In 2000, Patina Restaurant Group took over management of the Bowers Museum of Cultural Art’s restaurant space and named it Tangata, meaning “mankind” in the Maori language of New Zealand. Tangata uses the farm to table concept with the menu changing slightly every 2-3 weeks. They also match the cuisine to the current exhibits inside of the Bowers Museum. Through January 6, “Faberge: Imperial Jeweler to the Tsars” is on exhibit, so the menu reflects some Russian food items.
Compressed Salad of Baby Arugula is topped with manchego cheese, Fuji apples, dates, candied walnuts and tossed in pistachio vinaigrette. This salad has a brilliant combination of flavors – bitter from the arugula, salty from the manchego, sweet from the apples and dates, smoky/sweet from the walnuts and pistachio vinaigrette. This was the most perfectly balanced salad I’ve ever had. Thumbs up, way up!
Short Rib “Stroganoff” is braised Angus short rib “Stroganoff”, housemade pappardelle pasta, creamy red wine sauce, and roasted crimini mushrooms. The braised short rib was extremely tender, no knife necessary, and wonderfully flavorful. The creamy red wine sauce was velvety and matched perfectly with the beef and pasta. The vegetables were expertly roasted to perfection. This was a great way to incorporate the short rib element into a stroganoff dish. Thumbs up, way up!
Vanilla Crème Brulee made with Tahitian vanilla bean. This is a fantastic crème brulee! Creamy, custardy goodness topped with a crispy burnt sugar crust. The Tahitian vanilla beans speckle the entire custard filling your taste buds with vanilla essence and provided a beautiful contrast as you dive into it. Thumbs up, way up!
Take a day and explore the Bowers Museum of Cultural Art and make lunch plans at Tangata to experience cultural cuisine as well.
Atmosphere: 5 out of 5 stars
Décor: 5 out of 5 stars
Service: 5 out of 5 stars
Food: 5 out of 5 stars
For more information:
Tangata (inside of Bowers Museum of Cultural Art)
2002 N Main St
Santa Ana, CA 92706-2731
714.550.0906
Website
- Hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 11am to 3pm
- Reservation available through OpenTable
Bowers Museum of Cultural Art Current Exhibits
- “Faberge: Imperial Jeweler to the Tsars” through January 6, 2013
- “Read My Pins: The Madeleine Albright Collection” through January 13, 2013
- “Cut! Costume and the Cinema” through March 10, 2013
- “Sacred Realms: Temple Murals by Shashi Dhoj Tulachand from the Gayle and Edward P. Roski Collection” through March 12, 2013
- “Scrimshaw: The Art and Craft of the American Whaler” through July 7, 2013
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