MORENO'S CHAPTER THREE-BACK IN THE DINING ROOM

PICTURED (top to bottom): Restaurant Sign, Albondigas Soup, Beef Taco and Beef Enchilada with Rice and Beans, Chile Relleno, Asada Tampiquena (Grilled Steak with Guacamole and a Cheese Enchilada).

We just can't seem to stay away from Moreno's (www.morenosrestaurant.com/) lately. The sky was overcast and it was a little chilly, so we decided to dine inside tonight.

The ladies both had their favorite dish- the Taco/Enchilada/Chile Relleno Combination Plate. I decided to try something new. Started with Albondigas Soup and then the "Asada Tampiquena"- Grilled Steak with Guacamole and a Cheese Enchilada with Rice and Beans. Quite Tasty!

The portions are all very generous here, and as usual the food and service excellent. The 3 Tubby Tummys give today's Moreno's dinner three thumbs up!

PARK AVE

PICTURED (top to bottom): Pepper Steak with Herbed French Fries and Seasonal Vegetables, 5 Spiced Baked Salmon, Whole Boneless Chicken, Warm Butter Cake with Whipped Cream, Cheesecake with Sorbet, Chocolate Sundae.

Orange Coast Magazine recently named Park Ave (www.parkavedining.com/) "Restaurant of the Year". So, we decided to try it for lunch today. It's a beautiful restaurant with a nice ambiance. It's really an oasis in the middle of an unlikely part of town. The chef really knows how to cook and the menu is filled with his wonderful creations. They have a great Lunch Menu, and actually the entire menu is also available for lunch.

Sweetie pie ordered the Pepper Steak with Herbed French Fries and Seasonal Vegetables, and added Arugula Aioli and Jalapeno Aioli Dipping Sauces. The steak looked beautiful coming to the table, but was ordered medium and was actually quite rare. They put it back on the grill, but it came back well-done and a little wizened. The manager asked how everything was, and when informed of the problem, quickly brought sweetie pie a Park Ave Burger. Unfortunately, the burger was too rare for sweetie to eat. Her mother's Salmon was perfectly prepared and quite delicious. My Whole Boneless Chicken (stuffed with Spinach and Whipped Potatoes) was wonderful and swimming in a great Pan Juice Sauce. It really was a large, whole chicken- boneless and perfectly prepared!

We were told that Dessert was "on the house" for us today; so sweetie pie ordered the Warm Butter Cake with Whipped Cream, her mother the Cheesecake with Sorbet, and I had the Chocolate Sundae. When the desserts arrived, we told the server that they looked great and she responded "at least you can't send the desserts back". WHAT!?

Well the desserts were delicious, and we give management an "A" for effort. The quality of the food, the lovely atmosphere and good management all helped to rate today's Park Ave lunch three thumbs up from the 3 Tubby Tummys!

EL MATADOR- CHAPTER TWO

PICTURED (top to bottom): Restaurant and Sign, Chile Verde and Cheese Nachos, Shredded Beef Taco and Ground Beef Enchilada with rice and beans, Ground Beef Sope, Chile Relleno and Cheese Enchilada with rice and beans, Ground Beef Sope and Shredded Beef Taco.

Well, it's Saturday night and we're craving Mexican again. We just couldn't stay away from our recently discovered El Matador Restaurant (http://www.elmatadorrestaurant.com/). The big fat Crispy Tacos and fresh Sopes were calling our names!

We decided to start off with something from the appetizer menu, and ordered the Chile Verde and Cheese Nachos. OMG! The order was gigantic, and loaded with tender meat, a great tasting sauce and smothered with melting cheese. We could hardly find the chips! By far, the best nachos we have ever had; and more than enough for three people. Sweetie pie and her mother both ordered the Shredded Beef Taco, Ground Beef Enchilada and Ground Beef Sope Combination Plate; while I ordered the Chile Relleno, Cheese Enchilada, Ground Beef Sope and Shredded Beef Taco Combination Plate. We've got the menu wired now- and these dishes are our "favs".

Although we still love Moreno's, El Matador has earned a spot on our "A" list, and tonight's El Matador dinner gets three thumbs up from the 3 Tubby Tummys!

TWENTY FIVE DEGREES- BREAKFAST

PICTURED (top to bottom): Restaurant, Bar Area, Dining Area, Ham and Cheese Omelet, 25 Degrees Breakfast Plate, Chorizo Egg Quesadilla and Sausage Side.

