Good Times at Tempo Urban Kitchen | @TempoKitchen #TempoUrbanKitchen

Good Times at Tempo Urban Kitchen

By Erin

Tempo Urban Kitchen in Brea, California is marching to its own culinary beat and creating some amazing dishes that are not to be missed. I knew right from the start that we were in for a fun evening the second we walked through the door (you’ll see what I mean once you see the pictures below..) I was invited to attend a media tasting last week here to check out not only the amazing eats, but also the very eclectic atmosphere, some behind the scenes action in the kitchen and meet not only one out of this world chef, but 3! All of the invited guests were treated to 3 outstanding local OC chefs who each prepared a special dish for our dining extravaganza. Check out what these talented chefs are cooking up here at Tempo Urban Kitchen! You are in for a very enjoyable dining experience here.

Tempo Urban Kitchen

The ambiance of this dining haven is very friendly, welcoming , urban, chic and very eclectic, with lots of colorful contemporary artwork on the walls, that I noticed were also for sell. I think it’s pretty safe to say we were all super excited to see this new bar and eatery from owner, Jorge Cueva and to finally get to taste the Latin American offerings that we have all been seeing pictures of leading up to this night. It was awesome to be back to taste some of Chef Chris Tzorin’s crazy delicious creations as well since late last year we were all treated to an amazing dinner by Chef Chris Tzorin. Chris has been on several Food Network shows and is one amazingly talented and inspirational guy. He never gives up and keeps going for his dreams.Tempo-Urban-Kitchen-Drinks

Ok, so NOW you see why I said earlier this is such a super fun place? THIS is what you see the second you step into the door! The bar greets you full on with this beautiful setup! They have a very nice selection of tequilas and spirits offered. 🙂

Tempo Urban Kitchen Lights

Make sure you look up when you walk in as well. I love all the natural light and the other creative lighting hanging throughout the dining area.

Tempo Urban Kitchen Chefs

Chef Chris Tzorin had us start off the evening with a tour through the kitchen and to meet the other chefs and staff who were diligently preparing dinner for us. The owner of Tempo Urban Kitchen Jorge Cueva; hand picked and brought in these three awesome and talented young Chefs: (from left to right) Executive Chef Salvador Carrillo, Chef Chris Tzorin,  & Chef Charly Perez.

Tempo Urban Kitchen Prep Chef Charly Perez cooking up the deconstructed Korean tacos we were about to devour and enjoy.

TUK Margaritas

Once seated, we were greeting with these sweet things. Some Mango- Serrano Infused Margaritas with a Tajino rim. Sweet and spicy and so refreshing.

TUK Grilled Octopus

Our first bite of the night was the Marinated Grill Octopus, Created by Chef Chris Tzorin. Made with guajillo chili oil, a creamy Serrano sauce, lime cream and chipotle mayo, and topped with microgreens.  Served on wood planks to make it easy to dip into the Chipotle Aioli and greens. Oh my, so good. I did not want to share this. With anyone!! A very enjoyable dish, you will want to savor every last morsel of these bites of pure joy.

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What’s Good Now at Seasons 52| #Seasons52 @Seasons52

What’s Good Now at Seasons 52

By Erin

*I was invited to come and try some of the new spring items at Seasons 52. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.*

Seasons 52 is a fresh grill and wine bar that offers a seasonal menu inspired by the fresh appeal of a farmer’s market and what’s good now, and boy do they have a lot of good stuff right now!  Seasons 52 is not only freshness driven, but also has a focus on healthy eating, with many entrees under 500 calories.  They accomplish this by their combination of lean meats, low starch contents, and sensible portions. The freshness of the ingredients is evident in all of their dishes, and we tasted many yummy goodies during our visit.

Seasons 52 Store Front

The entrance to Seasons 52, located at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. A very beautiful location.

Seasons-52-inside-Costa-Mesa

Inside is just as gorgeous! So welcoming, warm and cozy.

