvd. 714-841-4795 HanksWestPizza.com | L, D | Counter | F6 King’s Pizza 5908 Edinger Ave. 714-846-5555 | L, D | Counter | F4

Sunset Pizza & Pasta 16711 Pacific Coast Hwy. 562-592-1133 | L, D | Table | E2 The Firepit 3801 Warner Ave., Ste. C 714-840-8249 | L, D | Counter | E2

66 | Surf city usa restaurants Two Brothers Pizza 19065 Beach Blvd. / 6841 Warner Ave. 714-842-9838 / 714-848-0200 | L, D | Counter | D6 / E5 Z Pizza 10035 Adams Ave., #113 / 19035 Goldenwest St., #102 714-968-8844 / 714-536-3444 ZPizza.com | L, D | Counter | C8 / D5

pubs / nightclubs Avec Nightclub 18582 Beach Blvd. #121 714-963-1089 AvecNightclub.com | D6 Baja Sharkeez 211 Main St., Ste. A 714-960-5282 Sharkeez.net L, D, | Table | B6 Beachfront 301 Bar & Grill 301 Main St., #101 714-374-3399 Beachfront301.com L, D, | Table | B6 Black Bull Chop House 300 Pacific Coast Hwy., #112 (on Walnut Ave.) 714-969-6700 BlackBullChopHouse.com D, | Table | B6 Black Watch Pub 204 Adams Ave., Ste. A 714-536-3747 (Cash Only) | C6 Brew Bakers 7242 Heil Ave. 714-596-5506 BrewBakers1.com L, D | Counter | F6 Deville 424 Olive Ave. 714-374-4860 L, D, | Table | B6 G’s Boat House 200 Main Street, #101A (on Walnut Ave.) 714-969-3100 CrabbysBoatHouseHB.com L, D, | Table | B6 Gallagher’s Pub and Grill 300 Pacific Coast Hwy., #113 (on Walnut Ave.) | 714-536-2422 GallaghersPub.com L, D, | Table | B6 Hero’s Pub 714 Adams Ave., #101 714-536-1188 L, D, | Table | C6 House of Brews 16903 Algonquin St. 714-377-3893 HouseofBrewsOC.com L, D, | Table | F3

Hurricane’s Bar & Grill 200 Main St., #201 714-374-0500 HurricanesBarGrill.com L, D, | Table | B6

De Simone Bakery & Delicatessen 6850 Edinger Ave. 714-847-0922 DeSimoneDeli.com | L, D | Counter | F5

Ibiza Bar & Nightclub 18528 Beach Blvd. 714-963-7744 IbizaBarHB.com | D6

Deli-Licious 16582 Gothard St., Ste. K 714-841-2435 DeliLiciousHB.com | L | Counter | E6

Killarney Pub & Grill 209 Main St. 714-536-7887 KillarneyPubAndGrill.com | L, D | Table | B6

Fritzankotter’s 5936 Warner Ave. 714-846-4438 | L, D | Counter | E4

Marlin Bar & Grill 5874 Edinger Ave. 714-861-1465 MarlinBarHB.com L, D, | Counter | F4 Mother’s Tavern 16701 Pacific Coast Hwy. 562-592-2111 | E2 Nadine’s Irish Mist 16655 Pacific Coast Hwy. 562-592-7000 NadinesIrishMist.net L, D, | Table | E2 O’Connell’s Sports Pub & Grille 19047 Bushard St. 714-964-6741 HBOConnells.com L, D, | Table | D8 Perqs Nightclub & Sportsbar 117 Main St. 714-960-9996 PerqsBar.com | B6 Purple Feet 7240 Heil Ave. 714-596-7162 PurpleFeet-Wine.com | F6 Ringside Lounge 19092 Beach Blvd. 714-963-1300 | url? L, D, | Table | D6 Turcs 16321 Pacific Coast Hwy. 562-592-2311 TurcsCocktails.com L, D, | F1

seafood Captain Jack’s Prime Rib & Seafood Restaurant 16812 Pacific Coast Hwy. 562-592-2514 | D, | Table | E2

sandwiches

Catch of the Day 6854 Edinger Ave. 714-841-5472 | D | Table | F5

Brix Brews and NY Deli 16635 Pacific Coast Hwy. 562-592-3167 BrixSunsetBeach.com | B, L, D, | Table | E2

Duke’s 317 Pacific Coast Hwy. 714.374.6446 DukesHuntington.com | L, D | Table | B6

Coach’s Deli 221 Main St., Ste. D 714-969-2929 CoachsDeli.com | L, D, | Counter | B6

Harpoon Harry’s 16821 Pacific Coast Hwy. 562-592-5216 | L, D | Table | E2

surf city usa restaurants | 67

thai

King Neptune’s 17115 Pacific Coast Hwy. 562-592-4878 JKingNeptune.com | L, D, | Table | E2

