The holidays continue in 2011 with several daily, weekly and monthly food-related holidays. It's never time to stop celebrating if you're in Orange County, as its scenery is beautiful, the weather is nice and there's amazing food and drinks found all around. The daily holidays start right off on January 1st with Bloody Mary Day. Happy BMD! The OC is reported to make some of the best around. Comparisons have been made by many resulting in a few prominent leaders... The Gypsy Lounge, 3-Thirty-3 Waterfront, The Ramos House Cafe, Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale's SCP and more -- And read what Bloody Marys are being yelped about here. If Bloody Mary Day isn't your Cup of Tea, January just so happens to be National Hot Tea Month too. On that note, Tea Forte is an absolute favorite, since it's incredible tasting and different.
A couple other food holidays worth mentioning include National Cheese Lover's Day scheduled for January 20th -- It's time to celebrate ALL THAT CHEESE. There are endless offerings of artisan cheese throughout Orange County. We've identified a handful of special and convenient sources for your exploration... Frog's Breath Cheese Store, Wine Lab Newport, The Bruery Provisions, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, La Maison Gourmet, and for convenience for the masses, Trader Joe's and Bristol Farms. A Cheese & Wine Party is always fun and easy to host. In January you have good reason to do so. Happy NCLD!
The day after, January 21st is New England Clam Chowder Day -- A few local favorites were reported about some time ago and you may or may not agree. And many report to love Boudin Bakery's Clam Chowder in a Sourdough Bread Bowl. An award winner and this writer's favorite is the New England Clam Chowder at The Original Fish Company, with Walt's Warf as the runner up, if an Oak Grilled Artichoke is thrown into the mix. On a different day, you might want to try the Clam Chowder at The Crab Cooker, as it's Manhattan style, or perhaps any day this month, since January is also National Soup Month.
Note: This article does not attempt to report about ALL the best Bloody Marys, Cheese destinations or New England Clam Chowder specialists in the OC, but hopes to tempt you to list your favorite(s). Happy New Year!
Comments