Baja Fish Tacos- Always Fresh and Delicious!

I’m sure at one point in your life you’ve tried and fell in love with Rubio’s fish tacos. It’s the best chain restaurant taco out there (and I try not to eat at chain restaurants often). Orange County is a hit or miss when it comes to good eats. Add healthy or fresh on top of that, and it makes the search even harder. So it is very fortunate that I found a place like Baja Fish Tacos.

Baja Fish Tacos is the mom and pop restaurant equivalent to Rubio’s Mexican Grill. If you think their fish tacos are bomb, then you’ve got to try this joint. This hole-in-the-wall has become increasingly popular to the locals. Located in a shopping Center off Bristol and MacArthur, Baja Fish Taco’s knows how to hit the spot when it comes to fresh Mexican food. And it’s one of those healthier alternatives. But their food is still good.

One Fish Taco Plate

For my last day at a previous job, my coworkers took me to Baja Fish Tacos. I’ve been coming here ever since (Luckily my current job is not far away from this place). I chose Baja because a friend of mine told me the rice was worth trying. I’m picky with my Mexican food too (especially tacos and enchiladas) but she thoroughly convinced me that it would be worth it. I ordered the one fish taco plate (usually I’d get a two fish taco plate but I wasn’t as hungry for lunch that day) ensenada style (it’s not an option on the menu but just request it and they’ll definitely do it for you). The taco itself was truly AMAZING. It had just enough fish, cabbage and white sauce and the soft shell was perfect. The black beans were just right and I added a bit of lime and salsa to it. They have a fresh salsa bar with these spicy pickled onions that really kicked in your mouth. But the rock star of the entire dish was actually the rice. There must be something in it because my mama does not make her rice like this! And I was right; they add coconut butter/oil to the rice. It's a nice whole food alternative to margarine or regular butter and adds a kick of flavor. This food is not as greasy looking as many Mexican inspired dishes I’ve seen but it sure is appetizing.

Salsa Bar

After the lunch rush

The atmosphere really depends on the time of day. I’ve been there both times. When it’s busy (lunch rush), the service was still quick and good. And because this is a cheap eats place, why wouldn't it be crowded? When it’s after lunch the place is almost empty but the staff will certainly not ignore you. I would say the only difference between lunch rush and other times is the noise level. The service is without a doubt always going to be good any time of the day.

Other Hot Items at Baja Fish Tacos (Tried these as well and they were just as appetizing!)

Chicken Baja Bowl

Chips and guacamole

Blackened Fish Burrito

So all you Rubio’s lovers (who live in OC) should take a chance on this hidden gem. I have favorite fish taco joints in San Diego and Los Angeles- never thought I’d find one in Orange County. Baja Fish Tacos is definitely a restaurant for healthy AND Delicious eats for your happy living.

This Baja Fish Tacos is located in the Shopping center next to Vons off MacArthur and Bristol:

3664 South Bristol Street  Santa Ana, CA 92704

Visit http://bajafishtacos.com/ to find more locations

Avanti Café: Eat Well, Live Well

How would you like to go to a restaurant that’s dubbed guilt-free eating? Does one such place exist? It sure does and I’ve got the inside scoop just for you!

Health conscious food lovers have it bad when it comes to finding something delicious and healthy. Two passionate food lovers decided to do something about this dilemma. I give you: Avanti Café. Avanti is a cozy little restaurant. The service is personable and the ambiance is ideal for a small group. Located in a strip mall 17th Street near Orange Ave in Costa Mesa, this little spot is brilliant when it comes to local, organic and seasonal ingredients.

The Avanti "Hot" Taco

Hot Taco plate

Fresh fruit bowl starter

I went at the right time, during brunch. Their brunch special is only $13 for any entree, which includes tea and a fruit bowl for appetizer. I tried their hard-shell taco, recognized as one of the best tacos in OC Weekly. Now coming from the most southern end of San Diego and growing up surrounded by taco shops at every corner and my mom making a lot of Spanish inspired dishes, I get very picky with my tacos, let alone Mexican cuisine. Though a friend of mine who is good friends with the chefs told me these tacos are to die for. What’s my verdict? I think I died and went to heaven. I’m a meat-eater; I fill my taco to the brim with every fatty filling out there. But this taco just hits the spot. You are served two tacos and after your last bite you have the feeling of satisfaction. You won’t want more tacos not because it wasn’t good, but because you’ll be full- and not the bloated food coma full. It’s like the three bears; some taco joints make you feel too stuffed. Others didn’t feed you enough. Avanti’s tacos are just right. Needless to say it was a appetizing.

Avanti tables are Eco-friendly

Avanti’s greatest challenge is not in the food nor the service, but the association it has been categorized into. I’m not saying the word “healthy” because we all know there are a few restaurants out there that have conquered healthy AND delicious. I’m talking about two other words. There is resistance from meat eaters of vegetarian and vegan joints. The resistance comes from the typecast impression associated with the words “Vegan” and “Vegetarian”. And that’s a real shame because there really are people who block out eateries for being vegan or vegetarian type. Remember the taco’s I told you about? Well that dish is vegan and gluten free. Avanti is heavily supplied with vegan dishes that are truly indulgent for the non-vegan. Let’s get one thing straight; I’m a medium-well steak, baked-potato and corn slaw kind of gal. So the fact that I enjoy the food here should tell you something. Non-vegans will hardly notice the lack of meat and will overcome that resistance of certain places because Avanti is friendly. It's not your average Vegan joint, it's better.

I got a chance to meet Mark and Tanya, the founders and head chefs of Avanti Café. Every dish is hand crafted by Mark and Tanya and you can truly taste the love they put into every bite. I’m getting to know more about the restaurant and their amazing story. I’ll be going there quite often so fair warning; you’ll see multiple blogs about these guys. I promise to try something different each time though!

