Peter's Gourmade Grill- Tustin, CA off the 55 at Mcfadden

Peter’s Gourmade Grill

Before I get into my blog about this place, I think it is crucial that you read the back story. My mom, Kim, emailed this to me at work last week and it was all she or I had been thinking about since...

"About seven months ago Peter came home and told me: I found a place where we should open a restaurant...it’s in a gas station. Being from a small town where our first McDonald’s was in a gas station, I didn’t think too much of it. He took me to see this little place inside a Valero technically in Tustin but barely. At first I was underwhelmed. It needed a lot of work to get it to where I knew it needed to be and where I knew Peter wanted and expected it to be.

In the next four weeks I watched in awe as Peter worked fifteen hours a day transforming this little 100 square foot place, with all the wrong equipment, into a restaurant. He drove everywhere around Southern California to ensure that he had the equipment he needed. He spent hours upon hours scouring Craigslist with a fine tooth comb searching for the right piece of equipment at the right price. We spent hours cleaning. Painting. Cleaning. Driving. Cleaning. While I feel like I worked hard, Peter worked harder. Where I feel like I put time in, Peter put in more. When I was finally ready to sleep for the night, Peter was up creating the floor plan, coming up with menu ideas, preparing the shopping lists. I’m pretty sure he didn’t sleep for about four weeks. I was starting to think he was a Vampire. Turns out he was just dedicated.

Alas, we were ready to open. August 16, 2010 was our first day. Peter will tell you he couldn’t give the food away for the first couple of weeks. We didn’t have a staff for at least two months. It was just he and I. People were pretty skeptical of this guy claiming to make gourmet burgers and sandwiches out of a gas station. I mean, who could blame ‘em? But then slowly people started to come. First we had the Roger Dunn crowd. One came and got an ABC Burger and then every half hour another one would come because the previous guy said it was an amazing burger. Then we started getting people from the surrounding businesses. Then one day Jarrod from the Jewelry Exchange came in and said “Hey, nice write-up in the OC Weekly today!” We both had no idea.

Turns out Gustavo Arellano from the OC Weekly came to eat and wrote a great article about the Grill. That was the moment it kind of changed for us. This is when we started getting customers from around Orange County. (Check out our Press Section to read the full article). We had our best day yet that day and it has continued to grow since. The Foodies at the OC Register came and gave us an amazing review in December. I remember the reporter telling us the online publish date and then telling us that when it came out in print we “needed to be ready” because it went to some 100,000 addresses. Apparently I couldn’t really comprehend the amount of homes that actually is. The OC Register put us on the map.

The difference from August to today is drastic to say the least. I mean, the menu hasn’t changed much. The space hasn’t changed at all. Peter still works harder than anyone I know,  he still scours Craigslist looking for improvements for us, and I still go to bed while he is preparing for the next day. But the major difference is that people are coming now. They have thrown caution to the wind and decided to give this little unknown place a chance. People see a line at a gas station and stop by to see what all the fuss is about. We couldn’t be happier that people have given us the chance. I couldn’t be prouder of Peter’s drive and determination to make this place a success. So thank you all for giving us the chance to serve you!

-Antoinette"

So as you can read from Antoinette, this place is pretty special! My mom found this place in the OC Register as one of the Top 10 places to go in the OC. My mom, Alix, Stephanie, Cake, Jack and I all piled in our cars last night and headed to Peters for a business dinner/adventure! Being that the place is only 400 square feet inside, and that includes the kitchen as well as the order area, the only seating option is outside. We opted to take our food to-go, and went back home because we were traveling with miniature babies who wanted to run everywhere! There was no quality lost in taking the food to-go in my opinion and you will see just how great the food was! And yes- IT IS IN A GAS STATION!

 This place is literally in an old Valero gas station. It is tiny, but on a busy corner, and had people coming and going the whole time we were there. We didn't wait for our food longer than 5 minutes as well.

 Here is the Board of the Menu.

To begin our meal, my mom and I couldn't miss out on the Sweet Potato Gooey. These sounded incredible. I love sweet potato fries, and this delicious treat was heavenly. It smelled like Thanksgiving, and as we all know, Thanksgiving is my favorite thing in the whole entire world. My mom thought these were way to sweet, but I enjoyed every single bite!

Sweet Potato Gooey’s | $ 5.75

Sweet Potato Fries topped with Maple Syrup, Brown Sugar and Marshmallows toasted on top!

