We were headed to Huntington Beach, and I convinced him to turn off a few exits beforehand so we could avoid some of the traffic off Beach Blvd and still connect to Pacific Coast Highway (and see if there are any hidden gems down the street). This is what I noted:
* Aloha BBQ - I've chowed at their Costa Mesa locale. Pretty good spam masubi. Heard about inconsistency, though. Hawaiian take-out is expensive or cheap - depending on what else you consider take-out. I think it's just right.
* Kappo Honda - Related to the infamous Honda-Ya in Tustin, I went here years ago for sushi. Busy as can be, it's hard not to enjoy a traditional Izakaya (Japanese bar). Excellent for groups needing to please a menagerie of tastes.
* Shin Sen Gumi - There is a ramen entrance and a yakatori entrance. Choose wisely. You want lively bar atmosphere, get up and go next door. For a truly "hole in the wall" experience, look no further. It's known for their personalized ramen bowls. Have preferences ready, because it's a lot of work to order. We sat at the counter and found watching the main cook coordinate all his orders fascinating.
* Janus Bakery - Known for their cranky counter lady and pastries, it is related to J&J Bakery in Irvine. I am a die hard J&J fan, but walked over here while waiting an eternity for Shin Sen Gumi. Not bad, but good if you can't make the drive further South.
* Starbucks drive-thru - Only because they are so hard to find in Irvine, I wanted to show how it's pretty much EVERYWHERE else. Fine, there's one at Sand Canyon/Irvine Center Drive. It took long enough!
* Market Broiler - Ate at the Orange location regularly at some point. Lots of mixed reviews. Kind of my answer to Red Lobster. Good thing, since the creator came from that chain. However, I think I prefer The Fish Market or California Fish Grill out of sheer convenience.
* Yogurtland - Another location! Yipee! 30 cents an ounce for fro-yo! Can't beat the generous topping selection (fruits, cereal, mochi, lots of sauces) or price. Enough said.
* Applebee's - This is like those commercials I see on TV for Sonic or Cici's Pizza. There's never one close by. Well, here's one, and (maybe) someday I'll go. Haven't hit one of these since my college days at Cal Poly. Oh wait, I did go up North with the parentals once. Not bad. Better than an IHOP or Baker's Square, imo.