Avanti is one of those hole-in-the-walls that are worth finding. Like the old saying, don’t judge a restaurant by it’s location (in a strip mall) or food type (Vegan/Vegetarian), It really is a surprise. It’s worth the traffic and worth every penny. Try walking in sometime.


Visit Avanti at http://www.avantinatural.com/
259 E. 17th St. Costa Mesa, CA 92627

Food Truck Extravaganza

As a foodie, sooner or later you’ll find yourself on the hunt for food trucks. No need to search this time, you can simply find them weekly on Thursday (12pm-10pm) at the OC Fair until it ends on August 12th, then the two following weeks (22nd-30th) on Wednesday (5:30pm-9pm) & Thursday (11am-2pm).



Once you arrive, you’ll be faced with the decision of which truck to choose. Aside from variety of extreme menu options that change daily for each truck, you'll notice the lines containing other hungry foodies. Do you go with the trend, jump in at the end of the longest line in hopes that it will be worth the extra wait, hit up the short line to get your food fast, enjoy it, but wonder if you missed out somewhere, or divide your group and conquer it all? That choice is yours, but don’t be worried, there is no wrong decision.



My previous journey took me past the Lobster truck, past Seabirds, and a short debate of whether to wait in the longest line for the Cheese truck. Letting my taste buds that evening and the menu of each truck guide me, I wound up in a good sized line for the Lime Truck. They definitely did not disappoint.



After the wait, the friendly staff that even offered free hugs served up my order of one duck confit sopa and one ultimate taco. Sorry, I just couldn't wait to take a bite. The crisp sopa on the bottom was the perfect canvas for the tender marinated duck, tangy BBQ sauce, sour cream, and a dash of hot sauce balanced well together with a light crunch of onions for one delicious bite. So good, it brought my friend to tears. That's tasty! The ultimate taco, living up to its name, was filled with slow roasted pulled pork, homemade guacamole, chipotle honey slaw, and cotija cheese. The taco may take 2nd place this time, but not by much, every bite was mouth-watering.



The gourmet food trucks always leave me with a smile, even guessing sometimes on what to try as the trucks change-up their menus now and then. If you haven’t already, it’s about time to let your taste buds shine with a delectable foodie adventure with the food trucks of OC.

Cheap Eats, Yummm!

Always looking to find some good food and low cost? Who isn't?



Sometimes the best places to eat at are the hardest ones to find. Recently I stumbled into the Japanese Marketplace Mitsuwa for some groceries in Costa Mesa. Soon I realized that it was more than just a place for interesting groceries, but also contained a food court, jackpot!



Usually crowded, the food court has options like tempura, curry, udon, ramen, sushi and rice bowls ranging from $5-$12 per plate. Guarantee you'll leave stuffed and the food is served in actual bowls and plates, giving it a step up from styrofoam you normally find at a food court.



After scoping out the variety of options, the BBQ Pork Won Ton Soup and some Milk Tea with Boba caught my eye. The boba is always good and comes in a variety of flavors. The won ton soup broth was tasty, the pork just melted with each bite, and I'd definitely go back for those won tons. Even some bok choy to make me feel on the healthy side.



Which dishes will you end up on your plate?

Eating at the OC Fair

Wondering what to do or what to eat this month? Now til August 12th, the OC Fair is in town and serving up every delicious, bizarre, and extreme foods you never would have thought of.

When you're hungry, look to the many options such as turkey legs, corn on the cob, wings, BBQ anything, burgers, gyros, fries, deep fried Klondike bar, deep fried cereal, deep fried anything really, and more... yes please!

Then of course, when your sweet tooth is kicking in, maybe some fudge, a little ice cream, a variety of caramel apples, cupcakes, snow cones, cinnamon roles, and chocolate bacon, if you count that as dessert.


This adventure to the OC Fair left me with one giant hot dog from Juicy's followed by a towering funnel cake, both big enough to share! They weren't kidding when they said said it was a "Giant Western Hot Dog," extra grilled veggies, and topped with my standard favorite toppings of ketchup, mustard, and relish.


So what will you choose when you take the step to the OC Fair?

What's for Breakfast?

Second thing in the morning, after the coffee is made of course, the question lies, what's for breakfast? It is the 'most important meal of the day', so you have to make it count. Reach in to the fridge, pull out some ingredients and let your mind go to work.

One of my favorite items is a homemade Egg McMuffin, it's pretty easy too!
Items needed: English Muffin, diced garlic, salt, pepper, olive oil, (1-2) eggs, favorite cheese, ham, and my special ingredient, submarine dressing

1) Toast an English Muffin
2) In a heated pan, add olive oil, then egg(s), top with salt/pepper/garlic, cook on 1-side til desired level
3) Flip egg to lightly cook the top side keeping the yoke in tact
4) Add submarine dressing to the English muffin
5) Layer the English muffin with the egg(s), cheese
6) In the pan from before, add ham just to get it hot and to absorb some salty garlic flavors
7) Add Ham on top, melting the cheese and close it making your homemade Egg McMuffin

Bon Appetite!

Healthy Eating. Happy Living.

In this day and age, when our stomach tells us it's time for some food, we're always faced with that dilemma: should I choose healthy or delicious? But why should we sacrifice one or the other? There are eateries out there that are more than willing to provide both healthy AND delicious. That's where I come in. I am here to help you find those places that will make you more than satisfied while savoring every bite without having to feel sluggish and guilty afterwards. My three-part checklist includes: healthy, delicious, and happy. To those of you who have restaurants/home town eateries near and dear to your heart (I sure do), fear not! I plan to blog about healthy eateries as well as finding healthier options at our favorite restaurants.

Join me (and my blog) for healthy eating and happy living. It's about time we have fun being healthy :)