 Marshmallows, Maple Syrup, Brown Sugar= nothing better!

Stephanie and Alix shared  Peter's Greek Fries. They looked really good. I didn't get to try them, but I do know that it was a group comment that everyone wished that the Tzatziki sauce was a little bit thicker.

Peter’s Greek Fries | $5.50

Shoestring fries topped with Feta Cheese, Onion, Tomato, Gyro Meat, Greek Oregano and served with Peter’s Homemade Tzatziki Sauce.

I asked the girl at the counter what their most popular item was and she quickly fired off the ABC Burger. While I really wasn't in the mood for a cheeseburger, I had to order what she recommended. This was, after all, a business dinner for my fellow Muffin Topzz. 

OMG IT WAS THE BEST BURGER THAT I HAVE EVER HAD. HONESTLY. And for only $5.75? Are you kidding me? They could charge $20 and I would still pay that much!

ABC Burger | $5.75

6 oz. All-Beef Angus Patty served on a toasted Potato Bun with Avocado, Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, Mayo, Mustard, Ketchup, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion and Famous Dave’s Spicy Pickle Chips.

I ordered my burger exactly as is above, minus the pickle chips. I know, I know, we all know I hate pickles. Sorry guys, but that is one sacrifice I am not willing to make for the blog- I cannot eat pickles. The bun was lightly, almost to the point of delicately toasted, but slathered with mayo, mustard, and ketchup in the perfect balance of the three. It was like the Holy Trinity of Burgers- just enough of each. I personally love chopped lettuce on my cheeseburger and so this was an automatic point on my good side. The Avocado was not slices of avocado, but it was more of a guacamole texture, without being guacamole. It was incredibly soft, and creamy and complemented the burger so well. The cheddar cheese was subtle, sharp and quick to the punch! This burger was messy and I wouldn't have it any other way!

 My favorite thing about this incredible burger- and I really do mean that this is the best burger that I have ever had in my life- is how juicy the meat was. The hamburger itself was so moist and juicy; you can clearly see this in the picture below. It was not dried out at all, and the thick slices of bacon perfectly cooked only made this burger better. I am looking at this picture as I write this blog and can't help but have my mouth water!

 I HIGHLY recommend Peter's Gourmade Grill to anyone who has a little adventure in them! You don't need to be a foodie to appreciate this place, the food stands on it's own 2 legs! The food is incredible and there is really no excuse to not visit this place!!!

Mom- thank you for finding this place!!! It was great and I am glad that we all went together. Next- we are headed to Habibi's Funnel Cakes

*Text Your Order to

714-273-7922

*A little bit about texting: this is a service we provide through a company named Zingle. If there is an issue with your order, we will call you from a real phone. Text your order as clear and concise as possible and hit send. You will receive a confirmation text once we confirm your order on our end. Please reference the order number you received with your confirmation number when you come to pick it up. That’s it! We do aim to have every order ready within 25 minutes but please note: we DO NOT make the french fries until you come for your order. Please Text Responsibly.

Hours of Operation

Monday-Saturday

11am-3pm

6pm-10pm

Sunday Closed

Facebook

www.facebook.com/gourmadegrill

Yelp!

http://www.yelp.com/biz/peters-gourmade-grill-tustin

Twitter

@gourmadegrill

Citrus City Grille- Old Town Orange

One of my favorite places to eat at, year round, is Citrus City Grille in Old Town Orange. They have other locations, but the original location and truest in decor and taste is in Orange.



The first time I ever went to this restaurant was with Andie, my oldest sister. This used to be an account for her when she was working for Kendall Jackson Wine. I can tell you as first impressions go, I will never forget my first taste of their oil and balsamic vinegar concoction with their fresh made warm foccacia bread dipped in. It is incredible. The oil/vinegar mix is unbelievable. It is fragrant, much thicker than any other mix like it. I can remember when I rented a room from fellow Chapman University students and lived on my own, I would buy this mix by the bottle at $22 a piece with tax and eat bread dipped in this mix for dinner. That's how good it is. That is how much I love oil/vinegar mix. I have continued eating here now for years with my family, friends, etc...