Esther’s Place 6789 Warner Ave. 714-841-4266 (Cash Only) | L | Counter | E5

Hot and Spicy Thai 16561 Bolsa Chica St., #108 714-840-5404 | L, D | Table | F3

King’s Fish House 7691 Edinger Ave. 714-793-1177 KingsFishHouse.com | L, D, | Table | F6

Loving Hut Vegan Cuisine 19891 Brookhurst St. 714-962-6449 LovingHut.us | L, D | Counter | C8

Mike Thai Bros Bistro 8935 Atlanta Ave. 714-960-1008 MikeThaiBistro.com | L, D | Table | B7

Malibu Fish Grill 17965 Beach Blvd. 714-375-4861 MalibuFishGrill.com | L, D | Counter | E6

Mitasie 3 7636 Edinger Ave. 714-847-5262 | L, D | Table | F6

Phuket Thai Restaurant 16612 Beach Blvd., Ste. H 714-842-6882 PhuketHB.com | L, D | Table | F6

Market Broiler 20111 Brookhurst St. 714-963-7796 MarketBroiler.com | L, D | Table | C8

Mother’s Market & Kitchen 19770 Beach Blvd. 714-963-6667 MothersMarket.com | B, L, D | Table | C6

Silk Thai Cuisine 19690 Beach Blvd. 714-964-1151 GoSilkThai.com | L, D | Table | C6

Sam’s Fish Camp 16600 Pacific Coast Hwy. 562-592-2267 SamsFishCamp.com | B, L, D | Table | E2

Secret Spot 3801 Warner Ave., Ste. B 562-592-4494 | B, L, D | Counter | E2

Thai Gulf Restaurant 19072 Beach Blvd., Ste. F 714-378-6003 ThaiGulf.net | L, D | Table | D6

Slapfish 19696 Beach Blvd SlapFishSoCal.com | L, D | Counter | C6

vietnamese Photastic! 19201 Brookhurst St. 714-964-8373 | L, D | Counter | D8

Thai Pepper 18023 Beach Blvd. 714-843-9818 ThaiPepper.net | L, D | Table | E6

Zubies Dry Dock 9059 Adams Ave. 714-963-6362 ZubiesDryDock.com | B, L, D | Table | C8

wine bars Main Street Wine Company 301 Main St., #105 714-969-7400 MainStreetWineCompany.com | B6

Thai Wave 522 Main St. 714-960-0219 | L, D | Table | B6

steakhouses

Sealegs Wine Bar 21022 Beach Blvd., #105 714-536-5700 SeaLegsWine.com | B6

vegetarian / vegan

La Brique Steakhouse 14892 Springdale St. 714-897-0055 LaBriqueSteakhouseHB.com | L, D, | Table | G4

Bodhi Tree Vegetarian Café 501 Main St., Ste. E 714-969-9500 BodhiTreeHB.com | L, D | Table | B6

Huntington Beach Marketing & Visitors Bureau

301 Main Street, Suite 208 Huntington Beach, CA 92648-5171 714.969.3492 • 800.729.6232 SurfCityUSA.com

President/CEO

communications manager

Film Commissioner

Steve Bone

Madison Fisher

Briton Saxton

vP, sales & Marketing

visitor services manager

Bob Wentworth

Nicole Llido

KIOSK TOURISM MANAGERS/ COORDINATORs

Director of Sales

OFFICE MANAGER

Christopher Anderson

Jamila Tahir

1316 Third St. Promenade, #B2, Santa Monica, CA 90401 310.394.3413 • 310.394.3414 F • StrikerMedia.com

Cover Photo BY Tom hinckley

Publisher

Art Director

Lyndell F. Gooch

Ivy Brown

Kelly Evans Kevin Keller

Editor

graphic DESIGNers

Matt Jaffe

Bill Booty Dani Lemus

Operations Director

Christine Thomas Advertising Sales

Matthew Gibbons Gayle Greenberg

Editorial photos courtesy Huntington Beach Marketing & Visitors Bureau (HBMVB), Tom Hinckley, or Greg Peterson. The HBMVB is the official destination marketing organization of Huntington Beach, CA. The Bureau operates as a private non-profit 501(C)(6) corporation under city contract promoting the City of Huntington Beach as the premier overnight beach destination in Orange County and Southern California. The Huntington Beach Dining Guide is published annually by Striker Media Group in conjunction with the Huntington Beach Marketing & Visitors Bureau. All activities, dates, locations, programs, rates and times in this guide are correct as of 2/1/12. Subject to change without notice. The HBMVB and Striker Media Group have made every effort to maintain accuracy of information presented, but assume no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions. SURF CITY USA® is a registered trademark of the HBMVB.

301 Main Street, Suite 208 Huntington Beach, CA 92648-5171 714.969.3492 | 800.729.6232

Printed in the USA ÂŠ 2012