Quick Look: Fonda Moderna, Newport Beach
The always-excellent Fonda Moderna taqueria has opened a new location, this time in Uptown Newport.
Brad A. Johnson’s Best Places to Eat in Orange County, 2025
Okay, okay. I've heard the messages loud and clear, so I'm bringing it back by popular demand: Brad A. Johnson's Best Places to Eat in Orange County, 2025!
10-Second Review: 61 hundred bread, Santa Ana
Karlo Evaristo has finally launched the brick-and-mortar bakery for 61 hundred bread in California.
Happy 4th Anniversary to Heritage Barbecue, San Juan Capistrano CA
Heritage Barbecue completely and forever changed the game for barbecue in Orange County, California.
OLTRE Review: Matsu, Oceanside CA
California has the best Japanese restaurants in America, and Matsu is as good as any other in the state — but also different from anything else.
Quick Review: Maybourne Beverly Hills
The Maybourne Beverly Hills is one of the poshest hotels in greater Los Angeles, and the rooms are fittingly fabulous. Great martinis, too.
10-Second Review: Porta Via, Palm Desert
The new Porta Via restaurant in Palm Desert is not just the hottest reservation in the desert right now. It is also a masterclass in midcentury design.
Closer Look: Del Rey at Villa Royale, Palm Springs (part 2)
Del Rey is a sexy little speakeasy and tapas bar tucked inside the beautiful estate of Villa Royale in the heart of Palm Springs. Both the drinks and food are very good.
Hotel Review: Villa Royale, Palm Springs (part 1)
Villa Royale originally opened in 1947 in the heart of Palm Springs and became a magnet for Hollywood stars of the era. New owners brought it back to life in 2018. Although not exactly 5-star quality, it is rather fabulous.
Motel Review: Cuyama Buckhorn, New Cuyama, CA
The 21-room Cuyama Buckhorn is a mid-century motel redux in the boondocks of California’s high desert, midway between San Luis Obispo and Maricopa. Nobody travels to this remote hideout by accident. You really must make an effort to get here.