As you sit down and start snacking on the bread, you will begin to take in the ambiance. The colors are bold and warm. The atmosphere is clean, minimalistic, and very direct. From anywhere in the dining room you have a view of the kitchen including the wood burning oven where they bake their flat bread pizzas. Outside on the patio, you look out onto Glassell Ave., and the shops of Old Town Orange. People are walking by, getting yogurt across the street, looking in windows, and this all makes for a great time people watching. During the winter, they have heaters on which provide more than adequate heat. This is part of the reason I love Citrus City so much; I crave it year round.


I was beyond delighted when the server told me that in addition to the Potato Leek Soup of the Day, the chef was also serving ButterNut Squash soup. I was so thrilled.





My soup came out piping hot, which is the only way I think soup should be served. The soup was creamy and so amazing. I like a thick cream base and this ButterNut Squash soup was thick, hot, and amazing. I could taste bold flavors in each bite. There was a small garnish of caramelized onions on top which only added to the flavors. I could taste Paprika which was lightly sprinkled on top. I adored this soup and have decided that next time someone asks me what I can't live without it will be ButterNut Squash soup.


Above is the calamari appetizer; which I did not enjoy. I think calamari is extremely chewy and a texture I try to avoid. It isn't something that I like, and this was no exception.


Meatloaf= not great reviews


I, on the otherhand, ordered instinctively, and ordered the free range duck. I have had many things off of the menu, but had never seen this duck before. It was free range duck, with a cranberry demi-glaze reduction, served alongside parsnip mash with spring vegetables. Atop of the parsnip purée you will see a Rosemary garnish.


The duck was incredible. And I am not being facetious. The duck was mildly fatty and cooked perfectly. It was moist and tender without being chewy and Overcooked. The demi glaze reduction was thick, but smooth, and had perfect notes of bold bitter cranberries, with the sweetness of wine. I fell in love with this reduction sauce.
My only complaint was that the cranberries which were served on the plate in the reduction sauce were al dente. They were not cooked at all. I think it would have added to the dish in so many ways had the cranberries been cooked. The texture would have added depth to the sauce, but the blatant crunch was gross and off putting. It was my only complaint.


The parsnip purée was delicious. It was something that I have never had before, but it was a really delicious treat and a complete complement to the duck.



I highly recommend Citrus City Grille to anyone who is looking for a delicious dinner in a warm, fun atmosphere. The pricing is a small amount above average buy worth every penny. I dreamt about my delicious duck for two nights in a row.


Citrus City Grille
Restaurant/Cafe · Orange, California
Information
Address
122 North Glassell Street, Orange, CA 92866 · Get Directions
Phone
714-639-9600

Website
http://www.citruscitygrille.com/

Hours
Mon - Sat: 11:00 am - 10:00 am
Sun: 9:30 am - 10:00 am
122 North Glassell Street, Orange, CA 92866
About
Outrageous dining in old town Orange!
Price Range
$$ (10-30)
Parking
Street
Parking Lot
Valet
Payment Options
Services
Takes Reservations
Walk-Ins Welcome
Good For Groups
Good For Kids
Take Out
Waiter Service
Outdoor Seating
Specialties
Lunch
Dinner
Drinks
Browse Places

Boring lunch- looking forward to dinner

Jackson and I have a date tonight with one of my very favorite people- my good friend Amanda!!! I can't wait and we are going to Taco Mesa as it's a place we both love and is always a good blog post. Because I am anticipating a big dinner with Amanda and Jackson I starved myself for lunch. Well, not really. But I do try to not eat fast food at all while I am at work.





Today, I lost the fast food battle and ate a cheeseburger, no pickles, extra cheese from Burger King. It wasn't bad. It was convenient, cheap, and did the trick. It will hold me over until dinner.

I need help

Ok Muffin Topzz- I need help and am looking to my followers for some assistance.

I am in desperate search of a graphic designer to help me create my logo. I know exactly what I want, and would love to create it as soon as possible. My goal is to create a logo to match the Muffin Topzz brand so people will associate the name with the brand/logo. Ideally, I would like to be passing out business cards at each place I visit for the blog so that people may start showing interest and looking at the blog!

If anyone knows anyone or has any helpful ideas please let me know in the comments section of this blog, or email me directly at:
Simmopink@yahoo.com

Thank you in advance for all your assistance and loyalty to Muffin Toppz!!!

-Sam

Guilty pleasures

Anyone know what this is???





One of life's little guilty pleasures- and I don't even like chocolate!!!

