From the moment I opened the bag, I knew that something was different about this coffee.  The strong, delicious smell of coffee permeated the room almost immediately, to the degree that my entire home smelled like a coffeehouse for the [more ...]]]> From the moment I opened the bag, I knew that something was different about this coffee.  The strong, delicious smell of coffee permeated the room almost immediately, to the degree that my entire home smelled like a coffeehouse for the rest of the morning.  The beans, perfectly medium brown, glistened on their surface with oils released from roasting only a few days prior.

I knew almost immediately that this coffee would be different, but only upon tasting did I realize HOW different.  There is really nothing like drinking coffee that has been roasted mere days and ground mere minutes ago.  This is a pleasure that I have rarely– if ever–experienced before, but will be experiencing much more often thanks to local company Portola Handcrafted Coffee Roasters.  Portola roasts their coffees to order right here in Irvine so that their customers can enjoy the freshest coffee any time.  Portola’s beans are sourced from organic farms–a must for any organic consumer since coffee beans can be one of the most chemically contaminated crops in the world.  Even better, they are Fair Trade Certified and maintain direct relationships with their growers around the world so that you can be assured that your coffee was grown with pride and compassion.

The coffee that I have been enjoying is from Portola’s Peru CENFROCAFE Microlot.  Even prepared in my simple french press, the coffee is so smooth and without bitterness that I almost perceive it to be sweet.   Like a fine wine, the brew surprised me with a depth and complexity of flavors that defy description (from me at least).  Usually I enjoy my coffee with a good dash of cream, but this I enjoyed black because there are none of the usual bitter flavors to counteract with the creaminess.  In fact, I have found myself drinking much more coffee over the past week than I normally do- I think Portola’s Decaf Sumatra should be my next coffee purchase!

If you want to try this amazing coffee for yourself, check out Portola’s roasterie inside of Layer Cake Bakery at 4250 Barranca in Irvine.  Their coffee is also now available in Whole Foods at the District!  If you can’t pick up a bag in person, you can also order from their website.

Portola has also generously offered another bag of coffee to give away to one Local Oranges reader!  To enter, post in the comments section below this message about your favorite way to enjoy your coffee.  If you “Like” Local Oranges on Facebook or follow our Tweets, post again for an extra entry!  I will close the giveaway on July 24th and contact the winner to mail or deliver your own bag of Portola coffee.  (Random.org picked the 15th post.  Congratulations Sandy!)

The disclosures: Local Oranges did not receive any compensation for writing this review.   While I did receive a free sample from Portola, this review reflects my true opinions of the coffee and was not affected in any way by receipt of the sample.

I was already sold on the best fresh pasta I have ever tasted, in about four minutes in the comfort of your own kitchen.  When I found out that Mangi Con Amore sources all of their produce ingredients from the [more ...]]]> I was already sold on the best fresh pasta I have ever tasted, in about four minutes in the comfort of your own kitchen.  When I found out that Mangi Con Amore sources all of their produce ingredients from the local farmers markets where they sell, my admiration went up another notch.  This vendor is the real deal, selling all-natural and incredible tasting Italian foodstuffs that are BOTH locally made and locally sourced when possible.

I cannot say enough good things about the delicious handmade raviolis from Mangi.  Last fall I was loving the pumpkin–a little browned butter and sage is all it needs because the filling takes center stage.  Right now I am craving the earthiness of the wild mushroom ravioli.  If ravioli is not your thing, I would encourage you to try to simple traditional trofie.  For something with one ingredient (really, what has one ingredient?) the flavor and texture is incredible.  I love to grab some summer produce at the market and throw together a simple basil pesto or heirloom tomato sauce and serve it with this rustic pasta.  If you are really time (or cooking) challenged, Mangi Con Amore also sells an assortment of their delicious pre-made sauces.  At $7-$8 a jar they are not inexpensive, but this is the only thing I have tasted that approaches the flavor of homemade.  Certainly a meal from Mangi Con Amore is much less than dinner at your local trattoria.

