For our date night last weekend D and I ate at Oceanic Grill in Woodbury.  We had a BOGO coupon (of course!)  The place was pretty empty, which does not bode well for this fairly new establishment.  It appears to be trying to duplicate the success of California Fish Grill.

We chose tilapia and white fish, both of which we enjoyed.  The service was a bit slow (especially considering that we were the only ones there), but the staff person was apologetic and we were not in a hurry!

For after dinner drinks we redeemed our coupons for a free Caramel something or other coffee at Seattle’s Best.  I’m not sure if I’ve been to a Seattle’s Best since going to one in Seattle back in the early 2000’s.  D said Starbucks bought the chain and is now marketing it as the cheaper alternative.  Works for me.

Our third stop was to park in the Woodbridge shopping center and walk over the bridge to walk around Woodbridge Lake.  We’ve passed by the lake by car before, but have never walked around.  It was quite pretty, and nice and peaceful.  We admired all of the homes around the lake—very nice.  We only walked around one part, and it did not take too long.  D estimates it is about a mile according to his internal pedometer.

Nice playground—we’ll have to bring the kids.  D also spotted a koi fish swimming in the lake.  There were plenty of ducks and geese.

Our final stop was to check out the new Korean store at the Woodbridge Shopping plaza: Assi Natural Market.

I am not sure about the correct pronunciation, but it is an unfortunate name for a store in the US, IMO.  Although they aspire to be a Whole Foods for Asian food, sadly, it is not.  Again, I’m not sure how long this business will last, given that there are other better alternatives.  We picked up some bulgogi that D grilled the next day for Mother’s Day.

This miso soup machine caught my eye.  That’s something you do not see everyday. 

So that was our mini tour of Irvine.  I’m always amazed at how big Irvine is (and still growing). 

Seeing that n enjoyed our Farrell’s outing so much, when I saw a Groupon for Watson’s Drug & Soda Fountain, I bought it.  Located in Old Town Orange, it definitely has the Old Town feel, down to the lumpy seats. 

We shared a hamburger and club sandwich.  For dessert, we shared a banana split:

It was funny, because it was more crowded at 4:30 p.m. than 5:00 p.m.

There were three sauces: chocolate, strawberry and pineapple.  I’ll give Farrell’s an extra star for the fun atmosphere and the chocolate malt ice cream, but not having to wait in line and cheaper prices even it out.

Afterward we took a stroll around the Orange Circle.  During the 5-10 minutes we rested on the bench in the middle of the circle, two different groups approached us (one for directions, one to take a picture). 

I was first introduced to the Long Beach Johnny Rebs’ by friends from law school.  They are known for their barbecue and peanut shells on the floor.  On Saturday night we went for the first time as a family to the restaurant in Orange with our Entertainment Card BOGO.  Two entrees were plenty for our whole family.

Brisket Sandwich and BBQ Pulled Pork Melt—yum!

I was a bit concerned about taking the kids there since both are allergic to peanuts, but neither have ever shown symptoms from “airborne’” peanuts.  (There are peanuts at every table, and people are encouraged to throw the shells on the floor).  Sure enough, n started to show some symptoms by the end of our dinner.  We gave him a Benadryl, and he was fine, although it took longer than usual to go away.  Also, not related, we found out that n is allergic to fresh pineapple.  All I can say is, thank goodness for Benadryl!

On Saturday night we headed to Newport to use my birthday coupon for Rockin’ Baja Coastal Cantina.  It was our first time at the restaurant so we were not quite sure what to expect.  Parking was definitely a pain, but we ended up finding street parking not too far away.  The coupon was buy one entrée get a Taste of Baja bucket free.  We tried to order two Taste of Baja buckets, but it was a no-go.  At least the waitress was nice about it.  So we ended up with one order of grilled fish tacos and one Taste of Baja bucket—chicken, carne asada, 4 plump shrimp and 2 slipper lobster pieces, rice, beans, tortillas, and honey chipotle butter.

We all enjoyed the food (D and I saved the seafood for ourselves since we appreciate it more!)  The waitress brought a scoop of ice cream topped with chocolate syrup and whipped cream with a candle for me.  The waitstaff didn’t sing, but the people at the table next to us started singing happy birthday.  I think they thought it was n’s birthday because he was on my lap. 

Afterward we walked along the pier.

It was a nice evening out!

On Saturday we went to Mil Jugos for an early lunch before going to the Discovery Science Museum that is pretty close by.  Ever since I discovered Mil Jugos during jury duty, I have wanted to go back with D and the kids.

We ordered a medium guanabana juice to share.  Unfortunately, the kids liked it so much they fought over it and a good 40% spilled onto the table.  Too bad it’s not like Disneyland where the cast members are supposed to get you a new ice cream cone if they see someone accidentally drop theirs.

Mil Jugos serves Venezuelan food, and we had three arepas and one cachapa.  Next time I think we’ll stick with the arepas, which are so good, especially with the green sauce (which is nut-free, I asked).  D commented it is like a tamale, but the masa is slightly crisp on the outside, which I like better.  Parking can be tough, but we were there before 11 a.m. on Saturday morning, so it was not bad.  I guess there is a public lot down the street as well.  I think they need to start a food truck—I am sure it would do well.

The waiting area has these fun hammocks which the kids enjoyed.