Guest Feature- Alicia Seevers, Seasons 52

Ok, so this blog is a little bit out of the norm for me- because I didn't write it!!! I stole this blog from Alicia!!! She recently celebrated her birthday, (no Alicia) I won't reveal your age online, but below is the documented journey at Seasons 52 at South Coast Plaza.

FYI- Alicia you better take me here, after reading this blog, I cannot wait to go and try the flat bread pizza! Thanks again for letting me copy your blog and steal it for a repost on Muffin Topzz.

Please note that the following was written by Alicia Seevers, and not by the author of Muffin Topzz

So we headed to Seasons 52 at South Coast Plaza.

The place was PACKED for a Monday night. I honestly thought I was back in Arizona where EVERYONE eats out EVERY NIGHT of the week. Yet it wasn't 108 degrees and Kim and Michael were missing!

I picked Seasons 52 because it's new and Nurse Claire had said it was fabulous. The fact that every item on their menu is under 475 calories was just a bonus.

While we had a 6:30 reservation. They were not ready to seat us, so we headed to the bar and ordered drinks. In the middle of the bartending island was a baby grand piano with a really great piano player. It was an added bonus and enjoyable. I ordered the Bacardi Mojito which is made with organic agave nectar instead of simple sugar making it a Skinny Mojito. Kim and I have become quite the connoisseurs. We drank many in Arizona. I joke that Chris is going to blame her for my mojito drinking during the week, but I think she's off the hook since the children (via Chris) gave me a muddler and lime squeezer!

Seasons 52 is known for their signature flat breads. Since we were 30 minutes late being seated they sent us out a complimentary one. We would have ordered one anyway. No, we did not complain, after all we were not in a hurry. But believe me, the restaurant guy and his well-trained wife did take note! The hostess informed us of this as we were seated and they apologized for not seating us at our reservation time. This is the plum tomato flat bread. Absolutely wonderful. If there weren't so many other combinations to try, I'd order it again. Poor Chris I made him wait until I had a picture of everything we ordered before he could dig in.

We shared a salad. This is the spinach salad with raspberries, goat cheese (sorry Monica and Kim), and pine nuts. I think Chris ate more of it than I did which means it was good because Chris is not a big salad guy!

Chris ordered the grilled sea scallops with pearl pasta and asparagus. He loved it and as you can see, less calories doesn't translate into smaller portions. The pearl pasta was really good and something I'd look for at restaurants in the future. I'm not a big scallop person so I left those to him and as expected he left the asparagus on his plate like a garnish!

I was torn between two shrimp dishes, but the server told me the lamb chops were the way to go. I love lamb chops and they were the special of the night. Three t-bone style lamb chops served with truffle mashed potatoes and asparagus. Unlike Chris, I cleaned my plate!

Seasons 52 has a copyright on their Mini Indulgence desserts. The server brings out a serving dish with approximately 8 of these dessert on display. The idea is that you "get what you pick." You take it right off the display and it's yours. This is the peanut butter and chocolate that Chris chose.

I went with the red velvet cake. I honestly never understand why red velvet items are often garnished with a raspberry. Yet the desserts were excellent. I will try something else next time. The Meyer lemon or server recommended blueberry crumble.

The entire dinner and experience was to die for. We will definitely be returning sometime soon! I want to go there for lunch some time as well. Heck I'd go there for mojitos, flat bread, and the piano player!

A Day in the life of a Muffin Top

So, the title is a little bit misleading- it should say "A not so typical day in the life of a Muffin Top." But today I decided to document what I ate and it happened to be a little bit of an exciting day; at least for dinner.
For now, we can just start with lunch.

Steak & Bleu Cheese Salad

Hot Cuban Panini 

Above, you will see my selection from Panera Bakery. I ordered the "You pick 2" menu option, and ordered the Signature Steak & Bleu salad, paired with a half of a Signature Cuban Panini.

The Cuban Panini consisted of "All-natural, antibiotic-free chicken, smoked, lean ham, sweet & spicy pickle chips, Swiss, chipotle mayo & sun-dried tomato ale mustard on our Focaccia." It has a hint of spicy from the tomato ale mustard which is amazing! I hated the pickle chips to be honest, but it was a hot pressed half of a panini so I couldn't exactly take the pickle chips out of the melted cheese.

