Benjamin Epstein

Orange County, CA

Contributor at Orange Coast Magazine

Contributor at Irvine Standard

Contributor at Taste (South Coast Plaza)

Editor at SoCalPulse

Featured in: Favicon

performancesmagazine.com Favicon

orangecoast.com Favicon

irvinestandard.com Favicon

southcoastplaza.com Favicon

socalpulse.com Favicon

govisit.guide

Articles

New hot-pot spots: Fast and Moo-Moo

1 week 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 week 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

3 weeks 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

3 weeks 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

3 weeks 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

3 weeks 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

2 months ago | 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

2 months ago | 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.
Memorable holiday meals

Nov 19, 2024 | irvinestandard.com | Benjamin Epstein

What makes a restaurant ideal for a holiday gathering? Dishes you won’t forget, special-occasion ambience and, of course, that it’s open on holidays. Here are three fine-dining destinations that offer memorable menus and decor and are open 365 days a year – including Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, Lunar New Year … whatever you wish. HabanaIrvine Spectrum Center“Every day is festive at Habana,” General Manager Rey Abreu says.
Elevated burgers

Oct 2, 2024 | irvinestandard.com | Benjamin Epstein

Fast-casual destinations are great for a quick burger. But when only sit-down, full-service and top-notch ingredients will do, consider these more elevated restaurants. At convivial Eureka!, go a little wild and try an offbeat option. Flavor-packed favorite The Bison is finished with charred red bell peppers, bacon-infused jalapeno jam, smoked mozzarella and whiskey-caramelized onions. The unforgettable Fresno Fig adds melted goat cheese, bacon, arugula, fig marmalade and spicy Porter mustard.