Trust in Hillcrest proves that fresh farm to table cuisine can be flavorful and fun. 

It's in Little Italy to be exact. Just like the shops in Los Angeles and Portland, Salt & Straw focuses on locally sourced ingredients to make unique artisan ice creams that will change the way you think about ice cream forever. Of course we had to get a flight of flavors. We had Mango Chamoy sorbet, Cookie Monster-it's blue and features home made Oreos filled with cookie dough not Oreo filling, Lots a Nacho (yes it tasted like nachos and had tortilla chips in it) and roasted strawberry coconut. 

Cochon Butcher is my main go to Sandwich spot in New Orleans. That is when I'm not going for a Po Boy (that's a different post) Stephen Stryjewski and Donald Link are the chef owners of the Cochon Group which has brought farm to table Southern cooking to the masses in New Orleans. Cochon butcher is a throw back to the days where charcuterie was an art. 

You'll know you're in the right place when you see the long line of people waiting outside of the small ramen shop in the strange strip mall that houses Daiso, Turner's Outdoorsman, and the Woodworker's shop. The first Menya Ramenya opened in this spot here in San Diego. Menya Ramen is famous in Japan and has won the grand prize at the Tokyo Ramen festival. The only outposts outside of Akita are in the famous Taipei 101 Hipster Skyscraper and here in Kearny Mesa. 

Was it worth the wait? I'd say it is worth the wait. They put just the perfect amount of oil on top of the broth to keep your hand made ramen noodles piping hot throughout the whole time you eat it. My Miso Ramen was covered in Black garlic oil and the Tan Tan Ramen was covered with Chili Oil and home made samba. As you can see the egg was boiled perfectly and I hardily recommend that you order extra noodles for $1.50 as you can't get enough of the thick noodles.

Galaxy Taco in La Jolla Shores features innovative takes on traditional tacos and Mexican fare. Their Ceviche is fresh and uses the daily fresh catch. If you haven't tried Galaxy taco give it a try. Service if friendly and you can stroll down the the beach at La Jolla shores after you're done.

Pan d'Or artisan boulangerie is arguably the best patisserie and boulangerie in Orange County. Located in Westcliff Plaza on the fringes of Newport Beach. They feature the best almond croissants hands down in SoCal. Probably until Dominique Ansel opens his boulangerie in Los Angeles later this year.  If you're even remotely close by you have to stop in get a croissant.

Found this Buddha Hand Citron at Bristol Farms. What do you think I should make with it.

Portside Fishery @ Trade Food Hall in Irvine is a new seafood centric restaurant that serves both old school favorites such as fish and chips and chowder as well as bowls, burritos, and tacos. Their California Shrimp Burrito is stuffed with french fries, rice, black beans, Cojita Cheese, pico de gallo, and chipotle aioli, with avocado cream on the side. The crunch of the panko breaded shrimp adds a nice crunch to the burrito. The grilled shrimp tacos are cooked street taco style with pico de gallo and sour cream sauce and chives.

Pig Pen Delicacy @ Trade Food Hall in Irvine made these BBQ Pulled Pork Totochos for me. It's their pulled pork nachos with tater tots instead of tortilla chips. This gooey concoction is BBQ pulled pork, nacho cheese, jalapeños, pico de gallo, creamy cilantro sauce and sour cream sauce. Make sure you have at least one friend to share these with, maybe two.
www.tradefoodhall.com