The Steak & Bleu salad was incredible. I love a salad, but have to be in the mood for it, as I am sure, anyone does. This salad sounded so good to me. It was filled with "Seared top sirloin, romaine, frizzled onions, tomatoes & gorgonzola, all tossed with blue cheese vinaigrette and drizzled with a cabernet reduction." The portion was perfect. Not Huge, not small, just a perfect small half salad to accompany my sandwich. I think its funny that they called the fried onions "frizzled." It makes no sense to me, why can't they just cal them fried onions like any normal person? I will never understand that!

http://www.panerabread.com/

Dinner was a treat. Jackson and I went on a date with my very sweet and dear friend Marissa. Marissa has been a friend to me through the good, the bad, and the ugly, and continues to be such a good friend. I love her so much and am lucky to have a friend like her; she always smiles and it is contagious.

We went to a really Delicious restaurant in Old Towne Orange called Rutabegorz- pronounced ROOT~EH~BAH~GOOR~AHS

The story behind the restaurant is as important and impressive as the food.

Way back in 1970, four college students opened the doors to a small "hippie joint" which took its name from a spin on the word for the unloved turnip, the rutabaga. In the beginning serving only coffee and desserts, Rutabegorz has evolved through numerous menu additions and changing consumer tastes over the years into today's full service health conscious restaurant.

In addition to its many vegetarian dishes, Ruta's also offers white breast of chicken, turkey, tuna and assorted lean deli meats. All our unique salad dressings as well as our mayonnaise, sour cream and milk are low in fat content. As usual our fresh fruits and vegetables are of the highest quality available. We use no MSG in any of our recipes. Try one of our famous desserts, always made in-house.

Our mission is to provide the community with a healthy alternative to traditional restaurant offerings, without sacrificing taste. We strive to make your experience positive, and hope you'll enjoy our unique food, casual atmosphere, and friendly servers.

Remember, you are what you eat, from your head to your feet. Don't be a fast-food junky. Feel good, feel energetic and remember to eat all your vegetables.

http://www.rutabegorz.com/home/index.html

So between our fanning over Jackson, feeding him a healthy, fresh, and MSG-free dinner, Marissa and I gossiped, caught up and just had a great time! We eventually ordered dinner and kept up with the chit-chat.

My dinner is seen above- I ordered the Chicken Enchiladas Verde. The serving is huge and delicious! Chicken and cheese stuffed in corn tortillas and covered with green sauce. Served with avocado, rice, beans and chips.   $10.75

For the price, you get tons of food, and everything is full of flavor. The enchilada sauce is light, but slightly spicy, and tastes very delicious. I love the avocado which is served on top, dipped in the verde sauce. Jackson did too!

Peasant Mushrooms
Mushrooms stuffed with a vegetable medley. Served on top of rice pilaf. Topped with cheese and broiled to perfection. Served with cheese bread.   $9.95

Marissa ordered the Peasant Mushrooms, which was a bit risky I thought! She loved them from what she told me. She gave me a bite, and I really liked it as well. I loved the wild taste of the mushrooms.

The menu at Rutabegorz is really large, and after going to all three of the locations over the years, Tustin, Orange, and Fullerton, I can honestly say that I have eaten and loved everything I have tried. In the winter, I love the Cocky-Leeky soup. In the summer, I love the Turkey Cranberry Sandwich with cream cheese, and year round, I love the homemade desserts.

The ambiance is casual but homey and the staff is always nice. If you have not been to Rutabegorz, I suggest you go! It is perfect right now in summer to sit outside, have an iced tea, and catch up with an old friend!

Mariss- Thanks again for the good time. Jack and I loved to see you and loved catching up! Can't wait to do it again.

Mesa Grill- Las Vegas

Happy Anniversary to my Aunt and Uncle, Casey and Andrea!!! I have to give them a shout out because despite being on vacation and celebrating their honeymoon in Las Vegas, my uncle took the time to send me a picture for Muffin Topzz!!!

They went to Mesa Grill, Bobby Flay's restaurant. I AM SO JEALOUS.

"Had lunch at Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill in Vegas. These are the spicy chicken and poached eggs over sweet potato hash. The BBQ duck in blue corn potato pancake was awesome too."

Lucille's Bar.B.Que

I feel that this blog is 100% self explanitory. If you have been to Lucille's- you understand. If not, you need to go ASAP!!!