Seasons-52-Costa-Mesa-Drinks

My friend and I started the evening with a couple of refreshing drinks. I chose the one on the left here, the Hawaiian Pineapple Cosmopolitan made of New Amsterdam Pineapple Vodka & Patrón Citrónge and she chose the Mango Jalapeno Crush; consisting of Prairie Organic Gin, Mango, Housemade Lemonade, Fresh Jalapeño, Cilantro & Cucumber.

California-Golden-Beets-Seasons-52

Seasons 52 has a special section on the menu titled, “Chef’s Suggestions” which has the chef’s top recommendations of “What’s good now,” and is chalk full of seasonally inspired items featuring ingredients at their peak of freshness. The first item on this menu that caught my eye was the Warm California Golden Beets Salad; made up of Laura Chenel goat cheese, toasted pistachios and micro basil. It was so fresh and delicious. I love beets and this dish was amazing paired with the goat cheese and pistachios, making for a delightful flavor combination.

Lobster-Fresh-Mozzarella-Flatbread

Another delicious option in the “Chef’s Suggestions” for appetizers is this Lobster & Fresh Mozzarella Flatbread. Chunks of delicious lobster, roasted sweet peppers, slivered scallion, and lobster sour cream create one mouth-watering and scrumptious treat.

Ahi Tuna Tartare

A regular item on the appetizer menu is this delectable number and one of my favorites, the Ahi Tuna Tartare.  Layered with wasabi-avocado mousse, tropical salsa, Hawaiian sea salt crisps. The mix of the ahi tuna with the wasabi-avocado is exquisite. I would enjoy having this with any meal, at any time, any day.

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Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ Now Open at Main Place Mall in Santa Ana #LucillesBBQ @LucillesBBQ

Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ Now Open in Santa Ana

By Erin

*I was invited to come and try the new Lucille’s. All thoughts and opinions remain my own*Lucille's-Smokehouse-BBQ

A few weeks ago I went with a few good friends to go try the NEW Lucille’s Smokehouse Barbeque in Santa Ana. This brand new location is in a prime spot at the Santa Ana Main Place Mall. Lucille’s offers delicious home-style smoked and barbeque dishes to satisfy the hungriest of appetites. A beautifully decorated location with lots of color, large comfy bar stools and lots of booth seating all throughout. The tables are larger than you will usually find which is great for larger parties (or if you’re like us, just to fit all the food we order). Large flat screen TV’s can be seen throughout so you can catch all the latest sporting events her while enjoying some great food and drinks. The atmosphere is very warm and welcoming, and the staff will make you feel like you’re right at home.

Beer-Flight-Lucille's

We were here on a Sunday afternoon, so we all started off with some drinks. A couple of my friends chose the Beer Flight. Choose between the Hop Lover’s Beer Flight featuring 4 Pale & IPA brews or try the BBQ Beer Flight which features 4 select ales & lagers that pair beautifully with the hickory smoked BBQ. They drank it all up, so I think to it’s safe to say it’s very enjoyable!

Drinks-Lucilles

I chose to have the Sweet Georgia Peach, which consists of Absolut Peach Vodka, Peach Schnapps and Peach Lemonade. Served in a 22 oz mug and topped with white ale. This was a very refreshing choice, and very yummy.  

Appetizer Platter Lucilles

We needed something to go with our drinks and we could not decide what we should try first so we just went and got a little of everything with this one! The Lucille’s Appetizer Platter is perfect for folks like us who can’t decide! A huge platter of their most popular items: Pork rib tips, fried dill pickles, sweet potato fries, fried green tomatoes, Dixie egg rolls, fried okra, chicken strips and spicy hot links. This was the perfect choice for us. We got to try a little of everything and it was amazing! I loved the fried okra!

Gumbo-Soup Lucilles

Next, we tried a little bit of the New Orleans Gumbo. It was pretty good and it’s very filling!

Back Porch Strawberry Lemonade Lucilles

Before we got our meals, I ordered one more drink. The Back Porch Strawberry Lemonade: Skyy Infusions Wild Strawberry Vodka, Hiram Walker Triple Sec, Lucille’s Fresh Strawberry Lemonade and a splash of soda. Served over ice in a 22 oz. mug.  This is a perfect Sunday afternoon drink to sip and savor.

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