Plum's Cafe- Costa Mesa, CA

Overall Rating: 4

He said: I was happily surprised by this diner that's been in my backyard for over a decade and I never knew about it. Granted when we indulged I was entirely hung over but the food was just what the doctor ordered. The Dutch Baby is definitely meant to impress newcomers but, as Reese said, it is a bit much for a single individual and in my opinion was too rich (lemon juice, powdered sugar AND syrup? C'mon). We decided to share both dishes as the Baby takes a little less than a half hour so when my eggs benedict came out first I "voluntarily" shared it.

She said: I really liked this place. Everyone's dishes looked delicious, and made me want to go back. We shared the famous Dutch Baby pancake and eggs benedict (see review below), and I was more than full and happy. It's a very unassuming restaurant tucked away in the corner of a strip mall, but it's a little gem.

Price: $$

Ambiance: Family-friendly, cool

Good for: groups, brunch, families, friends, post-party hangover relief

Would we go again?: Heck yes

Date visited: 1/1/2011 (Saturday)

Special notes: Outdoor patio available.

Restaurant website: http://www.plumscafe.com/index.htm

Our order: Their famous Dutch Baby- This is a deep dish pancake with lemon and powdered sugar. It was pretty stinkin' delicious, but I probably wouldn't get it again, unless I was taking someone here for their first time. It's huge and rich and tasty (a la Kobe Bryant; sorry Kev), but it's just a lot to take in for breakfast. But as we went here the day after New Year's Eve, we were looking for something greasy and unhealthy. It's a fun order to share with people, but definitely not to order on your own. Unless you're Kevin. This also takes about 25 minutes for them to make, so either place your order the second that you arrive, or order something else to tide you over.

We also shared their eggs benedict, which was muy delicioso.

Old Vine Cafe- Costa Mesa, CA

Overall Rating: 4.5

He said: 5-Despite our unwritten rule about not visiting the same restaurant twice I have advocated revisiting this place multiple times - the perfect balance between a hearty & filling meal contrasted with a complexity of flavor that is difficult to replicate. My omelet Espana was a little different than what I expected (with the healthy vegetables and what-not) but was delightfully surprised and summarily vacated my plate. Playing clean-up on Reese's Italian Quiche was the cherry on-top as she eats like a 6 year-old and never finishes her meal. Knowing what sort of work they put into their breakfast we HAVE to get back for lunch and/or dinner another time.

She said:  4-One of our favorite hidden gems, this place is g-r-e-a-t. The ambiance is so so wonderful, and makes you feel so at ease. The staff is warm and not all up in yo grill. We sat at the bar stools at the front of the restaurant, making it outdoor/indoor seating, and loved it. I loved the creative menus, and the fact that you were given your own carafe of water at your table (pictured below). I ordered the quiche and coffee, both of which were perfect (see review below). I've recommended this place to multiple people, and will definitely be back.

Price: $$

Ambiance: Casual, quiet, relaxing

Good for: All ages; small restaurant- not good for large groups. Impressing your friends with your knowledge of restaurants that can't be seen from the street.

Would we go again?: Heck yes

Date visited: 1/23/2011 (Saturday)

Special notes: Management had set out a flier for a five-course "dining experience" that sounded excellent after having experienced their bfast so I suspect they do specials every now and again. They also have a tasting menu and pretty extensive wine list. We'll be baahck.

Restaurant website: http://www.oldvinecafe.com/

Chariese's order (pictured above): Italian Quiche (Italian sausage and gouda cheese). I really liked this, and even though it looks small, it's very filling (Kevin happily scarfed down my left overs). The crust was perfectly flaky, and the sausage and cheese were a perfect combo. The side of potatoes and dried fruit really complimented the cheesy and meaty quiche. I probably wouldn't order this for breakfast again (it was a little heavy {not true} for my preferred fruit and oatmeal breakfast), but I had zero complaints. The coffee came with a little nummy cookie which was delicious.

Kevin's order: Omelet España (Prosciutto, Artichoke, Red Bell Peppers, Mushrooms & Fresh Manchego Cheese) - LOTS of food that you can either scarf or take your time to analyze and appreciate. Our selections were both fail-safes but expect that other selections are just as delicious as our pre-ordering intelligence gathering produced some tasty sights.

Bandera- Corona del Mar, CA

Overall Rating: 4

He Said: Bandera is quality American cuisine with the setting to match - I've been going to this place for years and have always enjoyed both the food and the ambiance. Last time I got the Filet Mignon and it was perfect. A cozy bar, outdoor waiting area with fireplace and zero corking fee amount to a solid go-to when hosting out-of-towners.

She said: I've never been disappointed by Bandera. When Kevin and I went, we ordered their delicious artichoke as an appetizer (please note that Kevin ate the entire pokey leaf. THE ENTIRE POKEY LEAF. Sendin' him back to his farm next week). I'm boring and ordered the macho salad with roasted chicken, avocado and dates. It was tasty, but I'd order something more fun next time. His filet was derricious (that's what she said).

Price: $$$

Ambiance: Low lighting and clean borders dividing the central bar area from the dining areas amount to an impressive setting where one might easily be under-dressed. You will definitely receive the service you deserve for the price.

Good for: All ages, big groups, nice dinner date, drinks

Would we go again?: Heck yes

Date visited: 12/31/2010 (Saturday)

Special notes: Nice outdoor seating area; right in the heart of Corona Del Mar. Reservations recommended.

Restaurant website: http://www.hillstone.com/#/restaurants/bandera/

Before our New Year's Eve dinner at Bandera. We fancy, huh?

Sadly, we did not take pictures of our meals (we we're just too busy staring dreamily into eachother's eyes!! jk barf), but their bar and drinks were just as great. I had a martini, and Kevin had a cranberry vodka. Both were priced as any nice bar would price their drinks (between $10-$13).

La Galette Creperie - San Clemente, CA

Overall Rating: 4

He said: 4- High on taste and low on quantity: you're definitely not going to walk away stuffed but if you take your time with this meal you will be satiated nonetheless. I regret the "Sunday Brunch" selection and would have preferred the bacon & egg option but her berry crepe was BITCHIN'!

She said: 4- must-go if you're in the area. So delicious and so cute. Get the berry crepe!!

Price: $$

Ambiance: Casual, beautiful ocean front views, small and cozy

Good for: All ages; small restaurant- not good for large groups

Would we go again?: Heck yes

Date visited: 2/21/2011 (Monday, holiday)

Special notes: Cash only, but there is an ATM two doors down

Restaurant website: http://www.lagalettecreperie.com/index.php

Outdoor ocean front dining (there is also indoor seating).

Chariese's order: Berry Crepe with creme fraiche and a latte

OMGSOINLOVE.  This is hands-down the best crepe that I've ever had, Kevin agreed. The creme fraiche that filled the crepe, blended so well with the fresh berries. And with my mouth. I was so sad to finish. Next time, I'm not sharing with Kevin and his huge bites. Sorry bout it. Latte was good, nothing too extraordinary.

Kevin's order: The Sunday Brunch (smoked salmon-filled crepe with a dill creme and red onion), a latte and coffee.

Kevin's a meat-eater, and calls any meal that lacks meat, "rabbit food". Even with this, he still enjoyed my GurLy CrEpE to his fishy one. Although it was tasty, it paled in comparison.