LivingSocial has a great deal for Roscoe’s Famous Deli in Fullerton today.  You can get $30 to spend on food and drinks for $15 at Roscoe’s Famous Deli.  It’s a great deal especially if you were already planning on checking them out after my review.  I’ve bought one for myself because I’m really looking forward to trying more of their awesome sandwiches.

Roscoe's Famous Deli - Pastrami Ruben

Roscoe’s Famous Deli is located a 119 W. Commonwealth Ave, in Fullerton, near Harbor Blvd.

Here is the fine print from the LivingSocial deal.

Limit 1 per table per visit for parties up to 4, limit 2 vouchers for parties of 5 or more • Dine-in only (not valid for takeout or delivery) • Gratuity not included (Be nice and tip on the pre-discounted total!) • Other conditions apply • Promotional value expires on December 20, 2011

Act quick the deal is for one day only!

Old Towne Orange Farmers and Artisans Market

Only a couple weeks away for Orange’s new Farmers Market!

Old Towne Orange to Celebrate Grand Opening of Weekly Farmers & Artisans Market on Saturday, May 7th

Market to be held weekly at Chapman University’s Historic Villa Park Orchards Packinghouse
Parking Lot at Cypress & Palm Avenues from 8 am – 12 noon

OLD TOWNE ORANGE, CALIF. – Orange Home Grown, Inc. announced today the Grand Opening of the Certified Farmers & Artisans Market in Old Towne Orange, Calif., on Saturday, May 7, 2011, from 8:00 a.m. – 12 noon, at Chapman University’s Historic Villa Park Orchards Packinghouse parking lot located at the northwest corner of Cypress and Palm Avenue.

Old Towne Orange’s Farmers & Artisans Market’s Grand Opening is slated to be a lively celebration to kick off a season of family fun with approximately 20 booths, a wide array of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, specialty food items, food sampling, children’s activities, and more. Sodexo Services at Chapman University will offer complimentary coffee and cake, while quantities last. Recyclable tote bags will be given out to the first 200 patrons. There will also be a raffle to win a giant “Market basket,” and the opportunity to meet Orange Mayor Carolyn Cavecche and City Councilwoman Tita Smith at the ribbon cutting ceremony at 8:00 a.m.

According to Megan Penn, Orange resident, president and co-founder of Orange Home Grown, Inc., the non-profit organization that is operating the farmers market, “Some of the farmers and food artisans will be providing samples of the items they will be selling. There will be a certified dietitian at the market’s education booth handing out information including recipes, articles the dietitian has written on certain foods, and more. There will also be activities for children such as a scavenger hunt to search for different types of fruits and vegetables at the market. There will also be a non-profit booth featuring local non-profits in the community, sharing information about their organizations and ways to get involved.”

Old Towne Orange’s Farmers & Artisans Market is the first Saturday farmer’s market to be held in Old Towne. The organizers plan to grow the event to up to 30 booths, the limit their permit currently allows.

Orange Mayor Carolyn Cavecche said, “The Farmers & Artisans Market will provide a venue for community members to sell and buy their own produce, find information about local organizations and how they can get involved, and enjoy family entertainment on a weekly basis. We are grateful to everyone who has participated in making this weekly market a reality.”

“It’s a win-win for all: fresh food for our tables and support for local growers,” said Orange Councilwoman Tita Smith. “I can’t wait to have farm fresh food within walking distance every Saturday right here in Old Towne.”

Gabbi Patrick, executive chef/owner of Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen, located on Glassell Street in Old Towne Orange’s landmark Orange Plaza, has been instrumental in cultivating relationships with farmers for the Saturday Farmers market and has been working fervently to make sure their crops hold up to the highest standards before selecting them. With her husband Ed, the Patricks have formed a coalition of local chefs, dedicated to supporting Old Towne Orange Farmers & Artisans Market.

“We’ve been waiting for a farmer’s market to come to Old Towne Orange,” Gabbi said. “It’s going to be a wonderful way to attract more business to Old Town, and in turn support our local businesses. I am also excited for the local chefs’ participation and the win-win relationships we can build with our local farmers.”

