» BEST
FOOD HALL
JEFF GRITCHEN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Adya Fresh Indian Flavors is just one of the more than 40 eateries at the Anaheim Packing District.
1. Anaheim Packing House 440 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim; 714-533-7225; anaheimpackingdistrict.com The Anaheim Packing District scores on two fronts. It is a destination in its own right, with a collection of historic buildings arrayed around the 1919 Spanish-style Packing House that harks back to the area’s agricultural roots. “We honor this tradition by hand selecting food and beverage purveyors to repurpose this grand hall into a community gathering place with live music and seasonal celebrations,” said Devon Reeves of the district’s community and tenant relations. “We were inspired by Anaheim’s rich history and culture and the photos of Anaheim’s early immigrant farmers, who settled on these very streets. And then there is the food. Don’t forget the food. This is no mall food court, but a magnet for diners of all tastes looking for something unique, trendy and delicious. The district encompasses more than 40 eclectic eateries that cater to almost any palette, from spicy ethnic to comfort food, from the savory to the very sweet. In the Packing House check out White Elephant, modern Thai, the award-winning Le Parfait Paris, bakery and cafe, or the Sacred Junk Bar, for “conscious cocktails” in an outdoor Tibetan resort-feel setting of all things. Or wander over to the Farmer’s Park greenhouse for “chef-driven farm-to-fork” meals.
— Greg Mellen
2. Mess Hall Market
3. The Hall Global Eatery
The 12,000-square-foot Mess Hall Market made big waves when it splash-landed in Tustin in 2019. Packed with 10 very different food concepts, the Mess Hall continues to tickle the taste buds. Food choices include the popular and always crowded Vaka burger, which food critic Brad A. Johson said “doesn’t make burgers for amateurs” that are “exactly what’s missing from modern food courts.“ You can also grab sandwiches, Greek street food, lobster rolls, chicken, Mexican and pizza. Or relax with a handmade cocktail from an “avant garde” mixologist at The Bar @ Flight or an organic latte from the Lost Bean. There’s plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, including patios, shaded areas with umbrellas and a fireplace for cool nights. The Mess Hall Market is next to the Tustin Legacy Park. For your postmeal constitutional, the back door opens out to 26 acres of trails and open walking space.
With multiple dining options under one roof, The Hall Global Eatery, at South Coast Plaza, was another highly anticipated culinary venture for Orange County diners. “Top Chef” finalist Amar Santana and restaurateur Ahmed Labbate joined forces to create the eclectic eatery inside a 7,845-square-foot space with a 1,500-square-foot patio. The hall is home to a Mediterranean grill with foods such as shawarma wraps, kabobs and combos with hand-carved lamb, chicken, beef or falafel. Available side dishes include hummus or spicy hummus, beet salad, babaganoush, taboule and tzatziki. Kids not ready to get their Greek on can have grilled cheese with fries. The Patisserie features coffees, pastries and croissants, coffee, salads and sandwiches. There is a raw bar with 15 choices of seasonal crudo, plus oysters on the half-shell, shellfish and caviar and a cheese and charcuterie bar.
1705 Flight Way, Tustin; 949333-2114; messhalltustin.com
3333 Bristol Street, Ste. 1876, Costa Mesa, 714-515-5544, thehallge.com
82 THE BEST OF ORANGE COUNTY SEPTEMBER 2021
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