Benjamin Epstein

Orange County, CA

Contributor at Orange Coast Magazine

Contributor at Irvine Standard

Contributor at Taste (South Coast Plaza)

Editor at SoCalPulse

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Articles

Cucina marks its Sweet 16

2 weeks ago | irvinestandard.com | Benjamin Epstein

Founded in 2009 by visionary restaurateur Tracy Borkum, the Cucina restaurant brand has grown from a bold post-recession experiment into a Southern California mainstay known for its innovative design, in-house wine shops and rustic-meets-refined California-Italian cuisine. The Irvine Spectrum Center location of Cucina Enoteca, the first one in Orange County, opened in 2011.
Scholarly snacks

3 weeks ago | irvinestandard.com | Benjamin Epstein

As evidenced by their names and locations, University Center and Campus Plaza are student magnets. The attractions are many and go beyond the merchants and restaurants to the robust common-area seating where students congregate. Now that summer has arrived, it’s a great time for locals to learn what students already knowEureka!University CenterThe best way to commemorate the end of the school year and the start of summer vacation? A truly memorable burger.
New hot-pot spots: Fast and Moo-Moo

1 month ago | irvinestandard.com | Benjamin Epstein

Irvine has two new hot-pot destinations – Moo-Moo Hot Pot in Northpark and Fast Hot Pot at University Center. Step one at Fast Hot Pot: Choose a soup base – from nonspicy chicken broth to flaming hot classic red chile – or dry mix options, notably the numbing Sichuan pepper version. Step two: Choose a noodle such as potato or glass wide. Step three: Select from a cornucopia of ingredients that please the most jaded palate.
Dosa at Paradise Biryani Pointe

1 month ago | irvinestandard.com | Benjamin Epstein

Paradise Biryani Pointe, new at Irvine Spectrum Center, specializes in the cuisine of India’s historic Hyderabad district. The brand has its origins in a small cafe inside a cinema called Paradise in 1953. There are now 16 locations in India and 40 in the U.S.The new location is smaller than the original, fast-casual and has decidedly contemporary decor, including a graffiti-style mural.
Galpão Gaucho arrives

1 month ago | irvinestandard.com | Benjamin Epstein

At new Galpão Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse, traditionally garbed gaucho chefs continuously carve 18 grilled selections tableside, notably the 24-karat Golden Steak. The all-you-can-eat format includes unlimited visits to a high-end salad bar featuring 45 items. Galpão Gaucho opened in Napa about 10 years ago; eight locations now include Venture Park in Irvine. Jovani Gava is the owner and director of operations. What sets Galpão Gaucho apart from other Brazilian steakhouses?
Japanese Debuts - Irvine Standard

1 month ago | irvinestandard.com | Benjamin Epstein

Pepper LunchIrvine Spectrum CenterSizzle it your way. Teppanyaki experience Pepper Lunch combines a choice of uncooked ingredients and a personal 570-degree iron plate. Among its 40 dishes are nearly a dozen do-it-yourself versions of the signature pepper rice, variously starring beef, chicken, salmon, shrimp or tofu; three incorporate kimchi. The fast-casual concept, which debuted 30 years ago in Tokyo, has grown to more than 500 locations in 16 countries.
Mother’s Day choices from around the world

1 month ago | irvinestandard.com | Benjamin Epstein

Good kids help moms spread their wings. Try any of these worldly options for Mother’s Day this weekend. Beautiful flavors, beautiful setting, beautiful company: Robata Wasa at Irvine Spectrum Center offers a transporting, three-course Mother’s Day culinary journey ($55) served amid contemporary and traditional Japanese art and classic Japanese design.
The Market Place: The ultimate destination for fish and chips in OC

1 month ago | irvinestandard.com | Benjamin Epstein

Several destinations at The Market Place offer fish and chips – reminiscent of England, where fish and chips eateries are as iconic as double-decker buses. Lodge-inspired Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar and lively BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse are neighbors; casual kitchen California Fish Grill is minutes away. The types of fish and presentations, and even the punctuation, couldn’t be more different. The Fish + Chips at Lazy Dog highlights beer-battered white flaky pollack.
Spice of life: Irvine’s fieriest fare

Mar 27, 2025 | irvinestandard.com | Benjamin Epstein

The enjoyment of spicy food is highly individual; what brings pain to one person brings pleasure to another. Communicating preferences to your server can be key to a dining experience that’s memorable in the best way. Kuan Zhai Alley at Los Olivos Marketplace presents China’s mala cuisine, mouth-numbing and spicy thanks to Sichuan peppercorns and chile peppers, respectively. Chef’s Special Dry Chili Chicken presents crispy chicken with loads of peppers. Mapo Tofu is peppercorn heaven.
Double Scoop in Irvine: New Bacio di Latte and Gelatissimo

Mar 11, 2025 | irvinestandard.com | Benjamin Epstein

It has been 14 years since two brothers set out from their native Milan to discover the secrets of great gelato – and found them. Today, their “gelato puro” at Bacio di Latte is produced in each chic store daily according to ancient Italian recipes. Nearly 180 locations include the newest at Irvine Spectrum Center. Fruit for the gelatos and sorbets at Bacio di Latte is sourced from local producers; organic milk and cream come from family farms in Sonoma County.