Finally, what Italian meal is complete without dessert?  Enter the cannoli.  Growing up in a city back east with a large Italian immigrant population, we would buy these for special occasions.  A perfect cannoli has a crunchy, flaky pastry tube with creamy, sweet and smooth ricotta filling.  In California, I have never had one that didn’t have a soggy shell or watery filling.  Thankfully, Mangi Con Amore sells their cannolis with the filling outside the shell–you just fill them and serve.  They are the perfect ending to any special meal.

You can find these Italian treats and many more at the Mangi Con Amore stand at these Orange County farmers markets:

Irvine Tuesday, San Juan Capistrano, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Irvine,  Laguna Beach and Laguna Niguel.

Located in the parking lot of a busy strip mall in an upscale neighborhood, the setting of the Laguna Niguel certified farmers market seems unlikely.  However, the difficult parking and crowded aisles belie the fact that this is by far [more ...]]]> Located in the parking lot of a busy strip mall in an upscale neighborhood, the setting of the Laguna Niguel certified farmers market seems unlikely.  However, the difficult parking and crowded aisles belie the fact that this is by far the best place for area residents to do their weekend produce shopping.

Because of the small space allotment, the layout of this medium-sized market is not the easiest to navigate.  Two long rows lie parallel, with vendors crowding either side.  Because you can’t really get a quick overview of everything offered, I recommend that unfamiliar visitors plan on walking the whole market twice–first to scope out the vendors and then to make purchases.  One of  the highlights of visiting a farmer’s market this time of year is the outstanding stone fruit -I love the organic peaches from Sweet Tree Farms.  Also don’t miss sampling the raw honey from Honey Pacifica of Long Beach.  This may be my favorite local honey.

The OC Register/ Food Frenzy blog also had a great article about this market a few weeks back.  Check it out here for more information:

The Laguna Niguel market runs from 9 to 1 every Sunday in the parking lot of Plaza de La Paz near the intersection of La Paz and Pacific Park/ Oso.

Laguna Niguel Certified Farmers Market Stats

Number of vendors: 20

• citrus: yes
• stone fruit: yes
• strawberries: yes
• leafy greens: yes
• fresh veggies: yes
• sprouts: no
• avocados: yes
• mushrooms: no
• bread/ bakery: yes
• cheese: yes
• meat: yes
• fish: yes
• eggs: yes
• honey: yes
• pasta: yes
• tamales: yes
• coffee: no
• juices: no
• prepared foods: yes
• plants: yes
• cut flowers: yes
• crafts: no

Last visit: 6.13.2010.  The above information is correct to the best of my knowledge based on a personal visit.  If you have updated information please post a comment or send Rachael by email at localoranges at gmail dot com.

Here is another easy summer canape that I prepared from some beautiful baby red potatoes that I got at the Laguna Hills farmers market.  You can make them ahead and refrigerate–just cover them lightly with plastic wrap so that the [more ...]]]> Here is another easy summer canape that I prepared from some beautiful baby red potatoes that I got at the Laguna Hills farmers market.  You can make them ahead and refrigerate–just cover them lightly with plastic wrap so that the spreads do not dry out.

Southwest Potato Bites

24 baby potatoes, about 1″ round

1 large or 2 small red bell pepper (or 1 red bell and 1 red poblano to kick up the heat)

8 oz. sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

2 green onions, white and green parts minced

salt and pepper

olive oil

bunch chives

Steam potatoes until just tender but remove before peelings separate (about 30 minutes).  Set aside to cool.  Over a gas flame or in the oven, roast the red peppers until charred and peeling removes easily.   When slightly cooled, puree red peppers with a little olive oil until the texture is a creamy paste.  Salt to taste.  Combine sour cream or yogurt with minced green onions, and salt and pepper to taste.   Cut eat potato in half and scoop out a small portion to make a well in the center of each half.  Spread a thin layer of roasted red pepper paste on each half.  Put a dollop of sour cream mixture into each depression.  Garnish with chive tips.

This original recipe belongs to Rachael of localoranges.com.  Please do not reproduce without permission.

