Aleece in Orange

The OC's Must-Sees

[aleeceinorange]

Lido Village Books

Where: Newport Beach/Balboa Peninsula 

My first non-food recommendation post is here!

Lido Village Books is a small location but worth visiting if you're a fan of bookstores and supporting a local business. The older man with glasses who I often see there, who I'm assuming is the owner, is incredibly kind and welcoming. 

The area the bookstore is located in is currently being renovated so there isn't much else to see here at this time, but apparently within the year there should be a cafe, and other shops to enjoy. If you choose to visit now though it's at least near the water so you can take a walk around the harbor where the yachts are parked if you want.

Due to this area being so dead, there is much speculation as to how this lovely bookstore has stayed open so long. Running theories include someone incredibly wealthy owns it and keeps it running out of their own wallet or they take donations for the wealthy locals who appreciate literature. I think the latter story is most sweet so that's what I side with.

[aleeceinorange]

Seabirds Kitchen

Where: Costa Mesa

Cost: $10-$20

Seabirds Kitchen was once a vegan food truck before it found its home in Costa Mesa’s infamous anti-mall The Lab. I’ve only gone twice, and would go more if my bank account could afford it, but it’s worth every penny because you are truly paying for great quality food with natural ingredients.

I had a little fun with our waitress who was friendly and a good sport. I asked her to tell me what the most visually appealing item on the menu is and I would try it. Like any good waitress should, she replied, “Well I would say everything on the menu is visually appealing but I would recommend the Baby’s Biscuits and Gravy.”

While this item on the menu would have never stood out to me, I had just gotten paid and was feeling adventurous, so I did as I said I would and ordered it. To be safe, I also ordered a small plate of Purple Taquitos. After all, I didn’t want to starve if the recommendation turned out to be a bust.

I started with the Purple Taquitos and was not disappointed. The chipotle sauce that decorated the top of them was a treat and gave it a nice spicy kick. When I was feeling more adventurous I finally tried the biscuits and gravy and was surprised to find that it wasn’t bad at all. I like the biscuits, gravy and tofu pieces that adorned the dish. Although, I didn’t care for the kale that lay on the bottom of the dish, this is simply a personal preference and distaste for kale.

Other fun vegan items on the menu include, BBQ Jack Sliders, an assortment of taco choices, and a chaffle (yes, a churro waffle, ladies and gentlemen).

I will definitely be going back to try the chaffle...

[aleeceinorange]

Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee

Where: Costa Mesa

Price: $5-10

I was first drawn to Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee through the recommendation of a friend. He said, "Aleece, I know you have a thing for men who can dress themselves well. You should check out Sidecar." 

I'm sure he also had to know I adore all things sweet and coffee. After exploring Sidecar's website, with their full menu and great photos, I was sold. Unfortunately the times I have gone in I have not come across such dapper young men, but nonetheless, I was not disappointed with the superb doughnut selection.

I have gone to Sidecar a handful of times. The staff has always been friendly and helpful. I love that once a week they have a vegan special. If I'm not mistaken they also have a gluten-free option as well. Although I'm not vegan or gluten-free, I love places that are inclusive to a wide variety of audiences, and I think it says something positive about their company. Perhaps it says they are open-minded and in step with cultural trends & needs. 

On this particular trip I was going for their vegan treat of the week, a chocolate cake doughnut, but I decided that the Pink Lady Apple looked more appetizing. 

The Pink Lady Apple is sweet. It tastes like a doughnut, sure, but with a middle filled with apple pie bits and a delightful cream filling on top. If you can't do this much sweet, it might be great to share with a friend over coffee, but it's definitely worth trying. Especially if you love apple pie flavor like I do.

Another aspect about this locally owned business that I respect and admire is that they are rocking their social media accounts. Be sure to check them out on their Instagram and follow them to be updated on new flavors and other Sidecar treats.

[aleeceinorange]

Alta Coffee & Restaurant

Where: Newport Beach

Price: $5-15

Alta Coffee & Restaurant, or just Alta for short, is the token town coffee house in Newport Beach. This former bookstore turned cafe is tucked away in a quite area off 32nd street. Unfortunately this place has a reputation for going through staff seemingly quickly and probably because they have a reputation for hiring grumpy people but every other customer will come back for the quality drinks!

My personal favorite drinks to order are the Toffee Latte (seen in the photo above) or their Chia Latte (which is heaven sent). On occasion I will have their nachos or quesadillas for lunch and I enjoy them quite a bit. I've also had their breakfast burrito once and it's the size of my forearm. You could cut it in threes and have it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Their menu is worth exploring but I feel what they do best is drinks.

