Notes from a Neighbor Articles

98 - Mar / Apr 20

With the rise of the up-and-coming culinary corridor on 4th Street in Downtown Santa Ana, the new Bird & Barrel restaurant is more proof of the area’s uptrend. This latest culinary addition to Santa Ana’s restaurant scene features poultry-centric Asian fusion cuisine. “The intent of... Read More →

With the rise of the up-and-coming culinary corridor...

Huskins Coffee Company

97 - Jan / Feb 20

In the continuing revitalization efforts of the City of Santa Ana, the East First St. area is a location to keep an eye on. With new residential and business development in this corridor, a number of upscale establishments are moving into the area. These include... Read More →

In the continuing revitalization efforts of the City...

Benchmark

96 - Nov / Dec 19

In the shadows of historic church bells that ring in a nearby tower in the heart of Santa Ana is the new modern eatery known as Benchmark. Since opening its doors this past July, the upscale casual restaurant has quickly gained in popularity. Occupying the... Read More →

In the shadows of historic church bells that...

Alta Baja Market & Café

95 - Sep / Oct 19

If you want to experience the “new” Santa Ana, Alta Baja Market & Café is the perfect spot to do so. Located at the 4th Street Market, the grocery store/café/ educational space celebrates the foods and crafts of California, Mexico and the American Southwest. Offering... Read More →

If you want to experience the “new” Santa...

OmG–Omakase

by Gino

93 - May / Jun 19

Taste the sushi of Gino Choi, owner of OmG—Omakase by Gino, and you’ll likely be surprised to discover that making sushi dishes began as a hobby for him. The superior, ultra-delicious flavor of his sushi shows you that a true master is at work. Gino... Read More →

Taste the sushi of Gino Choi, owner of...

Coffee Muse

with Proprietor Richardo Matinez

92 - Mar / Apr 19

When customers walk into the Coffee Muse, owner Ricardo Martinez is happy to see them stop in their tracks. “After a few steps, people will often say, wow, I like the vibes in here!” says Martinez, who opened Coffee Muse in June 2018 on East... Read More →

When customers walk into the Coffee Muse, owner...

Distilling High Quality Spirits

at the Blinking Owl

91 - Jan / Feb 19

In a transition decidedly unique to Down Town Santa Ana, former owners of an art gallery decided to launch Orange County’s first craft distillery and tasting room. Located on Washington Ave. and Santiago in Santa Ana, the Blinking Owl Distillery is owned by Brian and... Read More →

In a transition decidedly unique to Down Town...

Taking a Vacation

with Chris Parker & Harry Kho

90 - Nov / Dec 18

Amidst the continuing metamorphosis of Downtown Santa Ana is a cocktail lounge and restaurant featuring a romantic atmosphere that expertly blends the past and potential future. Known as Vacation, the hot gathering spot at 4th Street and Sycamore lives up to its name by offering... Read More →

Amidst the continuing metamorphosis of Downtown Santa Ana...

Electric City Butcher

with Michael Puglisi

83 - Sep / Oct 17

When Michael Puglisi visited his cousin living in Fondachelli Fantina, Sicily in 2012, the executive chef returned with an idea for a revolutionary culinary addition to Downtown Santa Ana. “My cousin runs one of two butcher shops in his town,” says Puglisi, co-owner of Santa... Read More →

When Michael Puglisi visited his cousin living in...

Mix Mix

with Ross Pangilinan

82 - Jul / Aug 17

Like many inspired chefs who develop a signature cuisine, Ross Pangilinan wanted to open his own restaurant so he could cook the way he likes to eat. After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Pasadena and working in top-notch kitchens in... Read More →

Like many inspired chefs who develop a signature...