Spreads at the Ranch
SPURS ON A wall made of belts in the restaurant, a glittering guitar chandelier in the saloon.... No expense has been spared and no detail overlooked at The Ranch, making its stunning debut nearly seven years after the demise of the Crazy Horse that inspired it. An oasis of sophistication and fun in an Anaheim business park, the venue distinguishes itself as both culinary and country-western destination. Owner Andrew Edwards’ vision is flawlessly executed by Napa Rose alums chef Michael Rossi and master sommelier Michael Jordan. Rossi serves up creative American fare amid cedar beams and flagstone using produce from Edwards’ nearby farm. The shimmering saloon, where you’ll find two long bars, a sunken dance floor and a country-music concert stage, has a separate entrance. Both occupy the bottom floor of Edwards’ Extron building; on the sixth floor is a 50-seat private dining room and city-view banquet facility. p. 30
One Last Foie In 2004, animal-rights lobbyists won a statewide ban on foie gras, one of the glories of French cuisine, when thenGov. Arnold Schwarzeneggar signed a bill criminalizing the sale of the fattened liver of a goose or a duck. Lawmakers gave chefs and foie-gras fans eight years to come to grips with the decree, but barring a miracle, as of July 2012, the time to enjoy the extraordinarily rich yet silken delicacy is up. Get it while you can, and make a culinary memory.
Here are likely spots to find superb foie gras—but call to confirm it’s on the evening’s menu: Brasserie Pascal in Newport Beach (p. 34), Charlie Palmer in Costa Mesa (p. 30), French 75 in Laguna Beach (p. 34), Gemmell’s in Dana Point (p. 34), Marché Moderne in Costa Mesa (p. 34), Napa Rose in Anaheim (p. 32), Pinot Provence in Costa Mesa (p. 34), Stonehill Tavern in Dana Point (p. 32), Studio in Laguna Beach (p. 32) and The Winery in Tustin (p. 33).
Foie gras at Marché Moderne
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