Image taken from http://www.orangecountyrestaurantweek.com/

No one can deny the amount of great food Orange County has to offer. And though I can usually be found enjoying the popular greasy carne asada fries or sharing a massive traditional calzone — all which can be found in the OC — I also like to make the occasional venture into some of the “fine dining” restaurants, which are plentiful in Orange County, as well.

Throughout the week of February 22nd through the 28th, a number of restaurants will be participating in this year’s Orange County Restaurant Week. A few I have visited, recognized the names of a handful more, but the majority of restaurants are completely new to me.

What is OC Restaurant Week About?

Restaurant Week features and celebrates the many fine dining restaurants that spread across Orange County. Each restaurant has compiled their own specialized prix fixed menu at prices of $20, $30, and $40 for dinner, or $10 and $20 for lunch.  Although not exactly cheap eats, each meal includes three courses or items, giving us the opportunity to really try a variety of foods, such as dessert, which if you’re like me, usually end up skipping.

All in all, Orange County Restaurant Week is just a great way to fully enjoy (from appetizer to dessert) what many of us would consider to be out of our price range.  Just by clicking randomly,

• I can order a Seared Peppered Ahi Tuna, Prime Rib, and Raspberry Creme Brulee for $30 at Chart House in Dana Point and Newport Beach; or
• French Onion Soup, Filet Mignon, Coconut Cream Pie, and a Mai Tai (wow, even a cocktail) for $30 at Royal Hawaiian in Laguna Beach; or
• Chicken Spring Rolls, ‘Voodoo Steak’, and Chocolate Souffle Cake at Savannah Chop House in Laguna Niguel; or
• Calamari Friti, Ravioletti di Mamma Pina, Sogliola alla Milanese, and Cannolo Siciliano for dessert at a price of $40 at Antonello Ristorante in Santa Ana.

How Do I Participate in Restaurant Week?

Just get out there! There are no special tickets, no secret codes, or any requirements to take part in this event. All you need to bring with you is money and an appetite! Reservations are recommended, though.

For a list of participating restaurants and their prix fixed menus, visit the official Orange County Restaurant Week Web site.

Where Are You Going, Justin?

For me, the best part about this event is the opportunity to experience new restaurants. Living off a teacher’s salary, I can’t exactly choose to eat at a restaurant every night. However, when I do head out next week, I’ll be checking out Rockin’ Baja Coastal Cantina in Newport Beach or Savannah at the Beach in Huntington Beach.

Why? Because I randomly clicked them. Be adventurous — try some place new with me.