I hosted a going-away party this weekend and had a chance to put together some fun little canapes for my guests.  We are starting to see some the first of season heirloom tomatoes at the markets right now, and I [more ...]]]> I hosted a going-away party this weekend and had a chance to put together some fun little canapes for my guests.  We are starting to see some the first of season heirloom tomatoes at the markets right now, and I found some delicious lemon basil at the Laguna Hills market on Friday.  I thought I would put together these seasonal ingredients into a little one-bite caprese salad.

Start with some round cherry tomatoes.  I used red, yellow and purple heirlooms.  Scoop out the seeds and pulp to make a little bowl–a grapefruit spoon works perfectly for this task.  Then lay one basil leaf in your tomato bowl.  Put in a piece of fresh mozzarella.  My market was out of the tini olovini balls, which I bet would fit perfectly, so I used the regular small-sized balls quartered.   Then add a dollop of olive-balsamic tapanade on top.   If you are in a hurry you can buy this prepared, but it is easy to make by processing about a cup of good kalmata olives (seed removed) with a clove of garlic and tablespoon each of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.   The best thing about these little canapes?  You can make them up to a day ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator without worrying about any ingredients getting soggy.

This original recipe belongs to Rachael of localoranges.com.  Please do not reproduce without permission.

As anyone with young children can attest, dining out with the kiddos can sometimes be the fastest way to lose your appetite.  But, even though embarrassing behavior, long waits and picky eaters often make us drive home thinking “NEVER [more ...]]]> As anyone with young children can attest, dining out with the kiddos can sometimes be the fastest way to lose your appetite.  But, even though embarrassing behavior, long waits and picky eaters often make us drive home thinking “NEVER again”, we always venture out in a few weeks.

So naturally I was excited to hear that Orange County is getting our own “Kids Restaurant Week” this summer.  Throughout OC, great restaurants will be featuring special menus, activities and discounts just for stroller-setters like us!   I perused the participating restaurants, and definitely want my family to check out 118 Degrees in Costa Mesa.   Nirvana Grille is another great restaurant with two locations that feature local and organic ingredients.

Check out www.kidsrestaurantweek.org to get all the information to plan your week of delicious dining.  Then pack your bibs and go!  Good behavior not guaranteed.

This is not for the gardening-challenged (like me), but certainly could inspire some of us to plant a few more easy-growing herbs and tomato plants.  Enjoy!

Usually less is more, but occasionally more is more flavor!   This quick slaw is the perfect sweet, sour, salty and spicy side dish to serve with any Chinese, Thai or Asian-inspired fusion cuisine.  Or, you can top it with [more ...]]]> Usually less is more, but occasionally more is more flavor!   This quick slaw is the perfect sweet, sour, salty and spicy side dish to serve with any Chinese, Thai or Asian-inspired fusion cuisine.  Or, you can top it with grilled chicken or shrimp for a delicious stand-alone lunch.  The real reason I keep making it?  Even my salad-adverse toddler comes back for seconds.

The slaw:

1/2 head red cabbage, cored and sliced thinly

1/2 head green cabbage, cored and sliced thinly

1 bell pepper, diced (my favorite is orange, but yellow or red are great too)

3 green onions, chopped fine

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

1/2 cup (or more!) chopped peanuts (cashews work too)

The dressing:

1/3 cup olive oil

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

1/4 cup rice wine vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon sriracha (or other Asian chili sauce)

juice of 1/2 lime

1 inch piece of fresh ginger, finely grated

Whisk together dressing ingredients.  Toss salad ingredients with dressing and serve.  This recipe makes about a cup of dressing, which makes the slaw very well-dressed, so if you use small cabbages or just want to cut back then start with half.  You can save the other half for a tasty dressing on your next Chinese Chicken salad.  Most of the ingredients except for the bell pepper should be available at OC farmers markets year-round.  If peppers are out of season, you can throw in grated carrot for a little color.

This original recipe belongs to Rachael of localoranges.com.  Please do not reproduce without permission.

