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BEST BOBA
BEST FRIES
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While there are many versions of boba drinks out there, Milk Box pushes the notion that proper milk tea should be made without artificial ingredients or flavors. From activated charcoal to ceremonial matcha, adding boba is almost an afterthought with its photo-worthy sips. Drinks are purposely crafted on the mildly sweet side, so you can actually taste what you’ve been missing out on. And with its first drive-thru (in Westminster), access to the best boba milk teas also means not having to get out of your car.
Poutine is the ultimate late-night food for people who like to share. But Haven’s grass-fed-beef poutine will turn you into a selfish, satisfied bastard. Fries are topped with gravy, Cheddar and cheese curds, but the Stemple Creek Ranch beef elevates this rustic dish. Though it might look unassuming when it comes to you in a brown takeout box, you’ll know you came to the right place to vanquish those munchies once you behold the gooey goodness. Besides, how can you go wrong with steak and cheese on top of fries?
27741 Crown Valley Pkwy., Ste. 329-5, Mission Viejo, (949) 420-9191; also at 2493 Park Ave., Ste. 42, Tustin, (714) 712-0143; and 10051 McFadden Ave., Westminster, (714) 884-4102; milkboxbar.com. READERS’ CHOICE: SHARETEA
BEST DOG-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT PARK BENCH CAFÉ The act of feeding your dog scraps off your table at a restaurant is just barbaric. Give ’em a bowl, damn it. Not only that, but also fill it with something that’s just for them. That’s only one of the aspects of the Park Bench Café that makes it the perfect place to parade your pooch. Located on the edge of Huntington Beach’s Central Park, the human/ canine eatery keeps it simple, consisting of a few scattered picnic tables with umbrellas. But the food for both species is worth a trip. While you gobble down a farm-fresh breakfast or a giant cinnamon roll, your dog will have its nose buried in its own bowl of the many cutely named dishes, including “Rover Easy” (two scrambled eggs), Hot Diggity Dog (cut-up all-beef hot dogs), Bow Wow Wow (boneless, skinless chicken filet)—you get the picture. It’ll also make a great photo for your Instagram!
17732 Goldenwest St., Huntington Beach, (714) 842-0775; www.parkbenchcafe.com. READERS’ CHOICE: LAZY DOG RESTAURANT & BAR
BEST CUPCAKE PATTY’S CAKES AND DESSERTS Sometimes success stories are as sweet as they sound. For Patty’s Cakes, it started more than 30 years ago with a single mom named Patty and her three
190 S. Glassell St., Orange, (714) 221-0680; www.havengastropub.com. READERS’ CHOICE: WURSTHAUS
TACO
BEST PERUVIAN AJI PERUVIAN CUISINE
Available from WAGS PET ADOPTION
Though the Irish may be synonymous with potatoes, the Incas practically worship them, at least when it comes to the kitchen. For proof, look no further than Aji, a Long Beach treasure that doesn’t skimp on our favorite starch. Start with the cold mashed-potato causas topped with fresh avocado and seafood and move on to the delicately fried yucca atop tangy ceviche doused in leche de tigre sauce. Even Aji’s desserts are proud to rep that spud life: The sweet potato picarones for dessert are dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with molasses—and we’re barely peeling the skin off the menu here!
2308 E. Fourth St., Long Beach, (562) 439-8545; www.ajiperuviancuisine.com. sons. Decades later, financial help from her middle son along with friends and family helped Patty open a brick-andmortar to fill with her passion for fluffy, frosted confections, including cakes, cake balls, cookies and ice cream. Trust us: The cupcakes are always the star. Combining well-crafted traditional tastes with whimsical creativity, faves such as the Elvis cupcake (banana cake with peanut butter mousse topped with bacon) and red velvet with chocolatechip mousse are small bites of heaven made from scratch, with some motherly love thrown in for good measure.
BEST DATE NIGHT STUDIO From the moment you step out of your car, the Montage goes out of its way to accommodate, even stepping out of the walkway to wish you a “Good evening” as you meander down the path to Craig Strong’s dining room. While it may be a formal experience, your server will remind you that the kitchen is more than able to assist with dining preferences. All this plus a perfect sunset view equate to a fine meal.
825 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, (714) 525-8350; pattys-cakes.com.
30801 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, (949) 715-6030; www.montagehotels.com/lagunabeach.
READERS’ CHOICE: BUBBA SWEETS
READERS’ CHOICE: BLUEGOLD
READERS’ CHOICE: CASA INKA
BEST COFFEEHOUSE TRU BRU ORGANIC COFFEE Camouflaged inside a hilly plaza, locals frequent this cozy caffeine hole for all of its coffee goodness. Housing its own fancy oven and abundant seating options, Tru Bru accommodates the bustling weekend crowds. Made-to-order sandwiches, breakfast burritos and, yes, avocado toast make it a popular spot for young families seek-
BEST OF 2017
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FOOD BEST& OFDRINK 2017
MILK BOX
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