New Pinkberry-clone in Costa Mesa

It seems the frozen yogurt phenomenon is finally spreading like a contagious rash down in our area. This one's going to be located next to Video Tokyo, in the same plaza as Hashigo and Oki Doki, on Paularino and Bristol. The flapping banner reads: "COMING SOON: Fresh Berries and Yogurt"

Thai Nakorn's Opening Delayed

The new Thai Nakorn has not yet been given the okay by the City of Stanton to open. According to the young gentleman (a representative of the family) who was there tonight when we arrived ready for Thai food, the inspectors seem to have found yet another thing to nitpick. So they haven't been granted the permit they were expecting to get this Wednesday. Since the inspector's office is closed tomorrow, Thai Nakorn won't get reinspected until Monday. So the doors won't open until then at the earliest. Thai Nakorn 11951 Beach Blvd. Stanton, CA 90680 714-799-2013

Yogurtland to open in Irvine

Looks like the Irvine Yogurtland is well on its way to being finished. Judging by the location, right next door to Taiko, it will be a madhouse when it finally swings its doors open. I can picture it now: lines out the door, yogurt machines overtaxed, chopped fruit supplies low. It's going to be awesome!

What the heck is going on?

Two weeks ago Thai Nakorn burned to a pile of ashes. Then ChristianZ reports Cathay Newport closes, and Chubbypanda witnesses Red Onion's final night. Now the same week that Rasa Malaysia breaks the news that New Shanghai is going to fold, Professor Salt says that Crescent City has shuttered its doors. Today, I find out that Farmer Boys in Tustin is history as well. All the signs ripped from the exterior walls. There's a big crane poised to install a new one for a new place. Yes, it was part of an inland empire chain, but its Fish and Fries were the best around, offered at an affordable price point. Breakfast there was always a treat: crisp hash browns, crispier bacon, and eggs exactly as you ask. What's next?

Save Our Faves 2007 - Zon Baguettes

The recent spate of restaurants folding, reported on this blog and others, has got me worried about one of my favorite local banh mi joints. Nestled on a relatively busy stretch of Newport Blvd. in Tustin, Zon Baguettes isn't yet on the endangered list, but the fact that it just recently raised its prices is surely not a good sign. Their base level models now run at around $3 with tax. One wouldn't have blinked if this was a Quiznos or a Blimpies, but a Vietnamese sandwich? $3? Really? That could spring for two in Little Saigon But I'm here to say, give them a chance (in the spirit of Chubbypanda's Save Our Faves 2007 Meme), because even at $3 or even $4, their Xiu Mai banh mi is worth it. Good crusty bread, stuffed with a saucy, meatloafy concoction, some pickled veggies and a sliver of cucumber. It'll fill you up. It'll make you happy. And if you're an Irvinite like me, it'll save you the gas it takes to drive to Westminster after a hard-day at the office. Zon Baguettes 714)731-1366 14081 Newport Ave. Tustin, CA 92780 For the meme, I'll be tagging: - Nguyen from Oh-So Yummy - Deb from Dinner at Six - Henry from Henry Chan's Food Adventures - Sarah from The Delicious Life - Kirk from mmm-yoso

Maki-Zushi's Ceases Their 20% Dinner Discount

Maki-Zushi in Tustin, a joint that I've been frequenting over the last few months, has finally ceased offering their 20% off dinner offer. During the time of the discount, I saw their clientele grow, most of whom, like yours truly, couldn't believe their good fortune in finding an inexpensive sushi place. Now, at my last visit, at prime dinner hours on a Friday night, they were practically deserted. Their sushi is still good at the regular price, but I have to admit, it was better when I knew I was paying less. But it looks like I know where the extra money is going: They now use white linens on their tables. To read my previous post on it, CLICK HERE. Maki-Zushi (714)259-0783 1641 Edinger Ave #101 Tustin, CA 92780