When I first walked up to the Irvine Tuesday market in the Irvine Historical Village, I was honestly underwhelmed.  At first glance, it appeared to be so small that it couldn’t possibly offer enough different offerings to satisfy my desire [more ...]]]> When I first walked up to the Irvine Tuesday market in the Irvine Historical Village, I was honestly underwhelmed.  At first glance, it appeared to be so small that it couldn’t possibly offer enough different offerings to satisfy my desire for variety–or provide enough meals for a week.  However, a half hour of shopping changed my mind.  While this market is smaller than a lot of others, the offerings are diverse with few repeats.  Obviously this means that there isn’t much competition among vendors, but I didn’t find prices to be much different than other markets.  Because this is a smaller market, it has been overlooked by some of the large market staple vendors, leaving room for other vendors.  I particularly enjoyed visiting Ray’s Ranch of Temecula–try the cinnamon infused honey and take home their heavenly goat cheese.

One of the produce vendors had a surprising diversity of exotic fruits.   In the interest of trying something new, I picked up a new fruit-a bumpy green cherimoya (pictured with kumquats).   A lot of tropical fruits can be an acquired taste, but cherimoya is delicious.  Creamy, it reminds me of bananas and papaya, minus any funk.  At about $4 (for one fruit) my cherimoya was not cheap, but my family is begging for more.

The Irvine Tuesday market runs from 9 to 1 at the Irvine Ranch Historic Park near the intersection of Irvine Blvd. and Jamboree.

Irvine Tuesday Certified Farmers Market Stats

Number of vendors: 18

• citrus: yes
• stone fruit: yes
• strawberries: yes
• leafy greens: yes
• fresh veggies: yes
• sprouts: no
• avocados: yes
• mushrooms: no
• bread/ bakery: yes
• cheese: no
• meat: no
• fish: yes
• eggs: yes
• honey: yes
• pasta: yes
• tamales: yes
• coffee: no
• juices: no
• prepared foods: yes
• plants: no
• cut flowers: yes
• crafts: no

Last visit: 4.27.2010.  The above information is correct to the best of my knowledge based on a personal visit.  If you have updated information please post a comment or send Rachael by email at localoranges at gmail dot com.

As part of their mission to offer holistic health solutions and help patients “thrive”, Kaiser Permanente offers farmers markets in the parking lots of many of their medical centers (find out more about Kaiser Permanente farmers markets Here).  One such [more ...]]]> As part of their mission to offer holistic health solutions and help patients “thrive”, Kaiser Permanente offers farmers markets in the parking lots of many of their medical centers (find out more about Kaiser Permanente farmers markets Here).  One such market is Friday mornings from 10 to 2 in the parking lot of the hospital at 6670 Alton Parkway in Irvine.  Although Kaiser’s goal may be commendable, I visited this market last Friday and I wouldn’t necessarily describe it as “thriving”.  First of all, I find it ironic that of the 11 vendors there, only 2 actually sell fresh fruits or vegetables.  Perhaps the stands selling orchids and honey could also be broadly categorized as “farmers”.   All the rest are vendors selling prepared foods.  I think that they are mainly catering to the employees and patients who buy lunches and snacks.

The verdict?  If you live or work really close and just want to pick up something simple, like oranges, a loaf of bread, or strawberries, then swing on by.  You will still get much better quality than the grocery store.  I must warn, though, that if you aren’t already going to the medical center parking can be inconvenient.  Otherwise, if you are looking for a true farmers market experience, hop on the 405 freeway and visit the Laguna Hills market a few exits south.  For a Friday morning market, it offers far better variety and parking.  The Saturday and Tuesday Irvine markets are also other good local options.

Kaiser Permanente Irvine Certified Farmers Market Stats

Number of vendors: 11

• citrus: yes
• stone fruit: yes, limited
• strawberries: yes
• leafy greens: yes, very limited
• fresh veggies: yes, very limited
• sprouts: no
• avocados: yes
• mushrooms: no
• bread/ bakery: yes
• cheese: no
• meat: no
• fish: no
• eggs: no
• honey: yes
• pasta: no
• tamales: yes
• coffee: no
• juices: no
• prepared foods: yes
• plants: yes
• cut flowers: no
• crafts: no

Last visit: 5.7.2010.  The above information is correct to the best of my knowledge based on a personal visit.  If you have updated information please post a comment or contact Rachael by email at localoranges at gmail dot com.