Gabbi plans to use the fresh vegetables and fruit purchased at the market in her weekly menu. The Patricks’ enthusiasm and support for local farmers and their yearning for a weekend farmers market have helped make this community effort a huge success, said Orange resident Brian Kunisch, Orange Home Grown’s board secretary.

“In addition to Gabbi and Ed Patrick, we are thankful for the incredible support and enthusiasm that this community and businesses outside of the City have demonstrated over the many months to help us launch Old Towne Orange Farmers & Artisans Market. We are grateful to Chapman University for donating the market’s location and all that they have done to assist us,” Kunisch added. Other sponsors include PennySaverUSA.com, KTGY Group, pprwrkstudio, Slow Food Orange County, and The Memphis Group.

Chapman University’s Vice President of Campus Planning & Operations Kris Olsen, said, “Chapman University is honored to lend our historical citrus packing plant site to such a worthy venture. Anticipation is running high amongst the university community about having the opportunity to purchase locally grown produce at a Farmers Market practically in our own backyard.”

According to Diego Velasco, the executive chef and co-founder of The Memphis Group, which has two restaurants outside of Orange (Memphis at the Santora in Santa Ana and the Memphis Cafe in Costa Mesa), “I am very excited about having a chef-driven, farmers and artisans market available to Orange County chefs/restaurateurs such as myself. The ability to interact directly with the growers and producers at the local level not only translates well to our menus but also provides for excellent food practices and choices.”

Tricia Esser, CEO of architecture and planning firm KTGY Group, Inc. in Irvine, and where Penn is a senior project planner, said, “KTGY is pleased to support Orange Home Grown, its mission and this community. KTGY is dedicated to sustainable practices and wants to assist Orange Home Grown in feeding and educating the community about important sustainable practices that can mean a healthier, more eco-friendly lifestyle.”

“Farmers markets provide consumers with a reliable supply of fresh, locally-grown produce,” said Carolyn Cramp, an Orange Home Grown board member and an Orange native. “They also give growers and food artisans the opportunity to sell directly to consumers, and that means more money in the pockets of local farmers.”

Orange Home Grown’s board treasurer and Orange resident Betsy Elliott said that they are hoping to add more artisans that make jams, olive oils, avocado oils, salad dressings and rubs; any type of specialty food items. For information about how to become a vendor, please contact the Market Manager Brandon Kunkle at 714.348.8158 or brandonohg@gmail.com.

Old Towne Orange’s Farmers & Artisans Market will run weekly from 8:00 am – 12 noon every Saturday through November, rain or shine.

About Orange Home Grown, Inc.
Orange Home Grown, Inc. (OHG) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization founded by nine Orange, California residents Megan Penn, Betsy Elliott, Brian Kunisch, Carolyn Cramp, Martha Turner, Nedra Kunisch, Vicky Kisow, Matthew Ludin, and Kirsten Trautwein, dedicated to operating a local Saturday farmers and artisans market in the city of Orange and bringing an awareness of healthy living to their community. Orange Home Grown Inc.’s primary mission is to cultivate a healthy community through family-friendly and community-based education programs in collaboration with like-minded community organizations. Emphasis is placed on wholesome nutrition, sustainable practices, health and fitness, and strengthening neighborhood and community relationships. Education and events are geared to all ages and income levels. For more information or to sign up for their quarterly newsletter, visit http://www.orangehomegrown.org or Facebook.

 

Image via Wikipedia

I just got word from the folks working on opening the Ruby’s Diner at the Orange Depot near Old Towne Orange that they are planning on opening April 19th if the rest of their preparation goes well.  It’s been a long project for them that has taken almost 2 years to fruition but it appears to nearly be ready to pay off.  For updates on the progress check out their Facebook page at Ruby’s Diner Orange Depot.  I will post some pictures I’ve taken on the building and it’s progress later but for now have a look at some of the pictures they have shared.

Ruby's Diner Orange Depot

Heard from one of the waitstaff that the Filling Station in Orange will be having a soft launch for dinner tonight.  More information about this later.  Going to check it out tonight.