I can hear it now. "Breakfast at Twenty Five Degrees??? I thought that was a burger joint!" Well, it is-and a darn good one. But they have a great breakfast menu too; and they know how to cook. You can even order the No. 1 burger for breakfast (add an egg for a buck). It's really a cute place, with a warm and inviting atmosphere. We opened the place up this morning at 8am, and had personal one-on-one attention from our wonderful server.

Sweetie ordered a Ham and Cheese Omelet with Jalapeno Bacon, Hash Browns and an English Muffin. That omelet was thick and rich, and melted in her mouth. They do omelets right. Her mother had the 25 Degrees Breakfast- Two eggs, Bacon, Hash Browns and an English Muffin- all prepared exactly to her specifications. I ordered the Chorizo Egg Quesadilla with a side of Sausage. I have to say, this is the best quesadilla I have ever had. Comes with queso fresca and mozzarella, with guacamole and a spicy sauce on the side. The Sausage rocks too!

The 3 Tubby Tummys give today's 25 Degrees breakfast three thumbs up, and vow to return one day for lunch to try the burgers we've been hearing so much about!

CHEESECAKE FACTORY- NEWPORT BEACH

PICTURED (top to bottom): Restaurant, Chicken Madeira, Mac and Cheese, Blue Cheese BLT Glamburger, Dutch Apple Caramel Streusel Cheesecake.

We were out shopping in Newport Beach Friday morning, and decided to have an early lunch at The Cheesecake Factory at Fashion Island (http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/). We got there at 11am, when they opened, and for the first time at this location, we did not have to wait for a table.We were seated at a nice booth and were fortunate to have an excellent server. She was very attentive, and kept our Iced Teas and Lemonade filled up!

Sweetie pie ordered the Chicken Madeira, but substituted a side of Mac and Cheese for the Mashed Potatoes. She's a very clever lady-their Mac and Cheese is a delicious upgrade. Her mother had the Chicken Marsala and Mushrooms (over Bow Tie Pasta). Both dishes were excellent and the portions generous. I had the Blue Cheese BLT Glamburger with French Fries-and I would have it again. It's even better than the Monterey Glamburger (IMO). We were really quite stuffed, but our server talked us into splitting one piece of cheesecake for dessert. We decided on the Dutch Apple Caramel Streusel Cheesecake. You've gotta try it! They have a lot of good cheesecakes, but this is one of their best!

Good food, great service and a fun atmosphere all helped to give today's Cheesecake Factory lunch three thumbs up from the 3 Tubby Tummys!

FRANCOLI GOURMET ITALIAN RESTAURANT

PICTURED (top to bottom): Restaurant Sign, Fettucini Con Pollo, Pollo Con Funghi Porcini, New York Steak Sandwich.

We had been to Francoli Restaurant when they were located in Fashion Island, and have been waiting patiently for the new restaurant to open in Old Town Orange (www.francoligourmet.com/). They have a great location- right on the Plaza Square. It's really quite lovely inside, and very nicely decorated. The seating is comfortable, and the dining room has an intimate, cozy feel. They have a great menu, with a wide range of Italian dishes. The food is nicely prepared, and the service was very good.

Sweetie pie ordered the Fettucini Con Pollo-free range chicken breast with broccoli and fresh tomatoes in a light white wine sauce, topped with grated Parmigiano Reggiano. Her mother had the Pollo Con Funghi Porcini-two free range chicken breasts in a Porcini Mushroom sauce with seasonal vegetables. I ordered the New York Steak Sandwich-with eggplant, onions and Brie (actually a nice combination).

The food was good, but not quite exciting. Everything was a little bland. Kick it up a notch guys! The 3 Tubby Tummys give tonight's Francoli dinner two thumbs up!

MORENO'S CHAPTER TWO-THE PATIO

PICTURED (top to bottom): Restaurant Sign, Patio Dining Area, Patio Fountain, Taco/Enchilada with rice & beans, Chile Relleno, Table by the Fountain, Tacos with Double Beans/Extra Cheese.

It's Friday, and another warm and sunny day in The OC, so we decided to have lunch on the patio at Moreno's (http://www.morenosrestaurant.com/) in Orange. The outside dining area is beautiful and lush, and really quite cozy. We arrived early and were able to get our favorite patio table-next to the fountain. As usual, the food was great and the service excellent.

The ladies both had the Taco/Enchilada/Chile Relleno Combination Plate, while I switched from my usual Deluxe Chili Verde Burrito (Wet) to "De Dos En Dos"-Two Beef Tacos with Double Beans/Extra Cheese. They have the best crispy Tacos here- big and fat, and loaded with meat!

