Green Tomato Grill isn’t exactly around the corner from me – located in Orange, it doesn’t look like a place I’d drive one hour just to visit, but I’m really glad I did…

…Eboni and I got a fun little road trip in, and got to experience some really lovely food.

Chef Kyle Markt explained the new restaurant’s concept – fast, delicious, fresh + wholesome food that’s accommodating to every diet, with a focus on sustainability.

Even though it was a beautiful day outside…

…we sat indoors, where there were plenty of outlets and free wifi!

A little too early for booze…

…but we did grab a bottle of Nordaq water.

Started off with a handful of popped corn with Sunflower Oil and Adobo Seasoning…

…and a couple Fried Green Tomatoes – panko crusted perfection.

Green Tomato Grill makes five signature sauces daily – feel free to mix n match with your entrees – they’re very open to ordering off the menu…

…for example, their breakfast is usually only served until 10:30am, but if you came in later with a hankering for eggs, ask away. I highly recommend this Soyrizo and Sweet Potato Hash Burrito.

Had a few bites before moving on…

…a sip of the daily (vegan) soup – Tomato Bisque…

…and a special Flatbread – PB and J!

I had one piece – they use the leftover fresh fruit to make compotes (and fresh-squeezed lemonade), so nothing goes to waste.

Flatbread wedges also come with their stews…

…I had several spoonfuls of the Achiote Beef and Carrots…

…and the Pork in Green Chili Sauce.

Also enjoyed many bites of the Thai Peanut Shrimp Bowl with Edamame on top of White Rice – if Abe had come along, they could’ve made this with Tofu or double veggies (Snow Peas, Carrots, Cabbage, and Onions).

The desserts (made by Sensitive Sweets) are all gluten-free…

…and Vegan – aside from the Lemon Bar.

We sampled 1/4 of everything – cookies, a S’mores Brownie, and Chocolate Cookie Dough Truffle.

Eboni and I agreed that if we lived in the area, we’d be regulars. As you can see, those who have been here also love it…

…if you’re a blogger/food writer in the area, connect with Kyle via their Facebook Page with your site/info, and for those of you in The O.C. stop in and say hello!

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My tummy was stuffed from our Tiato meal and I’ve got another media brunch today, so food was not last night’s focus. I’m gonna let my cousin Teddy recap the events.

We went to Amy, Paul, and Vivi’s – they got takeout from Petty Cash (which used to be Playa)…

…he said the chips were excellent, as were the tacos.

Like me, Teddy has a sweet tooth! There were these donut/beignet-type goodies…

…that come with chocolate. He approved.

We brought over mochi from Fugetsu, and then, Teddy had a brilliant idea.

“Hey guys? Dip them in sauce.”

By the end of the evening, Teddy felt a lot like me…

…lucky for us, Amy bought some Ginger Chews – there’s been a shortage at Trader Joe’s and I’ve been freaking out!

Never seen the Gin Gins Boost before – they’re smaller and have a caramel flavor added. I wound up having two with miso + a lollipop before going to bed.

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Abe and I are already big fans of House of An – we loved our lunch at Crustacean and were excited when they invited us to try Tiato’s new Summer Sunday Brunch.

Located inside the MTV/Lionsgate building, there’s a market section to grab lunch on the go…

…and a beautiful restaurant for more formal dining.

We sat outside (on the largest outdoor patio in Santa Monica) to experience the brand new Grilling Station…

…and were seated at a table next to Helene An!!!

“Mama” and her daughter (owner Catherine) took such incredible care of us – they also made sure Abe’s vegetarian diet was accommodated.

I had a bite of his Vietnamese Crepe…

…and enjoyed one stuffed with Chicken and Prawns myself. This is a MUST order – crispy + egg-y.

We also got samples of their Truffled Mac and Cheese…

…House Cured Salmon on Corn Belini…

(Abe’s did not have fish)

…and two small salads – Fried Egg with Canadian Bacon for me…

…and one with Pear/Candied Walnuts for Abe. Usually this one comes with a Poached Egg, but they’ll do the Fried Version if you ask – here’s video of the yolk in action!

Of course, no An Restaurant experience is complete without some of their signature Garlic Noodles – these were made fresh on the grill!

Bit of Abe’s tofu…

…plus some of his zucchini, with my Chicken portion.

Last, but certainly not least…

…French Toast Banana Foster with Bourbon Vanilla Maple Syrup + Pecan Chantilly Cream…

…plus housemade pastries – Sweet, Savory + Spicy Corn Bread, Coffee Cake, and a Banana Muffin…

…with butter!

I had two servings. You know me and sweets.

This epic meal really lifted my spirits for my very first father-less Father’s Day. Thanks so much to the An Family for their generosity, care, and DELICIOUS food.

Sunday Brunch kicks off all summer long from 11am – 3pm – parking in the area is a cinch since nobody’s working in the area.  Oh, there’s live music too!

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I left the V3 Conference for a nap + audition, then drove right back to JAMN eating a KIND Bar…

…just in time to see Koji talking about the museum’s upcoming exhibits (HELLO KITTY IS COMING).

I also got to hear the incredible Grace Lee Boggs speak…

…and catch up with some of my favorite people.

Over at Far Bar for the Closing Reception…

…where there were lots of nibbles.

I had a small plate piled with cheese, crackers, sushi, dumplings, chicken satay, fresh/dried fruit, nuts, and pickled ginger…

…plus a snack in my bag – McDonald’s Cookies….

…half of all three flavors – Oatmeal Raisin, Chocolate Chip, and Sugar.

Fun to see how much the  V3 Digital Media Conference has grown since its “Banana” Days.  I was unable to attend last year’s because it was right after my father’s death, so I’m grateful to have had another chance to speak and connect with my fellow community. They’ve already set the date for next year’s gathering – June 21, 2014 – there’s super early bird registration available now!

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I was up bright and early this morning for the V3 Conference…

…my panel was the very first one of the day.

Food was sponsored by McDonald’s. I skipped the breakfast…

…but enjoyed lunch – McWraps! They even had Vegetarian ones.

Sweet Chili with Grilled Chicken – the same one I tried at their launch party…

Have to skip the afternoon portion because of an audition, but will be back for the latter half of the Conference. You can watch the Live Stream online – my Thick Dumpling Skin co-founder Lisa goes on at 3pm!

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