I just got word on their Facebook page that the much anticipated Chapter One: the modern local in Santa Ana will officially open today.  I’ve been keeping an eye close on Chapter One when I found out one of the guys involved was one of the original guys involved with Haven Gastropub.  No word on if the full menu will be available but they will be at least serving drinks for St. Patrick’s Day!

Unfortunately there is limited information on their menu at this time all I know for sure is they are serving (new) American style food and also tapas (small plate) food, and they strive to have interesting alcohol choices including many brands that are fair trade, and less environmentally impacting.  Looking forward to checking them out when I have some free time.  If you go there please share with us how your visit was.

Hours of Operation: Weekend Brunch: 10:00am – 2:00pm
Lunch: Monday – Friday: 11:00am – 5:00pm, Saturday – Sunday: 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Dinner: Nightly: 5:00pm – 2:00am

Chapter One: the modern local
227 N Broadway
Santa Ana, CA 92701
714-352-2225

2009 Tomatoes

I forgot to post a reminder about the Fullerton College Horticulture Department  Tomato Sale that was just this past weekend.  I was able to swing by there on Saturday morning and get a nice assortment of tomatoes and peppers, including a Brandywine!  If you haven’t got your tomatoes yet, it’s not too late, the Fullerton Arboretum is having their annual “Monster Tomato and Pepper Sale”, March 17th through 20th.  The 17th is only for members of the Arboretum, so the public can’t get their tomatoes till Friday the 18th, starting at 9 AM till 4 PM, with the same times Saturday and Sunday.

The Fullerton Arboretum is located at 1900 Associated Rd, Fullerton, CA, 92831, it is on the Cal State Fullerton campus to the near the baseball field.

Even if you have never grown tomatoes before it’s a great time to start you don’t even need a lot of space and you can grown tomatoes in planters (containers).  I’m growing almost all of my tomatoes in containers this year and my soil of choice is a 50/50 mix of washed plaster sand and Laguna Hills Nursery Acid Mix Potting Soil, along with some organic fertilizer enhancements.  As long as the dogs don’t eat my plants things should work out great this year.

What tips do you have for growing tomatoes?

It’s that time again.  Get your Prix Fixe deals starting Sunday at the following locations!

Art Institute of California, Orange County

Got this press release from the Art Institute of California, Orange County.  Pretty cool competition for any teenage aspiring chefs out there.

Enter to Win the Best Teen Chef Competition 2011 at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – Orange County

[SANTA ANA, CA, JANUARY 20, 2011] – Do you enjoy exploring new recipes and trying new flavor combinations? If you are a high school senior graduating in 2011, then the Best Teen Chef Competition at The Art Institute of California – Orange County is the place to showcase your talents. Compete against your peers to earn a scholarship towards a culinary education at one of The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – Orange County.

Each participating Art Institutes school will crown a local Best Teen Chef and offer the winner a $5,000 scholarship towards a culinary degree program.

The Best Teen Chef Competition, now in its twelfth year, is an opportunity for high school seniors in the U.S. and Canada interested in pursuing a culinary career to experience the excitement and discipline of the industry.

“Evert year we continue to be inspired by the talents of the emerging culinarians that enter the Best Teen Chef Competition. These students show a real love for the culinary arts and an enthusiasm for exploring fresh new meal ideas for friends and family,” says Daniel Mattos, Academic Director of Culinary Arts at The Art Institute of California – Orange County.

To be eligible to enter the competition, high school seniors must first submit a completed Entry & Release Form by February 4, 2011 to The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – Orange County. Deadline for complete entries into the competition is February 25, 2011. Selected entrants will progress to Local Cook-Off Competition at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – Orange County on April 30, 2011.

To learn how to enter the Best Teen Chef Competition 2011 and to view the competition rules, visit http://www.artinstitutes.edu/pr.aspx?ID=AI2127 or contact Hope Adams, Associate Director of Admissions The Art Institute of California – Orange County at hadams@aii.edu or 714.338.1307.

Good luck to anyone that submits and entry, and please let us know so we here at Eat in OC can root you on!