Once again, lunch at Moreno's gets three thumbs up from the 3 Tubby Tummys!

CUCINA ALESSA-NEWPORT BEACH

PICTURED (top to bottom): Restaurant Sign, Restaurant, Modo Mio (eggs, bacon, Italian sausage, potatoes and toast), "Illegal" French Toast, Bistecca Uova (rib-eye steak and eggs, potatoes and toast).

Italian for breakfast??? Well, Yes-if it's Cucina Alessa and it's the week-end! We have often enjoyed Cucina Alessa (http://www.cucinaalessa.com/) for lunch and dinner, but just recently discovered they have a great breakfast menu too. Really good, authentic Italian food, excellent service and a friendly and fun atmosphere, have made this one of our "favs".

Sweetie pie and her mother both ordered their favorite dish-The Modo Mio (2 eggs, bacon, and Italian sausage with potatoes and toast. The Italian sausage here is indescribably delicious. The ladies also split an order of "Illegal" French Toast-not quite illegal, but certainly very sinful. It's French bread dipped in a vanilla and cinnamon egg batter, and topped with bananas, strawberries, marscapone cheese and toasted almonds. We all agree that the "Illegal" French Toast is not to be missed if you ever have breakfast here. I had the Bistecca and Uova-Angus Rib-Eye rosemary marinated, eggs and potatoes with toast. Not just a "breakfast steak", but a real Rib-Eye, tender and succulent, and perfectly prepared.

Whether it be for breakfast, lunch or dinner, the 3 Tubby Tummys give Cucina Alessa an unequivocal three thumbs up!

EL MATADOR

PICTURED (top to bottom): Restaurant, Ground Beef Enchilada with Shredded Beef Taco, Ground Beef Sope with Bean Tostada, Cheese Enchilada with Chile Relleno.

Well, it's Friday night and we were in a mood for Mexican and feeling adventuresome, so we decided to try something new- El Matador (http://www.elmatadorrestaurant.com/). We've been driving by this place for years and the website looked interesting, so we decided to give it a try.The seating for three was a little "cozy" (i.e. small booth), but the place has a quaint charm and the food was surprisingly good.

Sweetie pie and her mother both ordered the Enchilada/Taco combination plate with rice and beans. I wanted to thoroughly graze the menu, so I had the Enchilada/Chile Relleno/Sope/Tostada combination plate with rice and beans.The Tacos were big, fat, crispy and loaded with meat-just the way the ladies like them. The Enchiladas and Chile Relleno were also very good and made with great sauces. The Ground Beef Sope was a tasty treat with lots of meat and a freshly made "fat" tortilla. The Bean Tostada however, was BORING (next time I'll substitute a Taco).

The 3 Tubby Tummys give tonight's El Matador dinner three thumbs up!

HAVEN GASTROPUB (CHAPTER TWO)

PICTURED (top to bottom): Restaurant Sign, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Beet Salad, Roasted Spaghetti (squash), The Haven Burger (HEY GUYS-WHERE'S THE ST AGUR CHEESE-YOU FORGOT THE CHEESE!), Jumbo Prawns (bacon-wrapped), Pulled Pork Sandwich.

We had such a good time at Haven Gastropub (www.havengastropub.com/) in March, that we had to try it again. Our second visit was just as much fun as the first. Good food, excellent service and a festive atmosphere make this an ideal luncheon destination. We also enjoy browsing in the Old Town Orange shops after lunch.

For starters, sweetie pie stayed with her Buttermilk Fried Chicken with orange-habanero BBQ sauce, and her mother remained loyal to her Beet Salad  (yes-she is the Beet Salad Queen). I decided to try something new-The Roasted Spaghetti (spaghetti squash, marinara and cheese). What a surprisingly good treat; and big enough to share! Sweetie pie decided to return to the Haven Burger entree. It was so good, she was half-way through before she realized THEY FORGOT THE CHEESE! Her mother decided to try the Jumbo Prawns wrapped in applewood-smoked bacon with Cheddar Cheese Grits. Good?? Yes-very good. I decided on the Pulled Pork Sandwich with warm apple-cabbage slaw and chipotle aioli. Excellent-and I ordered extra chipotle aioli on the side for dipping my fries.They have the best french fries, seasoned house-cut skinny french fries with housemade ketchup. Once again, we were too stuffed for dessert.

Today's Haven Gastropub lunch (even sans cheese) gets three thumbs up from the 3 Tubby Tummys!