Lets talk libations…

In the immortal words of The Monty Python Boys, ”…and now for something completely different”. So far, we’ve talked only about food, good food, and affordable food. Now lets discuss good thirst quenchers.

The Alley, on the far end of Newport Beach, Ca has Happy Hour from quitting time to beyond dinner time: Sunday - Thursday 4:30 – 10:00 pm, the longest in the area!

Cocktails are set at decent prices, about $5 and all appetizers are ½ off. The Spinach Artichoke Dip which, let’s face it, is on every menu in America is especially delish with HUGE wedges of artichokes, crispy parmesan crust, and creamy everything else, it can’t be beat! The secret, they use full fat everything! We are not a diet tips location after all… this blog is about good food and sometimes good food is also soooo bad. Want another good find there, try the way overloaded twice baked potatoes, the calamari, or when in season, the grilled artichoke. Casual food, cocktails, and attire- most ride in on beach cruisers.

Want something more elegant and full bodied; Rothschild’s is the place for you. This excellent Italian dining room with an English motif, located in the heart of Corona Del Mar Village has $5 glasses of wine with a selection from across the globe. From 4-7 pm Monday thru Friday choose from their fantastic selection of Italian, French, or Californian to name a few. Escargot, classically prepared in garlic, parsley, white wine butter sauce, Frog’s Legs, Oysters Rockefeller are among the appetizer that you can select from on the house. Other appetizers are free during happy hour- most come here in Bentleys.

What, too elegant a style for you? Want something more in the middle walk one block north to Oysters. Happy Hour is the same time but a little different. This Asian Fusion Restaurant serves ½ off appetizers and, $5 beer and wine, and $6 martinis. Oysters Rockefeller still appears, along with Thai Spiced Crab cakes made with jumbo lump crabmeat, served with mango-papaya relish. Feeling bold, order the Roasted Nueske Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates, Laura Chenel goat cheese with a soy-port glaze. For a nice classic try The Cutting Board—a variety of Spanish and Italian cured meats, served with toasted ciabatta points, spreads made fresh daily.

So there you have it, a little something for everyone. Try them all and be your own judge.
Bon Apatite.

Back By Popular Demand...

Yes ladies and gentlemen, it's back... and soooooooooooo yummy. Mozambique in Laguna Beach has an amazing dinner menu that you will crave daily... which is good because they have something to fit your budget day and night. In true Stimulus Package style, Mozambique has put together a culinary delight- for $1o flat!!!

Have your choice of 5 entrées and prepare your mouth for a taste explosion!

Like seafood, try the Giant Prawns grilled over an open cedar and mesquite grill and served with rice and killer veggies.

What, not carnivorous enough for your ample pallet, try the sirloin steak – medium rate of course alongside asparagus the size of California Redwoods.

Too much to handle, fine! Go for the Penne Pasta, Mahi Mahi, or the Rotisserie Chicken… you will not be disappointed with any of them, believe me, I’ve had them all!

Steak and lobster is $19.99 daily! Impress a date and not break the bank.

This gastronomic experience with an African flare is not messing around! Located in the old Tortilla Flats locale, Mozambique serves up one heck of a good meal at an affordable price. Act fast though; it ends at the end of this month!!!

Watch out though, the drinks are not cheap however what they lack in cocktail discounts, they make up for in the live music.

Want to shake it on a Sunday night, check out the live Reggae! This place has brought new life into the Laguna Beach music scene by having live music on various days of the week.

I can’t begin to cover all the great deals in this establishment; you’ll just have to try them for yourself! Check out the website, walk-in and get ready for an experience unique to South County!

http://www.mozambiqueoc.com/index.html

Mozambique Steakhouse• Coastal Lounge

Located at:1740 S. Pacific Coast Hwy.Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Tel. 949-715-7777

Taco Tuesday Done Right!!!

Taco Tuesday is a frugal diner's dreams come true. Lots of Mexican restaurants have some version of it but, not all tacos are created equal. If you want a real treat that won't break the bank, look no further than Happy Hour at Aloha Grill!

From 4-7 pm you can chow down on as many grilled fish and calamari tacos as you want! They are, as my friend Lauren puts it "The best fish tacos you ever had". Best part, these heavenly treats are $1.00 a piece Monday – Friday. Taco Tuesday all week long Hawaiian style!!!

Additionally a variety of items on the menu are ½ off during Happy Hour which are indicated by a purple hibiscus. Lahaina Sliders, 3 mini Kalua Pork Sliders in Hawaiian sweet bread rolls served with fries are less the $5. How about Asian Chicken and Ginger Potstickers for less than $4? Are you getting hungry yet?

If you want an amazing fish dinner with all the trimmings, this is the place to be. Where else can you get a fresh Ono, Swordfish, or Mahi Mahi dinner the way you want it for under $14? Local fish houses like The Rusty Pelican or Billy’s, both in Newport Beach (approx 3 miles away from the Costa Mesa location) start similar meals at $25! Salads, sandwiches, burgers, steaks and other fare are also yours for the taking with all prices ranging from $5-$14.

People, trust me when I say Aloha Grill is well worth a try… you will be back for more!

Aloha Grill has 2 locations:

1749 Newport Blvd. Costa Mesa, Ca 92627 and

221 Main Street Huntington Beach, Ca 92648

http://alohagrill.com/

Wanna eat cheap??? Look no further...

Are you like me? Love good food but can't afford to pay a fortune every time you want a treat?
Sick of seeing $20 burgers on menus that you could've made for about $4? Well look no further. I am here to give you a guided tour through great eats that won't break the piggy bank!

Why am I? Rhonda, The Frugal Diner.

I am a published culinary expert that loves good grinds but hates to spend a fortune. Nothing drives me nuts more than to spend $40 on a meal I could have made better at home for a fraction of the cost. That's why I decided to create this blog and get the word out of the food that is not only great for your taste buds, but also your wallet!!!
You will find what’s good in the Coastal Orange County neighborhood including:

Great picks on local menus
Restaurants with fabulous ambiance
How to re-create the good stuff at home
Tips on how to eat at the “in spots” affordably