The city of Orange has their weekly Thursday farmer’s market (in the morning at The Village and then in the afternoon at the American Legion near Orange Plaza.) But having one farmers market does not mean there isn’t room for another. Orange Home Grown has been working on creating a larger farmers market for the citizens of Orange for the past two years, and recently they announced the site and opening date for the Old Towne Orange Farmers and Artisans Market. The site will be at the old Villa Park Orchard which is located on the Northwest corner of Palm and Lemon just around the corner from Orange Plaza with the opening date of May 7th.

Old Towne Orange Farmers and Artisans Market

The old Villa Park Orchard packing plant on West Palm Avenue in Orange once again will be a hub of “green” activity as the site of a planned Saturday farmer’s market, thanks to Chapman University and a group of Orange residents dedicated to sustainable living.

Orange Home Grown plans to launch the Saturday market in May at the old packinghouse property that once processed avocados but which currently serves as a weekday campus parking lot. Chapman University, which owns the property, is donating use of the lot and of portable toilets.

“We’re really excited about the Villa Park Orchard spot. Because of the history of agricultural packing on the site, it just makes sense,” said Megan Penn, an Orange native and board president of Orange Home Grown.

In addition to vendors selling local, inseason produce, the Orange Home Grown market will also host educational programs about organic gardening, healthy cooking and sustainable eating and make a couple of booths available each week to other nonprofits showcasing their work and projects.

“We want to create an event where the neighbors can come out and really meet each other and students and faculty, bringing the community together,” she said. For now, the plan is to start small, with up to 30 booths. No music or entertainment will be included.  “The first year out we want to get a feel for what the community thinks. We want feedback and input,” Penn said. For more information about Orange Home Grown.

visit the group’s website, www.orangehomegrown.org

It’s crazy how time flies, in case you aren’t in the know, Orange County Restaurant Week 2011 is next month!  From February 27th through March 5th you will be able to dine on exclusive OC Restaurant Week Prix Fixe deals at the following 100 restaurants.

118 Degrees

230 Forest

320 Main

6ix Park Grill

Anaheim White House

Andrei’s Concious Cuisine

AnQi

Antonello Ristorante

Auld Dubliner

Belacan Grill

Bluewater Grill

Bowlmor

Brasserie Pascal

Canyon Restaurant

Capital Grille

Catal

Cedar Creek

Cha Cha’s

Chomp

Crystal Jade

Don The Beachcomber

Duke’s

Ecco

Fire & Ice

French 75

GG’s Café Bistro

Giesha House

House of Big Fish and Ice Cold Beer

JT Schmid’s Restaurant & Brewery

K’ya Bistro

K’ya Street Fare

LUCCA

Lulu’s Café

Marmalade

Marrakesh

Matador Cantina

Medieval Times

Melting Pot

Memphis at the Santora

Memphis Café

Mozambique

Mr. Stox

Naples

Nello Cucina

Nirvana Grille

No Ka Oi

O’Neill’s Bar and Grill

Opah

Orange Hill Restaurant

Original Mike’s

Pablo’s Cantina

Palm Terrace Restaurant

Phans 55

Pinot Provence

Pirates Dinner Adventure

Pizzeria Ortica

Prego Ristorante

Primecut Café

Quattro Café

RA Sushi

RAYA

Rib Company

Riptide

Royal Hawaiian

Royal Khyber

Rustica

Rusty Pelican

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

Sage Restaurant

Salt Creek Grill

Sandy’s Beach Grill

Savannah Chophouse

Shades Restaurant

Signature Kitchen

Simply Fondue

SOL Cocina

Sorrento Grille

South Coast Winery

Sparks Woodfire Grill

Splashes

Summit House

Sundried Tomato

Tangata

TAPS Fish House

The Beach House

The Californian

The Catch

The Crow Bar

The Derby

The Next Door

The Ritz Restaurant & Garden

The Rooftop lounge

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar

Tortilla Jo’s

Tradition by Pascal

Watermarc

Wildfish Seafood Grill

Zimzala

Zov’s Bistro

Zov’s Café

(for most updated list and menus, please visit http://www.orangecountyrestaurantweek.com/Participating_Restaurant.html)

Stay tuned as more information comes in regarding what will surely be the best Orange County Restaurant Week yet!