I love that they have an open mic night, the occasional jazz band, and other neat musical options each month. They also have the art or photos of local artists hanging on their walls which I respect a great deal. The culture, and candles on the tables, make it the perfect casual yet subtly romantic place to bring your OKCupid date. 

Be warned though, if you don't specify whether or not you want a small drink or a large drink, or the half size portion or the full, they will never ask which you want, assume you want the biggest, and charge you for all of it. I've noticed this with several different waitresses so I'm assuming this is a sketchy sales tactic which disappoints me. This place most definitely isn't known for their kind or honest customer service. There is only one man I see there working their often who seems like he doesn't hate his life. 

Alta is incredibly busy during lunch time and weekends, so if you can go in the afternoon, before dinner, you will beat the crowds. I don't go back their as much as I used to but if I am ever looking for a really good drink and don't mind the generally terrible customer service I will head there with a friend or good book.

[aleeceinorange]

Kaiten Sushi Bar

Where: Costa Mesa

Price: $5 (although my friend generously offered to pay for my lunch this time)

The first time I went to Kaiten was about three years ago. It was while on a horrible date--the boy chewed with his mouth open and tried really hard to be funny by talking loudly in a British accent. I was thoroughly embarrassed but I remember liking the food. Then I couldn't remember where the restaurant had been or the name of it so I never went back again--until yesterday by chance.

Two girl friends of mine invited me along for sushi and I didn't realize it was the same place until we walked in and had a flashback to the terrible fake British accent. I was pleased to have rediscovered the spot again. In the three years I had been away, it remained as great as I remembered.

I ordered two plates of cucumber sushi and took one small cheesecake from the merry-go-round thing. I'm sure it has a name. I don't know what it's called and I'm not sure I care to learn. I'm liking merry-go-round thing.

While the sushi was generally good and the staff kind, it was the cheesecake that truly won me over, because it was phenomenal. 

The cheesecake was so good, I even dreamt about it that night, that a friend and I went back to have some and it just wasn't as good. Perhaps that was a nightmare?

[aleeceinorange]

C' est Si Bon Bakery

Where: Newport Beach

Price: $7.35

I’d been meaning to go into C’est Si Bon Bakery over a year ago when I first moved to Newport. I heard only great things, just never found a time to go, and venture out of my comfort zone that is the peninsula. After a friend started working there, I figured that now was a better time than ever to check it out, and I’m glad I finally did.

It was an 85 degree day in Newport Beach, the sun was out, and not a cloud in sight. The hot walk from my office to the bakery on my lunch break left me in no mood for hot coffee and sugary treats so I asked my friend what she would recommend. She said I should try the veggie sandwich (because I’m a vegetarian) and their iced tea.

Now I’ve never been a fan of iced tea, but their iced tea hit the spot, and I’ve been obsessed with iced tea since. Being a sucker for anything oranges or anything orange flavored, I was won over by their nontraditional use of orange slices in their iced tea drink as well.

The great thing about their sandwich set up is that you’re able to mark your to-go bag with the specific ingredients you want your sandwich to be made up of. Baguette or croissant? I went with croissant, all the veggies, and yellow mustard. I can’t complain. After the first bite I knew I would be going back again and soon.

The only qualm I might have with the bakery, and it’s not really an issue for me being patient in these matters, is the lunch rush. I could see how it might bother some impatient people since the informal ordering set up can be a bit overwhelming and confusing for a first timer.

Come fall and winter I will most definitely be heading back to try their hot drinks and pastries.

[aleeceinorange]

Hi, I'm Aleece. I've lived in Orange County about four years now. I moved here for college where I attended UC Irvine to receive my Bachelor's Degree in English. Everyone would ask, "What are you going to do with that? Be a teacher?" I should have said, "No, start a blog."

I wanted to start The OC's Must-Sees for a couple of reasons. One of them being that when I first chose to attend UCI I'd never been to Orange County before and I had no idea upon arriving what to do with myself. For the first year I rarely ventured out and stuck to the small 'Anteater' community. Now with a few years of experience under my belt, a good grip on the bus system (thanks to GoogleMaps), and a lot of time exploring the surrounding areas, I feel confident in making suggestions to other new OC dwellers who are quickly seeking the "hidden gems" of Orange County. I feel as though the places I review could easily be appealing to current residents and tourists alike. I plan to review places to eat, places to shop, or even places for a nice walk. I'm open to suggestions as well. If this interests you, stay tuned!