Setting the Bar

As of late, we've been sipping our libations at some great bars, saloons and lounges. Being the sharer that I am, I thought I'd round up a collection of mini-reviews to help others new to the nightlife scene:

215 North Broadway
Santa Ana Arts District, CA
714-953-2660

This lounge offers a full service bar, a DJ wearing $250 jeans and a New Era cap who spins Justice and the like, and all of the asymetrical haircuts and asexual attire necessary to designate a hipster hot-spot. The surrounding area is increasingly becoming an urban playground for artists and young professionals alike. With ultra-trendy American Apparel, boho-chic Gypsy Den, and multiple avant-garde, fine-dining restaurants within walking distance; the artists village has lots more to offer. Ingenious drink specials are the specialty (and are listed on the website below) as well as several beers on tap and house drafts for a (semi) decent price. Personally, I recommend the Mai Tai, They're a good start (or finish) to forgetting... anything. And yes, It gets busy.

www.proofbar.com
Myspace
YELP!

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700 E Bay Ave
Newport Beach, CA 92661

Located on the balboa peninsula, the Balboa Saloon is typically filled with locals. Drinks are exceptionally well priced, the same friendly bartender/co owner is always there. There's an Internet juke box, darts and two pool tables. The walls are plastered with sport fishing and historic balboa island memorabilia. There are many snackies offered including some staple oddities. Anyone for a pickled egg?

www.balboasaloon.com
YELP!

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654 E 1st Street
Tustin, CA 92780
714-669-9818

This "grill" serves food during the day and until 9pm, but that's certainly not the reason to go. The karaoke scene at Pineapple Hill Grill gets started around nine or ten p.m. and is unusual to say the least. Drinks are well priced, the bartender will pretty much make you anything you'd like or can contrive at the moment. It's a great atmosphere with ample tables and booths. Pineapples dominate the decor in the form of lamps, chandeliers, upholstery, etc. Whether you're looking for a dive bar, or somewhere to belt out some tunes, go with friends... sing or don't. Pineapple Hill Grill is great for a laugh.

www.phgrill.com
YELP!

Parmesan Zucchini Pasta

6 cups small shape pasta (shell, farfalle, etc)

1 tbsp Margarine or Butter (melted)
1 tbsp Margarine or Butter
1 zucchini (cubed)
4 tbsp Italian bread crumbs
1/2 tsp garlic, chopped
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt
Pepper

Preheat oven or toaster oven to 400 degrees.
Bring 2 quarts of water to a rolling boil for pasta.
Add garlic to 1 tbsp melted butter. Coat zucchini in melted garlic butter.
Toss in bread crumbs and parmesan and spread evenly on non stick baking sheet.
Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. Cook pasta until desired doneness.
Coat pasta with butter and season to taste with salt and pepper. Top with zucchini.

Can substitute Eggplant or squash for zucchini or any combo of the three.

Fiesta Chicken Tenders

Fiesta Chicken Tenders

6 Pieces of Chicken Tender Meat
2 Cups finely crushed Corn Tortilla Chips
1/4 Cup Lemon Juice
1/4 Cup Melted Butter
1/4 Cup Flour (OK to sub Gluten Free flour substitute)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. For prep, put each of tortillas chips, lemon juice, butter and flour on separate plates. Dip chicken first in lemon juice, then flour, then tortilla chips then butter. Place on baking sheet and drizzle with remaining butter. Bake at 350 for 25 min.

Top with Salsa, Mango Salsa, etc.