The Taste of South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa

THE TASTE OF SOUTH COAST PLAZA

Costa Mesa, CA

South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, CA is famously known as Southern California’s Premier Shopping Center.  People from all over the world travel to South Coast Plaza to shop at some of the world’s most prestigous stores.

However, did you know that South Coast Plaza is also one of the most premier dining centers in Southern California?

South Coast Plaza is home to over forty restaurants and eateries.  They have a large variety of dining options to choose from including Chinese, Japanese, French, American and Italian.

A few years ago, my husband and I lived near South Coast Plaza.  Often times we ate at Champagne Bakery on Sundays and at Maggianos for date night.

Yet after having kids our dining preferences changed and we became frequent patrons of Ruby’s Diner and Corner Bakery.  Basically any restaurant that had a high chair and a kid friendly menu was on the top of our list.

On June 22, I was invited by a fellow blogger named Michael Walsh from Eating Around SoCal to attend The Taste of South Coast Plaza.

I also brought my good friend and fellow field tripper, Windi, along to join in on the fun.  Together we got to taste a wide variety of delicious entrees and beverages that were served by a spectacular group of restaurants from South Coast Plaza.

First up, we had to get dressed for the occasion!

Then we strolled between tasting areas as each restaurant staff kindly shared with us what they were offering as a part of the event.

We visited with zcafe first.  Do you know that zcafe was founded by the original owner of zpizza?  The name says it all.  I tried zcafe’s homemade hummus, turkey and Italian sandwiches and freshly baked cookies.

By far, my favorite zcafe selection was the Italian sandwich.  So much so, that I went back for seconds.

After zcafe, Windi went over to visit with Vie de France’s friendly staff.  She said Vie de France is her favorite restaurant in the mall and thoroughly enjoyed their cheddar bisquit and buttery crossiants.

Next, I ventured over Scott’s Restaurant and Bar.  There I met with Executive Chef Michael Doctulero and got to hear about how he uses products from local farms and sustainable fisheries to make their entrees.  On this specific occasion, Chef Doctulero served a freshly prepared organic spinach salad with pine nuts.

Quattro Caffe served a fine looking Orecchiette Pasta with Marinara and delicious tasting vanilla filled cream puffs.

Morton’s The Steakhouse served a braised beef short rib slider with sour cream and chives.  My husband told me later that Morton’s also makes a great hamburger.  i never would have thought of that.  I will have to try it sometime.

Windi and I both thought Seasons 52 Fresh Grill served the best beverage of the day – a classic ice tea sweetened with a hint of all natural sweetener.  It was truly divine!  They also served some yummy deserts including a double crusted New York style mango cheesecake and mini key lime pie.

Lawry’s Carvery offered patrons a taste of their original hand-carved prime rib sandwich and creamed corn.  Personally, Lawry’s is one of my favorite restaurants at South Coast Plaza.

To top it off, Windi and I savored a sample of Godiva’s Chocolate Banana Smoothie and Blueberry Pomegranate Smoothie truffles.  Godiva’s Smoothie Truffles are only available through the summer.

To learn more about the vast array of dining options at South Coast Plaza, please visit http://www.southcoastplaza.com/dining

Happy Dining!

Jilleen

 

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post.  We were invited to the event for review purposes only.  All opinions are our own.  Images used by permission.